10 Overlooked Dog Breeds That Make for Great Family Pets

Dogs are always a beloved member of every family, but some breeds are especially well-suited to a home with kids. Gina DiNardo, executive secretary of the American Kennel Club, explains that the best breed for your family definitely depends on your lifestyle. If you can't go a day without a bike ride or a long run, a Whippet will race around the block right alongside you. If you've got young kids who keep you busy enough as it is, a laidback Leonberger would be a much better fit.

Disposition isn't the only thing to consider—you'll also want to look into the care they need. Breeds that are eager to please will be easy to train while those that are especially intelligent may require a more thoughtful approach. Some dogs have hair and will barely shed at all, which is better for allergies; others have fur that requires regular grooming.

Whatever breed you choose, they will all be much more confident and agreeable if they're trained and socialized early on. Introduce them to lots of people and places when they're puppies, so they will feel comfortable acclimating to new things when they're older. While you may recognize a few, we've included many dogs that often fly under the radar. "There are so many cool breeds that would make good family pets that people just don't see every day," says DiNardo. "AKC wants all these breeds to continue to exist and to thrive."