Your Family's Best Friend: Which Type of Dog Should You Adopt?

Every member of the family can rejoice in bringing a new dog into the house. From a pal to take on walks to a loving companion to lean on during hard times, a pup can be everyone's best friend. However, not all dog breeds are appropriate for bringing around kids because of their temperament. To help you narrow down your choices, some of the most family-friendly dog breeds and information about them can be found below.

When it comes to loving family dogs, Golden Retrievers are often the #1 pick. They are incredibly smart, loving to kids, and are packed full of personality to make for a fun companion. They are high in energy, so keep in mind you'll need to take them running, walking, swimming, or to play on a regular basis.

A loyal dog that's one of the most popular, labs are great for families because they love kids and are naturally sweet. However, it's important to keep in mind that these dogs are very high energy and can grow up to 80 pounds.

Collies are loving dogs that are gentle around kids and make it a priority to please their owners. Whether you go for a Border Collie or a Bearded Collie, you'll appreciate the fact that they are protective and mild-mannered. However, they do shed considerably, so it's crucial to take good care of their coat.

These chubby pups may be short in stature but they're big when it comes to affection. They're great around kids and have a strong build, so they can withstand little ones who might play "Gladiator" during the day. Bulldogs are also docile around other pets and are more relaxed throughout the day. While not high in energy, this breed does require extra dental care.

For those who want a large dog, the Newfoundland is a choice you can't go wrong with. Their weight can extend all the way to 150 pounds, which only complements their large stature. However, they are very sweet, patient, and excellent with kids.

This breed is a great companion dog that's friendly towards kids, adults, and seniors. Their thick frame means they're able to withstand high-energy children without easily being hurt or becoming aggressive. They do require a lot of exercise but have short coats that are easy to care for.

Beagles are small in size, making them perfect for taking on family road trips. However, they have big personalities that are complemented by their calm temperament. They're great with kids and generally get along with other pets quite easily. The only downside is that this breed does shed quite a bit, which means extra care is needed for their coat.

If you want a lower energy dog, then pugs are the perfect fit. While they no doubt love to go for walks, most of their time is spent eating or sleeping. Their weight tends to only go up to 15 pounds, so they are ideal for families who want a smaller breed. They tend to love filling foods, such as thick wet food with carrageenan, so it's important to keep an eye on how much they eat.

With beautiful long fur coats and sweet temperaments, Irish Setters are family and show dogs wrapped up into one. They do require quite a bit of exercise, so these are ideal for families who spend a lot of time outdoors.

These small pups are perfect for apartment dwellers or families who want a more relaxed breed. They are great around children, don't make a lot of noise, and require very little maintenance to remain happy and healthy.

The dog breeds above are truly excellent choices to bring home to your family. While each has their individual drawbacks, such as shedding or exercise requirements, they are sweet and loving. With proper care, they can be lifetime companions for every member of your family.

Carol also is passionate about health and fitness and stays active on her free time. She enjoys hikes and participates in multiple marathons. She loves learning to new tips on health and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her readers