Dogs are pack animals by nature. Sociable dogs adopt their human family as a pack and are happy to find their place in it. While some breeds are known to be standoffish or skittish, the most social dogs are the exact opposite. These types of friendly canines are eager to meet new friends, be they human, canine, or otherwise. The seven most social dog breeds on our list all display a bright disposition and seem to get along with just about everyone.
Some dogs are hypersocial. It’s hard not to be taken in by their infectious friendliness. These furry, hypersocial creatures have some key genetic differences even to other domestic dogs. Not all dogs fall into this hypersocial category – but even those that don’t are unusually accepting of unfamiliar people and other pets.
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. Thousands of years ago, early humans tried to feed wild wolves to use them to hunt and for protection. Some of the wolves took the free food and became the ancestors of domesticated dogs. The wolves that spurned early humans’ food stayed wild. The pups that stick by our sides today are genetically predisposed to have love for us, which is probably not a huge shocker.
When you welcome an overly friendly dog into your house, it makes being a pet parent much easier. They greet every guest with glee and get along with just about everyone. Our trusted sources helped us discover all the important details of some of the most social dog breeds. Let us know your favorite friendly pooches in the comments below!
The List: Most Social Dogs, According to Canine Experts
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers have an infectious happiness about them. They even seem to smile when meeting new friends. Country Living comments, “One of the world’s most popular breeds, the golden retriever has a famously gentle temperament, happily cohabiting with any creatures it has been socialized with. The first goldies were bred in Scotland by Lord Tweedmouth who, during the late 19th century, acquired a pale-colored flat-coated retriever and crossed it with the (now-extinct) Tweed water spaniel.”
My Animals adds, “One of the most popular breeds in the world, the Golden Retriever…has a famously laid-back temperament. They’ll happily live with any animal once they’ve had a chance to get to know them.”
The Scotsman details, “Moving to the most sociable dog breeds and a real family favorite. The most popular dog in any given park is likely to be a Golden Retriever. This breed loves their family but have plenty of affection left over to shower upon anybody else they happen to meet on any given day.”
2. Poodle
Standard Poodles are much larger than their smaller cousins. The larger version is a prized companion. Sweet Dog Life claims, “These curly beauties are very welcoming and hardly show themselves hostile with strangers. In everyday life, they are energetic and very curious dogs. Eager for adventure and new daily challenges, the Poodle follows his master everywhere. His curiosity also makes him attentive to everything around him and to new people he might come to meet.”
The Scotsman relates, “All three sizes of Poodle – Standard, Miniature and Toy – are equally sociable. In fact, the only way to make a Poodle more sociable is by breeding it with a Labrador or Golden Retriever, creating the super-sociable Labradoodle and Goldendoodle.”
iHeart Dogs reviews, “Poodles of all sizes are intelligent pups who love to please people, whether they’re family or new friends. These curly-haired cuties would much rather greet strangers at the door than chase them away! Their special hair, which sheds very little, is an added bonus. Just keep in mind that regular grooming for these pooches is a must.”
3. Labrador Retriever
One of America’s favorite breeds is also quite the social butterfly and is well loved the world over. Labrador Retrievers always seem excited to meet new friends. The Scotsman raves, “The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the UK for good reason – it has a wonderfully sociable temperament. In fact, a potential problem with Labradors is that they love people too much, finding it difficult to keep their distance if somebody is scared of dogs.”
iHeart Dogs praises, “These happy-go-lucky pooches are always game to make new friends! It’s no surprise that Labs have ranked number one on the AKC most popular breeds list for many years in a row–they’re super versatile and are happy in pretty much any home or climate, so long as they’re cared for and loved.”
Sweet Dog Life exclaims, “The Labrador, like the Golden, is a breed known for its sociability and love to hang around others… The Labrador is a great playmate for children, very cheerful and suitable for the whole family. He is not at all fearful and is quite patient and gentle. This makes them a perfectly suited dog for meeting new people on a regular basis without cause for concern.”
4. Pug
These adorable bug-eyed canines love to be at home with their family. Once adopted, Pugs bond strongly with their humans. “Pugs are popular around the world, not just for their appearance, but also for their fantastic personalities. They’re extremely sociable and love everyone, getting on well with other animals and people,” according to My Animals.
