Table of Contents
- 30 Breeds That Are Good House Dogs
- 1. Labrador Retriever
- 2. Beagle
- 3. German Shepherd
- 4. Boxer
- 5. Dachshund
- 6. Siberian Husky
- 7. Great Dane
- 8. Miniature Schnauzer
- 9. Shih Tzu
- 10. Miniature American Shepherd
- 11. Pomeranian
- 12. Corgi
- 13. Chihuahua
- 14. Mastiff
- 15. Cocker Spaniel
- 16. Pug
- 17. Collie
- 18. Yorkshire Terrier
- 19. Border Collie
- 20. Bichon Frise
- 21. Samoyed
- 22. Pekingese
- 23. English Setter
- 24. Japanese Chin
- 25. Norwegian Elkhound
- 26. Jack Russell Terrier
- 27. Pointer
- 28. Greyhound
- 29. American Pit Bull Terrier
- 30. Bulldog
- Honorable Mentions
- FAQs Related to Good House Dogs Perfect for Families
- Good House Dogs: Before You Go…
So, you and your family have decided to get a dog, but are unsure of what breed you want to adopt.
Purchasing a dog is a significant decision and must be considered carefully.
You'll want to select a good house dog breed that will match your family's needs and your environment.
Think realistically about how much time and money you can invest in your dog regarding training, playtime, feeding schedule, and general health upkeep.
The list below is not comprehensive, but it highlights 30 of the most popular breeds for families.
Let's begin!
MORE ABOUT BREEDS: Best Dog Breeds For…
30 Breeds That Are Good House Dogs
1. Labrador Retriever
This breed was voted the most popular dog for 31 straight years (up until 2021), and for good reason!
They are among the most intelligent and loyal to their humans.
Labrador Retrievers are excellent family dogs with a knack for getting along well with children.
They are easy to train and enjoy spending time with people.
2. Beagle
Beagles are liveliness and intelligence rolled up into small, adorable packages.
They are low-maintenance and excellent family dogs.
If you're looking for good house dogs that don't grow very big, the Beagle is a great option!
3. German Shepherd
Loyal, protective, and versatile, the German Shepherd was also voted among the most popular dog breeds globally, just behind the Labrador Retriever.
These dogs are excellent with kids and other pets but are often cautious around strangers.
Known for their intelligence, German Shepherds make excellent working dogs.
They'll be happy to work all day and come home to their family at night.
RELATED: 10 Useful German Shepherd Training Tips
4. Boxer
This breed is one of the more energetic, friendly, and loyal breeds.
Boxers have long been known as one of the best house dogs for families, especially if you have kids.
They are low-maintenance dogs and require a minimum amount of grooming.
Boxers are playful and affectionate with children, but their health needs monitoring since they are prone to certain genetic diseases.
5. Dachshund
Energetic, courageous, and independent, the Dachshund was bred to be quite multi-talented.
Dachshunds are not the optimal choice for families with children, as they can sometimes be aggressive, especially to little ones.
They also have a few health problems that you need to know about. This isn't a good breed choice for new pet owners.
RELATED: 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
6. Siberian Husky
This beautiful breed was developed in the unforgiving Siberian Arctic, where it was used as a sled dog to haul cargo across the tundra.
Siberian Huskies are brilliant and energetic dogs.
Generally speaking, the husky is not good with kids unless the puppy and the kids are raised together.
Their thick coat will require a lot of grooming.
If you're looking for a good house dog that doesn't shed very much, the Siberian Husky isn't the breed for you.
7. Great Dane
Also known as a gentle giant, the Great Dane is skilled at various activities such as 
tracking and guarding.
Great Danes are loyal to their people and make an excellent breed for kids.
The obvious downside to these dogs is their enormous size.
You'll need plenty of room in your home for these big guys!
And remember, the larger the dog, the more expensive he will be to care for.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
An alert and playful dog, the Miniature Schnauzer is friendly and intelligent.
These dogs are highly trainable and are excellent with kids.
They also have tons of energy and enjoy playing, as well as lots of mental stimulation.
You'll need to keep your Schnauzer entertained, or he may get bored and find himself something naughty to do.
Owners who will be away from home frequently should consider adopting a different breed.
9. Shih Tzu
Known as a little dog with a big personality, Shih Tzus are a toy breed with a friendly temperament.
