Are you looking for a friendly, low-maintenance dog that’s not prone to any behavioral outbursts in front of unknown people? Great, because I’m about to throw some pawesome recommendations!
The list below contains ten friendliest dog breeds that are perfect for novice owners or dog enthusiasts who love having a whole little doggo family or a nice, regular social life.
Let’s get going!
1. You Gotta Give The Labrador The Crown
Temperament: affectionate, loyal, active
I just cannot start off without mentioning his majesty… the one and only – Labrador Retriever. The Lab holds the number one place of the most popular breeds in the world since 1991, according to the American Kennel Club. What screams “FRIENDLY” louder than this?
Besides his naturally high socialization skills, you can expect your puppy to be quite active and curious. Consequently, the Lab breed could be an excellent breed for sporting gatherings, adventures, long hikes, road trips, or field trips with your family… you name it!
2. The Goldie Is The First Runner-Up
Temperament: gentle, intuitive, good with kids
I might have given the Labrador Retriever the crowning glory, but his distant cousin, the Golden Retriever, is a close second!
Not only do they make one of the best family dogs in the world, but they are boys with the heart of a hero!
Have you heard of Abigail and Cecilia Bourg… two sisters that got lost in Louisiana woods in November 2022?
Their heroic pet, Artemis, the Goldie, was the main reason why these little girls were saved on such short notice. Being aware of danger, he barked consistently until the rescue team found them snuggled up into him.
In a nutshell, you are highly unlikely to find such a friendly puppy that also happens to be extremely intuitional. If you want to add this value on the bucket list – the Goldie is your choice!
3. Newfoundland – Old, But Gold
Temperament: devoted, tolerant, sweet
Who would say that there is a true Teddy-beary friend besides this Canadian boy’s heavy bones? Well, apparently, this breed’s amazing colors are not the only quality you get when you decide to adopt a Newfoundland!
Being one of the oldest AKC members, this gentle canine is a great choice for families with small kids. On the other hand, the breed gets along with large groups of people just fine.
An inexperienced dog lover might think that a Newfoundland is rather a giant beast than a friendly pet. Let me fix this for you. They can be decent watchdogs when trained, but the truth is that it only takes one petting to get them to fall in love with you. That’s how friendly they are!
4. Never Write Off The Poodle
Temperament: intelligent, proud, sociable
You can never neglect the social power of a fashionable Poodle! These German-originated dogs just have the natural charisma of a good boy.
That being said, Poodles of all sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) don’t need much to be the main protagonist in their environment. People love them for their unique look and charming personality. And, they reciprocate by being friendly!
In addition to the whole Poodle story, the positive note is that these pooches are considered as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
5. The Pug Is Always There To Give A Hug
Temperament: dependent, affectionate, sassy
Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with that big-eyed, flat-muzzled Chinese boy? Well, believe it or not – Pugs feel the same way about humans, minus the eyes and muzzle part.
Although they might appear down due to their sad, bulging eyes, the truth is that Pugs are extremely affectionate and friendly dogs that just love spending their time around their loved ones or meeting new people!
Unfortunately, the research of the Royal Veterinary College shows that these pooches are much more prone to health risks than any other dog breed. Breathing problems, obesity, and constant allergies are just the tip of the iceberg called “major health issues in Pug puppies”.
6. Bulldogs Might Be Sleepy, But Just Enough To Love You More
Temperament: loyal, sweet, lazy
How often did you look at a random Bulldog puppy and thought: “Well, that is one lethargic doggo!” Yes, the truth is that these pooches love spending a lot of their time sleeping, but they only do it at times of ultimate conformity.
Video: Take a look at the Bulldog making funny snoring noises.
On a bright note, they use whatever they have left of their sobriety to cuddle with humans. This is the ultimate dog, perfect for families that have a lot of friends coming over frequently. They might be shy at first, but they won’t mind an extra petting hand!
7. The Bichon Frise Is A True Gentleman
Temperament: curious, lively, outgoing
Who says you can’t have it all in one dog? The Bichon Frise is here to deny that! Besides their naturally high social skills, this French beauty is known for its unique hairstyles and a hypoallergenic coat.
Still not enough?
Well, how about the fact that this is one of the most active toy breeds in the world? That’s right. Not only are you free to introduce them to as many friends as possible, but these pooches will simply enjoy any sort of activity you propose. Just don’t leave them alone!
8. The Boston Terrier Is The Ultimate American Cuddler
Temperament: bright, gentlemanish, friendly
It is little known that the Joseph Burnett House, besides being a historic landmark, is the birthplace of this beautiful dog breed.
Unlike his aforementioned counterpart, the Bichon Frise, this American boy is more of a city-dog type. Don’t get me wrong – they are not show-offs… they just have a more one-sided daily routine.
If you prefer park walks or spending your weekend afternoons on the terrace of a cafe in the city – this is the perfect dog for you! They are sweet, gentle, and have just enough of a curious spirit to be open to strangers.
On a positive note, they do not need much socialization and training, as BTs are known to be extremely intelligent dogs.
9. Here Comes The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament: gentle, active, open to strangers
It is well-known that the name, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, does indeed derive from King Charles II. He was devoted to his two Spaniels for the good part of his life, but the rumor is those Spaniels have nothing to do with today’s CKCS.