Sweet Dog Life says, “Adapted to apartment living, these dogs are real little clowns. The Pug has a jovial temperament that loves to entertain the whole family. He knows how to [behave] himself in public and he automatically becomes the center of attention when he enters a room. Pugs love to play and are very welcoming to strangers, animals and especially children.”
iHeart Dogs adds, “These pint-sized social butterflies don’t need to have a lot of space or exercise, so they’re perfect for apartment-dwellers who have a thriving social life. They’re generally friendly with kids, strangers, and other animals alike. Plus, their small size means that they’re portable.”
5. Bulldog
Bulldogs are chubby sweethearts. They have difficulty breathing due to breeding, and as a result Bulldogs love a good nap with their loved ones. Lida’s Cocina says, “They are considered social because they love interacting warmly with people and other pets.”
iHeart Dogs describes these dogs, “Friendly, laid-back, and affectionate, Bulldogs are irresistible with their wrinkly faces and underbites… You can bet that they’ll enjoy the attention of almost anyone who comes up to give a few pets. If you’re in the business of making more (human) friends, keep a Bulldog by your side–they’ll come toward you in droves.”
The Pawsitive Co. elaborates, “Bulldogs are friendly, social, agreeable, adaptable, and easygoing. These traits (combined with their desire for human attention) make them quite outgoing to people, even strangers. They can be a bit stubborn at times, but they make up for that with their good-natured and loving personality.”
6. Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are delightfully shaggy dogs. They love to lollygag about with their humans. iHeart Dogs explains, “These furry cuties are known for their enthusiasm for life. It’s only natural that they want to share their optimism with everyone around them! With a bouncy Beardy by your side, you’re sure to make friends everywhere you go.”
The Pawsitive Co. offers, “Bearded Collies are known to be friendly and energetic dogs. As with most members of the herding breed group, these affectionate dogs thrive on human companionship. They are not usually shy or aggressive to strangers as they enjoy people. Many people say that, when greeted by a Bearded Collie, you can expect lots of tail wags and kisses.”
Sweet Dog Life states, “These bushy dogs have a great love for life and this happiness is very contagious! The Bearded Collie is overflowing with joy and an infectious enthusiasm for his owner. The challenge is to learn how to control their level of excitement, which can sometimes become overwhelming. He is never aggressive, and he gets along very well with other animals and strangers.”
7. Beagle
The regal Beagle is a bright and affable hound. Their curious nature makes them quick to befriend newcomers. Sweet Dog Life compliments, “Docile, calm, and very affectionate, this dog is irreproachable in terms of behavior and is suitable for children, adults, and seniors. They are companions who are very attached to their master and who are ready to follow him wherever he goes.”
iHeart Dogs assures, “These sweet and docile dogs are friendly with just about everyone. They’re known for being agreeable and trusting companions… they make wonderful pets for humans of all ages and are always up for company!”
Puppies & Pooches articulates, “Beagles are one of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s easy to see why. These cheerful little dogs are known for their friendly disposition. But while Beagles make excellent companion animals, they’re also talented working dogs.”
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Sources:
- Lida’s Cocina
- My Animals
- Sweet Dog Life
- The Scotsman
- Country Living
- iHeart Dogs
- The Pawsitive Co.
- Puppies & Pooches
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.
What about the Flat-Coated Retriever you referred to in the Golden piece? Where do you think they got that attitude? FROM THE FLAT-COAT! They are known as the Peter Pan of the dog world. Unfortunately some people look at my Flat-Coats and ask if they are “black goldens.” We like keeping our breed somewhat exclusive, with careful breeding to retain their dual purpose status, but it bugs me when they are left out of lists like this when they should be right up there with the Goldens.
Sheep doodle name buddy loves every body
My beautiful beagle Mimi is a rescue and brings joy to all. I did install a 6 foot wooden fence to keep her in and safe on my .34 acre property. She can still chase squirrels, birds, and other animals to her hearts content, and we love that we haven’t stiffled her basic instincts.