When it comes to choosing a pet, the friendliest dog breeds are often at the top of the list for families, first-time dog owners, or anyone looking for a loyal companion. Whether you’re after a playful puppy or a calm, loving companion, there’s a friendly dog out there for you.
Dogs with good temperaments are ideal for households with children, other pets, and those who enjoy an active lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the most friendly dogs you can adopt, from the friendliest dog breeds to specific breeds that are known for their easygoing personalities and affectionate nature.
What’s The Friendliest Dog Breeds?
The Golden Retriever is widely considered the friendliest dog breed. Known for their affectionate, loyal, and easygoing nature, they’re great with families, children, and other pets.
Top 10 Most Friendliest Dog Breeds: Quick Overview (2025)
Here’s a table featuring the top 10 most friendly dogs, their lifespan, and temperament:
| Dog Breed | Lifespan | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 10–12 years | Friendly, outgoing, playful, good with children |
| Golden Retriever | 10–12 years | Affectionate, loyal, intelligent, gentle |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | 9–14 years | Gentle, affectionate, friendly, sociable |
| Beagle | 12–15 years | Friendly, energetic, curious, good with children |
| Poodle | 12–15 years | Intelligent, friendly, energetic, sociable |
| Irish Setter | 12–15 years | Friendly, energetic, sociable, loves outdoor play |
| Boston Terrier | 11–15 years | Friendly, affectionate, playful, good with children |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | 12–15 years | Intelligent, friendly, playful, great with families |
| Boxer | 10–12 years | Energetic, affectionate, playful, protective |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 12–14 years | Affectionate, loyal, friendly, energetic |
These breeds are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and strong bond with families and pets.
Apart from the above list of 10 dog breeds, Here we have curated a list of 20 of the friendliest dog breeds.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly, outgoing, and playful nature. They are one of the most popular dog breeds due to their versatility and love for families.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Active families, first-time dog owners, and homes with children or other pets. |
| Height | 22.5 to 24.5 inches |
| Usual Weight | 55 to 80 pounds |
| Colors | Black, yellow, chocolate |
| Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Labradors are affectionate, social, and eager to please. They require regular exercise and can be prone to obesity, so monitor their diet and give them daily physical and mental stimulation.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are intelligent, affectionate, and gentle. They are excellent family dogs, especially for active families with children or other pets.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, therapy dog roles, and people with an active lifestyle. |
| Height | 21.5 to 24 inches |
| Usual Weight | 55 to 75 pounds |
| Colors | Golden, cream |
| Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Golden Retrievers are loving, easy-going, and loyal, thriving on human interaction. Regular grooming is needed, and they enjoy moderate to high exercise, including daily walks and outdoor play.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A small and affectionate breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its sweet nature and companionship.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, elderly, or those looking for a lap dog. |
| Height | 12 to 13 inches |
| Usual Weight | 13 to 18 pounds |
| Colors | Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor, ruby, black and tan |
| Expectancy | 9 to 14 years |
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and sociable, making them wonderful companions. They need minimal exercise and regular grooming due to their long, silky coat and potential heart issues.
4. Beagle
Beagles are friendly, curious, and great with children. They are often described as “pack dogs” due to their social nature and love for company.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families with active lifestyles, people who enjoy outdoor activities. |
| Height | 13 to 15 inches |
| Usual Weight | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Colors | Tri-colour (black, white, brown), lemon (light tan and white), red and white |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Beagles are cheerful, sociable, and playful. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Be sure to keep them secure as they have a strong prey drive.
5. Poodle
Poodles are intelligent, friendly, and hypoallergenic. They come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Active individuals, families, and people with allergies. |
| Height | 10 to 15 inches (toy), 15 to 20 inches (miniature), 20 to 24 inches (standard) |
| Usual Weight | 4 to 70 pounds (depending on size) |
| Colors | White, black, apricot, brown, gray |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Poodles are friendly, affectionate, and highly intelligent. They require regular grooming to maintain their coat and moderate to high exercise, including walks and mental stimulation activities like puzzle toys.
6. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are known for their energetic and friendly personalities. They are active and social dogs that enjoy spending time with people.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Active families and individuals who can keep up with their energy levels. |
| Height | 24 to 27 inches |
| Usual Weight | 60 to 70 pounds |
| Colors | Chestnut, mahogany |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Irish Setters are friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic. They require ample exercise and daily walks. Regular grooming helps maintain their long, silky coat, and they need space to run and play.
7. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, affectionate dog known for its playful and friendly demeanor. It’s an ideal choice for those looking for a companionable small breed.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Apartment dwellers, families, and individuals seeking a companionable, low-maintenance dog. |
| Height | 15 to 17 inches |
| Usual Weight | 10 to 25 pounds |
| Colors | Black, brindle, seal, and white |
| Expectancy | 11 to 15 years |
Boston Terriers are sweet, affectionate, and playful. They are prone to brachycephalic issues due to their short snouts, so avoid excessive heat. Moderate exercise, including daily walks, is sufficient for them.
8. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is an intelligent, affectionate, and social breed. They are known for their short stature and big personalities.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, first-time dog owners, and people who enjoy an energetic, small dog. |
| Height | 10 to 12 inches |
| Usual Weight | 25 to 30 pounds |
| Colors | Red, sable, fawn, black and tan, or tricolor |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Corgis are affectionate, playful, and intelligent. They need regular grooming and can be prone to hip dysplasia. Moderate exercise, including walks and playtime, will keep them happy and healthy.
9. Boxer
Boxers are playful, affectionate, and energetic. They’re known for their boundless energy and love for family.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Active families with children or those who can provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation. |
| Height | 21 to 25 inches |
| Usual Weight | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Colors | Fawn, brindle |
| Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Boxers are loyal, energetic, and protective. They need a lot of exercise, including playtime and runs. Be mindful of their heart health and provide consistent training to help manage their energy.
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate, loyal, and confident dogs. Despite their tough appearance, they are incredibly loving and good with children.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, individuals who can provide firm training and exercise. |
| Height | 14 to 16 inches |
| Usual Weight | 24 to 38 pounds |
| Colors | Blue, black, brindle, fawn, red |
| Expectancy | 12 to 14 years |
Staffies are loving, loyal, and good with children. They need early socialization and consistent training. Moderate exercise, including walks and playtime, keeps them physically and mentally stimulated.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, friendly, and affectionate. Known for their calm nature, they make great companions and are well-suited for indoor living.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, apartment dwellers, and individuals looking for a lap dog. |
| Height | 9 to 10.5 inches |
| Usual Weight | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Colors | Gold, black, white, brown |
| Expectancy | 10 to 16 years |
Shih Tzus are friendly, social, and loving. They require regular grooming and moderate exercise, such as short walks and playtime, to stay healthy and happy. Watch for eye issues due to their face structure.
12. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are friendly, laid-back, and good-natured. Their strong sense of smell and affectionate nature makes them great companions.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, individuals who prefer low-energy dogs. |
| Height | 14 to 15 inches |
| Usual Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
| Colors | Tricolor, lemon, black and tan |
| Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Basset Hounds are friendly, loyal, and calm, making them great family pets. They need moderate exercise, including leisurely walks. Regular ear cleaning is needed due to their long ears.
13. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm, affectionate, and gentle giants. They are known for their love of family and excellent temperament.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families with space, outdoor lovers. |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches |
| Usual Weight | 70 to 115 pounds |
| Colors | Black, white, tan |
| Expectancy | 7 to 10 years |
Bernese Mountain Dogs are sweet, gentle, and loyal. They need regular exercise, including walks and playtime, but should avoid excessive heat. Due to their size, they require space and supervision around children.
14. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, active, and friendly. They are known for their herding instincts and love for outdoor activities.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Active families, experienced dog owners. |
| Height | 18 to 23 inches |
| Usual Weight | 40 to 65 pounds |
| Colors | Blue merle, black, red merle, red |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Australian Shepherds are loyal, energetic, and eager to please. They require lots of exercise and mental stimulation, including hiking, agility training, and playtime. Be sure to keep them engaged to prevent boredom.
15. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are friendly, affectionate, and happy dogs. Their cheerful nature and love for people make them great family pets.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, active individuals who can keep up with their exercise needs. |
| Height | 13.5 to 15.5 inches |
| Usual Weight | 20 to 30 pounds |
| Colors | Black, red, tan, white, golden |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Cocker Spaniels are loving, friendly, and social. They require regular exercise, including walks and playtime, and are prone to ear infections, so cleaning and grooming are essential.
