Best Family Dogs in New Zealand

Choosing the best family dog is exciting, but with so many dog breeds available, it can also feel extremely overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a small companion for apartment living or an active dog to join your outdoor adventures, there’s a perfect match for every New Zealand household.

When picking a dog, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, home environment, and activity level. New Zealand’s mix of urban living, coastal climates, and outdoor-focused lifestyles means some breeds are better suited than others.

Here are some of the best dog breeds for families, including child-friendly dogs, small dog breeds, and larger active companions.

1. Golden Retriever 

Golden Retrievers are one of the best family dogs thanks to their friendly, loyal, and gentle nature. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and especially well-suited to households with children. Their patient temperament means they typically tolerate noise, play, and busy environments better than many other breeds.

• Life span: 12–13 years
• Coat type: Long coat
• Shedding: Moderate
• Weight: 25–34kg
• Exercise: 40–60 minutes daily

Golden Retrievers are also very active dogs that thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks, playtime, and enrichment activities like puzzle toys or training sessions help keep them happy and prevent boredom-related behaviours. Because they spend a lot of time outdoors, they can be more exposed to parasites, making year-round flea and tick prevention an important part of their care routine.

As a larger breed, Golden Retrievers may also benefit from joint supplements to support long-term mobility, especially as they age or if they lead a very active lifestyle.

Why they suit NZ families: Ideal for active households who enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and beach trips.

Pros: Excellent with kids, easy to train, very social
Considerations: Sheds year-round, needs regular exercise and enrichment

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This affectionate and gentle breed thrives on companionship. Cavaliers are excellent with children and are typically very tolerant, making them one of the best small dog breeds for families.

• Life span: 12+ years
• Coat type: Long coat
• Weight: 5–8kg
• Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily

They adapt well to both apartments and houses, as long as they receive daily interaction and moderate exercise. However, they do not enjoy being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety. Using calming products or establishing consistent routines can help support dogs that struggle with being alone.

Their long, silky coat requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. Introducing a grooming routine early and using quality grooming products will make maintenance much easier as they grow. Like many small breeds, Cavaliers can also benefit from consistent dental care to support long-term oral health.

Why they suit NZ families: Great for smaller homes or families wanting a low-exercise, indoor-friendly companion.

Pros: Loving, adaptable, great lap dog
Considerations: Can suffer separation anxiety, requires regular grooming

3. Beagle

Beagles are friendly, curious, and great with children, making them a popular choice for family households. Their playful and social personality means they enjoy being involved in daily activities and thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention.

• Life span: 11–13 years
• Coat type: Short coat
• Weight: 9–11kg
• Exercise: 60 minutes daily

As scent hounds, Beagles naturally follow their nose, which can sometimes make recall training more challenging. Consistent training supported by the right training aids and treats can help reinforce good behaviour.

Because Beagles love exploring outdoors, they can be more exposed to parasites, so using reliable parasite prevention such as Bravecto or NexGard SPECTRA is essential; especially in warmer months or rural areas of New Zealand.

Why they suit NZ families: Best suited to homes with secure yards and families who enjoy outdoor time.

Pros: Friendly, playful, good with kids
Considerations: Can be stubborn, strong scent drive, prone to wandering

4. Samoyed

Known for their fluffy white coats and friendly personalities, Samoyeds are affectionate, social dogs that love being part of the family. They are gentle with children and enjoy spending time both indoors and outdoors.

• Life span: 12+ years
• Coat type: Long, thick coat
• Weight: 16–30kg
• Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily

Their thick double coat, while beautiful, requires consistent care. Regular brushing with quality grooming tools helps manage shedding and prevents matting. Supporting their coat health with skin and coat supplements can also help maintain shine and overall condition.

Why they suit NZ families: Well-suited to cooler regions of New Zealand and families with space for them to roam.

Pros: Friendly, social, great family companion
Considerations: High grooming needs, heavy shedding

5. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds in New Zealand due to their friendly, loyal, and easy-going nature. They are excellent with children and are known for being highly trainable and eager to please.

Why they suit NZ families: Perfect for active families and outdoor lifestyles.

Pros: Gentle, trainable, great with children
Considerations: Prone to weight gain, needs regular exercise

6. Labradoodle

Originally bred in 1989 to be hypoallergenic guide dogs, the first planned crosses of Poodles and Labrador Retrievers were arranged by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. Since then, they have become an extremely popular breed. Labradoodles are affectionate, intelligent, and often considered a great option for families with allergies due to their low-shedding coats. They are highly social and thrive in environments where they are included in family activities.

