All dog owners know the feeling of love and companionship that comes with taking care of a dog. But some breeds are friendlier than others, making them perfect for first-time owners or families with children.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 29 of the friendliest dog breeds in the world. From the ever-popular golden retriever to the lesser-known Australian cattle dog, these breeds are known for their good temperament and loving nature.
So if you’re on the hunt for your next furry friend, be sure to check out one of these amazing breeds!
29. King Charles Spaniel
Many will agree that King Charles Spaniel is the world’s friendliest dog breed because of their outgoing and loving personality. They are also one of the easiest breeds to train.
Despite their small size, these dogs are very active and love to play fetch and go for walks. King Charles Spaniels are great with children and make excellent family pets.
There’s never a dull moment with these cute pups, as they can be both chill toy dogs or playful dogs at any time
28. Beagle
Since Beagles were originally bred to go hunting in packs, they don’t have a problem socializing with others may it be humans or animals. They are easy-going and loyal pets that became household staples.
These friendly and merry dogs can sometimes be stubborn. But they make up for their mischief by wearing their pleading expression when told off, which is just too cute to stay mad at.
27. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle’s history is quite unclear as there have been many versions of it. But one thing is for sure, crossbreeding the Labrador Retriever and Poodle is one of the best things that happened in the dog kingdom.
As a result of mixing the two breeds, the product dog breed got the best of worlds. They’re friendly and outgoing like a Lab and smart like their poodle ancestors.
26. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Huskies are known to be one of the friendliest breeds because of their innate nature to work in packs with other dogs and humans. Although they were originally bred to be sled dogs, their strength to pull light loads is also useful at home too.
They are loyal and outgoing dogs that enjoy being around family. They also get along well with everyone, even children.
25. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terriers have had a rough history before they became trustworthy companions. They were bred to be pitted with other dogs in dog blood sports in England. Thankfully these cuties were saved from brawling and were eventually adopted as pets.
Today, these dogs have become sweet-natured and family-oriented pets with an affinity for kids. They are loyal companions that will protect you when needed.
24. Coton de Tulear
Coton de Tulear dogs are so fluffy you would think they were made just to be cuddled. Well, it is sort of true as these dogs’ primary job is to provide amusement, comfort, and companionship to their human owners.
These walking fluff balls are charming, bright, and happy-go-lucky. They are truly a delight to have as pets at home because of their inherent witty and clownish tendencies.
23. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi may be short, but they are proof that big dog energy also comes in small packages. They have a low but muscular build that responds well to training.
But aside from being athletic dogs, these four-legged cuties are also smart and affectionate. They are the perfect companions because they love being with their families but at the same time, they are not needy.
22. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are head turners everywhere they go. These toy dogs are dubbed lion dogs because of their floor-length coat that resembles that of lions. But these furry babies have more to offer other than their cute appearance.
They are also playful, outgoing, and affectionate, completing the whole charming dog package. These dogs can practically charm their way in life which is a valued survival skill.
21. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen or PBGV for short is a hound dog from France. These dogs were developed to hunt animal prey by scent in the Vendee terrain.
Although they are still bred today to serve their original purpose, they have also been serving as household pets. And it is not hard to imagine why because these dogs are happy and very friendly.
20. Swedish Vallhund
The Swedish Vallhunds are the result of crossbreeding Scandinavian spitz dogs and Welsh Corgis. But they were named as such because they became popular cattle dogs at farms in Western Sweden.
Despite their complicated history, it does not change the fact that these dogs are sociable and friendly creatures. Their past as worker dogs come in handy as they are very energetic and helpful at home too.
19. Vizsla
These athletic dogs of Hungarian origin are popular among sporting dog enthusiasts. Vizsla is a versatile dog breed that can easily be recognized because of their trademark golden-rust coat.
Not only are they good in the field of dog sports and physical activities, but they are also known to be wonderful life companions. Their affectionate and clingy nature always results in a tight bond with their owners and other animals.
18. Keeshond
Similar to their other spitz cousins, Keeshonds also possess a foxy face and an abundant coat. But what makes these dogs stand out is the way the shadings and markings of their fur around their eyes make them look like they wear spectacles.
Because of this unique trait, they look like trustworthy and gentle creatures. But it really is the case for them, they are super friendly and outgoing.
17. Newfoundland
These large and powerful dogs are now becoming increasingly popular household pets. Newfoundlands are heralded as majestic creatures because despite their massive size they wear a soft and soulful expression on their faces.
Their facial expression is not just a mask because, in reality, they are truly sweet, patient, and devoted pets. They eventually earned a reputation as reliable pets because they can watch over kids at home.
16. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is known to have one of the best demeanors among dog breeds. They are small but dependable watchdogs because of their alert and curious nature.
They have a happy-go-lucky attitude that can make anyone smile and want to reach for a brief petting on their coat. These fluffy dogs are also playful and preppy companions that will get along well with other people and dogs.
15. Collie
The Collies are a very famous breed thanks to several book authors who used them as their main heroes in their dog novels. But the wonderful things mentioned about these dogs are not just myths and fiction.
These dogs are graceful and devoted pets in real life. They are loyal and love to be around their families all the time. They are perfect life companions in every home.
