Choosing the right dog breed is an important decision, especially if you want a pet that will treat you like family. The best family-friendly dogs are affectionate, loyal, and thrive on human companionship. Whether you’re looking for a playful companion or a gentle giant, these breeds are known for their loving nature. Here are 20 of the best dog breeds that will form a strong bond with you and make you feel like a cherished part of their pack.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are well-known for their warm and sociable nature. They are highly intelligent and easily trainable, making them perfect for family environments. Their affectionate nature and playful attitude make them a hit with kids, as they thrive on companionship. These dogs are energetic, so they’ll enjoy outdoor activities, but their calm demeanor also makes them perfect for quiet family time. Whether you’re active or relaxed, Labradors can adapt and bring joy to any household. They’re always eager to be a part of family life, adding endless love and laughter.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most well-loved family dogs due to their gentle and intelligent nature. They’re affectionate, patient, and highly social, making them great companions for children and adults alike. Known for being excellent with kids, Golden Retrievers are playful yet calm, making them ideal for both active and relaxed families. Their loyalty and eagerness to please make them easy to train, ensuring they can integrate into any family setting, providing both love and protection. Golden Retrievers thrive when they are part of family activities, making them the perfect family dog.

3. Beagle

Beagles are charming and full of energy, making them a great addition to any family. They are curious and affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their human family members. Beagles are especially good with children, as they are playful yet patient. While they require some exercise to burn off their energy, they are generally adaptable to different living environments. Their sociable and friendly nature ensures they get along well with other pets, making them a great fit for multi-pet households. Beagles love to be included in family outings, making them an active part of family life.

4. Pug

Pugs are known for their loving and playful personalities, making them excellent companions for families. They are affectionate, friendly, and thrive on human interaction. Though small, Pugs have large personalities and love to be the center of attention. They’re great with children and adapt well to different living situations, from apartments to larger homes. Their easygoing temperament makes them great for families with a laid-back lifestyle, as they’re equally content lounging on the couch or going for a walk. Their small size and big heart make them ideal for families with limited space.

5. French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a small but sturdy dog that thrives on companionship. They are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them excellent family pets. French Bulldogs are calm and adapt well to apartment living, though they still enjoy outdoor activities. They’re good with children and other pets, making them perfect for families with young kids or multiple animals. Despite their tough appearance, French Bulldogs are gentle and often form deep bonds with their family members. They’re also low-maintenance, requiring less exercise than larger breeds while still being full of love and energy.

6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and great with families, especially those with children. They form strong bonds with their human companions and love to be around people. These small dogs are patient and eager to please, making them easy to train and a perfect fit for first-time dog owners. They thrive on attention and affection, making them great cuddle buddies. Their calm and friendly disposition means they get along well with other pets, ensuring harmony in a family environment. Cavaliers love to be the center of attention, always eager to snuggle up with their loved ones.

7. Collie

Collies are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. They are highly trainable, making them ideal for families who want a dog that’s easy to manage. Collies are protective yet gentle, and their calm demeanor makes them great around children. They are energetic, so they need regular exercise but enjoy spending time with their family indoors as well. Known for being great working dogs, Collies form strong bonds with their owners and will do anything to protect their loved ones. Their ability to quickly learn commands makes them a wonderful addition to any family looking for an obedient companion.

8. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are calm, affectionate, and laid-back, making them great family dogs. Though they have a reputation for being slow-moving, they are playful and enjoy spending time with their family. Basset Hounds are gentle with children and are known to be incredibly patient, making them excellent companions. Their distinctive long ears and droopy faces make them irresistibly cute, but it’s their loving nature that truly sets them apart. They require moderate exercise and make perfect pets for a relaxed family environment. Their easygoing attitude and loving nature make them a joy to have around.

9. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large but gentle breed that’s incredibly affectionate with family members. They are known for their calm and loving nature, especially with children, making them excellent family pets. Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are incredibly gentle and patient, forming strong bonds with their families. They enjoy outdoor activities, especially hiking, but also love lounging at home. Their loyalty and protective nature ensure they’re always looking out for their loved ones, making them a great companion. Their calm presence can bring a sense of security and peace to any home.

10. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small dogs with big personalities. These affectionate and playful dogs love being around people and are known for their gentle nature. Shih Tzus are great with children and adapt well to apartment living. Though they enjoy outdoor activities, they are equally content curling up on the couch for a nap. Their friendly and easygoing nature makes them excellent companions for families of all sizes. Shih Tzus thrive on human companionship, and their low-maintenance grooming needs make them easy to care for. Their small size and big heart make them ideal for both urban and suburban homes.

