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Best family dog breeds
Each breed here earns the American Kennel Club's top rating, 5 of 5, for being good with young children and good with other dogs.
The table sets AKC's energy rating beside weight and life expectancy for each of the five.
Family dog breeds for families with children
Labrador Retriever
Labs are friendly, outgoing and high-spirited, with enough affection to go around for a family. Energy rates 5 of 5, so daily exercise is not optional.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is an exuberant Scottish gundog with an endearing love of life. It also works as a guide for the blind and in search and rescue.
Keeshond
The amiable Keeshond is a medium spitz dog with spectacle markings around its eyes. It is friendly, lively and outgoing.
Shetland Sheepdog
A small herding dog that is extremely intelligent, quick and obedient. At 15 to 25 pounds it is the smallest of the five.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland earned a reputation as a patient and watchful nanny dog for kids. At up to 150 pounds it is the largest here, with the shortest life expectancy.
AKC energy, weight and life expectancy
| Breed | AKC energy rating | Weight | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 5 of 5 | 65 to 80 pounds male, 55 to 70 pounds female | 11 to 13 years |
| Golden Retriever | 3 of 5 | 65 to 75 pounds male, 55 to 65 pounds female | 10 to 12 years |
| Keeshond | 4 of 5 | 35 to 45 pounds | 12 to 15 years |
| Shetland Sheepdog | 4 of 5 | 15 to 25 pounds | 12 to 14 years |
| Newfoundland | 3 of 5 | 130 to 150 pounds male, 100 to 120 pounds female | 9 to 10 years |