Best breeds for families

Breed does not really matter.  In the case of a male dog, considered a spayed female.  The personality of the two dogs is far more important than the specific breed.  You may even find that a randomly bred dog in a shelter might be the very best fit.  If you want to become involved in dog sport and that would require a purebred dog, many of the breed selection tools could offer you some ideas.

A lot also depends on your lifestyle. Since you already have a BC and GSD you know what kind of dogs herding breed can be. Herders are usually good family dogs for active families and can become protective of their "flock". They do need someone who is willing to spend time to do a bit of training with them.

A good family dog I recommend to most first time family dog owners who are looking for a pure breed is a cocker spaniel. They do require a bit of grooming but after they get past the puppy stage they fit in nicely with most families. They do have some health concerns but also have a long life span. I knew one cocker who was 22 years old.

There is also the good old mixed breed from the shelter. There are some great dogs already in foster homes and shelters that make wonderful family pets. Check out www.petfinder.com

I agree, Xebby.  My in-laws have a cocker and they're not really dog people.  I mean, they like dogs, but they're not into purebreds or training or dog sports, they just like one family dog and someone gave them this cocker as a tiny puppy.  Their cocker is great besides being very very shy with people and other dogs, but that is because they never did training or exposed him to other dogs.  He's a very good dog and I think is like 10 now, but he still enjoys chasing balls in the yard and playing tug with his rope.  He does bark, but only at some small animals or when the doorbell rings.  He's not very high energy or high maintenance and once they accidentally discovered he can last 32 hours without being let outside.  They're also a good size for kids because they are smart and lively, but not too big for small children to help manage.

I've read many times that St. Bernards and Newfoundlands are great family dogs, if you can get past the size, the hair, and the slobber.  I don't know anyone that has either, so this could be wrong.

I'm thinking a Golden or a Lab. If you are looking for a smaller dog, maybe a Sheltie, since you have a herding mix? I wasn't clear on if you had one GSD and BC or a mix between the two. Shelties are very smart and easy to train/willing to please. I suppose it also would depend on how old your children are. A small dog, like a Pap, would not be good if you have younger children, as they are more susceptible to injury. However, if you have older children, this could be a good match, as I find they are similar in temperament to Shelties. I think that going to the local animal shelter would be a great thing and keeping in mind what breed/breed mixes are best for you and your family. The breed selectors on various websites are helpful.

  So what I'm getting to see is that it doesn't really matter the breed just as long as the dog gets along with the family, and the other dog.  We are kind of a big dog family We would really like a dalmation or a golden retriver. My aunt was saying that  dalmations tend to bite a lot and they aren't as smart as other breeds. The only problem with the golden retriver is that right now we have Trey (1/4 BC 3/4 GSD) who seds a lot and then the golden retriver will shed a lot too. We were kind of going for the dalmation, But I kind of want a golden retiriver or a lab because  Trey has always gotten along with those breeds males and females. We would get a female though.

Dalmatians are a dog that needs a bit of attention and tend to favor one person over anouther, they do alright with other dogs but can become aggressive if not given the proper training. I would not say they are not smart, I really wouldn't say that about any breed, they just need someone who is willing to put effort into training them. Even thought they have short fur they do shed just slightly differently from a BC/GSD. The biggest problem wit Dals is that after the 101 craz they have been over bred and many now suffer from defects due to careless breeding and the lack of health screening. If getting a Dal from a breeder you just have to be very careful about where it came from. Many Dals also suffer from blindness.

Labs and goldens also have their share of problems due to over breeding. With the more popular breeds you just have to be careful about who you are dealing with. I don't mean to scare you away from the breeds you like, they both can do well in a family setting, just be aware of these things.

Might I suggest a Standard Poodle? These are also great larger family dogs and very easy to train. Don't let that fro fro look make you think they are anything else. They are great for kids and make wonderful service dogs.

ORIGINAL: WILDFIRE0719

  So what I'm getting to see is that it doesn't really matter the breed just as long as the dog gets along with the family, and the other dog.  We are kind of a big dog family We would really like a dalmation or a golden retriver. My aunt was saying that  dalmations tend to bite a lot and they aren't as smart as other breeds. The only problem with the golden retriver is that right now we have Trey (1/4 BC 3/4 GSD) who seds a lot and then the golden retriver will shed a lot too. We were kind of going for the dalmation, But I kind of want a golden retiriver or a lab because  Trey has always gotten along with those breeds males and females. We would get a female though.

If you know your dog gets along with Goldens, I'd go for it.  You didn't say how old your children are, but Dals are not known for being tolerant of a lot of poking and prodding by kids.  Plus, they are a really high energy breed (think "trot along with carriages all day").  If you do get a Golden, be sure you get one from a reputable rescue or breeder.  Goldens these days aren't as nice as their reputation sometimes, and they have a lot of health problems - hip dysplasia, eye disorders, thyroid, cancer.  So, you would want a dog that is CERF'd, OFA'd (or PennHip).
Dogs of opposite gender often get along better, and an age gap of two or three years is another way to try to insure success.  Always introduce dogs that don't know one another on neutral ground.  For safety, you can let them drag leashes for a couple of minutes, till you are sure they like each other.  But, don't let them meet on leash with two humans holding on to them.  That can make them feel trapped and react badly.  After you think they get along, there's plenty of time to see if they will walk nicely next to one another on leash.
If you have children in the home, be sure the dog has been evaluated behaviorally, and that it is not a resource guarder. 
If you want to consider something a bit out of the ordinary, here are some breeds that have a considerable number of their kind that are great with kids:
Newfoundland
Leonberger (big, beautiful, laid back and gentle)
Portuguese Water Dog (non-shedder)
Field Spaniel
English Cocker Spaniel (not the American - some are submissive wetters, and not so hot with overattentive kids)
Standard Poodle (active, can knock small kids over - but they are very smart dogs) non-shedder
Redbone Coonhound
Foxhound
(The hounds are great family dogs, but need to be leashed all the time, and some can be very noisy - foxhounds and redbones are among the quieter ones)

As to Shelties being a good mix with your dog, I tend to doubt it - they aren't really into physical play, especially with big boisterous dogs.  And, they tend to be extremely "barky".  If you don't like hair, you won't like dealing with grooming a Sheltie coat either.  On the plus side, they are extremely smart.  An older child may have fun training them, because they are so darn smart, but they don't often like the constant attention of small children. 
If it were me, I'd also consider a shelter puppy, or an adult spayed female that gets along with your current dog.  With a herding mix, I'd avoid the bully breeds, young field Labs, or Boxers - the playstyles don't always match. 

I have 2 Boston Terriers and a bloodhound, both GREAT family dogs!  It all depends on how they are raised though and your lifestyle.  Bostons are active small but sturdy and very very friendly to everyone usually.  Bloodhounds are very large friendly but head strong and follow there noses and not you, lol.  Like everyone else said though, it doesn't really matter too much on the breed but more on you, what you want in a dog.  Some mutts can be better than purebreeds.

hello well l have a 4 yr old boxer and she is awesome with my little girls the breed is loyal and loving to their family l just adopted a st bernard mix and his is geat also with my children their is lots of breeds that are a great family pet when l was growing up l had a pitbull terrier she was awesome l miss her good luck on your search