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Family dog breeds

Are you looking for a friendly and gentle playmate for the kids? Family-friendly dog breeds have been steadfastly loving and caring for their human pack for generations, and today there more choices than ever when it comes to choosing the right breed for your family.

To make it easy for you, we have put together a list of family dog breeds in Australia that are regarded as suitable for children of all ages. We’ve excluded many of the tiniest breeds as they are just too fragile for young kids to play with, as well as the very big breeds which can accidently knock over and injure small children. However, many of the breeds we haven’t included may be well-suited to families with older kids.

Before bringing a new member into your family, it’s important to do your research and make sure they are a good match for your lifestyle. Learn more about each breed’s history, temperament, common breed diseases and conditions and lots of other interesting facts to guide you to choose the right family dog for you and your family!

If you’re interested in looking at the most popular breeds for families, see Top 10 Dog Breeds For Families.

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Australian Cobberdog

Australian Cobberdogs are loving and highly intelligent dogs that descend from the original Labradoodles. They work as therapy and assistance dogs.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a medium-sized domesticated dog with short, muscular legs and a pair of long drooping ears.

Beagle

Beagles are famously gentle, even-tempered small to medium size dogs that are very popular with families. They are very social, love kids and make great companions.

Beaglier

Beagliers are cute, smart and energetic small to medium size dogs that are ideal for families with kids. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful, and affectionate dogs with a fluffy white coat. They are intelligent, quick to learn, love attention and thrive when included in family activities.

Border Terrier

Border Terriers are good natured and energetic small sized dogs that love to hunt and dig. They have a have a scruffy, wiry coat that gives them a cute, ‘junkyard dog’ appearance.

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers are compact, intelligent, and lively dogs with a distinctive tuxedo-patterned coat and an expressive face that makes them instantly recognisable.

Boxer

Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular body and a broad, flattish face. Known as the clown of the canine world, they are happy, loyal and trustworthy family protectors.

British Bulldog

British Bulldogs are distinctive looking dogs with a gentle and sensitive nature. They are good with kids and make great family companions.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terriers are cute, scruffy looking small size dogs with loads of energy and personality. Best known as the dog in The Wizard of Oz, they love being part of the family and being busy and active.

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Cardigan Welsh Corgis, affectionately known as ‘Cardis’, are named for Cardiganshire in southwest Wales, an area of rough, rocky terrain and they were bred to work with farmers to herd cattle and guard the farm.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are toy dogs with a kind and loving nature. They are wonderful companions and are very popular with families and the elderly.

Cavoodle

Cavoodles are cute, smart and energetic small to medium size dogs that are very popular with families. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions.

Chinese Crested Dog

Chinese Crested Dogs, known for their unique appearance, are small sized, affectionate, lively. They thrive in family environments and are ideal for owners who value close bonds with their pets.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, loyal and energetic medium-sized dogs with distinctively large ears. Great with children, the elderly and other pets, they make fantastic family dogs.

Collie (Rough)

Rough Collies, also known as Long-Haired Collies, are a medium-large sized dog that were originally bred for herding.

English Pointer

The English Pointer (or simply “Pointer”) is a large breed of dog originally bred as a gun dog. They are one of the oldest breeds in England, dating back over 3 centuries.

Field Spaniel

Affectionately called the ‘Field’, she bears a familial resemblance to Cocker, Springer, and Sussex Spaniels. She has a well-balanced, upright carriage, a docile, unassuming attitude and an intelligent expression.

French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are cute and energetic small to medium size dogs that are very popular due to their unique appearance and clownish, good-spirited behaviour.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are smart and friendly large-sized dogs that are very popular with families. They are highly trainable, love people and make great companions.

Groodle

Groodles are intelligent and energetic large sized dogs that are very popular with families. They are highly trainable, love being involved with people and make great companions.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small toy breed of domesticated dog. It has a thick coat of either long and straight or curly fur, ears that droop to the side of its face, and a great deal of personality.

Irish Terrier

The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized dog and one of the oldest breeds of terrier. This handsome bearded dog is active and adaptable, suitable for life both in the country and in the city.

Keeshond

The Keeshond, or ‘Kees’ to those on more affectionate terms with the breed, is a beautiful, eye-catching dog that is most recognisable by its long, heavy coat.
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