Selecting a dog breed is more than just choosing a pet; it’s about finding a new family member. In this expert-backed guide, we reveal the breeds that veterinarians and animal behaviorists consistently rate highest for home life. Each featured breed comes with real-world insights about their personality traits, health considerations, and long-term compatibility with different family types. These professional recommendations go beyond the usual popular choices to help you make an informed decision that will bring joy for years to come.

The Leonberger Is a Charming Gentle Giant

The giant Leonberger is famous for its patient and gentle demeanor. Hailing from Germany, these dogs can weigh as much as 170 pounds and were originally bred as search-and-rescue dogs. Their love for saving human lives translates to their role in a family, as they thrive on human interaction and make very loving canine companions. When socialized from a young age, they are also friendly towards strangers, so they are all around a wonderful addition to any home.

Shutterstock/theimagebooth
If you’re looking to adopt a majestic Leonberger, keep in mind that they shed a lot of fur and will require regular brushing to keep their coats under control.

The Bergamasco Shepherd Doesn’t Need Constant Attention

Not everyone can manage the needs of a clingy dog. That’s where the Italian Bergamasco Shepherd dog might be the best fit for you. They are relatively independent, so they won’t require constant attention and affection, but they still have a strong desire to please their owners. This ancient dog breed has a unique hair texture that naturally forms loose mats and requires infrequent grooming. Despite their independence, they are lovable and friendly with all their family members.

The Bergamasco Shepherd is known to be a bit wary of strangers, but with guidance and socialization from their owners, they can easily overcome this trait.

The Dogue De Bordeaux Can Be Soft and Sweet

The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is a powerful dog breed originating from France with an intimidating physique. They are extremely loyal to their owners, but they can also be stubborn. Professionals recommend that owners avoid letting the Dogue de Bordeaux think it’s the leader of their ‘pack.’ Although these dogs were originally bred for hunting wild game, they can make loving family pets in the right environment.

Shutterstock/Helen of Troy
If the Dogue de Bordeaux is well-socialized from a young age, they are known to have sensitive temperaments, a gentle playfulness, and make good guard dogs.

The Bullmastiff Is More Chill Than It Initially Appears

If you aren’t familiar with Bullmastiffs, you might think this dog breed isn’t well-suited to a calm family environment. However, this muscular dog breed actually thrives in a loving home. They require training from a young age, but with proper socialization, they make great companions with an innately protective instinct and strong family bonds. It’s worth noting that they can be less friendly towards strangers and other dogs, however.

Shutterstock/Michael J Magee
Bullmastiffs are known for their calm and easy-going nature while chilling at home, making them definitely worth considering for those looking to adopt a pooch.

The Glen of Imaal Terrier Is Quiet and Stoic

The Glen of Imaal Terrier originated in Ireland and was bred to hunt smaller animals that posed a threat to farms. Because they were chasing after rats, foxes, otters, and badgers, they needed to be light on their feet and quiet, which are characteristics they’ve retained to this day. In short, these terriers bark less than most. As family dogs, they are mellow and loving with steady temperaments, making them ideal for households with children.

Wikimedia Commons/Pleple2000
If you love terriers but are put off by their excitable personalities, the Glen of Imaal Terrier could be a great and calm addition to your family.

The Scottish Deerhound Won’t Make a Lot of Noise

It is possible to have a large dog that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. The Scottish Deerhound is an ancient breed known as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland’ and makes for a wonderful canine companion. Despite their lofty height, they are not too messy, but they do require a fair amount of exercise. They are generally quiet dogs, as they were initially bred to stalk giant wild red deer.

Shutterstock/Antonia Gros
While they are an active dog breed, Scottish Deerhounds become quite sedate once indoors, making them ideal for families who prefer a calm energy at home.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Just Wants to Play

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a very playful breed, making them ideal for families or households with children. Despite their large size, they have a young and goofy demeanor. To a Bernese Mountain Dog, nothing brings more pleasure than engaging in sports or games with loved ones. Despite their fun-loving nature, they are highly intelligent, originally bred for guarding and general farm work. They also have a beautiful tri-colored coat of black, white, and red.

Shutterstock/Jeff Studer
Generally speaking, these dogs are self-assured, patient, and have no problem getting along with children. There’s nothing they love more than a quiet evening at home sitting in front of the television.

The Chihuahua Can Be Stubborn but Lovable

The Mexican Chihuahua toy dog breed isn’t well-suited to everyone, as their personalities can vary greatly from one dog to another. Some Chihuahuas have fiery personalities and want to challenge larger dogs, while others may be anxious and timid. Generally speaking, however, Chihuahuas are very affectionate and loving with their owners, and enjoy following their loved ones around or being carried. As long as they’re with you, they’re happy.

Shutterstock/Wirestock Creators
Despite having a lot of love to give, Chihuahuas can be challenging to train, often preferring to learn at a slower pace compared to many other dog breeds.

The French Bulldog Just Wants to Make You Happy

The French Bulldog is a popular dog breed for good reason. They have a lot of energy to burn, but they are more than willing to channel it into pleasing their loved ones. Because they enjoy relaxing so much, they are considered a perfect companion for seniors, but they also have a lot to offer families with kids. Generally speaking, they are a very adaptable breed that is always down to play.

Flickr/zanerudovica
The only thing to bear in mind is that French Bulldogs have a tendency to overheat, so they should be exercised with caution and not to the point of exhaustion.

The Golden Retriever Just Wants to Help

Golden Retrievers are impossibly wonderful canines, whether they’re a part of a family or working as service dogs. They have immensely trustworthy personalities, retaining their puppy-like qualities well into their later years. Originally bred as gundogs, over the years they have demonstrated exceptional abilities in a variety of important service and therapy roles. There’s just nothing not to love about the Golden Retriever, who lives to make people happy.”

Shutterstock/Standret
This happy dog breed needs a good amount of exercise as they have a ton of energy, and they’re happiest when their lives are both physically and mentally stimulating.