Thinking about getting a puppy for your family? Checking out the puppy listings on the Uptown Puppies website? Well, you’re certainly not the only family that isn’t complete without a dog, and you’re probably aware that some dog breeds are better for families with children than others. But you might not know what those breeds are. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of the top dog breeds for families to give you a head start on your research.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels have the ideal temperament for families with children. They are tolerant, friendly, gentle, and playful, all of which a dog must have if they’re going to fit in with families with small kids. Cockers are also very cuddly, with their soft fur and floppy ears, making them a good choice for families that hope to have a medium-size lap dog. They do require quite a bit of exercise and outdoor time, but kids naturally have a lot of energy as well, so this dog is a good choice for tiring out both the children and the puppy. Cocker spaniels are also very trainable and love to greet their owners at the door with wagging tails.
Labrador Retrievers
When you see a family get a new puppy on television or in the movies, the dog they get is usually a labrador retriever. There’s a good reason for this. They are the exact image of a puppy that comes to mind when you hear the word “puppy.” They’re cuddly with oversized paws and they love to interact with kids and adults alike. They need a lot of attention, but that isn’t usually a problem in families with children, especially since labrador retrievers are so easy to love. They are energetic, fun, and often goofy, which gives their owners plenty of enjoyment. They do need a lot of space to run and play, so only consider this breed if you have a nice-sized yard for them to use.
Pug
This comical-looking dog has an entertaining personality to match its appearance. Pugs are friendly and funny, energetic and curious. While these traits can sometimes get them in trouble, their owners can hardly stay mad at them because of their cute, wrinkled faces. Children love to play with pugs, which enjoy spirited games of fetch, running, jumping, and tug-of-war. Pugs are generally low maintenance as well and as such, are a great choice for busy families. They don’t need to be groomed and can entertain themselves as long as you provide them with plenty of toys to play with.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Most spaniel breeds make for excellent family dogs, but the cavalier king Charles spaniel is especially suited for family living. They’re a bit smaller than cocker spaniels, topping out at about 18 pounds and this makes them more compatible with apartment living that larger dogs tend to be. This breed is affectionate and eager to please, a perfect combination for a family that wants a cuddly dog that can be trained quickly and enjoys learning tricks. As with other types of spaniels, the cavalier king Charles spaniel will happily greet you at the door with a wagging tail whenever you come home.
Beagle
Beagles are one of the few small-breed dogs that are good for families with younger children. This is because they crave attention and have boundless energy. Your kids will tire out from playing long before a beagle does. If you have several children in your family, a beagle is a good choice because someone is probably always going to be available to give the little dog some attention. While many small-breed dogs are high-maintenance or fragile, beagles are neither. They are strong and easy going, and can withstand the sometimes rough play of young kids.
Border Collie
If you’re looking to add a dog to a home that already has a pet or two, the border collie is a wonderful choice. These dogs are so laid back that they get along with just about anyone and anything. They’re also extremely intelligent and rarely disobey once they know what they’re supposed to do, making them easy to train. Border collies are gentle and friendly, which makes them a safe option to have around children of all ages.
Burmese Mountain Dog
For families that are looking for a guard dog that will treat their children like their own puppies, a Burmese mountain dog is a fantastic option. These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners and that loyalty extends to all people they live with, including children. They provide gentle and loving companionship to kids and adults alike, and they’re eager to watch over their owners with careful vigilance. They can be shy around strangers, but once they warm up, they’re playful and energetic. These dogs require quite a bit of exercise and enjoy going on outdoor adventures with their owners.
French Bulldog
If your family is filled with homebodies more than outdoor enthusiasts, a French bulldog will fit right in with your desire to stick close to home. These warm, good-natured dogs can sleep up to 14 hours a day and they’re always willing to snuggle up with you for a quick nap (or a long snooze, if you prefer). They also don’t require a lot of exercise so you can easily accommodate this breed in an apartment as long as you take them for a walk around the block once a day or so. Their adorable faces are also quite irresistible, a quality that both kids and adults love about this breed.
Poodle or Poodle Mix
If anyone in your family has allergies to dog fur, a poodle or poodle mix can solve that problem. Since they don’t shed as much as other breeds, their dander, which is responsible for allergies, isn’t spread around the house. Poodles can be a bit high-maintenance and someone anxious, so they might get nervous in families with small children, but poodle mixes can combine the laid-back personality of another breed with the hypoallergenic fur of a poodle to create the perfect pet for you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of dog breeds that do well with families. So assess what your family wants in a puppy and what they need, then start looking for your ideal dog.