Dogs have been our happy, fun, and friendly friends for a very long time. But did you know that “a dog is a man’s best friend” was first said by Frederick the Great of Prussia?
Now, three hundred years after the time of Frederick the Great, this phrase is often used to explain in a single sentence how friendly dogs are by nature.
Even though dogs are usually friendly, there are some breeds that are naturally friendlier than others. This is especially true when you consider how many different kinds of dogs there are.
So, which dog breeds are the most friendly? Let’s dig in…
The Friendliest Dog Breeds
Whether you’re looking for a new pet for your family or just want to know which dog breeds are the friendliest, this list can help.
Here are 20 of the most friendly breeds of dog:
Beagle
Usually called “happy-go-lucky,” Beagles are very friendly, easygoing, and curious. Beagles were originally used to hunt, so they are used to running in groups. This may help explain why they are so friendly.
These are wonderful family dogs and loyal friends in general. Beagles are very active and need a lot of playtime and regular exercise.
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Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are known for their shaggy coats and high levels of energy. They are used to herd sheep. These family dogs are always friendly and get along with everyone, but they do need regular exercise to get rid of their excess energy and keep them from getting bored.
In this way, Beardies are smart and friendly, but they can also be independent. Because of this, they need consistent and dedicated training.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding dog with a lot of energy, just like the Bearded Collie. These dogs are very smart, easy to train, and want to please their owners.
Border Collies are probably the most friendly dogs with their families, but they can be a little shy around strangers. Border Collies need to move around a lot and do best when they have a job to do.
Border Collies are great for active families and dog owners, especially those who want to do dog sports or other stimulating things with their dogs.
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Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small dog breed with a lot of personality. It’s hard not to get along with one. Boston Terriers are fun, social, and friendly pets.
These dogs love to meet new people and are good with kids. They need regular exercise, but they don’t necessarily need a garden or a lot of space – they make great city dogs.
Boxer
Boxers are smart, loyal, and like to have fun. So, it makes sense that they are one of the many types of friendly dogs that are great with kids. Boxers are great family guard dogs, but don’t worry, they’re not always serious.
These dogs are known for being silly, and they won’t pass up a chance to play. Boxers have a lot of energy, so it’s important for them to work out every day. But they are easy to train, and training can help them use their energy in a positive way.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds, even if they sometimes look like they’re mad. Bulldogs are easygoing, don’t need much care, and make good friends.
The Bulldog is willing to go wherever you go and is happy to make new friends in the city, the suburbs, or the country. These dogs don’t need a lot of exercise, which is good if you don’t have a lot of room to move around. Bulldogs usually don’t mind being trained either.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has sweet eyes that say a lot. It’s clear that these dogs were bred to be kind, loyal friends.
Cavs can do a lot of different things. They get along well with kids, are eager to please, and are friendly with both people and other animals.
These dogs are easy to train, very smart, and can do a lot of different sports and activities. In general, they’re happy when they’re with you.
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Collie
Collies are well-known for being friendly and loyal, just like the famous movie dog Lassie. Collies are athletic herding dogs that love to play and get plenty of exercise. They are one of the best dog breeds for kids.
These dogs are smart and easy to train, and they enjoy doing things with their families.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is always one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., and the name almost means “friendly dog.”
Goldens are friendly, happy, and loyal. They also want to please, which makes them easy to train.
Golden Retrievers are great dogs for families because they are friendly with kids, other dogs, and other animals. Since these dogs are very active, they need to run and play every day.
Ireland’s Setter
The Irish Setter is known for its beautiful red coat and is friendly, outgoing, and loving. Irish Setters are active dogs that are used for hunting. They are great with kids because they love to play, make new friends, and are usually eager to please.
Irish Setters have a lot of energy, so exercise and training are good ways to keep them busy.
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Havanese
The Havanese is a toy breed with a lively personality. It is a smart companion dog with a friendly personality. These dogs are easy to train, friendly, and fun. They like to be the centre of attention and make new friends.
