The Friendliest Dog Breeds You’ll Be Obsessed With
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet parent, finding a friendly, affectionate dog is often at the top of the list. Some breeds are naturally sociable, eager to please, and always ready for a cuddle. If you’re looking for a dog who will steal your heart and make you feel like the most important person in the room, check out these 15 friendly dog breeds you’ll quickly become obsessed with.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are incredibly social, love meeting new people, and are great with both children and other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable.
Labrador Retriever
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Labradors share many qualities with Golden Retrievers, including a kind disposition and affectionate nature. They’re famously friendly and form strong bonds with their families. With boundless energy, Labs love to play and interact, making them an ideal choice for families with active lifestyles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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If you’re looking for a dog that loves to be pampered and enjoys every moment with their humans, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might be the perfect fit. These small, affectionate dogs are known for their sweet and gentle personalities. They thrive on companionship and are great lap dogs, always seeking affection and giving plenty of it in return.
Beagle
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Beagles are known for their friendly and easy-going nature. These small, energetic dogs enjoy the company of both people and other dogs, making them great family pets. With their curious minds and playful spirits, Beagles are always up for an adventure, but they’re also content to relax and cuddle with their favorite humans.
Boxer
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Boxers are full of energy and love being around their families. Despite their muscular build, they’re incredibly affectionate and playful, often acting like big puppies well into adulthood. Boxers are great with children and have a natural protective instinct. This makes them both a loving and loyal companion for families.
Basset Hound
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With their droopy ears and soulful eyes, Basset Hounds might look a bit serious, but they’re incredibly friendly dogs. They are calm, patient, and affectionate with family members and other pets. Basset Hounds may not be the most energetic breed, but their loyalty and gentle nature make them ideal companions for laid-back families.
Shih Tzu
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The Shih Tzu is another small breed that thrives on attention and affection. With their loving nature and tendency to bond strongly with their owners, these dogs are perfect for those seeking a companion who enjoys sitting by their side.
Pug
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Pugs are famous for their charming personalities and easy-going nature. They’re small, playful, incredibly affectionate, and perfect for both singles and families alike. Their friendly demeanor and love of snuggling make them natural lap dogs, and they’ll happily follow their humans around the house, never far from their side.
Collie
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Collies are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition. They make excellent family pets due to their affectionate and gentle nature. They’re great with children and have a natural protective instinct, which makes them wonderful watchdogs. Their energy levels are moderate, so they’re content with both playtime and cuddles.
French Bulldog
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The French Bulldog is a small, sturdy dog with a personality larger than life. These dogs are charming, playful, and often described as “clownish” due to their fun-loving antics. They are also known for their affectionate and easy-going nature. These dogs are perfect companions for families who want a loving, low-maintenance pet.
Irish Setter
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Irish Setters have this striking red coat and stand out for their love of being social. They are energetic, friendly, and always ready to make new friends. These dogs are very playful and can be especially affectionate with children, making them a great fit for active families who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Papillon
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Papillons may be small in size, but they’re big on personality and friendliness. These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please. They’re fantastic companions for families and individuals alike. Despite their tiny stature, Papillons are confident and enjoy being the center of attention, often making them the life of the party in any household.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands have a gentle and affectionate nature, especially with children. They’re large, but incredibly sweet and patient and are excellent family dogs. Their calm demeanor and willingness to help out make them especially good with young kids, and they’re often described as “gentle giants.”
Havanese
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Havanese dogs are small but full of love. They’re affectionate, playful, and thrive in family environments. These dogs bond strongly with their owners and enjoy being at the center of the action, whether it’s playing or cuddling on the couch. They’re easy to train and adapt well to various living situations.
Samoyed
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Sammy smile is probably the first thing that would pop into your head when you talk about this breed. These amazing dogs are incredibly friendly and affectionate in nature. They are highly social, enjoy human interaction, and are excellent with children and other pets. While they are active and need daily exercise, their joyful demeanor and loving nature make them adored by all.