The Top 20 Friendliest Dog Breeds

Every pet owner agrees that, after a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home and being greeted by your furry best friend. The shouts of excitement, the wagging tail, the zoomies — it’s enough to brighten even the worst days. 

Among the many dogs up for adoption, there are plenty of gentle, good-natured, and affectionate breeds — you just have to find the dog that’s right for your household. 

Whether you want a new pet for your family or just want to learn more about your favorite dogs, here are 20 of the friendliest dog breeds.

Beagle

Great for: Beagles thrive in environments where they receive lots of playtime and exercise, so this breed is an excellent choice for families and active households. 

Often described as “happy-go-lucky,” Beagles are extremely easygoing, curious, and friendly. Bred as hunting dogs, Beagles are used to running in packs — which likely contributes to their friendly nature.

They also enjoy people and don’t mind when company comes over to visit. But because they love companionship so much, they may be unhappy when left alone for long periods of time.

Bearded Collie

Great for: Due to their herding nature, Bearded Collies work best in households with ample space for running and exercising. Additionally, Beardie owners should be prepared to provide obedience training. 

Full of energy and excitement, Bearded Collies are herding dogs known for their shaggy coats. These family dogs are always friendly and can get along with everyone, but definitely require regular exercise to release their energy and keep boredom at bay.

Along these lines, Beardies are smart and outgoing but can also be independent. Therefore, consistent and dedicated training is necessary.

Border Collie

Great for: Border Collies flourish in households with active lifestyles because they need extra stimulation and playtime. If you’d like to participate in dog sports, this breed just might be your perfect partner. 

Similar to their Bearded Collie friends, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. These dogs are incredibly smart, highly trainable, and aim to please. Border Collies require a lot of exercise and excel when they have a job to do. If you live in a city apartment by yourself, then Collies like this won’t be able to live their best lives.

Of all the dogs on our list, Border Collies are perhaps the most friendly with their families, but they can also be a little more reserved around strangers.

Boston Terrier

Great for: People who love to cuddle on the couch, individuals and families who get frequent guests, and households with limited square footage can adopt a Boston Terrier. Just make sure your pup gets out for frequent walks and playtime. 

Between the previously listed hunting and herding dogs, the Boston Terrier is the first pup on this list that can easily adapt to city living. As long as these dogs receive regular walks and playtime, they don’t need a ton of yard space or square footage. 

Boston Terriers are excellent family dogs and love to meet new people. So, if you’re looking for a small, friendly breed that likes to cuddle and socialize, then consider the Boston Terrier.

Boxer

Great for: Boxers will adapt well to families who have extra time in their daily schedule for play, exercise, and training. The more people in the household, the more opportunities Boxers have to shake out the sillies. 

Boxers are fun-loving, smart, and loyal pups — making them great companions for families with children. Additionally, Boxers are excellent watchdogs. So, while this breed is friendly and playful, they will guard their household from intruders.

But don’t worry, they’re not always serious. Boxers have a silly side too — just make sure to provide daily exercise and obedience training to channel their energy.

Bulldog

Great for: Regardless of household square footage, Bulldogs are loyal companions who are ready to explore the world with their owners. Just be sure that your Bulldog receives moderate exercise.

They may look grumpy sometimes, but there’s no doubt that Bulldogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds around. Bulldogs are easygoing, low-maintenance, and make steadfast companions.

Willing to go wherever you go, the Bulldog is happy to meet new friends — city, suburb, or countryside. As a brachycephalic breed, these wrinkly dogs only need moderate exercise, which can be great if you don’t have a lot of space for activity. Bulldogs are generally agreeable to training as well.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Great for: When you’re looking for a pup who can integrate into a child-friendly house with other pets, the Cav is an excellent choice. This loveable breed makes for a happy-go-lucky city companion. 

The sweet eyes of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel speak volumes. These dogs were bred to be gentle, loyal companions, and it shows.

Cavs are great with kids, eager to please, and friendly with other animals as well as people. In addition, these dogs are very easy to train, incredibly smart, and will participate in a variety of sports and activities.