Even though they are small, Havenese make great city dogs and are also great watchdogs. They are easy to train, don’t need a lot of exercise, and make great family pets in general.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has been named the most popular dog in the United States every year since 1991 by the American Kennel Club. The Lab is liked by everyone because it is friendly, outgoing, and active.
Labs are one of the best dogs for families because they get along well with kids, other dogs, animals, and even people they don’t know. These dogs like to play and have a lot of energy. They are also very easy to train.
Newfoundland
Don’t be scared off by this working dog’s size; the Newfoundland is a gentle giant. Newfoundlands are often called the “nanny dog” for children because of how sweet, patient, and gentle they are.
These dogs are friendly and trustworthy, which makes them great pets. Even though Newfies are big dogs, they don’t have a lot of energy. To stay happy and healthy, they just need regular exercise (or playtime!).
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Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, is a happy, energetic hunting dog that was originally bred on the west coast of France, where it got its name. Like the Beagle, the PBGV was made to hunt in a group. Now, they like to hang out with other dogs, children, and people.
PBGVs are friendly, full of energy, and smart. They can be stubborn and independent at times, though, so training is important.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are smart, friendly, active, and full of personality. They are used to herd sheep. These dogs are fast, independent, and friendly. They make great family pets, especially for people who want a medium-sized dog.
Pembrokes make great watchdogs and are very loyal, but they can be stubborn, so their owners will need to spend time socialising and training them.
Poodle
The Poodle, like the Lab and the Golden Retriever, is always at the top of the AKC’s list of the most popular dogs. The Poodle is a friendly, smart, and active dog breed that is not likely to cause allergies. This makes it a good choice for families with allergy sufferers.
Poodles are very friendly to people, love to do all kinds of things, and are usually great dogs for kids and families. Poodles also come in three different sizes: miniature, standard, and toy.
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Pug
The mischievous Pug was originally bred to be a companion dog for Chinese emperors. Now, this breed is one of the most well-known toy breeds. People often say that these dogs are “multum in parvo” or “a lot in a little” because they are small dogs with big dog personalities.
Pugs are very friendly and happy dogs who love to be with their families and make new friends.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, like the Pug, was made to be a royal pet. Shih Tzus are now sweet and friendly family dogs. These dogs are great with kids and love to cuddle and play.
Shih Tzus are friendly, outgoing, and easy to get along with. Their size and personality make them great city or apartment dogs.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may look tough, but it is actually friendly, playful, and has a sweet personality. These dogs are known for being good with kids, which makes them great family pets.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are smart and active, but they can also be stubborn, so training is important.
- World’s Most Obedient Dog Breeds
- World’s Least Obedient Dog Breeds
- Top 10 High-Jumping Hounds
- Meet the Fastest Dog Breeds in the World
- The 5 Different Types of Pit Bull Dog Breeds
Vizsla
Vizslas are friendly and gentle hunting dogs with coats that are gold-rust coloured. These dogs are known for the close relationship they have with their owners. They are friendly, eager to please, and love to do whatever their family is doing.
Vizslas are very energetic and active, so they should get a good amount of exercise every day.
Which kind of friendly dog is best for you?
Even though some dog breeds seem to be friendlier by nature than others, there are a lot of dogs out there that might be a good fit for you and your family. At the end of the day, it depends on what your family wants in a friendly breed: a furry friend that is active and fun to play with, a puppy that is easy to train, a dog that is good with kids and strangers and has a loyal heart, or all of the above!
The picture you used for the collie is wrong. You used a picture of a border collie for the collie. They are different and they look different. You need to correct that.
Another very sociable dog breed that you didn’t have on here is the red retriever or also called the nova Scotia duck troller. They are really sweet dogs. You should add them rather than some of the othera. But not instead of any of the collies.
I’m not sure why there’s a chow chow on the title page. I’m a long time ChowChow owner and they can be sociable if raised right but other than to their family, they will be sociable on their on time and terms.
What about cocker spaniels?
Missed the boat. Samoyeds are as friendly as they com