Let’s be honest. You’ve been thinking about getting a dog for a while now, haven’t you? Your kids will ask you a million times a day about dogs. Your golden retriever neighbor melts you every time you see them on their walk in the morning. You know a dog would be good for the entire family.
As a busy mom with no spare hours in her week, you don’t want a dog that requires three hours of exercise daily or one that will chew on your furniture. You don’t want one that barks at every passing car.
The good news is that most dogs you consider won’t require any of those behaviors. Some dog breeds are simply designed for the family, with the ability to take care of a chaotic household and love the family to death.
Here’s a roundup of some of the best dog breeds for families with busy moms – ranked according to need and suitability to busy moms and their lives.
Labrador Retriever
If you ask me, the breed that comes out on top in every single “best family dog” list is the Labrador Retriever — and for very good reasons. Labs are the gentlest of breeds, they get along with children of all ages, they sit through tea parties with your five-year-old and play fetch with your twelve-year-old in the backyard.
They are also trained easily — perfect for moms who don’t have time for obedience school. Labs can learn fast and have a happy temperament that makes them the perfect pet to live with.
They do shed (fair warning) and need daily exercise (though not as neurotic as some breeds about it — they adapt easily to a busy schedule).
Good for: Families with kids of all ages, first-time dog owners, homes with yards
Energy level: Medium-high, but manageable
Grooming: Low-maintenance coat, regular brushing helps with shedding
Golden Retriever
They’re basically the Labrador’s equally loveable cousin. The gentle, patient and affectionate nature of Golden Retrievers is well known, and makes them the perfect family pet.
Unlike the more independent Labrador, Golden Retrievers have an almost intuitive emotional sensitivity. They’re great for children having a hard day, and have a calmer indoor demeanour than Labs. Busy mums will appreciate their emotional intelligence.
The trade-off is the coat! You need to brush them more regularly than Labs, and they shed a lot. If you’re not ready to make peace with Golden Retriever fur all over the house, this dog’s not for you!
Good for: Emotionally sensitive kids, families who want an affectionate, cuddly dog
Energy level: Medium
Grooming: Moderate — regular brushing is a must
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you live in an apartment or a home without a big yard, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is your answer. These little dogs will be gentle companions that like to sit on the couch next to you.
These breeds are typically great with children and other pets. They do not require too much exercise. Cavaliers tend to be one of the few small breeds that do not get yappy and anxious around other pets in the home.
Good for: Apartment living, families with gentle or younger children, quieter households Energy level: Low to medium
Grooming: Moderate — their silky ears need regular attention
Beagle
Beagles are cheerful, curious little dogs with a lot of personality packed into a compact frame. They’re sturdy enough to handle rough-and-tumble play with kids, friendly enough to charm every person they meet, and small enough that they don’t take up the entire backseat on road trips.
The one thing to know about Beagles is that they’re scent hounds — meaning their nose can get them into trouble if they catch an interesting smell. A securely fenced yard is important, and recall training takes patience. They can also be vocal (read: howl-y), so if you live in close quarters with neighbors, keep that in mind.
But for an active family that wants a fun, funny, loyal little companion? A Beagle is hard to beat.
Good for: Active families, kids who love playing outdoors, homes with fenced yards Energy level: Medium-high Grooming: Very low maintenance
Poodle (or Doodle Mixes)
If anyone in the family has allergies, the conversation will likely start and end with Poodles. Poodles have one of the least sheddy coats out there, and they are some of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
There are three different sizes of Poodles, which allows for people to choose the breed that best suits their living space. The standard Poodle, for instance, is the most common size and is still playful and athletic, but also gets along with young children. While Poodles require some mental stimulation to keep them satisfied, such activities are among the activities that can be performed with young children.
Furthermore, the popularity of Doodle dogs (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Cavoodles, etc.) means that these desirable traits are even more accessible to allergy-free families looking for a loving dog companion. Note that the coat of Doodle dogs can be of any texture, though.
Good for: Families with allergies, homes that love a smart, trainable dog
Energy level: Medium to high (varies by size)
Grooming: Regular grooming appointments needed — their coats don’t shed but do grow
Bichon Frise
Don’t let the fancy name fool you – the Bichon Frise is a cheery and adaptable dog that does fit well into a busy family dynamic. Bichons are small dogs with gentle dispositions and a naturally playful nature, making them excellent companions for young children.
Similar to Poodles, Bichons have very low shedding which is ideal for individuals with allergies or those who do not want to vacuum their homes twice a day. They are not a dog breed that requires a great deal of exercise, though they will enjoy some play sessions with their owners. Bichons are happy dogs; you will rarely encounter a grumpy Bichon.
Good for: Smaller homes, families with younger children, allergy-sufferers
Energy level: Low to medium
Grooming: Moderate — regular trimming keeps their coat manageable
So Which Dog Is Right for Your Family?
There’s no single best dog breed out there. But there is a perfect breed for you — it all depends on your lifestyle and what kind of companion you’re ready to take on.
For example, if you want a classic dog breed that loves kids and is easy to train, then the Labrador Retriever is the best breed for your backyard. Labs have proven time and time again that they are the ultimate family dog — and most families wonder how they ever lived without one in their home.
Regardless of the breed you choose, take the time to research and find a reputable source for your new dog companion. If you’re looking for a Labrador, check out PetsForHomes. Your perfect dog is waiting for you — and they’ll be worth every single dog hair on your couch.
