14 Best Family Dogs

Whether you want a dog who can keep up with a busy household or a couch potato/love bug to snuggle with in the mornings, here are some of our favorite family-friendly dogs.

Few things say "home" as quintessentially as a sweet canine friend eagerly greeting you at the door or begging for scraps under the dinner table. But just as the look and definition of families has evolved over the years, so too have expectations of the best family dogs.

"Matching a dog to your lifestyle is important from a quality-of-life standpoint," says Michelle Beck (DVM, CCRT, CVA) of the Omaha, Neb., Backlund Animal Clinic. "If you're the stay-at-home type and have a dog with lots of energy or a really active mind, that dog is going to get bored and start acting out." So you've come to the right place to start researching pup candidates!

Best Family Dogs That Make Great Pets

Whether you're looking for that one dog who's perfect with small children, a trusty companion to seniors and retirees, or an athletic outdoor buddy for hikes and camping trips, here are some of the best dog breeds for families.