Dec. 3/2025

                               

20 Best Family Dogs Your Kids Will Love

By Emily Sanders. Reviewed by Kelly Gold, DVM

Updated 8/14/2024

The best dog for your family depends on your home & lifestyle, & every situation is different.

But generally speaking, good family dogs are adaptable & easy to train. They should be socialized, patient, & get along with both children & other pets. Children may also prefer playful dogs. 

Dogs that don’t shed a lot may be better suited for households with allergies. Families living in apartments or townhomes may want a quieter, calm dog that won’t bark at every passing neighbor.

Here are 20 of the best family dog breeds that could be a good fit for your home.

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Frenchies make one of the best small family dogs because of their cheerful & easygoing natures—not to mention their adorable flat faces.

While they can have a lot of health issues, these fun-loving pups are highly affectionate & one of the best dogs for kids because they love playing with children & other pets.

2. Labrador Retriever

Whether black, chocolate, or yellow, a Labrador Retriever makes a great family dog.

Labs are naturally affectionate toward family & strangers alike, & their high intelligence means they love learning new tricks. Labs especially enjoy swimming & are ideal pets for families that enjoy spending time around water.

3. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another of the best family dogs & most popular breeds. This beautiful, friendly dog breed is known for their eagerness to please & loving nature.

Goldens also don’t tend to bark much when well-exercised, mentally stimulated, & trained. So, they won’t annoy your neighbors every time the mail is delivered.

4. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are energetic & playful dogs that do best in active families where they can play, swim, & hike alongside their humans. With a sweet & intelligent temperament, Irish Setters are good companions for children who want a cheerful & rambunctious friend.

5. Pug

Behind the Pug’s smooshed face is a friendly & excitable family dog. While this small pup can be prone to bouts of high energy, they’re mostly couch potatoes that want nothing more than to lie on the couch with their humans.

Just make sure your family doesn’t mind the ever-present sound of dog snoring before bringing this breed home.

6. Beagle

Rambunctious Beagles are high-energy pups that need lots of exercise (both for their body & their brain). They also need lots of supervision, as the Beagle’s keen sense of smell can lead them into mischief.

But these happy pups thrive under the care of active & doting pet parents, making them excellent family dogs—if you’re OK with their loud baying.

7. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are big dogs with big hearts to match. Loving, friendly, & exceptionally patient with small children, the gentle Newfie does well in families who have the space for a 100-pound pooch.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Loyal, affectionate, & patient, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the best dogs for families. Their smarts & eagerness to please their people make Cavs easy to train with positive reinforcement.

9. Collie

The Collie comes in 2 coat types: smooth & rough. No matter which fur type you choose, Collies are one of the best family dog breeds.

They’re loyal, gentle, patient with children, & one of the smartest dog breeds. Though not overly hyper, they’re energetic dogs that do best with a family that loves being outside.

10. English Bulldog

The English Bulldog is a great family dog, but like their French Bulldog relatives, they don’t do well in heat & may have breathing difficulties thanks to their flat face.

Though they need daily exercise to stay healthy, Bulldogs tend to be low-energy dogs & are content to spend the day snoozing.

11. Boxer

Boxers are playful, outgoing, & friendly—all traits of a good family dog.

However, their energetic & people-loving nature means they’ll jump up for attention. Pet parents will need to patiently train their dog not to jump up, especially if small kids are in the family. But with consistent training, Boxers can be one of the best dogs for kids.

12. Cocker Spaniel

With their luxurious coat & soft eyes, Cocker Spaniels are a popular choice for a pet, & their gentle-yet-cheeky personalities make them one of the best dogs for families.

Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs & are always ready for a good time, whether that’s running through the backyard with the kids or fetching a ball. They are also easy to train & typically friendly when meeting new people.

13. Brussels Griffon

Small but spunky Brussels Griffons make great pets because of their playful nature. They are affectionate & get along with children & other pets.

