Best Dog Breeds For Families with Kids

Posted by Jessica Roberts

Having a dog around during childhood is tremendously beneficial to kids. Not only does caring for a pet teach responsibility, but dogs make great playmates and provide love and comfort. If you’re considering bringing home a new family dog and you have children at home, it’s important to choose a pooch that will be comfortable around the little ones. Of course, while certain breeds generally make better pets for families with kids, individual dogs will always have their own personalities. It’s always important to follow best practices when it comes to introducing a new pup to your home. These breeds have the right traits and demeanor to fit right in with your pack.

Labrador Retriever

A Labrador is always willing to listen to your stories. Photo by Stephen Chantzis on Pixabay

Labrador Retrievers are frequently ranked the most popular dog breed in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. These gentle souls are equally happy to take off on an adventure or just hang out at home, as long as they get to be alongside their families. Typically, Labs love children and adore being a part of a pack, making them a great fit for many families.

Labs love water, so take the whole family on a trip to the beach at Gulf Shores in Alabama. The Tipsy Turtle, located right on the beach, welcomes dogs of all sizes and is just a short walk away from Gulf State Park.

Vizsla

Vizslas are sure to put a grin on every kid’s face. Photo by iStock/Jolka100

Vizslas are beloved by thousands of happy dog owners all over the world, and for a good reason. These short-haired, athletic dogs are known for being very smart and loyal, and they love to please their humans. They are also quick learners who are easy to train. This breed is a great choice for active families, as they are both agile and fast. More than anything, a Vizsla is a very loving and affectionate dog, perfect for anyone looking for a lifelong companion for their family.

Plan a family trip with your Vizsla to pet-friendly Highlands, NC. Your pup will love hiking at Dry Falls, an easy trail suitable for most ages and abilities where you can actually walk behind the curtain of water with your dog. Everyone will be comfortable staying in this Highlands Treehouse vacation rental, and you’ll be close to many of the fun family- and dog-friendly activities Highlands has to offer.

Bulldog

Some things just fill your heart without even trying. Photo by iStock/monkeybusinessimages.

Bulldogs make excellent family pets, as they tend to be people-oriented, even-tempered, and loving in nature. Although they may not be setting any speed records, English Bulldogs are very playful and love a good game of fetch. They are also, however, quite content to snuggle on the couch or lay in the sunshine for most of the day. These pups make a good choice for families seeking a more easy-going canine companion.

Lake Tahoe may be most well known as a skiing destination, but the massive freshwater lake situated between California and Nevada makes for a quiet retreat in spring and summer. Cuddle up with your Bulldog and the rest of the family at Moondance Cottage in Carnelian where you can breathe in fresh mountain air from the spacious back deck, soak in the outdoor hot tub, and enjoy views of the lake right from the living area.

Pug

These two have genuine BFF energy. Photo by Thuan Vo from Pixabay

A Pug is a great choice for families with children. They pack a lot of personality in their compact size, and are generally amenable to being toted around, dressed up in fantastic outfits, and be doted on. Though they may be small, Pugs are fairly sturdy creatures with a penchant for mischief, making them a good match for playful kiddos.

Pack your pup’s suitcase and head to the Chicago Pug Party on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Enjoy food and fun for the whole family while your pooch makes friends in the pug pool and chows down on something delicious from the canine food truck. Then rest up at the Kimpton Gray Hotel.

Great Dane

"Can you see why Great Danes are known as the "Nanny breed?" Photo by Katie Landis

Great Danes are truly gentle giants who make fantastic pets for families that include children. Despite their size, they are known for being incredibly careful and patient with children, even the very young ones. They also tend to extend their good-naturedness to other dogs, cats, and visitors. If your perfect family pet is sweet, affectionate, playful, and relaxed, the Great Dane might be just the breed you’re looking for.

Wherever you travel with your Great Dane, you will need a place to stay where large dogs are welcome. No matter their size, weight, or breed, all pets are accepted and welcome at every Kimpton hotel. Kimpton’s universal pet policy states that “if your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.”

Golden Retriever

Living their best life. Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Another popular large dog breed for families is the noble Golden Retriever. Anyone who has watched the 1993 film Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey knows the amiable dog breed has a reputation for being unshakably loyal. But Golden Retrievers are also known for being kind, gentle, and playful with kids. These active pups - they are a hunting breed after all - make reliable companions for all your family adventures, from hiking trips to beach days.

Treat your Golden Retriever and the rest of the family to a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. The Little Fig Hotel in nearby Bar Harbor is a quaint hotel and spa that welcomes 2 dogs up to 100 lbs. Pet-friendly rooms feature a kitchenette and the property is just a 6-minute walk from the start of the Bar Island Trail.

Beagle

A face you can never say ‘no’ to. Photo by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash

A Beagle is a medium-sized canine with all the heart and playful personality of a much larger dog. Weighing in at an average of 20 to 30 lbs, Beagles are a good size for kids to manage on walks and fit very comfortably on the couch alongside the rest of the family. They don’t sacrifice any energy with their smaller stature, though, and with their loud, boisterous bark, they make a good watchdog for your family. Beagles don’t like to spend much time alone, and a house full of playmates is their ideal environment.

You’ll certainly need to bring your Beagle on a pet-friendly road trip to see the Giant Beagle in Cottonwood, ID, one of 10 Instagram-worthy roadside attractions to visit with your dog.

Irish Setter

She may look like a Lady, but she’s mostly a Goofy. Photo by iStock/Wavetop.

Although the breed is truly elegant in appearance, Irish Setters are known for being rollicking, happy-go-lucky, clownish, and playful pooches who are always looking to have a good time. This lively dog breed is very sociable with humans and other animals and thrives on lots of exercise and athletic activities. They can be impulsive and stubborn, so they may be a better choice for families with older children looking for an energetic canine best friend.

Bring your Irish Setter to walk the Freedom Trail through downtown Boston, as featured in the latest edition of BringFido’s book, Ruff Guide to the United States.Your pup and the whole family will be thrilled to stay at the centrally-located boutique hotel, XV Beacon Hotel, one of the most dog-friendly hotels in America.

What breed is your family dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Markus Trier from Pixabay.