When you think of friendly canines that means they are warm-hearted and non-aggressive. They are those that will get along with their family members – kids, adults, and seniors alike. Often, such a degree of friendliness can extend to other pets at home and even strangers.
What is the safest family dog?
If you plan to bring one home, you should consider one that may be the safest — one that perfectly suits the kind of family you have, your lifestyle included. You can be sure they will be loyal as any pet can be, easily trained, outgoing, and adore you as much as you do rather than give you an aggressive growl.
Which dog breed is friendliest?
In the alternative, you can also ask, what are the nicest dog breeds fit for owners? Definitely, they are those who love people, are easy-going, well-mannered, and can get along with the rest of the pets in the same household.
Taking your furry friends to the park is not a problem as they easily make new friends and are not aggressive towards other generally friendly animals. They are also the best choices for first-time owners.
Here is a list of the friendliest dog breeds for you to choose from:
1. Labrador Retriever
Originally from Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever is a descendant of St. John’s water dog. This dog is a popular companion among fishermen and helps owners retrieve ducks. After a long day’s work, he would happily spend time with his family.
This breed got its recognition in 1917 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Soon after World War II ended, Labrador Retrievers grew in number along with their popularity making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Canada, and England.
Labs are sturdy, medium-large dogs. They come in shades of yellow, chocolate, and black, although there are rare shades of silver, fox red, and polar white.
Without exaggeration, Labs are considered the most popular family dogs. For many years, they have championed the hearts of many winning countless popularity contests. These highly intelligent canines are not only showy of their affection to their owners but would also gladly join any family activity.
With kids, Labs are the sweetest, have the most gentle demeanor, and gladly bounce with them in the yard. Their friendliness even extends to strangers, other dogs, and other animals they meet. Labs are not only fun to be with but very cooperative and hard-working.
2. Golden Retriever
For more than half a century (starting in the mid-late 1800s), the first Lord of Tweedmouth (Dudley Marjoribanks), an avid waterfowl hunter, patiently developed the ideal gun dog. He wanted to produce even-tempered pups that fit in as family and guide dogs, at the same time, were great for any rugged terrain and rainy weather. With that, he crossed a now-extinct breed with his Yellow Retriever.
In 1932, the AKC recognized this breed, following its change of name to Golden Retriever in 1920. Since then, this dark golden to-golden and light golden to creamy pooch have continued to capture the hearts of many.
The Golden Retriever is a medium-large dog with a physique that varies from sport, lean, dense, or broad. You will easily notice its feathery chest, legs, and tail.
Golden Retrievers likewise land on top of the list of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are also one of the friendliest dogs you will get to know with a very outgoing and tolerant attitude.
Extremely loving, loyal, playful, gentle, eager to please, and easy to train, they make excellent family dogs for those with children at home and even great pets for first-time dog owners. Because they so love their humans, they do not do well when left alone, making them prone to suffer from separation anxiety.
Bred as a working dog, that means they have much energy to shed. Thus, they fit well in homes with active family members that can interact with them and give them lots of activities to keep them occupied. The regular exercise for these doggos should be at least an hour daily which can comprise running and performing agility sports, but just like Labs, giving them strenuous activities at an early age might take a toll on their bones and muscles.
As a working breed eager to please their humans, they enjoy doing simple day-to-day tasks like waking kids up or handing over the TV remote. Their friendliness even extends to strangers and other friendly dogs, making them unfit as guard dogs.
3. Pug
Another on the list of the friendliest dog breeds is the Pug, an ancient breed originating from China some 2,000 years ago. Pugs are said to be the oldest breed and were popular lap dogs with lavish lifestyles of Chinese Emperors. Classified as a toy dog, this short-nosed or flat-faced small dog breed is fit for apartment living.
Its name means “fist” in Latin (taken from the word “pugnus”), as its face appears like a clenched fist. A loyal and good companion, a Pug is the happiest whenever it is near its owner. They find contentment by simply snuggling on the couch next to you on your lap or joining you on your bed.
Pugs can be a little mischievous and goofy at times and would surely bring out that smile on every owner’s face. But wait, behind that cuteness is a little noisy fellow who may snore, snort, or wheeze, so you must be ready with earplugs.
They adore kids as much as kids will surely easily fall in love with them. They are good with generally friendly animals like other canines, rabbits, and cats.
4. Beagle
The origin of Beagles is still debatable, but reports trace back to as early as 200 A.D. England. Ranking 7th on the list of the most popular breeds in the United States, they were recognized by the AKC in 1885.