Even though they can be friendly, they are not always easy to train.
Shih Tzus are independent-minded and stubborn. This breed is best with older children or children with whom the dog has been raised.
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10. Miniature American Shepherd
The Miniature American Shepherd is a popular, medium-sized dog in the herding family.
They are good house dogs because they are easily trainable and well-suited for all climates and living conditions.
Because this dog is part of the herding family, caution should be exercised when it is around small children.
They love to run and chase small things and have a lot of energy.
That's not a great combination to have around small kids.
11. Pomeranian
Pomeranians or ‘Poms’ are a trendy toy breed in the United States.
They are easily trained, friendly, and should be groomed regularly.
They adapt well to their climate and are extremely good with kids!
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12. Corgi
Corgis have a lot of personalities in a compact package.
They are extremely friendly, intelligent, and playful.
Because of their easy-going personality, they are a cinch to train and are excellent guard dogs.
Corgis adapt easily to just about any climate.
They are affectionate and energetic with kids, making them good house dogs.
RELATED: 17 Small Dog Breeds That Are Good With Kids
13. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are popular in the toy family and are known for being intelligent and lively.
Because of their independent spirit, training them is a challenge.
This breed adapts well to extreme heat but does not survive the cold.
They are also not well-suited for kids unless the children and the dog have grown up together.
14. Mastiff
The Mastiff is an extra-large dog with an even bigger personality.
Known for being courageous, loyal, and protective, this breed is hugely protective of its owners and will do whatever it takes to protect the family from an attacker.
Despite its large size, the mastiff can thrive living in an apartment.
They can do well in cold weather but struggle in extreme heat.
RELATED: Mighty Mastiff Mixes: 10 Unique Crossbreeds that Combine Power and Personality
15. Cocker Spaniel
If you’re looking for a medium-sized dog with a lively personality, the cocker spaniel is your dog.
They adapt well to any weather and need regular exercise.
Plus, they are great with children and are frequently playful and energetic around them.
Cocker Spaniels are good house dogs for families or singles who enjoy spending time with their canine companions.
RELATED: 35 Best Medium and Small Dogs for Kids
16. Pug
Loyal, adorable, and intelligent, Pugs are the complete canine package.
They are suited for just about any living condition and any climate.
However, they cannot handle extreme heat.
Pugs are trainable, but because of their independent nature, it will be a challenge.
They are not only good house dogs. They are also excellent pups for kids.
17. Collie
The Collie is a large and prevalent breed in the United States.
They are multi-talented and agile, participating in herding, competitive obedience, and tracking activities.
This breed is suited to all types of living conditions and climates.
Because of their friendliness, collies are extremely good with kids.
18. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or ‘Yorkie’ as it’s more commonly known, is a wildly popular breed, especially in the United States.
They are affectionate towards their owner and are very fearless and self-assured.
However, the Yorkie is not very good with young children. They are good house dogs for families with older children who know how to care for dogs.
19. Border Collie
Border Collies are brilliant and energetic dogs known for their agility and participation in various activities.
Unlike many breeds featured here, the Border Collie is not suited for apartment living and would feel much more at home in a large yard or on a farm.
Their high energy level requires plenty of exercise, or your Border Collie is likely to get bored and have trouble.
To keep him fit and happy, the more space, the better!
Border Collies are an excellent breed for kids because of their energetic nature.
20. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises have a lot of energy in a small package.
This little guy is known for being very playful and affectionate with their people.
Because of their intelligence, they regularly compete in agility contests.
The Bichon Frise is trainable but not without some challenges.
They adapt well to most climates and are great with kids.
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21. Samoyed
Like the Siberian Husky, Samoyeds are part of the herding family and adapted to pulling a sled and toughing out the cold weather.
Regular grooming is recommended, as this is another dog with a double coat.
Samoyeds are trainable but can also be stubborn at times. Patience is required when adopting these good house dogs.
22. Pekingese
T
he Pekingese are little guys with big personalities.
They are known for their playfulness and even aggressiveness. Because of this independent tendency, training will likely be a challenge.
Formal obedience training might be the best option for these dogs.
They are adaptable to the cold weather but struggle in the hot weather.
Also, because of their occasional aggressiveness, they may not be the best option for kids.
