If you’re looking to add a new member to your family, you want to pick a breed that can easily adapt to the challenges of your lifestyle. To help you find the best fit, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular dog breeds for families.
Labrador retrievers make our list for a reason — they’re the top dog breed in the U.S. They’re known for their smartness, gentle dispositions and desire to please, making them perfect for families with kids.
Basset Hound
A breed with a long history, the Basset Hound was developed as a scent hound to track and hunt small game. Their low-set body, high energy levels and highly attuned sense of smell made them a natural choice for this kind of work.
They are known for their signature sag and are one of the best sniffers in canine society, second only to the Bloodhound in terms of their ability to sense and follow scents. They use their long, floppy ears to lift scents off the ground and drag them onto their noses so they can track what they’re smelling even better.
They can be stubborn dogs on the trail, so it’s important to train them early in life to behave appropriately on the trails. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so they’ll appreciate a family with lots of people around and plenty of interaction with them at all times.
Beagle
Beagles are hound-type dogs that have been around for centuries. The breed was bred to track rabbits and hares, and they are often seen as companion animals today.
They are a relatively healthy breed and tend to live longer than other dog breeds. But like all dogs, they can have health issues, including eye conditions, autoimmune thyroid disease, heart problems and epilepsy.
The Beagle is a sturdy, hardy little hound dog. They have a square body, a long, slightly domed skull, and large brown or hazel eyes set well apart.
They are a smart, stubborn breed that loves to please their owner, and they have an excellent sense of smell. They can be difficult to train, though, so they need consistent, positive training. Be sure to keep their training sessions short and in a quiet, distraction-free environment.
Poodle
Poodles are highly intelligent dogs and adapt well to training. They are also eager to please and make excellent family companions.
Poodles tend to get along well with other pets, especially smaller ones. They are also tolerant of children and enjoy playing with them.
The breed is prone to some health problems, including hip dysplasia and idiopathic epilepsy. If you decide to adopt a poodle, ask your vet about these conditions and what you can do to prevent them.
As hunting dogs, Poodles are naturally talented retrievers. They have superior running and swimming skills. Their curly coats are water-resistant and can help them stay warm in the cold water.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a highly intelligent and easygoing breed that makes an excellent family dog. It’s also a popular choice for working dogs because of its strong work ethic and reliability.
Originally bred to work as retrievers, these strong-willed dogs have served the world in many fields including search and rescue, drug and explosive detection, and assistance to disabled people. They are also champions at obedience, agility, and field trials.
They have thick, water-resistant coats with a short undercoat and a longer top coat that repels water and sheds only during the spring and fall. Coat care is relatively easy, with regular brushing and baths.
These dogs are natural swimmers, so they’re well suited to families that enjoy spending time in the water. They also have webbing in their feet that helps them move through the water easily. They have a thick, tapered tail that acts as a rudder when they swim.