Friendliest Dogs: Top 5 Breeds Most Recommended By Experts

Unconditional love, a wagging tail, and a slobbery kiss — these are just a few of the heartwarming traits that make dogs our forever companions. While every dog has the potential to be a loyal and affectionate friend, some breeds have an extraordinary knack for spreading joy and warmth wherever they go. In this delightful exploration of canine camaraderie, we embark on a journey to discover the friendliest dog breeds, the four-legged ambassadors of compassion and unwavering companionship. So, grab a leash and join us as we unveil the lovable champions of tail wags and endless cuddles!

When it comes to naturally friendly dog breeds, few can match the exuberant charm of the Golden Retriever. With their gleaming coats and perpetual smiles, these lovable canines are renowned for their gentle nature and unwavering friendliness toward both humans and animals alike. Another breed that consistently ranks high on the friendliness scale is the Labrador Retriever. Known for their playful and outgoing personalities, Labs seem to have an endless supply of love and affection to offer anyone lucky enough to cross their path. And let’s not forget the ever-adorable Beagle, whose merry disposition and sociable demeanor make them instant contenders for the title of “most affable.” These are just a few examples of dog breeds whose innate friendliness has earned them a special place in the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.

Having a dog who loves you as much as you love them is a wonderful feeling. Ever wonder why dogs are so naturally drawn to humans? It’s in their blood, literally. Researchers have found a genetic difference between dogs and wolves that explains why man’s best friend is so full of love. A recent study finds why dogs love humans so much. A study author says, “It was once thought that during domestication dogs had evolved an advanced form of social cognition that wolves lacked. This new evidence would suggest that dogs instead have a genetic condition that can lead to an exaggerated motivation to seek social contact compared to wolves.”

Ready to bring home one of the sweetest furry friends? StudyFinds set out to do the research for you, visiting 10 expert websites to put together this list of the friendliest dogs that were recommended across these sites! If you have your own suggestions, please leave them in the comments below!

The List: Friendliest Dog Breeds, According to Canine Experts

1. Labrador Retriever 

Labrador Retrievers fill the homes of many with love and comfort. “With their warm eyes and cheerful grins, Labrador retrievers are the picture of friendliness. That’s probably why they have been the most popular dog breed in the US for more than three decades,” says The Spruce Pets.

There are so many qualities to love about a Labrador Retriever, starting with how friendly they are to people and other pets. “They’ve remained the most popular dog breed for decades for a reason. Labs love kids, adults, other pets — just about everyone. Their sweet demeanor makes them instant BFFs with whomever they meet,” explains Good House Keeping. 

Labrador Retrievers are friendly and known to socialize well with others. “Labs are one of the best dogs for families – known for their ability to socialize with children, other dogs, other animals, and strangers alike. These dogs love to play, have a pretty high energy level, and can be trained very easily,” adds Pumpkin Care.

Whether you have a growing family or not, “These dogs are extremely adaptable and can live in any environment, whether it is a large family home with several children or a single person in a small apartment. Their kind, tolerant demeanor makes them ideal for families with children,” writes Food Drink Life.

2. Golden Retriever 

“Golden retrievers, originally of Scottish origin, are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, thanks to their golden hair and friendly demeanor. They are great family pets since they are loyal, clever, obedient, and have wonderful temperaments. One of the most endearing characteristics of golden retrievers is their compassion for people, particularly children. They are well known for being wonderful with kids, and families with young children should consider them due to their kind and tolerant nature,” says Food Drink Life.

Golden Retrievers radiate a golden energy. “Part of this comes down to confidence. Goldens tend to have a cheery outlook that helps them navigate the world with ease. Moreover, a golden is almost always willing to sit or stay as long as a person wants. These dogs are wonderful family pets, as they are always up for a romp with the kids, a game of tug-of-war, or a vigorous session of fetch,” adds The Spruce Pets.

A friendly dog that is up for an adventure. “Mellow and easy to train, goldens want nothing more than to spend the day playing fetch with their favorite humans, though a hike or refreshing swim will also make their tail wag” explains Daily Paws.