Brussels Griffons are also known as “Velcro dogs” because they love being around their family & often follow their pet parents from room to room. Be sure to give Brussels Griffons plenty of attention & don’t leave them alone for too long.

14. Standard Poodle

The largest of the 3 poodle sizes, the Standard Poodle is one of the best house dogs for many reasons. They are intelligent, friendly, & they don’t shed much.

Though there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, a Standard Poodle could be a good fit if someone at home is allergic to dogs.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with playful personalities. “Berners,” as they’re lovingly called, tend to be patient with children & other dogs, & their adaptable natures mean they can fit right into your home—temperamentally speaking, that is.

These giant dogs can grow to be over 27 inches tall & weigh more than 100 pounds, so make sure you have the space to bring one home.

16. American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs, or “Eskies,” are “intelligent, alert, & friendly,” according to the official breed standard. The breed also comes in 3 different sizes, but the biggest is still on the smaller side, at only around 30 pounds.

Along with being one of the best dog breeds for families, Eskies are great apartment dogs because of their friendly disposition & manageable size.

17. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers often have a bad rap because the breed’s 19-century origins were as bull-baiters. But with proper socialization & training, today’s Staffies are loyal, affectionate, & famously gentle around children. In fact, the breed is often nicknamed “the nanny dog” or “the children’s nursemaid” because they are one of the best dogs for kids.

18. Saint Bernard

Another good large dog for families is the Saint Bernard. These dogs are known for their calm demeanor & gentleness, even around rambunctious groups of children.

Just make sure you are fine with a lot of drool, which comes as part of the Saint Bernard package.

19. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Also known as African Lion Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt big game—including lions. However, today the breed is famous for friendliness.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are active dogs that do best in active families. Plan for lots of exercise, like long walks, swimming, or agility courses to keep this breed happy.

20. Goldendoodle

Part Golden Retriever, part Standard or Miniature Poodle, Goldendoodles inherit characteristics from their parents that make them one of the best family dogs: intelligence, friendliness, & low-shedding hair.

The breed can be prone to separation anxiety, so they may do best in a family of homebodies or those who are always willing to take their pup with them on adventures. Crate training from puppyhood can help reduce separation anxiety as well.

Is My Family Ready for a Dog?

If you’re thinking of adding a dog to your family, ask yourself a few questions first:

- How old are your children, & how will they adapt to a new pet?

- Does anyone in your family have allergies?

- How much exercise do you get? How active is your family?

- Is your family willing to invest in training, exercising, & caring for a new dog?

Remember: Dogs are a long-term commitment, & families should be prepared to care for their pup for 16 years or more, depending on the breed’s lifespan.

20 Best Family Dogs Your Kids Will Love | PetMD

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Nov. 26/2025

                                 

The 7 Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners

By Sean Perry, DVM. Reviewed by Lauren Jones, VMD

Updated Aug. 31/2024

Thinking of starting a fish tank? Many freshwater aquarium fish species make great additions to a beginner fish tank.

The best aquarium fish for beginners are not only rewarding for pet parents, but they also make great first pets for children who can learn about responsible skills such as feeding & fish tank cleaning. You will also need to conduct regular water quality testing, which is required of any fish tank.

Here are some of the best beginner fish for first-time aquarists.

Best Beginner Fish for Aquariums

1. Celestial Pearl Danios

Celestial pearl danios (CPDs) are a small (up to 1 inch), dark blue fish that have either white, yellow, or tan pearlescent dots over their body. Their appearance is sometimes associated with a galaxy, hence their “celestial” name. CPDs could be great residents of a space-themed tank!

These fish like to live in small areas where they can hide within rocks & plants in groups of 10 or more. They also get along well with other community fish, making them an easy addition to any first fish tank. They will eat a variety of food, including flakes, micro pellets, or even some other fish or brine shrimp.

