Looking for a dog that is family oriented, good with kids of all ages, barks infrequently, friendly with other dogs, and relatively easy to train? While a lot of dogs are loving family companions, these breeds are known to be the top of their class in the forementioned categories.

Golden Retriever

Goldens are outgoing, intelligent, trustworthy, eager-to-please family dogs, who also happen to be relatively easy to train. They are a generally healthy breed, with their main ailments being hip dysplasia and ear infections. The Golden's ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often. Goldens have a double coat with medium length. Twice a year they shed their thick coat entirely but will continuously shed on a more moderate basis. During times of heavy shedding, brushing should be a daily affair.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are sweet, intelligent, devoted and patient companions. Newfoundlands are a very healthy breed, but as with all drop-eared dogs their ears should be checked regularly for infection. The Newfoundland's heavy coat requires thorough brushing at least once a week. However, spayed/neutered Newfs shed all year round, requiring brushing several times a week.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is a lively, friendly, and amusing companion for families and young children. Their eyes are known to have the most problems in terms of their health. Responsible owners should keep the Boston Terriers eyes clean by regularly flushing out dust and debris with saline. The Boston Terriers coat is sleek and fine, keeping shedding at a minimum. Brushing should be down weekly to promote new hair growth and distribute skin oils.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States for a reason. The breed is friendly, outgoing, patient, trainable and one of the easiest dogs to form a bond with. While labs do not suffer from many regular illnesses, over time they can develop a serious stomach condition called bloat. The Lab has a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds regularly. They required at least monthly grooming to keep them clean.

French Bulldog

Frenchies are easygoing, playful, intelligent, adaptable, and very easy to train. They are among the most loving breeds towards children. The Frenchie is known to occasionally have eye conditions, skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders, so be sure to keep up with grooming and vet visits. Frenchies have short coats that shed very minimally, but brushing should be frequent as to distribute healthy skin oils throughout the coat.