Family Friendly Dogs

The bearded collie is a medium-sized herding breed from Scotland with a sturdy body, floppy ears, and bearded facial hair that's part of a coarse, shaggy coat. Affectionately referred to as "beardies," these collies are highly energetic, intelligent working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep in Scotland.

The English springer spaniel is a sturdy and handsome medium-sized sporting dog breed from England with a medium-length coat in a variety of colors. Known for its big and expressive saucer eyes, long floppy ears, and feathered features, this spaniel is loving and eager to please. The English springer spaniel's sweet face and personality are cherished by many happy owners.

The Gordon setter is a medium-large sporting breed from Scotland. It has a silky, medium-length double coat in black with tan markings. There’s feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, legs, and tail. And, typically, the tan is on the muzzle and throat, lower legs, eyebrows, and rear.

The Samoyed is a large Siberian working breed with pointed ears, a thick double coat, and a classic spitz tail that curls over the back. Often referred to as Sammies, these gentle dogs are easily recognizable by their thick and fluffy white fur. Samoyeds crave attention and are more than happy to put in a bit of work for their humans, be it herding, hunting, or hauling a sled.

The whippet is a dog breed quite similar to the greyhound, though smaller in size. They can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, making the whippet the fastest dog breed of its size. This sighthound is also known for its alert, friendly, and playful demeanor. The joyful whippet is a lovely and loyal companion that makes a delightful addition to almost any household.

When you think of a bulldog, you probably envision the original type: the short, stocky, flat-faced breed known as the English bulldog. However, numerous other bulldog breeds exist. Although the English bulldog remains the most well-known, several diverse breeds are part of the bulldog family.

The bichon frise is a small non-sporting dog breed with long, curly white hair that makes their dark eyes and nose pop. Many say bichons are fluffy like a cotton ball and resemble a “living stuffed animal.” These are peppy, people-oriented dogs that don’t like being left alone. One of their favorite spots will probably be snuggling in your lap.

Bulldogs can differ in color, size, and temperament; however, they are usually happy and easygoing. With proper training, they make excellent family pets due to their ability to get along well with people and other animals. Bulldogs have a whole lot of love to give. These moderately active dogs boast a quintessentially stocky build with wrinkled skin, and their coats are super soft. Want more reasons to love bulldogs? These cute faces should tell you all you need to know.

The border collie is a medium-sized dog that is very athletic, highly intelligent, and has loads of energy. They are known for their alert expression, strong and agile body, ready-to-go attitude, and strong instincts. The breed descends from the sheepdogs of the British Isles and is named after the border between England and Scotland.

Golden retrievers are a medium-sized breed with a distinctive golden coat that originated in Scotland. Known for their kind eyes and loyalty, they are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. While they were initially bred as hunting dogs in the Scottish Highlands, goldens also make excellent family dogs.

The Siberian husky is a graceful, athletic dog with high endurance and an eagerness to work. This friendly breed, originating in Northeast Asia as a sled dog, has a lively and playful personality. Though they are high-energy and sometimes intense, Siberian Huskies can be affectionate and gentle with proper care. They were brought to America through Alaska.

Known as the "little lion," the shih tzu is a small yet sturdy dog with a lush, long, double coat. Their luxurious coat matches their history as an ancient, noble breed, as does their confident, courageous demeanor. Shih tzus are beloved by toy dog enthusiasts. When well-trained and cared for, they make excellent house dogs.

French bulldogs, renowned for their short stature, charming grins, and bat-like ears, have rapidly gained popularity in the United States, soaring from the 76th to the fourth most popular breed over just 20 years.

The Dalmatian is a sleek and medium-sized short-haired dog that is affectionate, very athletic, highly intelligent, and energetic. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and well-suited for work or companionship.

The Finnish spitz is a medium-sized, non-sporting dog breed from Finland with a double coat, pointed ears, and a signature spitz tail that curls upward over the back. Affectionately called "Finkies," these dogs are animated, intelligent, and friendly. They make great additions to active families, as they're energetic, kid-friendly, and protective of their packs.

The American bulldog is a large non-sporting breed from the United States with a sturdy body, broad head, muscular shoulders, and a longer face than other popular types of bulldogs. They are descendants of the English bulldog. This stocky, strong dog is also an affectionate and protective pet, and their love of children makes them a great choice for families. Despite their large size, the American bulldog often thinks they belong in your lap.

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized French hound breed known for its floppy ears, short legs, long nose, wrinkly skin, and short coat. One of the most popular hound dogs, Bassets are second only to Bloodhounds when it comes to their powerful sense of smell and tracking ability. This breed is easily identifiable thanks to its velvety ears, but it also stands out for its signature bay and charming, unique character.

