Dog Breeds that are Best to Pet
While just about every breed may make a fantastic family dog, certain breeds are better suited for suburban and agricultural families than city-dwellers.
Irish Setters, Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are protective and playful family pets. French Bulldogs, Brussels Griffons, and Pugs adore their families — especially their laps.
Kids must be represented in the dog-adding equation, as they will undoubtedly have input. When you add one to your family, deciding which is the best fit for your new puppy or dog might be difficult. We've compiled a list of the top ten dog breeds for families and children.
Best Dog Breeds to Pet for Families in 2022
Bulldogs

The cute and wrinkled Bulldog makes a wonderful friend to youngsters. These devoted dogs can live in the city and the countryside and are delighted to spend time with their families.
Barking Level | Quiet |
Life Expectancy | 8 – 10 years |
Weight | 40 pounds (female), 50 pounds (male) |
Height | 14 – 15 inches |
Trainability | Response well |
Grooming | Weekly |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | Yes |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Although Bulldogs are not overly energetic, they must be walked frequently and occasionally romped. |
Personality | Calm, brave, and pleasant; serious but amusing |
Labrador Retriever

For a reason, the Labrador Retriever, is the most famous dog in the U.S. The breed is learnable, patient, and kind. The breed is adaptable and can do everything from obedience training to tracking to dock diving and hunting.
Barking Level | Medium |
Life Expectancy | 10 – 12 years |
Weight | 55 – 70 pounds (female), 65 – 80 pounds (male) |
Height | 21.5 – 23.5 inches (female), 22.5 – 24.5 inches (male) |
Trainability | Eager to please |
Grooming | Weekly brushing |
Shedding | Regularly |
Good with other dogs | With supervision |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Lively; Labs are vivacious and aren't afraid to demonstrate it. |
Personality | Labs are kind and friendly and get along well with others. |
Beagle

The actual history of the Beagle is obscure, and there's no evidence that it existed during the early days of creation. The Beagle is a beautiful family dog because of its intelligence, easy-to-care-for coat, and short and tiny size.
Barking Level | Vocal |
Life Expectancy | 10 – 15 years |
Weight | (20 – 30 pounds) |
Height | 13 – 15 inches |
Trainability | Response well |
Grooming | Weekly |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | Yes |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | This lively, energetic and tiny hound dog requires a lot of activity. |
Personality | Friendly, pleasant, and interested |
Golden Retriever

The English name "Retriever" comes from the Irish word "retrieve," which means to bring something back. The English name is derived from the Old French phrase "en retenant," or "catching and retaining."
In terms of temperament, personality, and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are gentle with a playful side. They're adaptable across various environments and lifestyles and have become one of the most popular breeds in many competition sectors.
Barking Level | When necessary |
Life Expectancy | 10 – 12 years |
Weight | 55 – 65 pounds (female), 65 – 75 pounds (male) |
Height | 21.5 – 22.5 (female), 23 – 24 inches (male) |
Trainability | Eager to please |
Grooming | Occasional |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | Yes |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Quite Vibrant; This dog is lively and energetic and requires frequent exercise. |
Personality | Devoted, friendly, and intelligent |
Irish Setter

(Image: https://www.hundeo.com/en/dog-breeds/irish-red-setter/)
The Irish Setter, was first recognized in the 18th century due to its appearance in popular cultures, such as Big Red. The trainable and energetic breed is ideal for active families since it is high-energy and loves spending time outside.
Barking Level | When necessary |
Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
Weight | 60 pounds (female), 70 pounds (male) |
Height | 25 inches (female), 27 inches (male) |
Trainability | Response well |
Grooming | Weekly |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | Yes |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Irish Setters are very active and need a lot of space and activity. |
Personality | Trainable, pleasant, energetic, and outgoing |
Pug

The phrase "multum in parvo" means "a lot of dogs in a little area," and the Pug is appropriately described as such. Despite his petite stature, he requires no coddling, and his rascal face quickly wiggles its way into the hearts of people, especially children, for whom this dog appears to have a particular appeal. His primary goal is to be near his family and satisfy them. He's at ease in any apartment or rural home; he readily adjusts to every scenario.
Barking Level | When necessary |
Life Expectancy | 13 – 15 years |
Weight | 14 – 18 pounds |
Height | 10 – 13 inches |
Trainability | Agreeable |
Grooming | Weekly brushing |
Shedding | Regularly |
Good with other dogs | With supervision |
Good with children | With supervision |
Energy level | Pugs are energetic but not precisely sports athletes. However, they have strong legs and an insatiable appetite—exercise them daily! |
Personality | Loving, mischievous, charming, and even-tempered |
Newfoundland

(Image: https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/newfoundland)
The first and most essential requirement for a Newfoundland is his sweetness, loyalty, and intellect, which are well-known characteristics. He must be able and ready to assist his master in performing critical duties at command and have the capacity to act on his own when rescue efforts necessitate it. Newfoundlands are the best dog breeds to pet.
Barking Level | When necessary |
Life Expectancy | 9 – 10 years |
Weight | 100 – 120 pounds |
Height | 26 inches (female), 28 inches (male) |
Trainability | Easy training |
Grooming | Weekly brushing |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | Yes |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Newfs enjoy being active, so they require some space to romp with their huge, strong bodies. |
Personality | Newfs are kind, sweet, patient, and committed. They are fantastic friends. |
Brussels Griffon

(Image: https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_brussels_griffon)
A fun-loving, active, and curious breed of dog, the Brussels Griffon is a voracious learner. He thrives on social interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation. His tiny stature makes him ideal for living in an apartment as long as you provide him with the opportunity to get out his pent-up energy.
Barking Level | When necessary |
Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
Weight | 8 - 10 pounds |
Height | 7 – 10 inches |
Trainability | Response well |
Grooming | Weekly |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | With supervision |
Good with children | With supervision |
Energy level | Griffs are energetic and playful and enjoy taking walks with their owners. |
Collie

Collies are known for their herding abilities. They're powerful, loyal, loving, responsive, and quick to react. A Collie would be ideal for an active family since they are high-energy dogs that enjoy moving about.
Barking Level | Vocal |
Life Expectancy | 12 – 14 years |
Weight | 50 – 65 pounds (female), 60 – 75 pounds (male) |
Height | 2 – 24 inches (female), 24 – 26 inches (male) |
Trainability | Response well |
Grooming | Occasional |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Good with other dogs | With supervision |
Good with children | Yes |
Energy level | Collies are known for their high activity levels, which necessitate daily exercise. They're content to relax at home the rest of the time. |
Personality | Proud, devoted, and graceful |
Conclusion
There are numerous breeds of dogs that make great pets. Your best breed will depend on your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a pet. A Collie will be a great choice if you want a companion to join you on your adventures. A French Bulldog will be perfect if you are looking for a laid-back, easygoing dog that will cuddle with you on the couch. Regardless of what you are searching for, there is sure to be a breed of dog that will fit your needs.