PetsCareMart

If you’re curious about the friendliest dog breeds, keep reading!

Dogs are called man’s best friend for a good reason. Their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love make them the perfect companions for us humans.

However, not all breeds are created equal when it comes to their friendliness. Some are more prone to aggression and aloofness, while others are known for their great-big outgoing and affectionate personalities.

Below, we’ll delve into the latter and discuss the friendliest dog breeds that make excellent pets for families and individuals looking for a loyal and loving companion.

Related: The Least Aggressive Dog Breeds: 7 Well-Mannered Pooches

1. Dalmatian

Dalmatians became popular as carriage dogs during the 1800s and even more popular after the release of the Disney film, “101 Dalmatians.”  Their striking spotted coat and athletic build have made them a favorite of many dog lovers, and they’re often sought out as a family pets.

One of the reasons why Dalmatians are so popular is due to their friendly and outgoing nature. They are known for being very affectionate towards their owners and are generally good with children.

Dalmatians are dogs who are dependable, friendly, playful, and high-spirited. These dogs are friendly towards other people, but they can be protective if needed. They are ideal for older kids but do well with toddlers as well. Also, Dalmatians are great companions for other pets in the home, such as dogs and cats.

In addition to their friendly personality, Dalmatians are also intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for obedience competitions and other dog sports. Overall, their lovable nature, combined with their unique appearance, has made them a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.

2. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards have been around for centuries and are famous for their large size and rescue work in the Swiss Alps. Those who choose to own Saint Bernards often fall in love with their gentle nature and loyalty, making them cherished companions for many.

Saint Bernards are loyal dogs who love to be around their owners and will happily spend their time snuggling or playing. They are known for being great with children and have a reputation for being gentle giants. Their calm and patient demeanor also makes them excellent therapy or emotional support dogs, helping to bring comfort and joy to those in need.

Overall, their kind and affectionate personality, combined with their impressive size, make them an appealing choice for those seeking a loyal and friendly companion.

3. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are a breed of dog that are instantly recognizable for their long ears and short legs. Fun fact: Basset Hounds are descendants of bloodhounds!  They first made their appearance in 1863 at a Paris dog show and, over the years, quickly rose to become one of the top 50 most popular breeds in the United States.

These dogs are well-behaved, friendly, sweet, peaceful, and gentle. Basset Hounds are very loyal and affectionate with the humans living in the home with them, including children. However, as bloodhound descendants, these dogs sometimes can’t resist following their noses and investigating any interesting scent they come upon, sometimes getting them into trouble.

Overall, though, Basset Hounds are also easy to train and love to please their owners, making them an excellent choice for new dog owners. Their laid-back personality also makes them great apartment dogs, as they don’t require a lot of exercise or space.

4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu dogs are thought to be descendants of the Tibetan Mountain and Pekingese dogs or the Lhasa Apso dog, although they only gained AKC recognition in 1969. They are known for their small size, long hair, and distinctive “smushed” face. Shih Tzus are relatively popular, ranked as the 20th most popular breed in the United States by the AKC.

One of the reasons why Shih Tzus are so popular is their loving and loyal personality. They are known for being very affectionate towards their owners and are often described as being “lap dogs” due to their love of cuddling.

Shih Tzus are great with children and other dogs. They love engaging in play dates with other dogs. As far as cats, it really all depends on training and socialization, as some like them and some don’t. These dogs are playful and can be mischievous during playtime.

5. Beagles

Beagles are a breed of dog that are instantly recognizable for their floppy ears and adorable faces.  They were originally used as hunting dogs, so they’re used to hanging out around loud noises and crowds.

They are extremely friendly, tolerant, and gentle, making them perfect for socializing with other families with kids. Beagles respond really well to obedience training! They are also known for their energetic nature and love of exercise, which can make them a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running.

This breed actually craves attention and doesn’t like to be left alone, so he’s perfect to take along on visits. However, this trait makes him less than ideal for families who are always on the go without their dogs, or who work long hours outside the home every day.

6. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, aka “Labs,” are beloved for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are consistently ranked as the #1 most popular dog breed in the United States by the American Kennel Club, and it’s easy to see why.

Both Labs and Goldens are known for their lovable nature, intelligence, and trainability, making them excellent choices for families and individuals seeking loyal and friendly companions. They are also energetic dogs that love to play and exercise, making them a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor activities (and less-than-ideal for “couch potatoes”).

They are often described as being “people pleasers” and have a reputation for being good with children and other pets. Their friendly personality also makes them popular as service dogs, where they can assist those with disabilities or medical conditions. Overall, it’s easy to see why they’re considered one of the friendliest dog breeds and are a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.

