Choosing a family dog is an important decision, especially when you have children. A dog can be a wonderful addition to any family, offering companionship, love, and valuable life lessons for kids. However, not all dog breeds are ideal for households with young ones. When looking for the best family dogs that are good with kids, it’s key to look for breeds known for their gentle nature, patience, and ability to bond with children. Here are the 17 best family dogs that are great with kids:

1. Labrador Retriever: Known for their kindness and patience, Labs are great with kids and are also eager to please, making them easy to train.

2. Golden Retriever: Similar to Labs, Golden Retrievers have a friendly demeanor and are incredibly loyal to their families.

3. Beagle: These small to medium-sized dogs are affectionate and full of energy which makes them a perfect playmate for active kids.

4. Boxer: Boxers are playful and have a protective instinct, which can be reassuring for parents with young children.

5. Bulldog: Bulldogs are sturdy dogs who can handle rough play but they’re also known for their gentle disposition.

6. Newfoundland: This breed is known as the “nanny dog” because they are so good with children. They’re patient, gentle, and protective.

7. Collie: Made famous by the television show “Lassie,” Collies are both smart and gentle – excellent traits in a family pet.

8. Irish Setter: Known for their red coat and high energy, Irish Setters are fun-loving dogs that love being part of a family’s activities.

9. Poodle: Highly intelligent and hypoallergenic, Poodles come in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) and get along well with children.

10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These dogs might be small in size but they’re big on affection, making them great companions for kids.

11. Boston Terrier: Boston Terriers have friendly personalities; they’re also compact in size which makes them suitable for both houses and apartments.

12. Bernese Mountain Dog: These gentle giants love the outdoors and are fantastic companions for adventurous kids.

13. Pug: With their comic appearance and fun-loving personality; pugs can be perfect little clowns who entertain children.

14. Bichon Frise: Small but sturdy, Bichons have a cheerful disposition and love to play — all great qualities in a kid-friendly pet.

15. Vizsla: This breed forms strong bonds with family members and is both affectionate and energetic.

16. American Staffordshire Terrier: Contrary to some misconceptions, well-bred ‘Amstaffs’ or ‘Staffies’ can be wonderfully friendly pets when raised properly alongside children.

17. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: Wheatens have a friendly demeanor matched with an infectious enthusiasm that makes them delightful companions for youngsters.

When selecting the ideal dog breed for your family, consider your living situation, the dog’s energy level, size, grooming needs, temperament, and how much time you can dedicate to training your new pet. Remember that individual dogs vary within any breed – temperament tests or spending time with a specific dog before making your decision can help ensure you find the right match for your family dynamics.