The Top 8 Family Dog Breeds
Anyone living in a (large) family knows how exciting and loud everyday life can sometimes be. When a dog is to be adopted, the question arises as to which dog is actually suitable as a family dog breed. We present them to you - the top 8 family dogs.
Are you a beginner in dog ownership and looking for a dog for your family? Then take a look at our →Overview of Dog Breeds for Beginners.
What Makes a Family Dog?
Before we introduce you to the dog breeds, we first want to answer the question of what a suitable family dog is. Unlike in single life or in old age, a family dog must possess all the character traits that are important in a family: friendliness towards children and possibly other four-legged friends, strong nerves for serious situations, a strong need for companionship, and the physical prerequisites for activities.
Dog breeds like the Shiba Inu, the →Akita, or the Chow Chow value a calm everyday life without much hustle and bustle. Such dog breeds also reach their stress limit more quickly, and a corrective growl or snap can be interpreted as →aggressive. However, it is often overlooked that every dog breed brings its genetically determined character traits with it.
It is therefore better to choose a dog that truly enjoys family life. The stage is set for our family-friendly four-legged friends!
Small Family Dog Breeds
Papillon
Anyone looking for a small, friendly, and lively family dog will find a four-legged friend for life in the →Papillon. The name "Papillon" translates to "butterfly" and comes from the sweet, fluffy ears of this family-friendly dog breed. Despite its size, a consistent training is essential, which the eager-to-learn four-legged friend gladly embraces.
Whether it's fun and play in the garden with the kids, long walks through the woods, or simply a quiet day on the sofa: The →little Frenchie says "Oui!".
Bichon Frise
The snow-white, curly coat is the trademark of the Bichon Frise, which also belongs to the French dog breeds. Once bred as a companion dog, you now often find the →snow-white beauty by the side of families.
This little four-legged friend is motivated, patient, eager to learn, and extremely sociable with both humans and other animals, making it an excellent dog for family life. Due to its curious and very intelligent nature, despite its small size, a →comprehensive training should not be overlooked.
Pomeranian
This fluffy little four-legged friend attracts children solely through its [→cute appearance](/magazin/hunde/hunderassen/die-13-suessesten-hunderassen-der-welt). And it enjoys this attention, as the energetic Pomeranian proves to be playful and cuddly. The →Pomeranian can do both: temperament and relaxation when it matters. Its diverse nature makes it a pleasant family dog even as a →Pomeranian puppy.
Anyone who experiences the Pomeranian in action will hardly overlook its loud presence - for this small dog breed is not only cheerful but also comes with a good dose of alertness and self-confidence. The Pomeranian has worked its way up to being one of the →most popular dog breeds.
Maltese
With its wavy coat, the →Maltese fits seamlessly into the family picture as a small dog breed. Patient and playful with children? Absolutely! Eager to learn and uncomplicated, the Maltese is even well-suited for beginners as a family dog.
With its long fur, →regular grooming can be quite a task. Daily brushing and detangling along with regular washing ensure a radiant coat.
Large Family Dog Breeds
Golden Retriever
Few dogs are as popular among family dog breeds as the →Golden Retriever. As golden as its coat is, so is its heart. With joyfulness, a sense of community, and strong nerves, the "Goldi" has rightly secured its reputation as the most popular dog breed.
Eager to learn and always attentive, the training brings joy to both young and old. However, it should not be forgotten that as a large dog breed, it still needs a consistent hand at the other end of the leash and can exert a certain strength with its weight of up to 34 kg. It also enjoys living in a house with a garden and plenty of movement in everyday life, but can also adapt to a spacious city apartment with sufficient green spaces.
Labrador
Like the Golden Retriever, the →Labrador has earned its place on the popularity list. Always a smile on its lips, plenty of energy, and an overall friendly demeanor - that’s what makes the Labrador as a family dog so special. Even the →Labrador puppies are very popular due to their playful and friendly nature.
Extremely people-oriented and eager to learn, the Labrador wants to be well-trained. Its original use as a hunting dog becomes apparent, especially when it comes to water or the woods. As a working dog, it enjoys a varied hobby such as retrieving, food and intelligence games, or other dog sports.
Newfoundland
The →black giant with long fur looks at first glance like a true teddy bear. Unlike some other large dog breeds, appearances here are not deceiving - the "Newfie" is a true treasure with its gentle nature. Whether cuddled up with the kids on the couch, motivated in the woods, or eager to learn at the dog training ground: This →large, family-friendly dog breed is a true all-rounder.
As accommodating as the Newfoundland is, its size in care should not be underestimated. Here it applies: big dog, big space - ideally suited for a house with a yard or garden.
Tip: Pay attention to a high meat content in the diet of large and active dog breeds, which provides important protein and sufficient energy for a sporty day. Our →Wet Food Extra Meat is for true meat connoisseurs and meets your dog's needs in a healthy way. Alternatively, you can feed your four-legged friend fresh and balanced with our →3-2-1 BARF concept!
Australian Shepherd
With its →beautiful appearance, the Australian Shepherd is no longer just a herding dog in the field, but thanks to its balanced and friendly nature, it has found its way into many families. With children and four-legged companions, the "Aussie" proves to be a versatile family dog with its marbled coat.
But beware: If you are looking for a →calm four-legged friend, you will find the Australian Shepherd to be the wrong choice. Following the motto of a herding dog, this furry friend requires physical and mental stimulation, which cannot be achieved with a short walk around the block. Instead, consistent training and especially a task are advisable so that the "Aussie" can pursue its passion.
Children and Dogs - What to Consider
When you see your child sleeping next to the dog, cuddled up on the sofa, you hardly think about what could go wrong in the lives of families with children and dogs. Many owners reflect little to not at all before acquiring a dog about what requirements must be met for life between child and dog to function.
Many studies show that dogs are very good for children. They promote social skills and general child development. This is not surprising, as many children come into contact with dogs at a young age and ideally learn the right way to interact with a four-legged being. Additionally, there is the assumption of responsibility, outdoor activity, and the presence of a furry friend.
Peaceful Coexistence of Child and Dog: Here's How
Unlike us humans, however, dogs cannot say: "Okay, now I need my half-hour break and time for myself!" Instead, dogs communicate through their →body language, which children do not know from the start. This requires a well-prepared introduction. Parents are therefore obligated to teach their children the communication behavior of dogs. If these signals are ignored and dogs show behaviors such as growling and snapping as a last resort, communication has not been properly understood, and boundaries have been crossed.
Family dogs are characterized by stronger nerves, but they also need a break from the noise of children. A retreat area like a crate or a den where only the dog can go is recommended. Children must respect this space as the dog's personal area so that quiet periods can be utilized away from the hustle and bustle.
Dogs function differently than humans, that much is clear. Gestures that are normal for children when interacting with other children or adults, such as kisses or hugs, can seem strange or even threatening to dogs. Such important behavioral rules are a prerequisite for harmonious living with a family dog and should always be observed.
While our four-legged friends do not always interpret a kiss as a sign of love, they certainly understand one thing as affection: a tasty snack that says more than a thousand words. After all, love goes through the dog's stomach, so what are you waiting for?