Their build may be small, but they are a pack full of power. Beagles have long been family favorites for being one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Aside from being a friendly dog, this breed is also playful, making them a great companion dog, especially for families with children, other dogs, and even cats. Having high energy means they will need plenty of exercises daily for at least an hour.
5. Boston Terrier
Interestingly, before the Boston Terrier got its present name, it originated in England, where a pup named ‘Judge’ was produced by crossing a White English Terrier with a Bulldog. Later, Judge came to Boston following his adoption by an American. Before the Boston Terrier got its current name, it used to be called “roundheads”.
A small dog with a compact and sturdy body, this dog’s looks can deceive you. Dubbed the “American Gentleman” with its formal-looking signature tuxedo coat, you wouldn’t believe this friendly breed is such a happy-go-lucky.
Aside from their looks, Boston Terriers have earned their nickname for being an affectionate breed and for their social nature. They are good companions to their family members and can live harmoniously with children, all the dogs who are friendly with them at home, and other pets.
Because they have boundless energy, they will need much exercise daily which can include risk walks and some games. Boston Terriers can also engage in doggie sports such as rallies, flyball, and agility which can help channel their energy.
6. Border Collie
The Border Collie breed has an interesting origin. When the Romans invaded Britain, they brought their dogs with them. Later, when the Vikings invaded them, they also brought their dogs.
The two breeds (that of the Romans and Vikings) were combined to produce a herding dog, small and fast enough and fit for the rocky and rough Scottish highlands.
As a working breed, the Border Collie has tons of energy and is known to excel in dog sports. Border Collies fit well in homes with active dog owners, and that means it is not enough that you take them for walks. They can be happy living on farms or ranches rather than in cities.
Border Collies are not only workaholics but also playful. These dogs are smart, well-manned, and friendly with kids and even other animals but hesitant when it comes to strangers.
7. Bearded Collie
Also called Mountain Collies or Highland Collies, the Bearded Collie was bred for herding in Scotland. Their excellent heading skills have landed them on cattle ranches aiding ranchers in the pasture and driving herds to market.
The modern-day Bearded Collies have transformed into great family dogs. They, however, have retained their reputation in the show ring and as excellent sheepdogs.
Famous for their ‘”beards” as their faces get covered in facial hair, they are great choices for first-time canine owners. The “Beardie” (as they are fondly called), is not only a naturally friendly dog but also lively, quick-witted, smart, charismatic, and fun-loving.
These dogs are friendly with children, other canines, and cats that are also playful, affectionate, and outgoing. But one thing you should know is they are a little possessive with their toys; which might trigger a fight.
These naturally active workaholic dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation else they will become anxious and bored. But what is great about them is their independence, so they can manage by themselves while their owners are away so long as they are left with some activities.
8. Britanny
Coming from Britanny, France’s northwest province, the Britanny descended from Spaniels and English Setters. For that reason, these dogs used to be called Britanny Spaniels.
These medium-sized canines are known as hunting dogs. Their long legs and powerful bodies make them efficient in the field.
But what would you expect when you meet this therapy dog? Well, you surely will love to see this enthusiastic and sweet pup wiggle its booty as he greets you and other dogs at the park. At home, they can fit well in families with kids.
The Britanny wants to be part of whatever activity you do, and they will be so glad should you allow them to partake in any of those activities. Above all, these dogs are the best companion dogs for their respective families.
9. Shih Tzu
Known to be of Chinese origin, the name, “Shih Tzu” literally means “little dog” in Chinese. True to their name, these little dogs weigh just 9-16 pounds on average and stand around 9-10 inches — the perfect size for any home, including apartments.
Shih Tzus were raised by royalties, particularly in the Ming Dynasty, mainly to signify their status. Companionship comes only second.
Friendly, affectionate, and outgoing, these toy dogs love to follow their pet owners wherever they go. They will love to play with kids, but they should never be left alone as they are also fragile. Kids who can be rough at play might accidentally injure them. Their friendliness extends to other pets in the household.
10. Bichon Frise
Hailing from the Mediterranean in the 13th century, the Bichon Frise’s roots can be traced to the family of little white dogs called the Barbichon and is closely related to the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese. It has been said that King Henry III raised Bichons and brought them with him everywhere he went.
These snowy white fur balls’ size makes them suitable even for apartment living. Not only are these dogs sociable and friendly, but they are also silly.
As one of the friendliest dog breeds, they can get along well just with anyone including cats. They are a favorite at dog shows as they were meant to become performers and make everyone happy.
These intelligent pooches are eager to please their owners through their ability to quickly learn tricks and make people laugh. You will also admire their mild-mannered personality, which is as snuggly and soft as their fur.