• Life span: 10–12 years
• Coat type: Curly coat
• Weight: Varies by size
• Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily

Despite being low shedding, their coats require regular maintenance. Using the right grooming products and scheduling routine grooming helps prevent matting and keeps their coat in good condition.

Labradoodles can be energetic and may experience anxiety if left alone for long periods, so incorporating calming aids and proper training can help them feel more secure.

Why they suit NZ families: Ideal for families wanting a low-shedding, social dog.

Pros: Low shedding, friendly, highly trainable
Considerations: Requires regular grooming, can be high energy

7. Border Terrier

This small but energetic breed is friendly, adaptable, and great with children. Border Terriers are known for their affectionate nature and ability to fit into a variety of living situations, from apartments to larger homes.

• Life span: 13–14 years
• Coat type: Wiry coat
• Weight: 5–7kg
• Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily

They still retain strong hunting instincts, so providing mental stimulation is important. Using training aids and engaging them with enrichment toys can help channel their energy in a positive way.

As an active breed that enjoys outdoor time, they should also be protected with regular flea and tick prevention.

Why they suit NZ families: Suitable for both apartments and houses with regular exercise.

Pros: Adaptable, affectionate, low shedding
Considerations: Strong prey drive, needs stimulation

8. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity. They are quick learners and excel in training, agility, and working roles.

• Life span: 10–17 years
• Coat type: Medium to long coat
• Weight: 15–20kg
• Exercise: 60–90 minutes daily

Due to their active nature, they can be prone to wear and tear on their joints over time. Supporting their mobility with joint care supplements can be beneficial, especially for highly active dogs. They also require plenty of stimulation, so incorporating enrichment toys and structured training tools into their routine is essential.

Why they suit NZ families: Best for rural properties or highly active families.

Pros: Extremely intelligent, great for training and agility
Considerations: Needs high mental and physical stimulation

9. Jack Russell Terrier

Full of energy and personality, Jack Russells are great for active families who can keep up with their lively nature. They are intelligent and enjoy problem-solving activities but can also be independent and strong-willed.

• Life span: 13–16 years
• Coat type: Short or rough coat
• Weight: 6–8kg
• Exercise: 60 minutes daily

They benefit from consistent training, and using structured training aids can help manage stubborn behaviours. Jack Russells can also be prone to skin sensitivities, so incorporating skin care products into their routine may help maintain healthy skin.

Why they suit NZ families: Ideal for families who enjoy playtime and outdoor activities.

Pros: Energetic, loyal, compact size
Considerations: Can be stubborn, needs consistent training

10. Cockapoo

Cockapoos are affectionate, intelligent, and great with children, making them one of the best small dog breeds for families. They are highly adaptable and do well in both apartments and houses.

• Life span: 14–15 years
• Coat type: Curly, low-shedding coat
• Weight: Varies by size
• Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily

They are known for forming strong attachments to their owners, which can sometimes lead to separation anxiety. Introducing routines and using supportive calming products can help manage this behaviour.

Their low-shedding coat still requires regular brushing and maintenance. Using quality grooming products will help prevent tangles and keep their coat healthy. Like many smaller breeds, ongoing dental care is also important.

Why they suit NZ families: Perfect for suburban or indoor living with moderate exercise needs.

Pros: Friendly, low shedding, easy to train
Considerations: Can develop separation anxiety, needs grooming

Best Small Dog Breeds for Families

If you live in an apartment or smaller home, small dog breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Border Terrier, and Cockapoo are excellent choices. These breeds are generally more adaptable to indoor living while still being playful and affectionate.

Best Large Dog Breeds for Families

For families with more space, larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Border Collies make excellent companions. These dogs thrive in active households and enjoy outdoor adventures.

How to Choose the Best Dog for Your Family

When choosing the best dog breed for your family, consider the following:

• Lifestyle: Active vs low-energy households
• Home size: Apartment, suburban home, or rural property
• Time commitment: Grooming, training, and exercise needs
• Children: Temperament and patience with kids
• Climate: Some breeds handle New Zealand’s weather better than others

There are many great family dogs to choose from, and the right one depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a small companion or an energetic outdoor partner, taking the time to research dog breeds in New Zealand will help you find the perfect fit.

Always consider your dog’s long-term health, training, and care needs to ensure a happy and healthy life together.