Collie

Great for: People with a tendency to get stuck in wells, and/or families who live in the country. Similar to other herding breeds, Collies need large spaces for play and exercise. This breed is a great option for energetic families with children — just remember to dedicate time to training your new Collie. 

Just like the famed Lassie of the silver screen, Collies are well-known for their sociable and loyal personalities. As one of the best dog breeds for kids, Collies are athletic herding dogs who are intelligent, easy to train and love to play. 

Given their energetic nature, Collies will need open spaces to run and exercise. They will struggle in small spaces like apartment buildings.

Goldendoodles

Great for: Social and active households will be the perfect environment for this trendy designer dog.

Technically, Goldendoodles aren’t a pure-bred dog. They’re a designer, or a mixed-breed, dog with Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. Known for their teddy bear looks and low-shedding coat, these pooches have become extremely popular in recent years.

Doodles love to meet new people and play. They also get along well with other dogs, though their hyper personalities can be a lot for young kids to handle.

Without a yard to run out their excess energy, don’t be surprised if your new Doodle gets into trouble around the house. These highly social and intelligent dogs thrive with training.

Golden Retriever

Great for: Goldens love to make friends, so this dog breed will work best in large homes with children and other pets. However, they will need owners who can dedicate time to daily exercise and playtime. 

Consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., the Golden Retriever is almost synonymous with “friendly dog.” Additionally, this lovable breed is happy, loyal, and outgoing around people and other animals. 

Golden Retriever puppies need to be taught how to behave and need exercise every day. Because they’re active and energetic dogs, young Golden puppies can get mischievous when they feel bored.

Irish Setter

Great for: Individuals and families who can provide daily playtime, exercise, and training. The Irish Setter makes a great companion for the whole family, including small children. 

Recognizable for their beautiful red coats, the Irish Setter is sweet-natured, outgoing, and affectionate. An active sporting breed, Irish Setters are excellent with children — they love to play, make new friends, and are generally eager to please.

Irish Setters have a high energy level, so they will do well with daily exercise and training to keep them busy.

Havanese

Great for: Havanese pups are small dogs who only need moderate exercise, which makes them a good choice for apartments and city living. 

A smart companion dog with a sociable nature, the Havanese is a toy breed with an animated and outgoing personality.

These dogs are adaptable, outgoing, and fun — they love to attract attention and meet new friends.These adaptable pups perform well in any setting, including city living. Additionally, Havenese dogs generally excel in their role as family companions.

Labrador Retriever

Great for: The Labrador Retriever loves meeting new people. This makes them a great choice for large families, homes with other pets, and people who often have guests. They’re also fiercely loyal and will eagerly protect their household. If you live in the city, just make sure that your dog has plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. 

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Labrador Retriever is consistently one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. — and it’s easy to see why. With a friendly, outgoing, and active personality, almost everyone loves the loyal, lovable Lab.

Unlike Collies and other herding dogs, Labs can adapt to city living if they get enough exercise and playtime.

Labs are one of the best dogs for active families. They are known for being friendly with children, other dogs, other animals, and strangers. These dogs love to play, have a pretty high energy level, and can be trained very easily. Without training, they might just chew up everything in sight.

Newfoundland

Great for: While many breeds pair well with active families, the Newfoundland breed works well for laid-back households who are looking for a gentle companion. True to their “nanny dog” nickname, these dogs adore hanging out with children. 

Don’t be intimidated by the size of this working dog – the Newfoundland is truly a gentle giant. Known for their sweet, patient, and gentle demeanor, Newfies are often called the “nanny dog” for children.

These dogs are trusting and sociable, making them excellent companions. Although Newfies are large dogs, they aren’t too high-energy — they simply require regular exercise (or playtime) to stay happy and healthy.

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Great for: PBGVs will adapt well in households with other dogs and children but will need dedicated individuals to provide obedience training and exercise.

