Top 6 Family-Friendly Dog Breeds Based On A Vet’s Recommendation
Modern Parenting recently interviewed veterinarian and first-time mom, Dr. Karina Bernert, on the top family-friendly dog breeds!
When it comes to finding the perfect canine companion for your family, certain dog breeds stand out for their friendly and sociable nature. These dog breeds possess a natural affinity for children. Moreover, they adapt well to the dynamics of a busy household. They also provide unconditional love and loyalty and exhibit patience, gentleness, and an innate ability to get along with everyone. If you’re looking to expand the family with a furry friend, we recently interviewed licensed veterinarian and first-time mom, Dr. Karina Bernert, on the top family-friendly dog breeds.
![Dr. Karina Bernert](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Top-6-Family-Friendly-Dog-Breeds-According-to-a-Vet-1.jpg)
![Dr. Karina Bernert with her daughter and cat](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kara-Karina-and-Cissy-scaled.jpeg)
Top Family-Friendly Dog Breeds
1. Golden Retriever
First on the list is a Golden Retriever. “These dogs are known to be playful yet gentle, affectionate, intelligent, and extremely patient, even with kids,” Dr. Bernert explains. “They are easy to train, can live in any type of household with proper exercise, and tend to do well with other pets.” These attributes are the main reasons why Golden Retrievers are great for families and first-time dog owners.
![Golden Retriever](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Golden-Retriever.jpg)
2. Labrador Retriever
Just like the Golden Retriever, Labradors are loyal, friendly, even-tempered, and patient. “They are renowned for being great with children. Compared to Golden Retrievers, they tend to be more alert and are better guard dogs,” says Dr. Bernert. “This breed is big and active and requires a lot of space to live in. But generally, Labradors are considered to be low maintenance, which makes them one of the easier breeds to keep.”
![Labrador](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Labrador-Retriever.jpg)
3. Shih Tzu
“Known for being people-pleasers, loyal, and full of character, Shih Tzus form amazing bonds with their humans,” according to Dr. Bernert. “They are also especially loving of children. Because they were bred to be mainly companion dogs, they only require minimal exercise daily. As a small breed, they do well in small homes.”
![Shih Tzu](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shih-Tzu.jpg)
4. Beagle
Known as the ‘merry’ dog, the Beagle is a happy and friendly breed. And due to their energetic nature, they are a favorite among active families. “They are small, playful yet gentle which makes them great around kids!”
![Beagle](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Beagle.jpg)
5. Schnauzer
Schnauzers are versatile, bright, and friendly. They come in different sizes — miniature, standard, and giant — which make them highly adaptable to different household types. “They are also known to be very devoted to the entire family and are amazing with children. A plus is that Schnauzers shed less fur and dander. This makes them one of the safer breeds to get for those who are allergic to dogs.”
![Schnauzer](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Schnauzer.jpg)
6. Aspin
The Aspin (short for Asong Pinoy, or the Philippine Native Dog) is an intelligent, loyal, and loving dog. They are kind and lovable and get along well with children. “Aspins are protective of their family and make great guard dogs. Plus, they are low-maintenance, require only minimal to moderate exercise, and are generally healthier dogs compared to purebreds.”
![Aspin](https://modernparenting-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Aspin.jpg)
The best dog breeds for family-friendly fun!
Whether you have young children or teenagers, these family-friendly dog breeds can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of security to your home. There’s no doubt they’ll bring years of love, laughter, and cherished memories for everyone.
Read more about pets on Modern Parenting:
LuxuriPets: Puppy Love is Real
Pets are Now Allowed on LRT 2: What Fur Parents Need To Know