Being man's best friend, a dog definitely makes an excellent family pet. In the United States of America (USA) alone, more than 21 million households keep at least one dog. Expenditures for these family pet owners come up to an astounding $8 billion US Dollars (USD) annually, taking into account all costs from vaccinations to dog treats and toys. While any dog breed can make wonderful companions, the following are the best breeds for a family pet:

1. Labrador Retriever

This active, playful and exuberant dog makes a marvelous family pet. Its genetic makeup gives it a natural instinct to recover anything thrown, be it a frisbee, stick or ball. A family with children who enjoy a lot of physical activities such as playing catch, running and swimming, would definitely love having a Lab as a family pet. A big dog with an even bigger heart, this intelligent creature is good-natured, gentle and trustworthy with children.

2. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is another favorite choice for a family pet. Friendly and easy to train, a Golden's devotion to its owners makes it a great guard dog. This dog is perfect for families who can give it plenty of time, space and attention. A demonstrative pet, a Golden shows its love by being eager to please and obeying its owners' commands. This dog is also an excellent swimmer and will not hesitate to rescue a drowning child.

3. German Shepherd

Highly intelligent and extremely faithful, the German Shepherd is an outstanding family pet. Its noble appearance only accentuates its keen curiosity and brilliant ability to solve problems. This is one family pet that needs plenty of stimulation, both mentally and physically. Its natural desire to herd and constantly stay close to its "pack" (owners) can lead to separation anxiety problems. However, its patience and love for children more than make up for this.

4. Beagle

This twinkle-eyed, merry little dog is a pleasure to have as a family pet. Inquisitive and stubborn, this dog is a tenacious tracker and hunter, hence it needs to be leashed when taken on a walk. The beagle is a submissive canine, yielding easily to the command and domination of its owners, making it manageable even for young children. Since this dog requires a large dose of adoration, especially from children, it is certainly a family pet recommended by many.

5. Poodle

Whether it is the toy-, miniature- or standard-sized poodle, this dog is considered one of the smartest and most sensitive of all dog breeds. For these reasons, a poodle is a wonderful family pet. A family with young children would find the standard-sized poodle most suitable as it has a more even temperament and responds well to obedience training compared to its smaller counterparts.

6. Boston Terrier

This 12- to 14-inch (30.5 to 35.6 cm) dog is a loving, intelligent and playful bundle of joy to have around the house. Family pet owners, including children, can easily handle this mild-tempered dog. A mix between an English Terrier and an American Bulldog, this canine gets along beautifully with all walks of life – adults, children, old folks, other dogs and domestic pets.

7. Boxer

As a family pet, this highly energetic canine companion can keep the children occupied all day long. Unlike other dogs, the Boxer remains high-spirited despite growing older and more mature. Being protective comes naturally to this dog, hence parents can rely on it to be an excellent family watchdog. Its automatic bond with children and never ending enthusiasm are endearing qualities for a family pet.

All the dog breeds above are good family pets. Nevertheless, poor breeding, lack of proper obedience training and cruel treatment are still factors that can affect and change a dog's character. To have a well-trained, good-tempered dog for a family pet, parents must check carefully into the background of both the breeder and the dog before taking it home.