Best Dogs to Breed for Families and First-Time Owners

If you're a family or a first-time dog owner, you're probably looking for a breed that's easy to care for and loves to be around people. The Beagle is a great choice, as they are known for being friendly and energetic, requiring regular exercise but not too much grooming.

One Beagle can weigh up to 30 pounds and stand about 15 inches tall at the shoulder, making them a relatively small breed. They also have a short, easy-to-maintain coat.

Labradors are another popular breed for families, as they are highly social and love to please their owners. They are relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional grooming and a moderate amount of exercise.

Labradors typically weigh between 55-80 pounds and stand about 21.5-24.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

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If you're looking for the best dogs to breed, it's worth considering the top breeds that are known for their health and well-being.

22 dog breeds are considered to be among the healthiest, making them a great choice for responsible breeding.

These breeds are not only physically healthy, but they also tend to have a long lifespan, with some living up to 15 years or more.

Labradors are the quintessential do-it-all dog breed and they love to run.

Their coats are sufficient for cold or warm weather, making them a great choice for families who live in different climates.

Labradors are friendly and relaxed, which makes them a great fit for families with kids.

They can grow up to 80 pounds, so they require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Labradors are highly trainable, making them a popular choice for service dogs and search and rescue teams.

They're also great companions for active families who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

But remember, Labradors can suffer from a host of hereditary health issues, so regular check-ups are a must to keep your furry friend healthy and fit.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds in the US, holding the title for over three decades.

They're a friendly, playful sporting dog, eager, alert, self-confident, and very active and energetic, but not great watchdogs.

Golden Retrievers are slow to mature, retaining puppy personality for three to four years, which can be delightful or annoying for their owners.

They live up to their status as the quintessential family dog, requiring lots of physical activity like running, swimming, and fetching.

These energetic dogs are very active and need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy.

Their coats can be long, doing better in cooler or mild climates, and they can easily run long distances with great stamina.

Golden Retrievers are a great fit for families looking for a companion to join them on long runs or bike rides.

They have an excellent demeanor, easy-going personalities, and are athletic, making them a great choice for active families.

Poodles are originally from Germany, where they were bred as hunting dogs.

Their waterproof coats make them perfect for duck hunting, and their fancy haircut is actually a practical protection for their joints and vital organs in cold water.

As a versatile breed, poodles have been used for military and police work for centuries, and they're also great dogs for active people who appreciate their brains and athleticism.

Ranked among the most intelligent breeds, poodles come in three different sizes: standard, mini, and toy.

The breed name "poodle" comes from the German word "pudel", which means puddle, referencing their original purpose as water retrievers.

Rottweilers are known for being protective, not vicious - they read your cues. They're robust and powerful, but they think they're lap dogs.

These loyal companions have been bred for centuries, and their gentle nature is a testament to their German heritage. They're often misunderstood, but with the right training, they can thrive as loving family pets.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them a popular choice for many families, but it's essential to remember that they're still a powerful breed that requires proper exercise and training. With patience and consistency, you can unlock their full potential and enjoy a lifelong friendship.

Beagles are friendly, companionable, and sturdy hounds.

They're always curious and tend to follow their noses, which can lead to trouble.

Beagles need plenty of exercise and weekly grooming to keep them happy and healthy.

Their compact size, short, easy-to-care-for coat, and intelligence make them an excellent family dog.

Beagles are happiest when they have company and shouldn't be left alone inside or outside for long periods of time.

These merry and loyal dogs are a great fit for families with children or who can give them plenty of playtime.

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the smallest herding dog breed.

Legend says this breed sprang from lairs of fairies and elves. They're known for herding kids by nipping at their heels and barking at everything.

Miniature Schnauzers are a sturdy breed weighing in at 10 to 15 pounds. They're known for being affectionate and docile, but also a bit opinionated.

These dogs need training to heel and follow their owners through doors, which can be a fun challenge for experienced owners. They're naturally good watchdogs and vermin hunters, making them a great addition to families who want a loyal companion.

Cane Corsos are a well-muscled breed, weighing in at 100 pounds.

Their large, imposing heads make them a favorite of night watchmen.

Not recommended for first-time dog owners, these dogs require experience and care.