11. Boxer

Boxers are energetic, playful, and affectionate dogs that form deep bonds with their families. They’re great with children, offering both protection and companionship. Boxers are highly trainable and love engaging in activities, making them ideal for active families. Though they can be lively, they are also known for their loyalty and protective nature. Their social demeanor ensures they get along well with other pets, and their boundless energy makes them perfect for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. They are always ready for an adventure with their loved ones, making them fun companions.

12. Shetland Sheepdog

The Shetland Sheepdog is an intelligent and loyal breed, known for its affectionate nature. These dogs are easy to train and develop deep connections with their families. Shetland Sheepdogs are energetic and love to be active, making them great companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities. They’re gentle with children and often take on a protective role within the household. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, and they thrive in homes where they’re given plenty of attention. Shetland Sheepdogs are great for families seeking a well-behaved, active dog.

13. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and incredibly loyal. They bond closely with their families and thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. These dogs are excellent for active families, as they enjoy outdoor activities and need a lot of space to run and play. They’re great with children and are protective of their families. Australian Shepherds are highly trainable and love to work, making them ideal for families who are willing to put time into training and keeping them active. Their intelligence and loyalty make them an irreplaceable part of any family.

14. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers may be tiny, but they have a bold and lively personality. These feisty and affectionate dogs are known for their loyalty and devotion to their families. Despite their small stature, Yorkies have a bold personality and enjoy being the center of attention. They’re great for families with children and can adapt well to different living spaces. Yorkies require minimal exercise but love to play and interact with their family members. Their affectionate nature ensures they become beloved companions in any home. They may be small, but they bring an immense amount of joy and affection.

15. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are energetic, friendly, and affectionate dogs that thrive on being part of a family. They’re known for their playful nature and love of outdoor activities. Irish Setters are good with children and get along well with other pets. Their friendly demeanor and enthusiasm make them great companions for families that lead active lifestyles. Though they require plenty of exercise, their friendly nature and loyalty make them easy to love. They enjoy being around people and will quickly bond with family members. Their enthusiasm for life makes them a joyful addition to any home.

16. Great Dane

Great Danes are large dogs with gentle hearts. Known for their calm demeanor, they are incredibly affectionate and protective of their families. Despite their size, Great Danes are patient and gentle with children, making them great companions for families. They require regular exercise but also enjoy lounging around with their loved ones. Their friendly and social nature makes them great with other pets. Great Danes form strong bonds with their families, and their loyalty and protective instincts are unmatched. Their large but gentle presence makes them a comforting companion.

17. English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are known for their laid-back personalities and affectionate nature. They are patient and good with children, making them a great choice for families. Bulldogs are low-energy dogs that enjoy lounging and spending time with their family members. Despite their gruff appearance, they are incredibly loving and form strong bonds with their human companions. Bulldogs are easy to care for and adapt well to apartment living, making them ideal for families in smaller spaces. Their calm and loving nature ensures they are always content by your side.

18. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their beautiful appearance and outgoing personalities. They are highly energetic and love being active, making them great companions for families who enjoy outdoor activities. Though they are independent, Huskies are friendly, affectionate, and social. They are good with children and other pets, though they need plenty of exercise to keep them happy. Huskies are intelligent and strong-willed, so they require an experienced owner who can provide consistent training and mental stimulation. Their playful and affectionate nature makes them an excellent addition to active families.

19. Maltese

Maltese dogs are small in size but big in affection. Known for their playful and loving nature, they make great companions for families, especially those with smaller living spaces. Maltese dogs are gentle, sociable, and thrive on human interaction. They’re good with children and adapt well to different environments. Though they are low-shedding, they do require regular grooming. Their affectionate and cheerful disposition ensures they bring joy to any home, and they quickly become beloved members of the family. Their small size and loving nature make them ideal for families of all types.

20. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are large, gentle dogs known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature. They are incredibly good with children and are often referred to as “gentle giants.” Newfoundlands are protective, loyal, and love being part of family activities. They require regular exercise and enjoy swimming, but they’re equally content relaxing with their loved ones. Their easygoing nature and patience make them ideal for families with young children, and their loyalty ensures they’re always there to protect their home. Their calm and gentle nature makes them a wonderful family companion.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heart-warming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!