Miniature dachshunds are a small hound dog breed from Germany. They have a long, low body and can have short, wirehaired, or longhaired coats. These dogs are a smaller version of the dachshund dog breed, with mini dachshunds usually weighing 11 pounds or less, while standard dachshunds weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. Known for being spunky and playful, they are excellent little watchdogs.

The beagle is a recognizable medium-sized dog breed, famous for its large, expressive eyes, floppy ears, and upright, white-tipped tail. It has a short, tricolored coat typically dominated by white and shades of brown.

Native to England, miniature bull terriers (or MBTs) are compact dogs with triangular eyes, egg-shaped heads, stout builds, short fur, and larger-than-life personalities. Part of the terrier family, this breed has tenacity but is teeming with affection and antics. Their demeanor and appearance are largely similar to the standard bull terrier—but make no mistake about it, the MBT is a breed all its own with a devoted "egghead" following.

The Australian shepherd dog, or Aussie, is a medium-sized herding dog with medium-length fur and an agile, athletic build. The breed's ancestors came to the U.S. from Europe by way of Australia, hence the name.

The bull terrier is a medium-to-large dog breed from England that has a short, smooth coat and a unique “egg-shaped” head. Their ears are small and pointed, and their eyes also are small with a triangular shape. Overall, these dogs have a solid, muscular build. They reach a height of 21 to 22 inches and weigh around 50 to 70 pounds.

The American pit bull terrier is a medium-sized terrier dog breed native to the United States with a short coat, well-muscled body, and big smile.

The Irish terrier is a medium-sized dog breed developed in Ireland, known for their alert and rectangular body, erect tail, wiry reddish coat, and V-shaped ears that fold in half and flop forward. Old Irish manuscripts stated that the Irish terrier was the "poor man’s sentinel, the farmer’s friend, and the gentleman’s favorite."

The pug is an instantly recognizable and incredibly lovable dog who's popular for good reason—but some pug mixes are just as popular. A few popular pug mixes include the chug, puggle, and bugg. We talked with Amy Attas, DVM, and author of Pets and the City, on what potential pet parents can expect from a pug mix.

Puggles are a cross of the pug and beagle dog breeds. This small dog breed is popular as a companion to families and individuals alike; they tend to be loving pups with a bit of a stubborn streak. Of course, every Puggle has a unique personality. You never know which parent breed they’ll take after the most.

The golden retriever is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States, inevitably leading to various hybrid breeds and countless combinations of possible characteristics. However, it’s important to note that each dog is unique, and mixed breeds may have even more variability in their appearance and temperament.

The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized herding dog breed from Wales with signature short legs, a water-resistant double coat, pointed ears, and a long tail. Lesser-known than its cousin, the tailless Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the Cardigan breed is full of fun antics. These dogs are adaptable, utterly devoted to their family, and ready to do anything you'd like—just as long as you’re together.

The Old English sheepdog is the original “shaggy dog," a large and athletic breed known for its fluffy coat. Underneath it, however, this affectionate dog is all muscle because they emerged from early types of herding dogs in England, where they historically helped farmers drive cattle and sheep to market.

The Shetland sheepdog, or Sheltie, is a small herding dog breed from Scotland with a long, straight, thick coat that comes in a variety of shades. Shelties look like a miniature version of the rough collie. They have upright ears that slightly bend over, an alert expression, a low tail, and an agile build. Bred to herd livestock, Shelties are quite intelligent and athletic. They also can be very loving and loyal companions.

The collie is a medium-large herding dog breed from the United Kingdom whose coat comes in two varieties: smooth (short) and rough (long). The dog has a wedge-shaped head with a long nose, almond-shaped eyes, and upright ears that slightly fold over. Many people recognize this breed thanks to the popularity of Lassie, a rough coat collie. And like Lassie, collies are known for being devoted companions that are quite in tune with their owners.

The Polish Lowland sheepdog—or PON, short for its Polish breed name Polski Owczarek Nizinny—is a popular Polish watchdog and livestock herder with a stocky build and thick, shaggy double-coat. Tenacious, lively, and confident, the PON needs a dedicated owner willing to deal with their stubborn training temperament and high-maintenance fur. Still, if you power through and give them the training, exercise, and grooming they need, they’ll be a fantastic companion and reliable worker suitable for many different homes.

