10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

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Having a dog with the friendliest possible character is a dream most dog owners have. If you ever thought about getting a dog, you know how important a dog’s temperament is. You don’t want to end up with a dog who cannot follow you anywhere because they might misbehave or bite someone.

Luckily, you can influence any dog’s character; the only thing you need to do is put in time and effort. Many things define their temperament, and some of the biggest influences on the development of your dog’s character are training and socialization. Even though a dog is genetically predisposed to a specific behavior, that behavior can be tweaked and modified by these two things.

Just like humans, different dog breeds have different characters. Some breeds are friendlier, and others prefer being the only pet or not having many dog friends. If you know what to expect of a particular breed, you can easily influence their behavior by providing them with plenty of positive experiences. For some breeds, being friendly comes naturally, and these 10 dog breeds have the friendliest characters out there.

10. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi recently became an internet sensation, and different social networks and groups adore these dogs. It shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, their friendly nature and character help them get along with everyone. They fall under small companion dogs, even though they are bigger than most small companions, and they were initially bred as herders. Friendly Corgis are smart and obedient, and if trained properly, they can do pretty well in dog sports.

Are you a fan of Corgis? Check out this adorable breed here.

9. Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is one of the smartest dog breeds in the world, but people often forget how friendly these dogs are. Unlike the smaller versions of this breed, the Standards are less cranky and a lot more confident. These dogs are very nice, and if you train them well, they will also be very polite. Poodles were bred as versatile hunting dogs used to flush, detect, and retrieve from both land and water. That is where their crazy hairdo comes from; hunters used to groom their that way so their vital organs would be protected, but the fuzzy coat won’t obstruct their agility. Plus, these friendly dogs are hypoallergenic, which means they are ideal companions to all of us who suffer from allergies.

8. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard is the second giant dog breed on this list and second only by friendliness to the Newfoundland. They might be giants, but they are gentle giants. They were even used for search and rescue in the great St. Bernard mountain pass in the Swiss Alps. They are obedient and affectionate but not too active. They will make excellent pets for people with large yards, so even if they get the urge to run, they can do so safely and without threatening to bring down the house with their massive bodies.

7. Boxer

People often think that Boxers look mean or dangerous, but the truth is, they are like that guy that can go alone to the bar because he will find someone to hang out with. If you ever see a Boxer in a dog park, focus on their enthusiasm and playfulness. They love having company and playing with other dogs as well as with their human friends. This friendly dog breed is also a very active one, and if their physical needs are not fulfilled, they are prone to behavioral issues that result in the utter and total destruction of your home. Make sure they get plenty of activities, and you will have one of the nicest dogs there is.

Think that Boxer is for you? Check the full Boxer profile here.

6. Bulldog

The Bulldog is one of the nicest dog breeds you can meet. They are chill and won’t make a fuss over anything if it is not absolutely required of them. They will prefer staying at home in a comfy bed or lying on a sofa, but they are the friendliest guys in the dog park when they do get out. These dogs might have a bloody history, but they are far from the dog breed they used to be. These friendly dogs are all about that family life.

5. Pug

The Pug is a friendly dog that was created to be an ideal companion. They are playful, funny, and adorable. To become the ultimate companion, you have to be a friendly breed, and these little rascals did just that. They get along with everyone, cats, birds, other dogs, kids, neighbors, neighbor’s kids, you name it. Pug is always down for a friendly game or a cuddling session. But keep in mind that they also love to eat. If they are not adequately exercised, they can gain weight quickly, and obesity can be fatal.

4. Beagle

The friendly Beagle is another one of the ex hunting dogs that reinvented themselves as ideal family companions. These dogs are extremely friendly, nice, and affectionate. They have a playful nature, which makes them ideal playing partners for kids. Besides, these nice dogs are very energetic, so they can keep up the toddler’s pace of play. Keep in mind that they still have a sensitive nose, and if they pick up an attractive scent, they will follow it with little to no regard for their surroundings.

Thinking about getting a Beagle? Check out what they are really like here.

3. Labrador Retriever

This list would not be complete if the nicest dog breed wasn’t on it. Labrador Retrievers were initially bred to be the perfect fisherman’s companion, then the hunters adopted them and used them for retrieving prey. These days Labradors find themselves playing the leading role of a family pet throughout the world. From China to the USA, these friendly dogs have captured the hearts and souls of millions of people. They make terrible watchdogs because they are more likely to greet the intruder with a toy than to alert you about an approaching threat.

2. Newfoundland

This is by far the friendliest giant you could wish to encounter from the canine kingdom. These friendly dogs had the nickname “nanny dog” during Victorian-era England. That nickname was given to them because they are incredibly sensitive and gentle with even the youngest kids. Newfoundlands form strong bonds with their owners and will do anything to spend as much time with them as they can. They are great swimmers, and this friendly dog breed even helped to save numerous swimmers from drowning.

1. Golden Retriever

Starting a list called “friendliest dog breeds” and not starting with the Golden Retriever would be a mistake. This breed is the top pick of American families with kids for years now, and there is a good reason behind it. Goldies are friendly, gentle, outgoing, and as sweet as they come. Even though they were initially bred as hunting retrievers, these days, they are far away from their hunting roots. They feel most at home in the suburbs, where they have plenty of room to roam and play with the kids.

You like Golden Retrievers? Check out their full profile here.

World Dog Finder team