Bringing a new fur baby into your home is a big decision—especially when you have kids. A pet is a commitment you make for the dog’s lifetime, so it’s important to find out before you adopt or buy a dog that he’s a good fit for your family.

So, what are the best dog breeds for families? There is no simple answer, and there is no one list of breeds that is best for every family. What’s certain is the best dog breeds for babies and families is about much more than which pooch you find the cutest.

Be responsible when considering adding a four-legged family member to your household, and take the time to learn about any breed you’re considering to be sure he’ll be a good fit in your particular family.

Before we get to our suggestions of 5 dog breeds for babies and families, here are a few factors to consider when choosing a dog:

•   Grooming Needs: A Doberman will have much different grooming needs than a Bichon, so if you don’t want to deal with monthly trips to the groomer, choose wisely!
•   Size: Is a 200-pound dog right for your home? Size matters when it comes to food, vet bills, finding boarding, and more.
•   Breed-Specific Medical Conditions: Some dogs are more prone to certain medical issues, so be sure you’re aware of any that could affect the breed you choose.
•   Activity Level: If your family isn’t very active, don’t choose a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
•   Trainability: Some breeds are much easier to train than others. When it comes to the best dog breed for babies, trainability is important.

A few picks for excellent family dogs:

1. Labradors

Gentle, loyal, and playful Labradors find their way to the top of many lists of the best dog breeds for families. They are also very active and love to spend time romping in the yard with kids. They are easily trained and grooming requirements are minimal. All of these are factors that make this breed a top pick.

2. Bulldog

Who can resist a bulldog’s face? These adorable dogs are excellent with kids and are fine for a less active household.  This is a friendly breed and they tend to be kind of silly—which is a trait kids love. They also make a great choice if you’re worried about the neighbors as they don’t bark a lot.

3. Pug

If it’s a small family dog you want, consider a Pug. Like the Bulldog, they don’t bark much, and they don’t require much exercise. These factors make them a perfect family dog if you live in an apartment. They should be supervised around smaller children, but are typically fine with older kids.

4. Newfoundland

Do you want a big dog? Consider a Newfie! One of the top large dog breeds for families, this pup weighs up to 150 pounds. They are extremely loyal and excellent companions for family members of any age. As is the case with many larger breeds, their life expectancy is a bit shorter at only 9 to 10 years.

5. Collie

What list of the best dog breeds for families would be complete without Lassie? Collies are very devoted to their families, easy to train, and only require occasional grooming. This is an active breed, so they’ll need some kind of exercise every day. You’ll also find them to be exceptional snugglers when it’s time to gather on the couch and watch a movie.

While these 5 dog breeds are excellent choices for families, the truth is that most breeds have the potential to be great family dogs. Each dog has a different personality, so it’s often more about finding the right dog than it is about finding the right breed.

If you’d like more advice about choosing the best dog breeds for babies or families, The Vet on Fourth can help. Once you’ve chosen your new family member, we’ll be here to take care of all of your pet’s medical needs, so he can live a long, healthy, and happy life.