Dog breed guide: temperament and family fit
An overview of popular breeds by temperament, care needs and how well they suit children. We rate suitability for children in stars (★ = not ideal, ★★★★★ = excellent).
| Breed | Temperament | Good with children | Care needs | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | playful, good-natured | ★★★★★ | high | large |
| Golden Retriever | patient, friendly | ★★★★★ | medium to high | large |
| Poodle | clever, trainable | ★★★★★ | medium | small–large |
| Beagle | cheerful, sociable | ★★★★ | high | medium |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | affectionate, calm | ★★★★★ | low | small |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | calm, gentle | ★★★★★ | medium | large |
| Cocker Spaniel | cheerful, affectionate | ★★★★ | medium | medium |
| Boxer | playful, protective | ★★★★ | high | large |
| Bichon Frise | cheerful, non-shedding | ★★★★ | low | small |
| Border Collie | clever, very active | ★★★ | very high | medium |
| German Shepherd | loyal, watchful | ★★★★ | high | large |
| Jack Russell Terrier | spirited, very active | ★★★ | high | small |
| Dachshund | bold, headstrong | ★★★ | medium | small |
| Pug | affectionate, easygoing | ★★★★ | low | small |
| Chihuahua | lively, devoted | ★★ | low | small |
| Siberian Husky | friendly, independent | ★★★ | very high | large |
| French Bulldog | friendly, calm | ★★★★ | low | small |
| Yorkshire Terrier | bold, lively | ★★★ | medium | small |
Popular breed profiles
Labrador Retriever
Perhaps the most popular family dog. Friendly, patient and eager to learn. Needs plenty of exercise and loves food, so watch their weight. A great choice for an active family.
Golden Retriever
Gentle, kind and tolerant even of a small child's clumsiness. Needs regular exercise and coat care. One of the best dogs for a family's first dog.
Poodle
Exceptionally smart and trainable, and barely sheds — often a good fit for allergy sufferers. Comes in sizes from toy to standard, so almost any family finds one.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A small, cuddly companion with a calm temperament. Doesn't need much exercise, just lots of closeness. Ideal for apartment living and gentle with younger kids.
Bernese Mountain Dog
A big softie with a calm, gentle nature. A wonderful family dog that needs space and cooler weather. Sadly, a shorter-lived breed.
Beagle
Cheerful, sociable and sturdy. Loves following scents, so off-leash they'll happily wander after a smell. Needs lots of exercise and consistent training.
Border Collie
The smartest breed, but with a huge need for exercise and a job to do. In an under-stimulated home, boredom turns to trouble. Great for active, sporty households.
Pug
An easygoing, affectionate little companion. Doesn't handle heavy exertion or heat well (short muzzle). Ideal for a calmer family that wants a cuddly buddy.
Chihuahua
Tiny and devoted, but fragile and wary of strangers. Not ideal for very young children — easily hurt and prone to nervousness. Better suited to older kids and adults.
Mixed-breed shelter dog
Don't overlook shelter dogs. Many are balanced, grateful companions — and the shelter usually knows the individual dog's temperament and whether they'll suit kids.
A suitable breed is only half the story
Even the best dog needs time and a daily routine. In TestDog you can try real-time care before you commit to a specific breed.
Download on theApp StoreLooking for specifics? Read the best dog breeds for families or how much a dog costs per month.