Great Danes are a great choice for families with kids, as they're patient and gentle. Their friendly nature makes them a perfect fit for households with children.

These dogs are also very loyal and dependable, which is a relief for many dog owners. With proper care, they can live a long life, ranging from six to ten years.

Their playful personalities make them a joy to be around, and they're always up for an adventure.

The Jack Russell Terrier is a running machine, bred to chase small prey like rats, making them lightening fast and full of endless energy and athleticism.

Their short legs can make ultra long distances and heavy snow challenging, but they can easily handle any climate, including pavement and trail, with their long wire-haired and short-haired coats.

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Ideal for active families, Jack Russell's are of the working classification and love to burn off their type A personalities, making them a great fit for families who can keep up with their high energy levels.

They can handle varying distances, from 5km to half marathon, but it's essential to consider their limitations and provide them with the right environment to thrive.

Australian Shepherds are known for having considerable energy, double water-resistant coats, and unwavering loyalty.

Their herding instincts are strong, making them built to be out on the farm or pasture all day long.

They're highly intelligent and need constant stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Given their nature, Australian Shepherds can be a little too loyal and will guard their owners or be cautious with strangers.

With the right training, this can be managed, and they can become wonderful companions.

They're excellent with children, but it's essential to supervise them if the kids get rowdy, as they might nip at them.

Their docile nature makes them open to strangers, but it's still crucial to socialize them properly from an early age.

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The Segugio Italiano is a loyal breed that hails from Italy. They have a strong instinct to protect their loved ones, especially children. This means you'll need to keep them on a strong leash around strangers.

These dogs are known to go to great lengths to safeguard their family, making them excellent companions for families with kids.

The Pumi is a lively breed that's perfect for families with kids. They're energetic and love to play, so be prepared for a furry friend that's always up for an adventure.

They're relatively small in size, weighing in at around 20-30 pounds, making them a great choice for city living or homes with smaller yards.

Their playful nature means they're best suited for families with children who are willing to engage in playtime with them, as they're essentially puppies at heart.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a great choice for those who want a low-shedding breed. They have a hypoallergenic coat that makes them a good fit for people with mild fur allergies.

These dogs are exuberant and devoted pets that love an active playtime - they'll be chasing everything that moves.

The Bichon Frise is a playful and friendly breed that's perfect for a fun-loving household. Their amiable attitude makes them great with people.

They're also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their low-shedding coat.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a great choice for families with children, known for its gentle nature with kids. They can grow to be quite large, topping 100 pounds.

Their size is often deceiving, as they're sweet and warm-hearted pets.

Alaskan Malamutes are built to work as sled dogs, so they need a consistent training and exercise regimen to keep them happy and healthy.

These powerful pups thrive on structure and clear leadership, making them a great choice for active owners who can provide a sense of pack.

They love to please their humans and will do just about anything to earn attention and affection.

Alaskan Malamutes are natural athletes and can excel in activities like skijoring, which is a fun way to get them moving and engaged.

With their thick coats and strong build, they're well-suited to colder climates, but can adapt to warmer temperatures with proper care.

They're loyal and friendly, with a wagging tail that's sure to brighten up anyone's day.

French Bulldogs and Bulldogs are two popular breeds that make great companions for families. They're both adaptable and easygoing, which is perfect for city dwellers.

French Bulldogs are particularly great with children and other dogs, and they're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They just need a brisk walk to keep them happy and healthy.

Bulldogs are also wonderful with kids and are happy to spend time with their families. They're not super active, but they do need regular walks and the occasional romp to keep them happy.

French Bulldogs have seen a huge surge in popularity, jumping from the no. 14 spot in 2012 to the top spot in 2022. It's no wonder why - they're playful, friendly, and respond well to training.

Bulldogs are also loyal and calm, making them a great pick for new families. They're happy in most atmospheres, whether that's the city or countryside.

French Bulldogs are smart and respond well to training, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.

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Irish Setters are total showstoppers, and as a member of the sporting group, they're gifted athletes in their own right.

They're high-energy dogs that love spending time outdoors, making them a great fit for active families. This is a workout partner that'll motivate everyone in the family to get moving.

The Irish Setter first came into popular notice in the 18th century, and they're still a popular breed today. They're a high-spirited, but eager-to-please breed and are responsive to training.