7.  Golden Retriever

Like Labs, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and beloved breeds. With their friendly and outgoing personalities, they make the perfect pet for families and individuals alike. Goldens are known for their loyal, loving, and devoted nature. They are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train and teach new behaviors. They are also very social and enjoy spending time with their owners as well as other animals.

These dogs are also known for their kind and gentle natures. They are incredibly patient and loving with children and make great playmates. They are also very protective of and loyal to their families and will bark to alert them of any potential danger. Like Labs, they’re also a popular choice for therapy dogs.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an adorable and friendly breed of dog. They are known for their loyal and affectionate nature, making them an excellent companion for families. They are intelligent, eager to please, and make great family dogs – they get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats.

Their personality is a mix of playful energy and calm relaxation. Cavaliers are gentle, patient, and loyal, and they love being around people. They are great watchdogs, but they don’t bark too much. They are also very adaptable and can easily adjust to almost any environment.

Cavaliers are also incredibly social and love to cuddle and be petted. They are also known for their good manners and obedience. They are eager to please and often respond to training with patience and understanding. All in all, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great breed for families looking for an energetic and loving companion.

9. Poodles

Poodles are one of the most beloved breeds out there! Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature, poodles are a popular choice for many pet owners. Despite their curly fur and regal look, poodles have a fun-loving, outgoing personality. They are known for being extremely affectionate and loyal to their owners.

Poodles are also known for being very smart and easy to train. They are eager to please and are often used in canine competitions. Even though they have a lot of energy, poodles are also known for being very laid-back and even-tempered. They make great family dogs, as they love being around people and other animals. Poodles are also known for being very gentle and kind, making them perfect for those with children in the home.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgis

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a beloved breed of dog that has been popular for centuries. With their adorable short legs and big ears, they are sure to bring a smile to any home. They are known for their loyal and friendly natures, as well as their intelligence and trainability.

When it comes to training, Pembroke Welsh Corgis are relatively easy to train, as they are naturally eager to please. With positive reinforcement, they can learn many commands and tricks with patience and consistency.

They are also friendly and affectionate with family members but can be wary of strangers. This makes them excellent watchdogs, and their naturally alert nature will often alert you to any potential danger.

However, their friendly nature also means that they can be easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation or too many people. With this in mind, it is important to properly socialize your Corgi in order to let them get used to different settings and people.

11. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers, also known as the “American Gentleman,” are another great companion dog known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. They are small dogs that are great for apartment living and make excellent family pets.

Boston Terriers are intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners. They are also loyal and loving companions that thrive on human interaction, making them a great choice for families with children.

Boston Terriers are also known for their playful nature and love to participate in games and activities with their owners. When it comes to children, Boston Terriers can make great companions. They are generally good with kids and have a reputation for being gentle and patient.

12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are an intelligent and loyal breed of dog that make excellent companions. They are known for their playful, loving and friendly personalities and are typically very easy to train.

They are usually eager to please and very obedient, making them great family pets. Training a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is relatively easy and they respond well to positive reinforcement and consistency.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are incredibly affectionate and thrive on being around people. They are happiest when they are included in the family and love to be included in activities such as walks or playtime. This breed is also known for their courage and tenacity, making them effective guardians and watchdogs.

They often form strong bonds with their owners and are very loyal and protective of their families. They enjoy being around children and other pets, often displaying gentle and playful behavior.

13. Border Collie

Border Collies are highly intelligent and active dogs known for their incredible work ethic. While often used as herding dogs on farms, Border Collies are also popular as family pets due to their friendly and affectionate personalities.

They are energetic dogs that love to play and exercise, making them a great choice for families with children or active individuals seeking a loyal companion. However, due to their high energy levels, Border Collies require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

As a herding breed, they do have a tendency to view kids and other pets as their “flock” and may try to herd or corral them. They actually make great nanny dogs in that respect!

Overall, Border Collies can make great family pets for those willing to provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they require, and their friendly personalities make them a favorite among dog lovers.

These are far from the only friendly dog breeds out there, they’re just our picks for the top 13! From the Affenpinscher to the Zwergpinscher, most breeds can learn to thrive on social interaction if you properly socialize them as puppies. Just like some dogs from these friendliest dog breeds can actually despise socializing. Kind of like people!

It’s hard to paint every dog in a certain breed with the same paintbrush. Still, these 13 do a rep for having the friendliest temperaments.

Do you have a different type of dog that you think should be included on our list of friendliest dog breeds? Tell us in the comments!

Do you have a different type of dog that you think should be included on our list of friendliest dog breeds? Tell us in the comments!

Related Posts