10 Best Dog Breeds For Kids And Families

Wow !!! Those mesmerizing eyes looking up towards you with that adorable expression. Hence, any Shih-Tzu owner would be proud and confident with this “Lion Dog”.

Therefore, wherever you see a Shih Tzu, happiness and joy are sure to follow.

Breed Info – Shih Tzu or “sheed-us” are distinctively solid for small dogs their size. In fact, the coat, which appears in different colors, are their main eye-pleasing factor.

They are very friendly and charming with children. In addition, some Shih Tzus chase other pets and also dig holes.

Size – 9 to 10 inches

Weight – 9 to 16 lbs

Lifespan – 10 to 18 years

Personality – The main personality of a Shih Tzu is to remain like a companion. This dog will simply the desire to be happy and lie with you.

Never expect a Shih Tzu to retrieve, guard, or hunt because they are designed to lead a carefree, simple life.

Also, these dogs are not couch potatoes; they are lively, watchful, and alert. They will also bark at strangers.

Celebrity owners 

• Bill Gates (Microsoft founder) owns a Shih Tzu named Ballmer.
• Singer Mariah Carey owns 2 Shih Tzus named Bong and Bing.
• Munchie is Beyonce’s pet, Shih

The Pomsky dog often gathers enough attention they crave. Suited, silly, and handy for city life, the initial popularity as a gorgeous designer breed has made them more famous with dog lovers.

Breed Info – A hybrid between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian, Pomsky dogs have a thick coat than other kinds of designer dogs. These dogs are known for their easy-going trait, and they require only moderate exercise.

Overall, Pomskies are highly trainable and may inherit stubbornness from their Siberian parent. Hence, early socialization training is very important.

Size – 10 to 15 inches

Weight – 7 – 38 lbs

Lifespan – 12 – 15 years

Personality – Pomskies are easily suitable for change,  and their minimum exercise requirements make them easily suited to city life. Also, the Pomsky dog sheds a lot and they tend to love one family member. Some Pomsky dogs are nervous when left alone with strangers.

One of the most loyal dog breeds, English Labs are known for their excellent desire to protect and please their owners at any cost has made them the household name in America and Canada.

Also, many people are unaware there is one and only Labrador Retriever breed. However, within this breed, there are two unique types known as American Labrador and English Labrador.

Breed Info – The English version appears like a medium-sized dog and also features short, thick tail, heavy muscles, and a wide head. They are bulkier than their American relatives.

Moreover, English Labs like their American counterparts are energetic and agile. Overall, these dogs are quite simple to train because they are very eager to please their guardians.

These dogs appear in three different colors: labs with a completely black coat, yellow, and chocolate brown. Sometimes, labradors inherit silver color through the diluted gene from the chocolate labs.

Size – Male- 24 inches; Female-23 inches

Weight – Male- 75 lbs; Female- 65 lbs

Lifespan – 12 years

Personality – They are social, friendly, affectionate, and mild-mannered creatures. In fact, English Labs are very calm and obedient. Interestingly, English Labs are very patient and gentle around small kids and babies. To the greater significance, chocolate labs are very friendly and fun-loving dogs.

They also get along well with cats or other pets. Although their build and size make them suitable as a good guard dog, English Labs make excellent watchdogs.

Proud Celebrity Labrador Owners

• Bill Clinton owns a Labrador Retriever named Buddy.
• Flossie, owned by American actress Drew Barrymore is a Chow/Yellow Labrador mix.
• Kevin Costner owns a Yellow lab. Yellow labs are affectionate and are great companion dogs.

A hybrid dog from a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, Chorkies are given due importance by the American Canine Hybrid Club. Chihuahuas are delicate small dogs that weigh below 6 pounds.

In particular, a Chorkie dog is considered a fine household companion.

Breed Info – The Chorkie puppies have erect or droopy ears. They can have short or long ears. These dogs are found in different colors ranging from grey, tan, blue, black, and also brown.

The coat length can be long or medium based on their ancestors. In fact, the Chorkies’ visual appeal actually depends on the genetic setting of its parents. With a short muzzle, Chorkies have short or long hairs depending on its parents.