Golden Retrievers are friendly and intelligent and will easily fit into a family dynamic. “Goldens are known for being great working dogs, as well as amazing family dogs, thanks to their intelligent and friendly personality,” adds Woman’s Day.

3. Beagle

“Bred to be hunting partners for trackers in the United Kingdom, beagles are typically a family-friendly favorite. Playful and chatty, beagles are fantastic backyard playmates for kids—as long as you have a fenced-in yard so they don’t follow their super strong nose after a neighborhood rabbit. After a day of hard play, they’ll be ready to cuddle up with their families for a lazy evening,” explains Daily Paws.

“This cheerful breed was bred to be part of a pack so they get along well with other dogs and are comfortable socializing with people. Their amiable nature means whoever you are with and whatever you are doing they will be well-mannered and calm,” explains PitPat.

 

“Beagles are regarded as jokesters because they are a fun-loving and energetic breed of hounds with extroverted and cheerful personalities. They are extremely social dogs who thrive in a family setting where they are active members of the pack. They’re also regarded for being kind and patient, making them an excellent choice for families with children. Beagles are adaptable enough to thrive in a variety of living environments, including in homes with limited yards or even small apartments. Beagles are also known for their trainability and intelligence. It is simple to teach them new commands and tricks since they are quick learners and respond well to praise,” adds Food Drink Life.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

“The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which was originally bred as a variation of the English toy spaniel, is recognized for being loving and affable. They are a good choice for families with young children because of their gentle temperament and remarkable devotion.They are bright and eager to please, so they learn quickly. They also have less energy than some of the other dogs on this list. They are ideal for families who don’t have a lot of outdoor space or time to spend bringing the dog out for rigorous exercises. They may be happy with a modest level of activity — imagine leisurely walks rather than vigorous treks,” adds Food Drink Life.

With a sweet, gentle nature, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (a namesake of King Charles II of Britain) is a trustworthy companion for children and thrives as part of a family,” says American Kennel Club.

“With a name this regal, you might expect the Cavalier King Charles spaniel to be a little on the snooty side. But that perception couldn’t be more wrong. Friendly with cats, kids, and other dogs, Cavs typically fit right in with essentially any family and lifestyle. Do you spend a lot of time reading on the couch? A Cavalier will happily snooze on your lap. Are you more outdoorsy? She’ll be by your side for walks and trips to the park, too” writes DailyPaws.

“This little pup was bred to be a companion dog, so it should be no surprise that being social is something they enjoy. These friendly dogs love to be loved and are never happier than when they are snuggled up on the couch with their owner,” explains PitPat.

5. Boston Terrier 

The big welcoming eyes of the Boston Terrier are a dead giveaway that this breed is all kinds of friendly. They make great all-around dogs,” adds Woman’s Day. Despite their size, these dogs have big hearts filled with love and companionship. 

“These companions are nicknamed ‘The American Gentleman’ because of their tuxedo-like coloring, gentle disposition, and intelligence and suitability as companions and house pets! Easy to train and easy keepers, Boston Terriers remain by their owner’s sides!” raves American Kennel Club.

Boston Terriers are known to be gregarious and friendly dogs. Some people describe these little pups as cheerful and sociable. They enjoy being around people and are always looking for new friends. The playful and amusing attitude of this breed is generally known to relax people. The Boston Terrier is another low-maintenance breed; their tiny size and lack of exercise requirements make them well suited for apartment life. They are an excellent choice for first-time dog owners,” explains Food Drink LIfe.

You might also be interested in:

• Best Dog Breeds for Families
• Best Dog Breeds for First-time Owners
• Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
• Best Dog Breeds for Home Security
• Best Medium-Sized Dog Breeds

Sources:

• Food Drink Life
• American Kennel Club
• Woman’s Day
• DailyPaws
• PitPat
• The Spruce Pets
• Pumpkin Care
• Good House Keeping
• Daily Mail
• Southern Living

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.