What Are The Best 5 Dog Breeds for Families With Kids?

Here at Pettito OKC, we know how important it is to pick the right dog for your family. And with so many puppy breeds out there, how do you ensure that the one you pick will have the right temperament and personality for a busy family? 

You want one that will grow with your family – and strike a good balance between keeping up with high-energy kiddos while being gentle and friendly.

While each dog is unique in its own way, there are breeds that have specific characteristics and charm that fit families of all sizes. Once you know the best options out there – and how to go about finding them – you’ll love all the memories you’ll make.

1. Golden Retrievers – The Classic Family Dog

Golden Retrievers have long held the title of the quintessential family dog – that’s why family friendly movies always seem to have a family with a golden! These breeds have an average life expectancy of 10-12 years, and though they may be large, they are gentle and often perfect for all age.

• Temperament: Known for their gentle, friendly, and patient nature, Golden Retrievers are incredibly tolerant of children’s antics. Their easygoing disposition makes them ideal playmates for kids of all ages.
• Intelligence: Highly intelligent and easy to train, Golden Retrievers can quickly learn family rules and basic commands, making them well-behaved household members.
• Exercise Needs: These dogs have moderate to high energy levels, making them perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities. They’ll happily join in on backyard games or family hikes.
• Compatibility: Golden Retrievers generally get along well with other pets, making them a great choice for a multi-pet household.

While they are lovable and gentle, Golden Retrievers can be big shedders, so you’ll want to be prepared for extra vacuuming and grooming to make sure you aren’t drawing in golden fluff!

2. Poodles – A Smart & Stylish Breed

Poodles offer more than a fun look and pretty face – they’re actually incredibly intelligent and affectionate and make for excellent family companions. With an average lifespan of anywhere from 12-15 years, your kids will grow up alongside these fun breeds.

• Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, and playful, Poodles have the perfect mix of traits for interacting with kids. They’re patient enough to handle children’s energy but playful enough to keep up with their games.
• Intelligence: Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. They are quick learners, making it easy to train and adapt to family life.
• Exercise Needs: Poodles have moderate to high energy levels, making them great companions for active families.
• Allergen-Friendly: Poodles are low-shedding dogs often considered hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for families with allergies.

3. Goldendoodles – The Best of Both Worlds

What if you can’t pick between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle? Lucky for you, the Goldendoodle offers the best combination of traits from both breeds! Healthy Goldendoodles can live from 10 to 15 years and are gentle with kids while full of energy.

• Temperament: Inheriting the gentle nature of Golden Retrievers and the intelligence of Poodles, Goldendoodles are affectionate, patient, and excellent with children.
• Intelligence: Highly intelligent, Goldendoodles are easy to train and quickly pick up on family routines.
• Exercise Needs: Their moderate to high energy levels make them perfect playmates for active kids.
• Coat: Goldendoodles typically have low to moderate shedding, depending on which parent breed they take after more.

4. Cockapoos – Smaller Bundles of Joy

If you’re more of a small-dog family, a Cockapoo (a unique mix of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles) can be the perfect breed for families with kids. These breeds can also live up to 15 years, making them a great pet for a growing family.

• Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, and adaptable, Cockapoos are well-suited for family life. They’re small enough not to overwhelm young children but sturdy enough to handle play.
• Intelligence: Their high intelligence makes them relatively easy to train, perfect for families new to dog ownership.
• Exercise Needs: Cockapoos have moderate energy levels and are adaptable to various family lifestyles.
• Allergen-Friendly: Like Poodles, Cockapoos are low-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic.

5. Teddy Bears (Schichon) – A Living Stuffed Animal

While Cockapoos offer the temperamental traits of both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, Teddy Bears (also known as Schichons) take it a step further by combining the qualities of a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. This adorable breed can weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds and has a lifespan of around 14-18 years.

• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, and good with children, Teddy Bears live up to their cuddly appearance.
• Intelligence: Moderately intelligent and trainable, they can learn family rules and basic commands.
• Exercise Needs: Teddy bears have low to moderate energy levels and are adaptable to various family lifestyles and living situations.
• Allergen-Friendly: These dogs are low-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for families with allergies.

Find The Best Breed for Your Family Today

At Pettito OKC, we love to match families with their best-fit furry friends. Our experience and commitment to care have helped us become the go-to puppy store for OKC families.

While we usually have a variety of puppies available, our adorable little friends tend to find their forever homes quickly. The perfect puppy for your family could be with us right now, but might not be here tomorrow. 

So don’t miss the opportunity to bring home your new family member – contact us today to learn about our current puppies and start your journey to finding your perfect furry friend!