14. Bulldog
Although Bulldogs seem to perpetually sport a smug expression on their faces, they actually have a friendly and calm temperament. Do not be fooled by the tenacious look they give you because the truth is they crave cuddles every now and then.
They are adaptable and easy-going dogs that would make for an ideal pet for first-time dog owners. They are loyal and courageous life companions.
13. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are described as merry extroverts by dog lovers. These Irish farm dogs love to make their owners smile and laugh whenever they could.
They are friendly dogs to other people and animals and this sociable skill eventually helped them transition from being farm dogs to adored household pets. They are known to be happy and deeply devoted to their families.
12. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are sometimes referred to as shaggy dogs because of their head-to-toe double coat. Despite looking like they are uninterested because of their lavish facial hair forming their expressions, these dogs from Scotland are one of the most sociable dogs out there.
They know how to entertain other people and are truly loved because of their charismatic nature. They are friendly to other dogs as well.
11. Havanese
These little Cuban cheerful dogs have been gaining so much positive attention everywhere as household pets. And it is really not surprising because Havanese dogs are vivacious and sociable house companions. Who would not love to have them around, right?
They may be small but they pack a lot of spunk. What they lack in size, they make up for in their attitude. They are intelligent, outgoing, and funny.
10. Pug
Pugs are adored by many people because of their many lovable traits, one of which is a face that can contort into different expressions. They can look surprised, happy, and curious which has amused their owners.
Aside from their cute faces with adorable features, these dogs are also known to be charming dogs. It comes easy for them to form bonds with humans because of their friendly nature.
9. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are another breed of large dogs that are known to be kind. They are the what-you-see-is-what-you-get dogs because their friendly facial expressions rightfully match their friendly demeanor.
These gentle giants from the Swiss Alps are very playful and love doing outdoor physical activities with their human partners. But they also know when to be patient and calm when they need to, especially when around kids.
8. Poodle
Poodles come in three size varieties, and regardless of the size you decide to get, it won’t affect the active and smart demeanor of this dog breed.
Though they have made their name as champions in dog shows, these athletic dogs are also the best buddies at home. They are loving pets but are also friendly to strangers making everyone smile with their quirky antics all the time.
7. Irish Setter
Many claims that the Irish Setters dogs are the most beautiful breed and it’s not hard to see why. They have an elegant body silhouette and toned faces covered in a lustrous chestnut-colored coat.
But these sporting dogs are more than just pretty faces, they are active, outgoing, and sweet-natured creatures. They are beloved family pets because of their endearing and friendly attitude to all family members.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are one of the most versatile and easy-to-train dog breeds. They excel in hunting and fieldwork as worker dogs, as well as in dog sporting events as athletic dogs.
They are so friendly, intelligent, and devoted that they have been preferred as the dog breed of choice in assisting disabled people. This breed is a ball of energy that lightens the mood and atmosphere.
5. Boxer
Boxers are called such because they share similar characteristics with athletes of the same name. Like boxers, these dogs move smoothly, gracefully, and with a powerful forward thrust.
But unlike the harsh behavior of boxers in the ring, these dogs are bright, loving, and friendly. They are loyal and affectionate companions that are also known to be good at handling children because of their protective instincts.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has been a favorite pet among many households. In fact, it’s been the most popular dog breed in America for many years. They truly deserve the title because they possess great traits that pet owners love.
They are friendly, active, and outgoing dogs that love to receive and show affection in return. They also socialize well with other people and play happily with other dogs.
3. Boston Terrier
Like many other dog breeds named after the city they came from, it’s safe to assume that the Boston Terriers will also make for a perfect pet in urban areas filled with people.
They are friendly, bright, and amusing dogs that have impeccable social manners. So much so, that they earned the nickname “The American Gentleman”. They are lively little companions with cute facial features to boot.
2. Greyhound
Greyhounds have been around for thousands of years. They have a fairly glamorous history serving as the Pharaoh’s companions in Egypt for a long time before becoming the cute household pets they are now.
They are known to be gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered making them ideal life companions for dog lovers. Having been around humans since their discovery, they have mastered socializing with other people and animals.
1. Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retrievers are relatively more recent than other retrievers like Labrador and Golden Retrievers. But they’re just as energetic and skillful in hunting making them more popular than the two breeds back in the day.
These dogs are known to be cheerful and optimistic. In fact, they’re the happiest dog breed because they seem to never grow up at all and retain their adorable puppy attitude.
Related Questions
Which Dog Is Best For Beginners?
The King Charles Spaniel is a very good choice for beginners. They are sweet-natured dogs that get along well with other people and pets. Since they have the spaniel blood, they can adapt to the lifestyle of their human partners easily whether they are active or couch potatoes at home.
What Breed Of Dog Is The Kindest?
Beagles are the kindest of the dog breeds. Their happy-go-lucky and outgoing behavior, also means that they love to be around people and that they can tolerate different kinds of personalities very well. They thrive in healthy loving interactions and just love to show affection whenever possible.
Are Dogs Happier In Pairs Or Alone?
The answer is yes and no for both questions. Since dogs are known to be social animals, they will love to be around other dogs as much as possible. But there are also dog breeds that do not mind being left alone because they can cope just fine in solitude.