Size – 6 to 9 inches

Weight – 5 to 9 lbs

Lifespan – 10 to 15 years

Personality – The Chorkie can imbibe the personality traits of both the parent breeds. The parent Yorkshire terrier is another 19th-century small-sized terrier dog weighing less than 7 pounds. Hence, they are excitable, tender, loyal, loving, goofy, smart, fun, and vocal.

At times, Chorkies can behave very aggressively with their owners. They move along well with cats or other pets. Being excellent family dogs, they can remain snappy with very young children and all family members.

Overall, Chorkies are quite active and energetic dog breeds that require minimum exercise.

A perfect cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Maltese dog breed, this dog represents a soft bundle of loyalty and love. Morkies are suitable for families and individuals.

Breed info – A tiny friendly dog that can also exhibit the stubbornness of a mule. With a round face, these dogs are known to have a muzzle at a reasonable length.

A black nose with an over or undershooting jaw looks very common. They have large ears and the body is light and fine. The coat looks fine and soft and can be of long-or smooth coated.

Size –  6 to 8 inches

Weight – 4 to 8 lbs

Lifespan – 10 to 13 years

Personality – They are happy dogs with a playful personality. Their small bodies hold plenty of character and spirit. In fact, Morkies love to run and play around with kids.

As for other cats or dogs, Morkies get along well. Overall, they are good lapdogs who form a strong relationship with their owners. However, when left alone, Morkies suffer from separation anxiety.

Celebrity owners

• Actress Hilary Duff owns a Morkie named Jack.
• Canadian rapper Drake owns a Morkie since 2011.
• Miley Cyrus, the singing sensation had named her Morkie Lila.

Clever and elegant Poodles are not only impressive dogs, but they are also best-in-class dogs. In fact, there are three different types of Poodles. They are Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles.

Especially, the Standard Poodle is considered the oldest of all three varieties.

Breed Info – The coat appears in different colors ranging from apricot, sable, cream, red, grey, silver, blue, and brown, etc. They have wiry, curly, and thick hair.

Personality – The Standard Poodle is considered the smartest and well-behaved of all Poodles.

They are very fond of retrieving, running, and swimming. Although shy by nature moves well with children and familiar persons and considered one of the best dog breeds for kids and families.

Quite shy with strangers, Miniature Poodles bark a lot. Also, Miniature Poodles are amiable, playful, and lively. Overall, they are obedient, responsive, and smart dogs.

Types of Poodles

• Standard Poodles – The Standard poodle requires plenty of stimulation and can remain as excellent watchdogs.
• Toy Poodles – These cute tiny dogs are athletic, springy in gait and both standard and top poodles carry similar coat texture.
• Miniature Poodles – Quite bigger than Toy Poodles but smaller than Standard Poodles, they have a curly, dense coat that needs regular grooming.
• Klein Poodles – Although the Klein Poodles are unrecognized by the AKC, they are popular as home pets in America.
• Teacup Poodles – They are the smallest but cutest of the lot. An exotic breed popular in America, Teacup Poodles are as small as any regular teacup.

Size 

• Standard Poodles – 18 to 24 inches
• Toy Poodles – 9.4 to 11 inches
• Miniature Poodles – 11 to 18 inches
• Klein Poodles – 14 to 18 inches
• Teacup Poodles – 9 inches (max)

Weight

• Standard Poodles – Male- 45 to 70 lbs; Female – 45 to 60 lbs
• Toy Poodles – Male- 45 to 70 lbs; Female- 45 to 60 lbs
• Miniature Poodles – Male- 45 to 70 lbs; Female- 45 to 60 lbs
• Klein Poodles – Between 25 to 35 lbs
• Teacup Poodles – 2 to 12 lbs

Lifespan

• Standard Poodles – 12 years (max)
• Toy Poodles – 15 years (max)
• Miniature Poodles – 15 years (max)
• Klein Poodles – 12 to 15 years
• Teacup Poodles – 15 to 20 years

Celebrity Owners

• Russian President Vladimir Putin also has a Poodle.
• Grey’s Anatomy Ellen Pompeo owns a Poodle named Holy Cow

Usually regarded as the best dog in the world, the German Shepherd looks muscular, agile, and large. Highly steady, courageous, confident, and loyal, the German Shepherds are every dog lover’s true delight.

Breed Info – This dog can reach as high as 26 inches shoulder level and also presents graceful, smooth curves. The White German Shepherds have a white coat but are the same shepherd dogs.

