10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

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10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

Dogs are generally friendly animals, after all this was an important factor in their domestication and their ability to win over humans. However, some dog breeds are friendlier than others. While each individual dog breed has its own personality, certain dog breeds are known for being more social than others. Below we’ve listed 10 of the friendliest dog breeds that love to be around people and other dogs.

Unique Personality Per Breed

Friendly dogs are generally those that are social, highly adaptable, and easy to train. These dogs handle being in a range of situations without becoming over excited or fearful. These dogs are often very loyal and will follow the lead of their owner in new environments.

1. Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are arguably the friendliest dog breeds available, with their agreeable, social, and eager to please personalities. Golden Retrievers get along with everyone, their cheerful confidence means they happily make friends with people and animals wherever they go.

Height: 50-60cm
Size: Large
Character: Intelligent, friendly, devoted
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

2. Welsh Corgi

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The Welsh Corgi is a fun-loving, social breed that loves to be around people. These little dogs are full of personality, they are bold, protective, and loving. As Corgis were bred for guarding, hunting, and companionship, they form strong bonds with their owners and they don’t like to be left alone.

Height: 25-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Adaptable, social, playful
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

3. Boston Terrier

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Boston Terriers are energetic, friendly, and always up for a game. These playful pups love to be around people and thrive on getting attention. Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for first-time owners as they make new friends easily and they are very adaptable so can suit most lifestyles.

Height: 38-43cm
Size: Small
Character: Social, intelligent, energetic
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

4. Labrador Retriever

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The Labrador Retriever is one of the top family-friendly dog breeds. They are social, great with other dogs, and love to be around people. Labradors are intelligent, dependable, and they have lots of energy so are a great choice for active families.

Height: 56-61cm
Size: Large
Character: Friendly, outgoing, active
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

5. Border Collie

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Border Collies are hard-working herding dogs that are always eager to please. These dogs excel at training and dog sports and need lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Border Collies love to be outside and enjoy socialising through sports and activities.

Height: 46-56cm
Size: Medium
Character: Intelligent, affectionate, energetic
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

6. Beagle

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Beagles are happy dogs that enjoy spending time with people. As Beagles were bred to be in a pack they have no problem socialising with dogs and are always keen to play. Overall, Beagles are calm, adaptable, and eager to please. These dogs love to follow scents so training is important to keep them close.

Height: 33-40cm
Size: Medium
Character: Affectionate, friendly, happy
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

7. Irish Setter

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The Irish Setter is a large, energetic dog that loves to be around people and gets along great with children. Irish Setters are playful, fun-loving, and affectionate. These dogs have a happy-go-lucky attitude as long as they get enough exercise each day to prevent boredom and pent-up energy.

Height: 54-67cm
Size: Large
Character: Cheerful, energetic, social
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel regularly ranks as one of the most popular dog breeds and this is largely due to its friendly, people-oriented nature. Cavaliers are sweet dogs that were bred to be companions so it makes sense they are happiest when snuggling with their owner.

Height: 30-33cm
Size: Small
Character: Friendly, social, gentle
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Staffordshire Bull Terriers are sweet dogs that get along with everyone. They benefit from early socialisation and are known to be loyal, loving and friendly. Staffies never turn down a game of fetch and they enjoy adventures.

Height: 36-41cm
Size: Medium
Character: Playful, loyal, social
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

10. Boxer

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Boxers are big dogs that love attention, they enjoy being social and will always greet you enthusiastically. Boxers have spirited personalities and are known to be excellent around children as well as other animals. These dogs are best suited for busy family environments where they will see lots of people.

Height: 53-63cm
Size: Large
Character: Playful, energetic, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Breed To Avoid

Not all dog breeds are known for being social and friendly. Below are 5 breeds it may be better to avoid:

Chow Chow

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The Chow Chow is known to be aloof and is not the dog to choose if you’re looking for a cuddly puppy. These dogs are also independent and tend to be suspicious of strangers.

Doberman

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Dobermans are affectionate with their owners but they are natural watchdogs and are very protective. Due to their strong guarding instincts, Dobermans need a lot of training and socialisation to avoid problems and are not best for people looking for a friendly dog.

Shar Pei

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The Shar Pei is another naturally protective dog breed. Shar Peis are strong-willed, independent, and can be stubborn. This is a good breed choice for someone looking for a guard dog.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers have a protective nature and they tend to be good at defending and guarding. These confident, courageous dogs are often aloof and are not as keen to make friends with strangers as other breeds. However, Rottweilers can be friendly when they are socialised properly but they are best suited to experienced owners that are familiar with the breed.

Basenji

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Basenjis are excellent guard dogs as they are always alert and tend to dislike strangers. This breed is exceptionally loyal to their family but they tend to be protective and they have a high prey drive too so it’s best to keep them away from smaller animals.