These dogs are very needy of attention and hate to be left alone by their humans. If you are planning to get this pup, then be ready to take full responsibility since they are prone to suffer from separation anxiety. For these pooches, their humans mean the world to them.
Although they have high energy, these dogs only need moderate exercise. Playing at home with his favorite toys or running in the yard should be enough exercise for this breed although they also love to show off their brilliance in competitions such as agility courses and obedience trials.
11. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Named after King Charles I and his son, King Charles II, who both fancied the tan and black toy spaniel, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is classified as a toy breed. This dog is a product of crossing a Japanese Chin with Pugs.
Their friendliness and easygoing nature make them one of the most popular breeds in the dog world. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel literally gets along with everything and everyone around him, making him on top of the list the recommended breeds for first-time fur parents, families with kids, and even seniors.
Bread as lap dogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels would be happy to snuggle next to you and stay close to you while you spend your time relaxing. If you need a therapy dog, this dog is the right one for you.
12. Irish Setter
Originally bred to hunt birds, setters came around the 17th – 18th century from Ireland. Although they came in a variety of patterns and colors, the Irish Setter we know today is distinctively red (mahogany or chestnut) in color. These large-bodied canines are unfit for apartment dwellings.
The Irish Setters have earned a reputation for being a top family choice for being intelligent, rambunctious, and loyal pets. They have energies that can match a child’s playfulness but are also gentle giants. They are also admired for their overall beauty and friendliness which is not limited alone to the members of their family but also to strangers.
13. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From the name itself, you can tell that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was for bull- and bear-baiting and known for its fighting prowess. Later on, when this activity was declared illegal, they were instead made to fight each other in a pit. Thankfully, with the passage of laws protecting animal rights, pit fighting ended.
The Staffordshire Bull Terriers are medium in size. Fondly called “Staffies”, their well-muscled bodies are clear evidence of what they were originally bred for.
Staffies are adored for their unique personality and are one of the most friendly dog breeds you will ever meet. They are known for being best companions and undying loyalty to their families.
Who would have thought that behind that stocky body is one playful and smiling soul? They adore children, and for that reason, the Staffie is called the “nanny dog”. They can be extra tolerant of rough kids, unlike other canines.
While Staffies are fairly energetic, do you know all they want is to curl up next to their owners on the couch? Ideally, they need regular exercise for about 45–60 minutes.
Their ardent desire to please their owners, plus an above-average intelligence, make training relatively easier. Clear and consistent training will give you the perfect Staffie you want.
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
When you think of Corgis, you probably think about the late Queen Elizabeth II and her beloved Corgis. True enough, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi was brought by the Vikings around 1100 AD to Wales.
The Corgi is a small dog yet acts like a big dog. They were every farm man’s best friend aiding farmers in their daily grind, became fast vermin catchers, and were gentle with children.
There is no question about their popularity, considering the huge grins on their foxy faces, perky ears, stubby legs, and of course, their adorable booties! Perhaps by now, you have thought why the Queen immediately fell in love with these fur babies.
Corgis are extraordinarily intelligent, friendly, fun-loving, loyal, and watchful over their beloved families. But when it comes to unfamiliar animals (dogs and cats alike), they may be wary around them.
As Corgis were bred for herding, it follows that they are active needing to be exercised regularly. But they are only up for hikes due to their short legs. Keep them occupied else they will become bored and exhibit undesirable behavior like excessive barking.
Because they are very strong-willed, motivated, and interested, they can be easy to train. As they can be wary around strangers, early socialization is the key to correcting this behavior.
15. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
Clearly of French origin, this pup’s name literally means small (petit), low to the ground (basset), wirehaired (griffon), and the French region where it came from (Vendéen). It used to be called the Basset Griffon Francais before its recognition by the AKC and was classified as hounds.
These happy pups enjoy life and are incredibly affectionate towards their humans, especially children. Belonging to the hound group means they are active and will need an equally-active owner who can provide them with many activities to keep them busy and occupied. They can be your hiking, running, or biking buddies, but since they follow scents, you need to keep them leashed.
Conclusion
The list of the friendliest dog breeds given here is not exclusive. The canine world is full of adorable and friendly breeds, which include mixed breeds.
Aside from genetics, canine behavior is also affected by the way they are treated and the amount of socialization they receive. Everything can be learned, so you can always turn your pups into loving and friendly canine citizens. Shower them with lots of love, and they will return that love in multi-folds.
Related topic: The 12 most popular Japanese dog breeds
*photo by Dmyrto_Z – depositphotos