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a happy, energetic hunting dog that was originally bred on the west coast of France. This is where they get their name. Like the Beagle, the PBGV was bred to hunt in a pack — and now they enjoy the company of other dogs, kids, and people.

PBGVs are outgoing, energetic, and smart. They can, however, also be stubborn at times and a little independent, so training is important.

Poodle

Great for: If you suffer from allergies, the Poodle might be a great option for your household. This breed integrates well into families with children and enjoys meeting new people. 

Like the Lab and the Golden Retriever, the Poodle is another dog that always tops the list of the AKC’s most popular dogs. A hypoallergenic dog breed that’s great for families with allergy sufferers, the Poodle is friendly, smart, and active.

Poodles are very people-oriented. They love all kinds of activities and generally make excellent dogs for children and families. Plus, Poodles come in three different sizes — Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Pug

Great for: If your household frequently hosts gatherings and welcomes guests, the Pug could be the choice for you. These reliable pups are eager to meet new companions, including children. 

The Pug, a playful dog, was bred to be a companion dog for Chinese emperors. Now, this low-maintenance dog breed is one of the most popular toy breeds. These dogs are often described as “multum in parvo” or “a lot in a little.” They’re small dogs with big-dog personalities.

Pugs are extremely sociable, agreeable, and love to be with their family members, as well as meet new friends.

Shih Tzu

Great for: Laid-back households who are looking for a friendly, social butterfly dog. Due to their small size, Shih Tzus are well-suited for apartments and city living.

Like the Pug, the Shih Tzu was bred to be a royal companion dog. Today, Shih Tzus are affectionate and sweet family dogs. These dogs love to snuggle, play, and are great with children. Additionally, Shih Tzus are considered outgoing, social, and agreeable.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Great for: Staffordshire Bull Terriers adapt well to large families with plenty of people (including children) who can devote time to training and playtime. 

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier may look tough, but this breed is sweet-natured, friendly, and playful. These dogs are known for their patience with children, making them excellent family companions.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers are very energetic and smart, but they can also be a little stubborn, so training is definitely important.

Vizsla

Great for: Vizslas thrive with adventurous individuals and families who can provide daily exercise. If you are looking for a kid-friendly dog, this breed works best in households with school-aged children who are used to being around dogs.

Recognizable by their gold-rust-colored coat, Vizslas are affectionate and gentle sporting dogs. These dogs are known for the bond they build with their owners. They’re friendly, eager to please, and love to do anything their family is doing.

Vizslas are very active and high-energy, so they should get a decent amount of daily exercise. Given their energetic nature, Vizslas may struggle around infants and toddlers — these pups just want to play but might not understand that small humans can’t play back yet.

Identifying the perfect dog for your household 

Every household has a different definition of friendly, so the right companion will depend upon your daily routine and household activities. Here’s a breakdown of the friendliest dogs by category: 

Active households: 

• Beagles
• Border Collies
• Golden Retrievers
• Irish Setters
• Pembroke Welsh Corgis
• Vizslas

Laid-back households: 

• Bulldogs
• Newfoundlands
• Pugs
• Shih Tzus

Apartment/City living: 

• Boston Terriers
• Bulldogs
• Haveneses
• Pugs
• Shih Tzus

Large family households: 

• Bearded Collies
• Boxers
• Collies
• Labrador Retrievers
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Child-friendly breeds: 

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Collies
• Golden Retrievers
• Irish Setters
• Labrador Retrievers
• Newfoundlands
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens
• Poodles
• Pugs

Breeds that are friendly to other pets: 

• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens

Which friendly dog breed is right for you? 

You may find that your favorite lovable rascal didn’t appear on this list — and that’s okay. At the end of the day, only you can decide which affectionate breed you’ll welcome into your household. 

After finding the breed that’s right for you, you may want to protect your new companion with a pet insurance plan. As your new pup grows up, Pumpkin Dog Insurance plans can help cover the cost of eligible vet bills for accidents and illnesses in the future. This lets you focus on caring for your pup instead of pulling your hair out over unexpected costs.

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