Here are 20 breeds widely cited as being especially friendly, affectionate, and well-suited to families or companion roles.
Note – order is not rigid “rank,” more “these breeds are reliably kind and social.”
#1 Labrador Retriever
Labradors are the most friendly dogs that thrive on human companionship. Labs are affectionate, friendly, and love you, even on your worst days. Their easygoing personality makes them a solid choice for families.
#2 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish breed of retriever dog that is relatively easy to train. Golden retrievers are playful, yet gentle with children, and they are empathetic and don’t get aggressive. Basically, Golden Retrievers are some of the friendliest dogs out there.
#3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a breed known for their deep bond with their owners. They make great family dogs and are known to be friendly (even toward strangers and other dogs and animals) and tolerant.
#4 Beagle
The Beagle is a small breed of scent hound that tends to be very outgoing and friendly. They were bred for hunting, so it’s in their genes to explore and track.
#5 White Swiss Shepherd
The White Swiss Shepherd is an alert and intelligent dog that is very trainable and a very good guard dog. Friendly and discreet. They are never afraid or aggressive without provocation.
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#6 Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a setter, a breed of gundog with a friendly, enthusiastic, affectionate, and loving nature. Irish Setters love to play with family members of all ages. This makes them ideal companions for owners of any age.
#7 Boxer
The Boxer is a short-haired dog breed of mastiff type that has earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are known to jump and paw when they play. They love to learn and enjoy pleasing their owner.
#8 Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a muscular dog that can weigh as much as 180 pounds. The breed has become famous through tales of Alpine rescues, and has a calm and affectionate temperament. They are big shedders, though.
#9 Havanese
Havanese are small dogs weighing seven to 13 pounds. They make good companion dogs and make friends wherever they go.
#10 Mioritic Shepherd Dog
It is a large working breed originating from the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They are known to make excellent guard dogs and are friendly and devoted to their family.
#11 Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is a hunting dog with a lively and affectionate temperament. They live contentedly with other dogs and even cats. Vizslas are very sociable by nature and are very smart, but get bored easily.
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#12 Goldador
The Goldador is a hybrid dog breed that results from crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever. They combine the best traits (physical and behavioral) of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. They are outgoing and warm toward strangers and other animals.
#13 Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a small dog and is believed to be descended from the white German Spitz. They are very happy to be a part of the family and love to entertain their humans by performing learning skills and tricks.
#14 Samoyed
Samoyeds were brought out of Siberia at the end of the 19th century and have a thick, white, double-layered coat. These are intelligent dogs, with a touch of independence. Samoyeds are friendly toward new people, other dogs, and other pets.
#15 Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a vivacious French rabbit-hunting hound who requires a great deal of exercise. It needs plenty of space to wander around. They are lively and cheerful, and often think they are a lapdog.
#16 Cavachon
It is a small-sized companion crossbreed between a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These dogs are described as eager to please and intelligent. Cavachons love being part of the family. I also love Cavachons’ friendly and sociable nature.
#17 Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cattle-herding dog breed with a spunky, independent, and highly adaptable temperament. I love that Pembroke Welsh Corgis enjoy a variety of physical activities. They are known for their quick intelligence and forceful will.
#18 West Highland White Terrier
The Westie originated in 17th-century Scotland, which is independent with a slight touch of stubbornness. They make wonderful family pets and have very affectionate and playful personalities.
#19 Lagotto Romagnolo
The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed of dog that is alert, intelligent, and lively. It is one of the least aggressive breeds. The dog is playful, bright, intelligent, and gets along well with children.
#20 Smooth Fox Terrier
The breed was developed from the smooth-coated black-and-tan terrier, bull terrier, greyhound, and beagle. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. These dogs are wonderful companions for children and generally have a friendly disposition.