The Pembroke Welsh corgi is a small- to medium-sized herding dog of short stature and sturdy build. Known for their low-set body, large erect ears, and stubby tail, the Pembroke also has a reputation for being a wonderful companion. Pembroke Welsh corgis are achondroplastic, a dwarf breed with shortened legs. They are the shortest breed of the herding dog group.

The American cocker spaniel is a small sporting dog breed from the United States that has a long, silky coat; big, expressive eyes; and long, furry ears. In the U.S., this breed typically is just referred to as the cocker spaniel. But, outside of the U.S., it’s known as the American cocker spaniel to differentiate it from its close cousin, the English cocker spaniel. The American cocker is the smallest breed in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting group. It was bred to hunt but also to be a loving family companion.

The English setter is a medium-sized dog, though on the larger side, and originally developed in the United Kingdom for their crouching, pointing, and retrieving skills when accompanying hunters. Also called “the moderate setter,” this dog is known for their well-feathered underbelly, tail, legs, chest, and ears, as well as their speckled coat pattern called belton.

The German shorthaired pointer (or GSP) is a medium-to-large sporting breed native to Germany with a slim build, floppy ears, and signature liver brown colors on a short coat. Athletic, smart, and friendly—sounds like a recipe for popularity, doesn’t it?

The Brittany spaniel is a medium-sized sporting breed developed in France with a dense white and orange coat. Bred as a stylish bird-hunting dog the Brittany is an agile gundog enjoyed on both sides of the Atlantic. Bird dog lovers and families alike appreciate the “softness” of the Brittany’s face and their high-set ears, as well as their high energy level and eagerness to please.

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized ancient working dog breed from Northern Italy with wooly, curly fur. They are prized for truffle hunting skills, but they can also make relatively laid-back and affectionate companions around the home.

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever (often shortened simply to toller) is a medium-sized sporting dog from Canada with golden-red fur, floppy ears, an athletic body, and a waterproof double coat. Originally called Little River Duck Dogs, these cheerful canines love water and dog sport training as much as they love their families.

The English cocker spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog from England with floppy ears, a sturdy body, and soft, silky fur that feathers on the ears, legs, and torso. This breed is a devoted companion, happy both engaging in rigorous activity and enjoying family life.

The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a long history originating in Hungary. This dog is muscular with a smooth, dense coat in shades of russet. Known for their pointing and retrieving skills, they were prized and versatile hunters, often mistaken for pointers or Weimaraners because they are both part of the sporting group and have physical similarities.

The Weimaraner is a striking and athletic dog breed from Germany, known for its steel gray coat, large floppy ears, and soulful eyes typically seen in a shade of blue. Their features are reminiscent of a bloodhound. Bred initially as a sportsman's companion to hunt deer, bears, and wolves, the Weimaraner—also called 'Weim' or the 'gray ghost'—is a versatile breed that thrives on both the hunting field and as a cherished family member.

The wirehaired vizsla is a medium-size sporting dog breed from Hungary that has a short, wiry coat with a longer beard and eyebrows. It is a close relative of the smooth-coat vizsla but is a bit hardier—largely thanks to its thick, protective coat. These dogs are generally lively but gentle, and they are strong athletes. They are comfortable on land and in water.

The Labrador retriever is a medium to large dog breed with a short coat and sturdy physique that's a member of the sporting group and originated in Newfoundland and the U.K. Labs are known for their intelligence, fine character, and good temperament. Although they were bred to be hunting dogs, they're also excellent companions.

Handsome, athletic, goofy: these are the three adjectives we would use to describe Labrador retrievers. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof, and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia.

The shih tzu–poodle mix, often referred to as a shih-poo, is a hybrid breed created by crossing the shih tzu with a poodle. The two smaller poodle varieties—toy and miniature poodles—are used to cross with the shih tzu, which is also a small breed. Standard poodles are not crossbred with shih tzu because mixing very large breeds with small breeds is a risky practice that can result in complications with the mother or puppies. With any crossbreed or mixed breed, physical traits and personality are highly variable, and each puppy or dog is an individual. Shih tzu–poodle mixes are generally small, weighing between 7 and 20 pounds on average, but other physical characteristics may vary wildly.

Due to their super sweet personalities, serious smarts, and adorable, toothy grins, golden retrievers are a hugely popular breed in the United States. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years!

The Boston terrier is a small non-sporting dog breed from the United States bred to serve as a companion dog. Nicknamed the "American Gentleman," these well-mannered, bright, affectionate canines make wonderful four-legged friends and family dogs. Boston terriers have a short, smooth black and white coat that resembles a tuxedo jacket, giving them an undeniably adorable and dapper appearance.