16. Havanese
Havanese are small, friendly, and affectionate dogs. They are often referred to as “Velcro” dogs because of their strong bond with their owners.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, apartment dwellers, and people looking for a lap dog. |
| Height | 8.5 to 11 inches |
| Usual Weight | 7 to 13 pounds |
| Colors | White, black, tan, chocolate, sable |
| Expectancy | 12 to 16 years |
Havanese are affectionate, gentle, and great with children. They require moderate exercise, including walks and playtime. Regular grooming is needed to keep their long coat in top condition.
17. Border Collie
Border Collies are highly intelligent, friendly, and energetic dogs. Known for their herding abilities, they are also great companions for active families.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Experienced dog owners, active families. |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches |
| Usual Weight | 30 to 45 pounds |
| Colors | Black and white, red, merle |
| Expectancy | 12 to 15 years |
Border Collies are intelligent, loyal, and hardworking. They need lots of physical and mental stimulation, including daily exercise, agility training, and problem-solving activities. They can be prone to anxiety if under-exercised.
18. Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants known for their affectionate, friendly nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly calm and great with children.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families with space, active individuals who can manage a large breed. |
| Height | 28 to 34 inches |
| Usual Weight | 100 to 200 pounds |
| Colors | Fawn, brindle, blue, black |
| Expectancy | 7 to 10 years |
Great Danes are gentle, affectionate, and good-natured. They require moderate exercise, such as daily walks, and should be monitored for joint health issues due to their size. Early training helps with socialization.
19. Dachshund
Dachshunds are small, friendly, and spunky dogs. Their playful nature and loyalty make them great companions for people of all ages.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Families, apartment dwellers, and first-time dog owners. |
| Height | 8 to 9 inches |
| Usual Weight | 16 to 32 pounds |
| Colors | Red, black, tan, cream |
| Expectancy | 12 to 16 years |
Dachshunds are playful, affectionate, and social. They require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, and are prone to back problems, so avoid activities that put stress on their spine.
20. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small, friendly, and feisty dogs. Despite their tiny size, they have big personalities and form strong bonds with their owners.
| Breed Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Best suited for | Apartment dwellers, individuals looking for a small, companionable dog. |
| Height | 6 to 9 inches |
| Usual Weight | 2 to 6 pounds |
| Colors | Fawn, black, white, cream |
| Expectancy | 12 to 20 years |
Chihuahuas are loyal, affectionate, and lively. They require minimal exercise but enjoy short walks and playtime. Due to their small size, they need careful handling and protection from rough play or injuries.
Unfriendlist Dog Breeds You Can Avoid!
While there are many lovable dog breeds, some can be a bit more challenging due to their temperament. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, easy-going companion, it’s best to avoid these breeds if you’re not prepared for their specific needs:
- Chow Chow: Known for being independent and aloof, Chow Chows can be standoffish, particularly with strangers.
- Akita: While loyal, Akitas tend to be reserved and can show aggression if not properly socialized.
- Alaskan Malamute: They are strong-willed and can be stubborn, making them tough to train for first-time owners.
- Shar Pei: While affectionate with their families, Shar Peis tend to be wary of strangers and are not always great with other dogs.
- Jack Russell Terrier: Energetic and feisty, they can be aggressive towards other animals and require an experienced handler to manage their behavior.
Choosing the right dog breed is essential to ensure a harmonious relationship. If you’re looking for a dog with a more laid-back temperament, it’s always wise to choose breeds known for their friendliness and gentle nature, as seen earlier in this article.
Related Topics:
Conclusion – The Friendliest Dog Breeds Are Labrador Retriever!
In this article, we’ve explored the friendliest dog breeds, from the beloved Labrador Retriever to the gentle Chihuahua. Whether you’re looking for a large, loyal companion like the Golden Retriever or a small, affectionate dog like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there is a perfect breed for everyone.
Dogs with good temperaments make fantastic pets, bringing joy and comfort into any home. However, it’s important to recognize that each dog has unique exercise needs and special considerations. By selecting one of the friendliest dog breeds and providing them with proper care, you’ll build a strong and loving bond with your new furry companion.
When considering a dog, match their personality and energy level with your lifestyle. Whether you choose a safe dog breed or a very friendly dog, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted companion.
FAQs
The Golden Retriever is known for being one of the gentlest dog breeds, making them excellent family pets.
Breeds like the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever are known for being safe and well-mannered, especially around children.
The Labrador Retriever is widely considered the most human-loving dog, always eager to be around their people.
Breeds like the Chow Chow and Akita can be less friendly and more reserved, especially with strangers.
