Choosinga family dog can be as stressful as it is fun. But there are certainbreeds that were made to take care of kids and will tirelesslyprotect your family as much as it will love them. Here are the bestbreeds to take home.
1.Golden Retriever
Thisfriendly and sociable all-American favorite is probably the mostcommon family dog, and one of the sweetest breeds around, bondingquickly with family members. While most dogs in the retriever familyhave these qualities, these guys are some of the most impressiveathletes – they love swimming, running, fetching and playing. Theyadore companionship and are perfect for active days with the kids

2.Newfoundland
Thisslobber monster isn’t just one of the cutest dogs around, it’soften referred to as “nature’s babysitter” and can be yours aswell! As huge as they are, they’re very gentle, watchful, patientand love kids. Infants and grandparents alike will find it hard notto totally fall head over heels for this pup who can double as yournanny. Space is essential with this dog, as it can weigh up to awhopping 150 pounds, and that fluff is no joke.

3. Bull Terrier
BullTerriers and pitbulls often get a bad rep for being scary oraggressive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If this isso, that just means the dog was abused in some way or another. Theseloyal dogs are the ultimate companions and have a high threshold forpain, making it perfect for unruly children. They will fiercelyprotect your kids, and also tolerate ear-pulling and othermischievous behavior with a toothy smile on they face.

4.Boxer
Thisis another dog that gets a bad reputation for being a former fighterdog, but that’s yet another myth. when taken care of and nurtured,these boxers won’t just protect and love your kids, they’ll bethe new comedians of the family. Filled with upbeat charisma andgoofy sweetness, when trained right, these little guys will be yourfearless protectors as well as a provider of laughs. They’re alsoshort haired and quite easy to maintain.

5.Basset Hound
Theselow-bellied hot dogs are part of the hunting family, and a renownedfamily pet. Although they’re genetically hinters, they’re quiteslow paced and lazy, but they’re equally loyal. Along with beinggentle and very affectionate, they can be a bit stubborn and takesome time to train, so if you’re extremely busy, this might not bethe best choice. They usually weight around 50-60 pounds, making themgood for smaller apartments.

6.Shih Tzu
Tinydog lovers will fawn over this furry and friendly creature.Appropriate for kids of all age, Shih Tzu’s don’t need as much energyas other breeds and are a steadfast companion that loves being closeto their owners at all time. Ideal for city dwellers living inconfined spaces, or those with small children and busy schedules.

7.Mixed breed
Morecommonly referred to as mutts, these dogs are often left behind inshelters due to their cross breeding, as many people prefer purebreddogs. However, these dogs are crying out for love and are less highmaintenance than a lot of pure breeds. They also aren’t as prone tothe genetic health condition that pedigree dogs commonly face, whichcan rack up a hefty veterinary bill.

8.Beagle
Thisfloppy eared little cuties are known for their curious nature andtheir love for roaming. Their favorite thing is companionship, andthey adjust well to living with families, even if other pets are inthe household. This is a good choice for active families that don’tleave their pup alone at home for long periods. If you do, it mayhowl excessively and cause some house destruction.

9.Rhodesian Ridgeback
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of embracing a huge but gentle dog, and anyone who is familiar with the Rhodesian Ridgeback will immediately understand. These noble but lazy dogs don’t bark often, but are very protective over their family and make fiercely loyal guard dogs.