The Irish setter is a popular medium-to-large dog breed for families and sporting enthusiasts alike. Originally bred for bird hunting, Irish setters have become prized for their beauty, friendliness, and work ethic. They adapt well to life with children and other pets but do have a natural prey drive, so you’ll need to watch them with small animals.

The dachshund (pronounced dahks-hund) is an energetic and lovable small dog breed from Germany. It is known for its varied coat textures and colors, short legs, floppy ears, and prominent chest.

The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog from England known for their trademark gloomy face, wide shoulders, and endearing rolling gait. This is quite possibly one of the most recognized breeds in the world.

The French bulldog (Frenchie) is a small, muscular dog with their trademark bat-like ears. Along with their adorable looks, Frenchies are lively, lovable, and playful companions. It's no wonder they became the most popular dog breed in the United States.

The Great Pyrenees was historically used as a flock guardian, watching over and protecting sheep from any threats, including theft and predators. The breed is still used in this capacity today, though the most important job of many Great Pyrenees is that of a beloved family companion. With family, Great Pyrenees are exceptionally devoted and protective, something that extends to both humans and other animals in the family “pack”.

The Saint Bernard is a giant working dog breed from Switzerland with a short- to medium-length coat that typically comes in shades of brown and white with black around the face. There are smooth and rough coat varieties, with the smooth coat being close to the body and the rough coat being denser and longer around the neck and legs.

The Portuguese water dog is a medium-sized breed from Portugal known for its floppy ears and curly fur. These intelligent, energetic dogs have low-allergen coats, making them excellent pets for active owners with allergies. Portuguese Water Dogs are working dogs that quickly acquire training and obedience skills, making them great family pets and loving, friendly companions.

The Leonberger, or Leo, is a thick-coated giant dog with a hard-working spirit and a gentle disposition that hails from the city in Germany after which they were named. This breed is a mix of three large working dog breeds: the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Pyrenees.

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and is often referred to as the Apollo of Dogs. This working breed from Germany was originally bred for hunting wild boar. They are characterized by their tall stature, large head and muzzle, long limbs, narrow body, and short fur.

The Bernese mountain dog, affectionately called “Berner,” is a large working dog breed from Switzerland who makes a loyal, loving companion for adults, children, and other pets. Beautiful tri-colored Berners are playful and energetic but not exhausting. They’re gentle giants, and aren't as intimidating as some other large dogs, thanks to their happy expressions and generally good natures.

The boxer dog loves their humans more than anything—and that definitely includes children. This makes them a great family dog. Boxers are misunderstood because of their muscular frame and dark eyes, which make them look serious. However, they’re actually large goofballs that are sweet and playful.

The Newfoundland dog is a giant breed with a hardworking and gentle disposition. Often called the Newfie, the breed is intelligent, sweet, and very loyal. They make for affectionate companions, and they naturally take to work in water rescue and other jobs. These dogs were bred for life on the water with a thick coat to insulate them and webbed paws for swimming.

The Great Pyrenees is a majestic, large-size working dog breed from France with a typically white double coat. This dog is known for a hard-working spirit and a sweet disposition, as well as a massive, muscular stature. They were bred for guarding livestock, and can weigh over 100 pounds.

The English Labrador retriever is a medium-large sporting dog breed from the United Kingdom with a short, dense, water-repellent double coat that comes in black, yellow, or chocolate. The English Lab is technically the same breed as the American Lab, but the American version is slightly lankier.

Doug the Pug is one of the most famous pets on the internet. Even if you don’t follow Doug on Instagram or Facebook, you’ve likely seen him in celebrity photos, music videos, and award shows. The pug from Nashville, TN, first became popular on Instagram because of the adorable photos his owner posts of him in precarious situations. Doug now has 4 million followers from across the globe.

The pug is a small dog breed from China with a short, smooth coat in black or fawn, a short snout, a wrinkled face, and a curled tail. They are sturdy little dogs that pack in a lot of personality. Pugs are sweet and good-natured with a little bit of spunk. They are adaptable little dogs and do well in many different living situations, including homes with kids, older adults, and other pets, in the city or the country.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is one of the largest and most popular toy dog breeds, often called the perfect lap dog. This affectionate, active, and family-friendly dog is known for its silky, wavy coat, short legs, floppy ears, and distinctive feathered features. Although only officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995, they have a long, noble, and royal lineage.

The Havanese is a toy breed and the national dog of Cuba. Their playful, affectionate personalities accompany good-natured temperaments and intelligence, making them lovely family dogs. Plus, they're quite cute, with round faces and floppy ears.