Family-friendly dogs
Family-friendly dog breeds are known for their patient, loving and adaptable nature and are ideal for households with children. These dogs are often good-natured and enjoy the company of people. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best dog breeds for families and explain what makes them ideal companions for young and old.
What makes a dog breed family-friendly?
Family-friendly dog breeds are characterized by a patient, loving and often playful nature. They are adaptable and particularly social, making them easy to integrate into everyday family life. These dogs have a good sense of their people and often adapt their behavior sensitively to children. Nevertheless, different breeds have different characteristics - some are calm companions, others are active play partners.
Safety first - for all breeds
Even if certain breeds are considered family-friendly, small children should never be left unsupervised with dogs. Even the most patient dog can react differently in stressful or unforeseen situations. Proper training and respect for the dog as a living being are essential to ensure harmonious coexistence.
The 20+ best dog breeds for families with pictures
Below we present the most popular family-friendly dog breeds. Find out what character traits each breed has, what their needs are and how they can best fit into family life.
Beagle

The Beagle is a cheerful and friendly dog that is ideal for families. Its loving and patient nature makes it an ideal companion for children. The Beagle is also intelligent and playful, but needs sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to keep him busy. Its social nature ensures that it quickly integrates into family life.
Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is an intelligent and friendly dog that integrates wonderfully into families. Known as a truffle hunter, it has a high willingness to learn and an active nature. This breed is very social and loves to be close to its humans. The Lagotto requires regular grooming of its curly coat and plenty of exercise, making it an ideal companion for active families.
Lion

The Löwchen is a lovable, playful companion dog that harmonizes particularly well with families. With its friendly and open nature, it forms bonds quickly and likes to be involved in everything. His easy-care, long coat and moderate need for exercise make him ideal for everyday family life. The lion loves to cuddle and is a loyal, cheerful companion.
Maltese

The Maltese is an affectionate and loving companion dog that is perfect for families. Its friendly nature and small size make it particularly suitable for households with children and small apartments. The Maltese hardly sheds, but does require regular grooming. He loves to be close to his humans and brings a lot of joy and warmth into the home.
West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier(WHWT) is a lively and friendly dog that fits in well with families. He is robust, playful and loves to spend time with his people. Despite its small size, the WHWT has a strong character and needs consistent training. Its easy-care coat and cheerful nature make it an ideal family dog.
Australian Terrier

The Australian Terrier is a robust and friendly dog that is characterized by its lively and adaptable nature. It loves to be active and has a good dose of curiosity. Despite its small size, it is alert and has a strong character. The Australian Terrier is an easy-care and cheerful companion, ideal for families looking for an active dog.
Boxador

The Boxador, a cross between the Boxer and Labrador Retriever, is an energetic and friendly dog that is ideal for active families. This breed combines the playfulness of the Labrador with the alertness of the Boxer. Boxadors are adaptable, social and love to spend time with their humans. They need plenty of exercise and training to stay balanced.
Scottish Terrier

The Scottish Terrier is a courageous and independent dog with a strong character. He is loyal, friendly and loves to spend time with his family, but often remains somewhat independent. Its thick coat requires regular grooming. The Scottish Terrier is alert and is well suited to families who appreciate a loyal but confident companion.
Havapoo

The Havapoo, a mix of Havanese and Poodle, is a friendly and playful family dog that is appreciated for its intelligent and adaptable nature. This breed hardly sheds and is therefore also suitable for allergy sufferers. The Havapoo loves to be close to its humans, needs regular grooming and enjoys moderate exercise - ideal for families with children.
Basset bleu de Gascogne

The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a gentle and friendly dog with a strong hunting instinct and excellent nose. This breed is sociable, patient and well suited to families. The Basset Bleu needs regular exercise and loves walks, but is otherwise easy to care for. Its calm nature makes it a pleasant and balanced companion.
Harrier

The Harrier is an active and friendly hunting dog known for its stamina and social nature. This breed loves to be out in nature and needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. The Harrier is adaptable and is well suited to active families who can give him plenty of exercise.
Terrier Brasileiro

The Terrier Brasileiro is a lively and intelligent dog that is appreciated for its playfulness and adaptability. This breed loves activity and needs regular exercise as well as mental challenges. The Terrier Brasileiro is friendly and well suited to families looking for an active companion. With its loyal and cheerful nature, it brings a lot of joy into the home.
Puggle

The Puggle, a mix of Pug and Beagle, is a happy and friendly family dog that delights with its social and playful nature. This breed is curious and loves to spend time with its humans. The Puggle requires moderate exercise and is low maintenance, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals.
Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a powerful and loyal dog that is characterized by its gentle nature and alertness. Originally bred as a herding and working dog, it needs plenty of exercise and consistent training. The Bouvier is very family-oriented and is well suited to active households that can offer him sufficient tasks and attention.
Otterhound

The Otterhund is a friendly and persistent hunting dog, known for its excellent nose and love of water. This breed has a gentle nature and is very social, making it an enjoyable family dog. The Otterhound needs regular exercise and activity to stay balanced and enjoys spending time in nature.
Australian Bulldog

The Australian Bulldog is a robust and friendly dog that was specially bred for the Australian climate. With its gentle and affectionate nature, it is well suited to families. The Australian Bulldog is adaptable, but needs regular exercise and clear leadership. Its even temperament makes it a loving and loyal companion.
Landseer

The Landseer is a gentle and loyal dog that impresses with its size and friendly nature. This breed is known for its love of water and makes an excellent family dog. The Landseer is patient and affectionate, especially towards children. It needs sufficient exercise and some space to feel comfortable and is a calm, reliable companion.
Hovawart

The Hovawart is a loyal, playful and family-friendly dog that is particularly known for its alertness and protective instincts. With its friendly nature and intelligence, it is ideal for active families. The Hovawart is both a loyal companion and a reliable watchdog. It needs regular exercise and social interaction to stay happy and balanced.
Podengo Português

The Podengo Português is a playful and fun-loving dog that makes an excellent family companion. This breed is known for its intelligence and adaptability. The Podengo is friendly, active and loves to spend time with its people. With sufficient exercise and mental stimulation, it is a loyal and cheerful dog that fits well into an active family life.
Maltipoo

The Maltipoo is an affectionate mix of Maltese and Poodle that makes an excellent family dog. With its friendly, playful nature and compact size, it is ideal for families with children. The Maltipoo is affectionate, intelligent and loves to be the center of attention. Regular exercise and social interaction will keep him happy and balanced.