RELATED: 35 Most Beautiful Dog Breeds in the World
23. English Setter
The English Setter is known as one of the oldest breeds around.
They are highly intelligent and affectionate, adept at hunting, pointing, and tracking.
Owners will have an easier time training this breed, although specialized commands will certainly take more time.
The English Setter is one of the rare breeds not suited for apartment living. It requires a lot of exercise to maintain its fitness. However, it is a friendly, playful breed that is excellent with kids.
24. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an energetic breed in the toy family known for its intelligence and loyalty.
Regular grooming is required for this pup, and training is difficult due to the Chin's independent nature.
These good house dogs can adapt to just about any living space, although they cannot handle extreme temperatures in terms of climate.
The Japanese Chin would not be the best option for kids unless the Chin and the children grew up together.
25. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is another herding and sledding dog known for its loyalty and protective nature.
This is another breed with a double coat, so regular brushing must keep the coat sleek and clean.
As mentioned, this is a very protective breed and makes an excellent watchdog.
As with other dogs in this family, Elkhounds thrive in the winter but wilt a bit in the summer, although they adapt well to most living situations.
RELATED: 6 Cool and Popular Norwegian Dog Breeds You Should Meet
26. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular breeds around today.
Highly intelligent and charismatic, these little bundles of energy make great pets.
However, it is important to know that they can also be stubborn and difficult to train.
New owners should consider professional obedience training.
Jack Russell Terriers adapt to most living conditions and most weather, but because of their high energy, they need a lot of exercise.
They are excellent companions for children.
27. Pointer
Highly trainable and loyal, Pointers participate in many activities such as tracking, pointing, and hunting.
This breed does not do well in apartment conditions and needs a large yard or plenty of land to run around in.
Pointers adapt reasonably well to all types of climates, and they are extremely good with kids.
These good house dogs enjoy spending time with their families, but don't mind being alone.
28. Greyhound
The Greyhound is known for its gentleness and intelligence.
It is highly talented and has participated in such activities as hunting, agility, and racing. Training this breed should be relatively easy.
The Greyhound can adapt to just about any living condition with plenty of exercise.
It can adapt to most climates but cannot tolerate extreme temperatures.
29. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier, or pit bull, is a popular breed known for its loyalty and intelligence in the United States.
Easily trainable, the pit bull adapts relatively well to most living conditions.
However, adequate exercise is required for this particular breed.
RELATED: The Truth About Pit Bulls: 23 Pit Bull Facts That Will Change Your Perception of This Amazing Breed
30. Bulldog
Known for its stocky, muscular build, the Bulldog is among the most popular family pet breeds.
This breed is extremely loyal to its owner and has historically formed strong bonds with children in the family.
English Bulldogs are great for potential pet parents looking for a more sedentary breed.
Your Bulldog will enjoy brief walks throughout the day, but he won't be bugging you for exercise and activity all day.
This breed loves lounging.
Honorable Mentions
While the breeds on the list are great options for family or house dogs, they are not the only good choices.
If you don’t see any breed that catches your eye above, consider these honorable mentions that are also good house dogs and perfect for families!
- Alaskan Malamute
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Borzoi
- Boston Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Cairn Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Golden Retriever
- Havanese
- Irish Setter
- Maltese
- Newfoundland
- Papillon
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Shiba Inu
- Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier
- St. Bernard
- Toy Poodle
- Vizsla
- West Highland Terrier
FAQs Related to Good House Dogs Perfect for Families
What is the best low-maintenance family dog?
If you want a low-maintenance family dog, consider a Dachshund, Greyhound, Pug, Chihuahua, Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Shiba Inu, or Bullmastiff.
What is the easiest dog to take care of?
For most people, the easiest dogs to take care of are well-trained.
The easiest breeds to train include German Shepherds, Border Collies, Poodles, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Papillons.
What is the best family dog in Australia?
The best family dogs in Australia are similar to those in other countries.
They can include Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Beagles, St. Bernards, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Jack Russell Terriers.
Good House Dogs: Before You Go…
This list is basically just a starting point for you to decide which good house dog would be perfect for your family!
Every dog breed can be the best for a home if properly trained and cared for!
Which dog on this list caught your interest? Please let us know!
You can also check out our recommended articles listed below!
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