The 15 best dog breeds for families

In the United States, almost 50% of households own dogs, making them the most popular pet in the country. The American Kennel Club recognizes hundreds of different breeds, all with their own unique characteristics and appearances. In fact, due to their range of sizes, temperaments, and furs, dogs are often specially bred or used for different purposes, such as hunting, guarding, or assisting humans as guide dogs or therapy dogs.

With so many diverse dog breeds, researchers at NomNomNow, a fresh dog food delivery company, wanted to see which were best suited as family pets. NomNomNow analyzed dog breeds based on temperament, grooming, and trainability to determine the top 15 dog breeds for families. All of the breeds on this list are known for their outgoing and friendly nature, as well as their trainability and lower maintenance. Many of the dogs on this list are highly active and thrive in a variety of environments (urban, suburban, or rural). Most importantly, all of these breeds interact well with kids. Here are 15 terrific dog breeds for families in order of popularity.

—NomNomNow

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• Size: Tiny
• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Great for: Companionship, agility, playing inside

Papillons are tiny, observant, and friendly dogs that usually weigh less than ten pounds. They are particularly versatile, adapting well to different temperatures and environments. As companion dogs, Papillons want to spend a lot of time with their families and are eager to please them, which makes the training process manageable.

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• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Great for: Hiking, long walks, hunting

Compact and upbeat, English Cocker Spaniels are equally at home indoors and outdoors, making them the perfect companions for families. These dogs are easy to train, but respond best to positive reinforcement.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 13-16 years
• Great for: Agility, herding, rescue

Large but graceful, Collies are most famous for their luxurious coats. However, their loyal nature also makes them excellent family pets. Collies love to play with children and enjoy human company. They are best trained in an obedience school and at an early age. Collies should be brushed a few times a week to keep their coats shiny and healthy.

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• Size: Extra large
• Lifespan: 8-10 years
• Great for: Swimming, companionship, hiking

Devoted, patient, and furry, Newfoundlands are gentle giants that are often considered “nanny dogs” due to how well they interact with children. Newfoundlands react best to guidance rather than correction during their puppy training, and they require daily interaction with their humans. Despite their seemingly heavy coats, Newfoundlands only need to be brushed about once a week.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Great for: Playing outside, running wild, hunting

Brave, friendly, and obedient, Weimaraners integrate into families with ease. Weimaraners are highly intelligent and pick up new behaviors quickly—this makes early training a necessity so that they develop good habits and obedience. These dogs should have plenty of mental and physical enrichment through exercise and play with the family. While brushing needs to be done only once a week, nail trimming should be done more often in order to keep the nails short.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Great for: Retrieving, swimming, guarding, hunting

Long-limbed and energetic, Vizslas are highly athletic, drawing upon their instincts as hunting dogs. Families that enjoy activities like running and hiking are a great match with this breed.

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• Size: Medium-large
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Great for: People-pleasing, long walks, fetch

English Springer Spaniels are playful and obedient, getting along well with children. These dogs become easily attached to their families, and they are eager to be trained. In fact, English Springer Spaniels are least happy when not given enough attention; they love being included in all family activities. A medium-sized dog, English Springer Spaniels have a lifespan of about 14 years.

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• Size: Medium
• Lifespan: 14-15 years
• Great for: Companionship, exercise, hunting and canine sports

Friendly and eager, the Brittany relishes spending time with its humans, especially when outdoor activities are involved. These dogs are known for their trainability in canine sports, but they can also be trained for domestic family life and socialization. Their short coat needs to be groomed a few times a week.

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• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Great for: Socializing, relaxing indoors, giving affection

Havenese are usually less than a foot tall, making them ideal for urban families without close proximity to large outdoor spaces. These dogs tend to be loyal companions that are just as happy on the couch as they are going for long walks outside. Cheerful and intelligent, Havanese respond well to positive reinforcement when being trained. Havenese should be groomed every few days to prevent their long hair from getting matted.

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• Size: Small-medium
• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Great for: Agility, companionship, relaxing quietly at home

Boston Terriers are small, lively dogs that thrive in urban, suburban, or rural environments. They are friendly and amusing, and their size can make young children feel comfortable with having a pet. Boston Terriers are eager to please, which makes training them fairly easy to handle. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are sufficient for grooming. These dogs also shed very little.

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• Size: Small
• Lifespan: 9-14 years
• Great for: Sitting on laps, playing with children, napping on the couch

Named for British royalty, this breed lives up to its royal heritage. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is equally gentle and athletic, and as such is versatile with families that are either active or more laidback. These dogs are affectionate and easily trained, due to their desire to please their owners. This breed requires little grooming, and only sheds occasionally.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Great for: Guarding, playing with children, running loose

In addition to their initial purpose as loyal watch dogs, boxers are fun and affectionate. Their outgoing nature is perfectly suited for family pets, assistance dogs, as well as canine athletes. They can be trained well, though their intelligence means they can be easily bored by repetition. Boxers have short coats that need little attention.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Great for: Hunting, running outdoors, socializing with people

This medium-sized dog is friendly, intelligent, and loves spending time with its human friends. These highly energetic animals need frequent exercise and thrive with families that enjoy outdoor activities. Although this breed might not be as well behaved in their younger years, they take well to gradual socialization and obedience training. The German shorthaired pointer’s coat should be brushed every few days, but does not require extensive grooming.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Great for: Swimming, retrieving, disability assistance

Known for their obedience and gentle temperament, Golden Retrievers are particularly good companions for children. In fact, The American Kennel Club lists Golden Retrievers as the third most popular dog in the United States. Golden Retrievers love to play in water and run around outside, and their need for exercise makes them well-suited for suburban or rural homes. It’s important to note that Golden Retrievers are prone to gaining weight when not exercised or properly fed.

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• Size: Large
• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Great for: Sporting/ hunting, therapy, and (of course) retrieving

Often known as “yellow labs” or “chocolate labs” depending on their color, labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States according to the American Kennel Club. Labrador retrievers are characterized as active and outgoing, excellent for families with children. The lab’s thick coat sheds often, but only requires washing occasionally. Labs also respond well to puppy training classes, especially at an early age, and respond well to different people and places.

In identifying the best dog breeds for families, NomNomNow used the following criteria:

• Temperament: Only dogs considered to be extremely friendly were included.
• Trainability: Only the easiest dog breeds to train were included. Stubborn dog breeds were removed.
• Maintenance & grooming: Any dog breeds requiring professional grooming or daily grooming were excluded from the list since many families don’t have the time for high-maintenance pets.

The list is ordered by the overall popularity of the dog breed as reported by the American Kennel Club.