11 Friendliest Dog Breeds. Our four-legged friends have been a part of the lives of children and adults for thousands of years. But did you know that it was Frederick the Great of Prussia who invented the phrase “A dog is a man’s best friend” three centuries ago? Now, three centuries later, that single sentence has become an emblematic, general sentiment associated with dogs. Although it may seem like all dogs are naturally friendly, some breeds are more sociable than others – especially because there are so many different types of dogs out there.
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The Friendliest Dog Breeds
This list of dog breeds has one thing in mind: your happiness and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a new pet or just curious, this article will help you find the right breed to fit your needs.
Beagle
Often described as “happy-go-lucky,” Beagles are incredibly easygoing and friendly. Bred as hunting dogs, they are used to running in packs. This likely contributes to their friendly personality, which makes them great family dogs and loyal companions. They require lots of exercise and playtime to stay balanced and happy.
Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are herding dogs known for their shaggy coats. They are always happy, friendly, and sociable with everyone, but they require extensive exercise to keep boredom at bay. In addition, these well-mannered dogs are intelligent, engaging, and understanding; so consistent training is necessary.
Border Collie
Of all the dogs on our list, Border Collies are perhaps the most friendly with their families – but can be a little more reserved around strangers. Border Collies require a lot of exercise and excel when they have something to do. They’re perfect for active dog owners and families who want to participate in dog sports or activities that keep them busy.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are small dogs that have a ton of personality, making it nearly impossible not to befriend them. These dogs love meeting new people and are good with kids – they just need some room to move around in and regular exercise. They’re also good city dogs because they don’t need a yard or tons of space to run around in.
Boxer
With their friendly and playful attitude, it’s no surprise that boxer dogs are one of the most popular breeds for families. They’re also known to be very smart, making them excellent watchdogs for their homes. These dogs love to play and can often become more playful when they’re given a job to do. Boxers have a lot of energy, so daily exercise is important for them. They require training not only because it’s fun but because it helps channel that energy into something productive.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are easygoing, live in low maintenance, and make steadfast spirits. They’re willing to go wherever you want them to go and they can tolerate new circumstances better than any other breed. If you don’t have a lot of room for physical activity, they’re perfect for you. Bulldogs are typically agreeable towards training as well.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The sweet eyes of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel speak volumes. This breed was bred to be a patient, loyal companion and it shows. AVA and his family are versatile, great with kids, eager to do what’s asked, and friendly with other animals as well as people. These dogs are intelligent, easy to train, and can participate in a variety of sports and activities – they generally feel happy when they’re with you.
Collie
Collies are known for their sociable and loyal personalities. They’re highly intelligent and very easy to train. These dogs will always give 110% when you need them and make sure that you have a lot of fun with them!
Golden Retriever
With over 500 million dogs in the U.S., and more than 60 breeds, Goldens consistently stand out among the dog population. Goldens are friendly, loyal, and outgoing. They’re eager to please – making training easy! They’re also great with kids and other animals, so they make excellent family pets. They’re also very active – so daily exercise is a must for them.
Irish Setter
Recognizable for their gorgeous red coats and friendly personalities, the Irish Setter is a sweet-natured and outgoing sporting breed. They’re great with children because they love to play and are generally eager to please.
Havanese
The Havanese is a toy breed that is small, but has a sociable personality with lots of energy. They love to meet new friends and attract attention. Good city dogs despite their small size and great watchdogs because they are easy to train and are moderate exercise needs too.
Which Friendly Dog Breed Is Right For You?
No matter which dog breeds you decide on, there are a variety of dogs out there that might be good for your family. Although some more naturally have friendly personalities, all dogs bring personality to their situation. At the end of the day, it’s about finding the perfect complement to your personality and lifestyle needs: an active and playful pet, a trainable pup with a loyal heart, or all of the above.