Not known for stellar speeds, the German Shepherds can up the ante when required. Their outstanding trait is their character – ability to sacrifice their lives for the sake of loved ones, a quick learner, confident, courageous, and loyalty.

Size – Male (24 to 26 inches), Female (22 to 24 inches)

Weight – Female (50 to 70 lbs), Male (65 to 90 lbs)

Lifespan – 7 to 10 years

Personality – This breed consists of a unique personality supported by fearless and direct, but definitely not self- confidence, expression, hostile, and aloofness that stays away from the immediate friendship.

It is poised, and they are ready to serve in all capacity ranging from the guardian, blind leader, watchdog, and companion. They make wonderful stock dogs and wonderful pets. Overall, German Shepherd is one of the best dog breeds for kids and families.

Celebrity Owners 

• American Actor Jake Gyllenhaal
• Actress Kristen Stewart
• Actress Jennifer Aniston

Sibes are very dignified, fastidious, and friendly. The Siberian Husky was originally reared to work in packs, carry light loads, and have a thick double coat.

Breed Info – The medium-sized dog with almond-shaped eyes that are either blue or brown and at times, convey a different but amiable expression.

They are fast runners and are lighter and smaller than their relative, the Alaskan Malamute. Siberian Huskies love family life and move well with other dogs.

Their inborn friendliness renders them ineffective watchdogs but one of the best dog breeds for kids and families. Overall, Siberian Huskies are very clean with nil or very little doggy smell.

Size – Male – 21 to 23.5 inches; Female – 20 to 22 inches

Weight – Male – 45 to 60 lbs, Female – 35 to 50 lbs

Lifespan – 12 to 14 years

Personality – The most important personality trait of this dog is their gentle and friendly but outgoing and alert nature. His eager attitude, tractability, and intelligence make him a wonderful and willing worker.

Celebrity Owners

• Rita Ora, Kosovan-born British actress, and singer love her Bowie, a cute Siberian Husky.
• American comedian, actor Ben Stiller adores Alley, his Husky.

The Chow Chow represents an all-weather dog from China. They appear with an attitude of the inscrutable charm, deep-rooted loyalty, and muscular in shape.

Breed info – Chows are, in fact, stand 20 inches tall, and appear compact but powerful. The most significant feature is their almond-eyes, a bluish-black tongue, and a lion’s mane around the head.

They have cream, cinnamon, blue, black, or red smooth or rough coat. Overall, Chow-Chows are adaptable and calm, intensely loyal to their owners, and they easily adjust to city life.

Size – 17 to 20 inches

Weight – 45 to 70 pounds

Lifespan – 8 to 12 years

Personality – Despite their behavior, these dogs are not considered shy or aggressive. They know how to manage their own business.

They are very loyal to their owners, but strangers normally are of no importance unless they approach them. These dogs require excellent socializing skills otherwise they might grow up into a tough dog.

Celebrity owners – TV personality Martha Stewart owns a wide range of Chows.

In reality, no other dog breed can be recognized for the Puli. They are covered all over their body with profuse cords. The Puli dog is bred to live closely with all, these faithful and agile little dynamos are fast learners.

Breed info – First and foremost, people like the Pulik instantly for their features. The dog’s natural cords are weatherproof, dense, and woolly. Their coats need plenty of care and grooming.

Finally, the Puli dog is very light and agile on their feet, gaining a name as the “ sensation of the dog world.”

Size – Female- 16 inches; Male – 17 inches

Weight – 25 to 35 lbs

Lifespan – 10 to 15 years

Personality – These dogs are manipulative, self-possessed, self-confident, intelligent, active, and are also highly dedicated to their owners. They are very bright in nature and will remain playful and happy to a later stage.

These dogs are affectionate and fun-loving and also a strong-willed watchdog. Overall, Pulik are quite vocal and early training must focus on “stay silent” command.

Celebrity owners – Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook, CEO, and Chairman)

Many dog breeds are kids-friendly. Your furry friends enjoy your presence all the time. Here is another list of dogs with the most excellent temperament and are the best dog breeds for kids and families.

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Bull Terrier
• Beagle
• Bulldog
• Vizsla
• Newfoundland
• Irish Setter