When you have kids, it seems a natural extension to want to add a dog kid to your family.  Dogs and kids just seem to go together, and when you find the right dog, he or she can be a lifelong companion and best friend for your kids.  Choosing the right dog begins with knowing what breeds are better suited to family life.

According to Dog Reflections, the best family dogs for homes with children are:

Newfoundland – These giant teddy bears are sweet, strong and very laid back.  Ideal for kids, they tend to be less active than other breeds but make steady companions.

Pug – Perpetual children themselves, pugs are excellent companions to small kids and have a happy go lucky attitude toward life.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier – Known through the years for their loyalty and affection to their family members, these dogs do best in single dog homes.

Labrador Retriever – Perhaps the quintessential family dog, labs are the most versatile, friendly and easy to get along with dogs.  They love activity and do very well with kids.

Keeshond – These medium-sized dogs are very intelligent and learn quickly.  They love to play games and make excellent companions for active kids.

Golden Retriever – Bred as a hunting dog, these dogs have earned a spot at the top of the list for ideal family dogs.  Active, intelligent and calm, they love to have outdoor adventures with their families.

Collie – You can’t think “Collie” without also thinking “Lassie”, and who better to represent this breed of kid lovers?

Standard Poodle – Elegant, stately and loyal, standard Poodles make excellent family dogs and are known for being patient and intelligent.

Bernese Mountain Dog – Big, colorful and friendly, Bernese Mountain dogs are a solid, stable companion dog, originally bred to pull carts in Switzerland.

Bulldog – Though they can have many health issues, bulldogs are childlike and fun loving.  They do very well with small children and make ideal companions in just about every family.