Dogs, as they say, are man's best friends. There are a number of dog breeds and choosing one as a pet can be confusing. Choosing a pet dog needs a lot of factors to be considered like size, looks, loyalty, maintenance of the dog, etc. Some dogs are cute ones while some are stud type. Many of them can be well trained and can be good family dogs. Specially when you have small children you need to take extra efforts while choosing a good dog for your family. Because some dogs may not be good with children and your kid may get harmed. The dog should also adjust well, to the lifestyle your family follows. Dogs love being outdoors, so the place where you live whether an apartment or a bungalow may also affect the selection of the dog. You should have enough spare time for playing with it, dog grooming, taking it for a walk and many more. Thus there are number of things that should be taken into account before owning a dog as a pet. Now let us take a look at some of the popular dogs that make good family pets.

Labrador Retriever
This dog breed is one of the top ranked family dog, known for its loyalty and being good with children. This dog is a hunting dog and a great athlete. The dog makes an active family dog that loves sport. The dog devotes itself to the family and loves being with kids. However, you need to train the dog well, else the dog may turn into a robust and an overactive dog. But, when well-trained, it is the best family dog that adjusts well with other pets at your home like cats. Labrador Retrievers show puppy like conduct until they turn three and grow very big in size. They need brushing once in a week and bathing once in month or when they stink.

Shih Tzu
These Tibetan breeds make intelligent, small, royal, loyal and good dogs for family. They are very small in size with long/short silky hair. These dogs have different colors and are cute dogs known as royal dogs. Shih Tzu is a very affectionate dog and hence is one of the best family dog breeds. This ancient breed of dogs is also known for being great with both children and elder family members. They require less exercise and frequent brushing to prevent tangle formation in their silky hair. In the year 2008, this dog was amongst the top ten dog breeds.

Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a bear like dog, that is a center of attention in the crowd. They are the best dogs, if you have small children. They grow big in size and have long hair such that they look like bears. The dog has a very friendly approach towards small children and hence children enjoy being with them. Even if you have babies you should go for this natural swimmer. The dog will be protective to your child and you just won't have to worry when your child is with this great family dog. Many a time, it is known as a family protector. They do not get irritated soon and may drool sometimes due to large lower jaw.

Border Collie
After watching the popularly TV series, movie on Lessie, that was a Collie, every one would like to have a family dog like it. In olden times, this dog breed was given charge of guarding flocks of sheep. This dog breed is patient, intelligent and is one of the best family pet dogs. This dog is gentle with children and is very optimistic at tough situations. Their stubborn nature can be a bit problematic, when your child is trying to train it. It has long silky coat, that needs regular brushing. It is faithful to its master and has a pleasant beautiful look.

The list of good family dogs is endless and above listed are some of the famous dog breeds people adopt. Some other breeds that are good family dogs are as follows:
  • Poodles
  • Pug
  • Bulldog
  • Boxer Dogs
  • Boston Terrier
  • Pomeranian
  • Golden Retriever
  • Basset Hound
  • Airedale
  • Keeshond
Choosing the best dog for your family can be tough with such a broad array of breeds. Every dog has different requirements and you need to choose the one that will fulfill your needs also. Visit a nearby pet store and get the dog for your family.