Are you looking for a friendly, low-maintenance dog that’s not prone to any behavioral outbursts in front of unknown people?
Great, because I’m about to throw some pawesome recommendations!
The list below contains ten friendliest dog breeds that are perfect for novice owners or dog enthusiasts who love having a whole little doggo family or a nice, regular social life.
Let’s get going!
1. You Gotta Give The Labrador The Crown
Temperament: affectionate, loyal, active
I just cannot start off without mentioning his majesty… the one and only – Labrador Retriever. The Lab holds the number one place of the most popular breeds in the world since 1991, according to the American Kennel Club.
What screams “FRIENDLY” louder than this?
Besides his naturally high socialization skills, you can expect your puppy to be quite active and curious. Consequently, the Lab breed could be an excellent breed for sporting gatherings, adventures, long hikes, road trips, or field trips with your family… you name it!
2. The Goldie Is The First Runner-Up
Temperament: gentle, intuitive, good with kids
I might have given the Labrador Retriever the crowning glory, but his distant cousin, the Golden Retriever, is a close second!
Not only do they make one of the best family dogs in the world, but they are boys with the heart of a hero!
Have you heard of Abigail and Cecilia Bourg… two sisters who got lost in Louisiana woods in November 2022?
Their heroic pet, Artemis, the Goldie, was the main reason why these little girls were saved on such short notice. Being aware of the danger, he barked consistently until the rescue team found them snuggled up into him.
In a nutshell, you are highly unlikely to find such a friendly puppy that also happens to be extremely intuitional. If you want to add this value to your bucket list – the Goldie is your choice!
3. Newfoundland – Old, But Gold
Temperament: devoted, tolerant, sweet
Who would say that there is a true Teddy-beary friend besides this Canadian boy’s heavy bones? Well, apparently, this breed’s amazing colors are not the only quality you get when you decide to adopt a Newfoundland!
Being one of the oldest AKC members, this gentle canine is a great choice for families with small kids. On the other hand, the breed gets along with large groups of people just fine.
An inexperienced dog lover might think that a Newfoundland is rather a giant beast than a friendly pet. Let me fix this for you. They can be decent watchdogs when trained, but the truth is that it only takes one petting to get them to fall in love with you. That’s how friendly they are!
4. Never Write Off The Poodle
Temperament: intelligent, proud, sociable
You can never neglect the social power of a fashionable Poodle! These German-originated dogs just have the natural charisma of a good boy.
That being said, Poodles of all sizes (standard, miniature, and toy) don’t need much to be the main protagonist in their environment. People love them for their unique looks and charming personality. And, they reciprocate by being friendly!
In addition to the whole Poodle story, the positive note is that these pooches are considered one of the smartest dog breeds in the world.
5. The Pug Is Always There To Give A Hug
Temperament: dependent, affectionate, sassy
Who wouldn’t want to cuddle with that big-eyed, flat-muzzled Chinese boy? Well, believe it or not – Pugs feel the same way about humans, minus the eyes and muzzle part.
Although they might appear down due to their sad, bulging eyes, the truth is that Pugs are extremely affectionate and friendly dogs that just love spending their time around their loved ones or meeting new people!
Unfortunately, the research of the Royal Veterinary College shows that these pooches are much more prone to health risks than any other dog breed. Breathing problems, obesity, and constant allergies are just the tip of the iceberg called “major health issues in Pug puppies”.
6. Bulldogs Might Be Sleepy, But Just Enough To Love You More
Temperament: loyal, sweet, lazy
How often did you look at a random Bulldog puppy and thought: “Well, that is one lethargic doggo!” Yes, the truth is that these pooches love spending a lot of their time sleeping, but they only do it at times of ultimate conformity.
On a bright note, they use whatever they have left of their sobriety to cuddle with humans. This is the ultimate dog, perfect for families that have a lot of friends coming over frequently. They might be shy at first, but they won’t mind an extra petting hand!
7. The Bichon Frise Is A True Gentleman
Temperament: curious, lively, outgoing
Who says you can’t have it all in one dog? The Bichon Frise is here to deny that! Besides their naturally high social skills, this French beauty is known for its unique hairstyles and a hypoallergenic coat.
Still not enough?
Well, how about the fact that this is one of the most active toy breeds in the world? That’s right. Not only are you free to introduce them to as many friends as possible, but these pooches will simply enjoy any sort of activity you propose. Just don’t leave them alone!
8. The Boston Terrier Is The Ultimate American Cuddler
Temperament: bright, gentlemanish, friendly
It is little known that the Joseph Burnett House, besides being a historic landmark, is the birthplace of this beautiful dog breed.
Unlike his aforementioned counterpart, the Bichon Frise, this American boy is more of a city-dog type. Don’t get me wrong – they are not show-offs… they just have a more one-sided daily routine.
If you prefer park walks or spending your weekend afternoons on the terrace of a cafe in the city – this is the perfect dog for you! They are sweet, gentle, and have just enough of a curious spirit to be open to strangers.
On a positive note, they do not need much socialization and training, as BTs are known to be extremely intelligent dogs.
9. Here Comes The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament: gentle, active, open to strangers
It is well-known that the name, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, does indeed derive from King Charles II. He was devoted to his two Spaniels for the good part of his life, but the rumor is those Spaniels have nothing to do with today’s CKCS.
Be that as it may, the CKCS puppy as we know it is just too friendly to be left out of this list. Even though the breed loves spending its time chasing small game, these little canines find their ultimate resort in their owner’s lap.
Their wandering spirit and active personality are a great addition to their overall character. In fact, being who they are, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are ideal for big crowds and outdoor activities.
10. Last, But Not Least, The One And Only – Beagle
Temperament: clingy, loyal, dependent
There is a reason why Beagles are last on this list, and it is not their excessive barking! Namely, these long-eared, short-coated beauties are hard to train not to be clingy.
In fact, there is a thin line between their friendliness and their clinginess, which is why you need to be careful when training them.
Even though they can be amazing pets, Beagles are prone to separation anxiety. But still, this is a breed worth a spot on this list!