Thinking about adding a new furry companion to your family? There’s a lot to consider when choosing the perfect dog breed for your family. Do you have kids? Do you have a busy schedule or do you spend a lot of time at home? No matter what your lifestyle, there’s a dog breed out there for every family. Below are 7 dog breeds that will make a great addition to your family home. 

1. Labrador retriever

Labs have been the most popular dog breed for decades. The Labrador retriever is a medium-large breed dog. Labs are super playful and friendly dogs, making them great for families with children. They are a smart breed which means they’re easy to train and they’re fairly easy-going dogs as well. Labs need lots of playtime and exercise, so if you and your family are willing to go on daily walks and play lots of fetch, the Labrador retriever will be a great option for your new family pet. 

2. Golden retriever

The Golden retriever is another great option for a family dog. Like labs, they are very friendly dogs that also require a lot of playtime and exercise. Golden retrievers are great for families that spend a lot of time at the pool or beach, as they are great swimmers. The Golden retriever is also a super affectionate dog that will be sure to give your family lots of kisses and cuddles. If you’re looking for a fun loving, smart, large breed dog, the Golden retriever may be right for you. 

3. Beagle

If your family is looking for a small breed dog, the beagle may be for you. Beagles thrive on companionship so they may not be the best breed for a busy family who isn’t home for the majority of the day. They’re a friendly and gentle breed and will remain quite loyal to their family. Beagles are a hunting breed, which makes them notorious escape artists, as they go chasing after every new smell and sound. They would make a perfect family dog for a family who spends lots of time at home and has a large fenced in backyard for them to explore. 

4. French Bulldog

For families living in a city setting or a small home or apartment, the French bulldog could be perfect for you. Frenchies are a fairly low maintenance breed that doesn’t require much exercise at all. They’re a friendly breed, but they are notorious for their stubbornness. French bulldogs are great with kids and thrive on human contact. The French bulldog is a harder breed to come by and will most likely be on the pricier end, however, their love for their family will make them well worth it. 

5. Newfoundland 

If you have plenty of space and a lot of love to give, the Newfoundland will be a perfect addition to your family. Newfies are a giant breed and can grow to be 150 pounds! However, don’t let their size scare you, Newfoundlands are often known as the “nanny dog” due to their gentle and watchful nature. Newfoundlands are gentle and loyal dogs who can often be found leaning up against their humans to get affection. 

6. Poodle

Poodles make great family dogs. They come in three different sizes, toy, miniature, and standard, which allows you to pick the perfect size for your family. Poodles are known for their intelligence. They are very easy to train and can also learn tricks and commands quite quickly. Poodles are also hypoallergenic dogs, making them perfect for a family member with dog allergies. Due to their curly coat, poodles do need regular grooming which can become quite pricy. The poodle is an all around friendly and loyal dog, making them a perfect family friend.

7. Bichon Frise

Bichons are another great choice for a family looking for a hypoallergenic dog. They are a gentle and friendly breed that wants to make friends with everyone they meet. Bichon Frises are also very playful, which makes them great for a home with young kids. They love to cuddle and will be perfect for a family that spends lots of time on the couch. The Bichons curly coat does need frequent grooming which is an important thing to consider. For a family looking for a small breed dog with a lot of personality, the Bichon Frise is a great choice for you. 

Honorable Mention: A Mutt

For a laid back family with lots of love to give, rescuing a mutt from a shelter or rescue group is a great route to go. Mutts are made up of multiple dog breeds which makes them unique and super fun to get to know and love. Go to your local shelter or rescue, the employees will be able to help you find the perfect pup that will fit all the requirements your family needs.