2. Golden Dwarf Barbs

Golden dwarf barbs are small golden fish that have faded black banding. The fish max out at about 1.5 inches as adults & can live 2 to 3 years.

As one of the best aquarium fish for beginners, golden dwarf barbs can be great additions to small freshwater tanks, as golden dwarf barbs are docile & can live with many different species. They are also omnivores & are a schooling species—make sure to have at least 6 to 8 in the tank.

3. Neon Tetras

Neon tetras are colorful freshwater aquarium fish originally from South America. They are considered neon because of their bright blue, red, & white coloration.

Neon tetras reach 1–1.5 inches in size & are a schooling fish, so keeping multiple fish is recommended. Make your beginner fish tank pop from across the room with a school of neon tetras! They are great beginner species because they are peaceful & non-aggressive.

Tetras active swimmers & thrive in a variety of aquariums. They are a relatively easy-to-care-for fish, but as with all fish, make sure to maintain stable water parameters for their health & well-being.

4. Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy corydoras are small silver & black catfish that are ideal for small aquariums. They are peaceful & can live with other species, making them one of the best beginner fish for new tank keepers.

A 10-gallon tank can hold up to 8 pygmy corydoras—but a larger tank is always preferable to provide plenty of swimming space.

Some precautions should be taken with this species—they should be housed with smaller freshwater fish so they aren’t accidentally eaten by another tank mate.

5. Guppies

Guppies make a great beginner tank fish because they are hardy & will eat just about anything. Guppies are small fish that don’t grow larger than 2 inches. They can have exquisitely designed tails, making them beautiful display fish.

Guppies can be housed as a single species & make a lovely, simpler tank, or they can be housed with neon tetras or pygmy corydoras. Guppies should not be housed with any aggressive fish species.

6. Betta Fish

Betta fish can be great beginner pets for a small aquarium, & you’ll find bettas in virtually any pet store. As one of the most readily available fish to bring home, it’s no wonder betta fish are a common first pet for kids.

But betta fish are aggressive. Males of this species should be housed alone, while females can be housed in groups of 5 to 6 fish called sororities.

Male bettas are typically more colorful with flowing & elaborate fins. Females are less colorful but still have subtle coloration & are a great addition to any tank!

7. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis are a beautiful small red fish with blue vertical striping & make for a vibrant addition to a small tank. Many different color patterns exist, & they range in size from 3.5–4.5 inches.

Dwarf gouramis are a docile fish species that mainly likes to live in the upper portion of the tank. This easy-to-keep fish can live well with other fish species, as they are not aggressive.

But because they are a larger fish, they do require more space. For a 10-gallon tank, you can safely house a single dwarf gourami, but size up for a group. When mixing species, one or 2 will work well with other non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, corydoras, & catfish.

Top Freshwater Fish for Beginners | PetMD

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Nov. 19/2025

                           

8 Popular Pet Snake Species

By Monica Weymouth. Reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM

4/1/2025

Are you considering a new scaly pal? From small to large, spotted to striped, pet snakes come in all shapes & patterns—making it easy to find the perfect scaly companion.

Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus)

Sometimes called red rat snakes, wild corn snakes are fabulous beginner pet snakes that tolerate appropriate handling.

These beautiful North American natives have vibrant, red to brick-red blotches on their backs with a tan to reddish base color.

They come in a rainbow of color morphs, from axanthic & albino, to lavender & beyond.

Their name comes from their historical association with grain storage, because corn snakes feast on rodents. In this case, it’s rats & mice that get into grain storage to eat harvested corn! Corn snake belly scales also have a checkered pattern that looks a lot like maize.

Ball Python (Python regius)

Easygoing & fairly calm, the ball python is a popular pet because this species is beginner-friendly.

Plus, breeders have developed hundreds of color combinations, called morphs.

With this pet snake, you can take your pick, including albino, blue-eyed leucistic, & orange dream—it’s a designer snake paradise!