Be that as it may, the CKCS puppy as we know it is just too friendly to be left out of this list. Even though the breed loves spending its time chasing small game, these little canines find their ultimate resort in their owner’s lap.
Their wandering spirit and active personality is a great addition to their overall character. In fact, being who they are, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are ideal for big crowds and outdoor activities.
10. The Boxer Brings The Fun Temperament
Temperament: energetic, loyal, playful
The Boxer is a bundle of energy wrapped in loyalty and love! These dogs are renowned for their playful and clownish behavior, making them perfect companions for families with kids.
Despite their bouncy personality, Boxers are highly protective and bond deeply with their human families.
Boxers are excellent socializers, easily befriending humans and other pets alike. Their zest for life and affectionate nature make them an instant hit at any gathering. If you’re ready for endless games and big, goofy smiles, the Boxer is your go-to!
11. The Samoyed’s Smile Says It All
Temperament: cheerful, gentle, affectionate
The Samoyed’s signature “Sammy smile” isn’t just adorable – it’s a reflection of their friendly and happy-go-lucky personality!
Originating from Siberia, these fluffy white dogs thrive on human companionship and are known to get along famously with kids and strangers alike.
Samoyeds’ sweet demeanor and willingness to please make them a top choice for families and social butterflies. Plus, their cheerful disposition is bound to brighten anyone’s day.
12. The Collie Is A Crowd’s Pleaser
Temperament: devoted, intelligent, sociable
Made famous by Lassie, the Collie is a true symbol of loyalty and kindness. These herding dogs are not only beautiful but also incredibly friendly, making them great companions for families and individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
Collies are known for their gentle nature and ability to form strong bonds with their humans. Their sociable spirit ensures they’ll charm anyone who crosses their path.
13. The Shih Tzu Is A Little Ray Of Sunshine
Temperament: affectionate, outgoing, cheerful
The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big heart! These Chinese-origin lap dogs are masters at spreading joy and cuddles. Known for their loving and approachable nature, Shih Tzus thrive in social environments and make fast friends with everyone they meet.
Their low-maintenance personality and boundless affection make them perfect for families or individuals who love a snuggly companion.
14. The Whippet Is Gracefully Friendly
Temperament: gentle, calm, amiable
The Whippet’s sleek and graceful appearance might hint at aloofness, but don’t be fooled! These dogs are incredibly loving and sociable, with a laid-back personality that’s perfect for families or quiet households.
Whippets enjoy spending time with their humans, whether it’s lounging on the couch or going for a run. Their gentle demeanor ensures they’ll fit right into any social scene.
15. The Havanese Is A Social Butterfly
Temperament: friendly, playful, intelligent
Hailing from Cuba, the Havanese is a little dog with a big personality! These sociable pups love being the center of attention and are known for their playful antics and affectionate nature.
Havanese dogs are great with kids and strangers, making them ideal companions for families who enjoy hosting friends and gatherings. Their charm and friendliness are truly unmatched.
16. The Cocker Spaniel Is All About Love
Temperament: loving, cheerful, sociable
The Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction. These dogs are naturally friendly and form strong bonds with their families and new acquaintances alike.
Their soft, floppy ears and wagging tails are sure to melt hearts wherever they go. Whether it’s a playdate or a cuddle session, Cocker Spaniels are always up for some quality time.
17. The Shetland Sheepdog Is A Social Star
Temperament: loyal, energetic, friendly
Often nicknamed the “Sheltie,” the Shetland Sheepdog is a smaller version of the Collie with an equally friendly personality. These energetic dogs are incredibly loyal and love being around their families.
Shelties are known for their intelligence and sociability, making them a favorite choice for families and individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle.
18. The Maltese Is The Ultimate Lap Dog
Temperament: gentle, playful, devoted
The Maltese is the epitome of a lap dog. These tiny white pooches are gentle and affectionate, thriving on close contact with their humans. Their friendly nature makes them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Despite their small size, Maltese dogs have big personalities and a love for play. They’re perfect for anyone looking for a loyal and loving companion.
19. The Great Dane Is A Gentle Giant
Temperament: gentle, patient, friendly
Don’t let their imposing size fool you – Great Danes are some of the friendliest dogs around! These gentle giants are incredibly patient and loving, making them excellent companions for families with kids.
Great Danes’ calm and friendly nature ensures they’ll win over anyone who meets them. If you’re looking for a dog that’s as big in heart as it is in size, the Great Dane is the perfect choice!
20. Last, But Not Least, The One And Only – Beagle
Temperament: clingy, loyal, dependent
There is a reason why Beagles are last on this list, and it is not their excessive barking! Namely, these long-eared, short-coated beauties are hard to train not to be clingy.
In fact, there is a thin line between their friendliness and their clinginess, which is why you need to be careful when training them.
Even though they can be amazing pets, Beagles are prone to separation anxiety. But still, this is a breed worth a spot on this list!
Conclusion
Starting from Labs, all the ways to Beagles, these ten dogs are called the friendliest for a reason. Choosing either one of these canines is not a mistake, but a sweet torment. All I am going to say is – good luck in finding your perfect match!
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