They're outgoing and trainable, which makes them great with children and other dogs. This sweet-natured breed is also good with children and other dogs, making them a great fit for many families.

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French Bully is a great choice for city dwellers. Their quiet and low-maintenance nature makes them perfect for apartment living.

These adorable dogs have a trademark "bat ears" that set them apart from their larger bulldog cousins. Their smaller stature also makes them a great fit for smaller spaces.

With an alert, playful attitude, French Bully owners can expect a lively companion. Their easygoing adaptability means they'll fit right in with your busy city lifestyle.

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The Brussels Griffon is one of the smallest dog breeds in the AKC, making it a great companion for families with gentle kids. They're loyal, intelligent, and pack a ton of personality for their size.

Brussels Griffons thrive on interaction, activity, and mental stimulation, so be prepared to keep them engaged. They love to play and share long, daily walks with their owners.

Their small size makes them a good apartment dweller, but they need a chance to burn off some energy. You'll want to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run around and get some exercise.

Brussels Griffons are spunky and love to play, but owners should take caution when supervising interactions with children due to their small size and sensitive nature.

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The Newfoundland is a gentle giant, weighing in at a whopping 100-150 pounds. They're perfect for families who have the space for them.

Their patient and watchful nature has earned them the reputation of "nanny dogs." This makes them an excellent choice for families with children.

Newfoundlands are highly intelligent and loyal, making them easy to train and great companions. They need some room to romp around and require moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy.

These dogs are famous for being good companions on long walks or hikes, and their sweet temperament will win you over in no time.

Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable, making them great off-leash dogs. They're perfect companions for highly active owners who can provide them with the exercise and stimulation they need.

Their herding instinct is strong, and they're bred to work all day, so they require daily exercise and mental stimulation. This means they're not suited for owners who have limited time or energy.

Border Collies have endless energy and are highly athletic, making them ideal for owners who enjoy ultra running, marathon training, and other endurance activities. They're also great for owners who live in hot or cold temperatures, thanks to their smooth double coat.

One thing to keep in mind is that Border Collies with black coats are more prone to overheating, so owners need to be mindful of this.

German Short-Haired Pointers are a great choice for active owners who want a dog that can keep up with their lifestyle.

They're built for endurance and love to work for long periods of time, thanks to their hunting backgrounds.

Their short coats make them suitable for any climate, but they may require a jacket in colder weather.

These dogs are energetic, friendly, and eager to learn, which makes them a joy to train.

With the right training, their strong prey drive can be tamed, making them a great choice for owners who want a hunting companion.

They're happy to perform all gun dog roles, but their strong hunting instinct means they may not do well around small pets like cats or rabbits.

The Weimaraner is a fantastic running dog with heaps of energy.

They have short maintenance-free coats, which is a big plus for busy owners.

Weimaraners are incredibly friendly and enjoy being close to their owners.

They're great off-leash candidates, but be aware that they can have high prey drives due to their hunting dog instincts.

They'll chase squirrels, cats, and other small critters, so keep a close eye on them in areas with wildlife.

Ideal for runners who live in mild or warm climates, though they can handle colder climates with the right gear.

Weimaraners can handle pavement and trail terrain with ease.

They're built for distance, suitable for runs from 5k to marathon+.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are bred to go the distance, making them perfect for active homes where they can get plenty of exercise.

They're great in the heat, but may require a jacket in the winter months, so they're adaptable to various climates.

The German Shepherd is an all-around great dog, highly intelligent, loyal, and active. They excel in demanding situations, making them a popular choice for military, police, and search and rescue work.

German Shepherds are known for their ability to learn quickly and train easily. This trait makes them a joy to work with, especially for first-time dog owners.

They're also quite adaptable, thriving in any climate, including snowy conditions. However, it's essential to avoid extreme hot temperatures for their well-being.

With their high energy levels, German Shepherds require regular exercise, such as running or hiking. They can handle distances of up to a half marathon, making them perfect for active owners.

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The Shetland Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a herding breed that thrives on vigorous exercise.

These energetic dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, which makes them a great match for middle-distance runners who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they crave.

Shelties are bred to herd sheep, and if they don't get enough exercise, they might just find their own job - herding the humans!