Because these snakes often coil up into a ball when they sleep or feel threatened, many people call these snakes ball pythons. However, in many parts of the world they’re called royal pythons, something their scientific name of Python regius reflects.

Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula, L. californiae & others)

The most popular pet kingsnake species may be the California kingsnake because of their variable color palette. However, there are others equally deserving of attention. The Mexican black kingsnake, for example, is an all-black affair with shiny scales true to the genus name—Lampropeltis.

However, it doesn’t matter which kingsnake species you take home as a pet. They’re all generally docile, low-maintenance, & highly adaptable. They’re also very strong & constrict their prey—which, in the wild, often includes other snake species, like rattlesnakes.

This dietary preference is why they’re called kingsnakes, because like the king cobra, snakes make up a large percentage of their wild diet. So while they’re happy to accept a typical snake diet of frozen snake food, like mice or rats, your kingsnake won’t turn down a frozen/thawed snake hatchling.

Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum ssp.)

All milk snakes are kingsnakes, but not all kingsnakes are milk snakes.

A type of kingsnake, milk snakes sport various combinations of shiny scales in black, red, white, & sometimes orange, gray, or yellow. In fact, Lampropeltis means “shiny shield.”

Although their colors & patterns are anything but milky, their name came from the idea that they snuck into barns & drank milk directly from cows.

However, we now know snakes don’t drink milk. The milk snakes actually hunt rodents that live in barns & then look for a warm place to rest after a meal. Milk snakes are cool pet snakes that are usually more active at night.

Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis spp.)

Small but active & social, a garter snake is a lot of personality in a small pet snake package.

Thin & entertaining, you can’t keep just one. Garter snakes are more social than most other snake species, so some experienced snake pet parents house 2 garter snakes in the same enclosure.

Wild garter snakes live from Canada to Central America. There are dozens of subspecies & a dizzying array of color patterns, from basic brown & yellow to vivid blue & red.

One of the most amazing snake-related events happens in Canada every spring. Garter snakes in the Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba emerge from brumation, a state of dormancy during colder months that is similar to hibernation, in a frantic breeding frenzy. It’s a spectacle that most snake lovers want to see at least once.

Water Snake (Nerodia spp.)

If you have ever wondered how goofy a snake can look, check out the water snake. This North American native’s somewhat oddly placed eyes are situated more on top of their head than the sides. So, when they flatten their heads out, it elevates the funny expression.

When you want an entertaining pet snake & have enough room to set up an awesome semiaquatic enclosure, the water snake is a great choice for a pet snake. Opt for a large snake tank with a waterproof bottom for a water snake habitat. 

Water snakes are semiaquatic & spend part of their time in the water & the rest either basking or resting. Offering a dedicated platform for your water snake to bask on is a good idea.

Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis)

The stunning green tree python may look like an emerald tree boa, but these 2 snakes are a perfect example of convergent evolution, meaning they evolved on different continents but look & behave similarly.

Green tree pythons are better display snakes than buddies for you to carry around. They’re more prone to biting moving objects—especially at night when they’re most active.

When green tree pythons hatch, their colors are yellow, red, or sometimes brownish. They only become green or blue as they mature throughout the first year or 2 of life.

They live in the trees of their native Indonesian islands, grabbing small animals & sometimes snatching birds out of the air for their meals. While their large, well-developed jaw muscles give them the appearance of a venomous snake, they’re nonpoisonous

Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates cenchria)

Brazilian rainbow boas get their name from shiny, iridescent scales that refract light like thousands of tiny prisms. Purines in the cells of their skin cause the beautiful effect, & scientists call it structural coloration. The result is a shimmering skin that shines every time light hits the snake.

On top of all that? Brazilian rainbow boas are big but manageable snakes that hunt using heat sensing pits that line their lips. Similar to pit vipers & some python species, heat sensing pits guide the Brazilian rainbow boa to a meal—even if it’s pitch dark.

8 Popular Pet Snake Species | PetMD

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