Top 25 Friendliest Dog Breeds That Are Perfect for Families

Dogs have been a vital part of the human lifestyle for thousands of years and have, over the years, earned the title of ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ thanks to their undying loyalty and companionship. While all dogs can form strong bonds with their humans, some breeds are naturally more inclined to be affectionate and friendly, making them perfect for families wanting a cuddly, sociable companion.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are playful dogs that are very friendly and goofy at times. Their outgoing nature and an adaptable temperament make them an excellent pet for families with young children. Given their high intelligence and eager-to-please attitude, Labradors usually fit right in, regardless of the type of people surrounding it. 

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are similar to Labradors in temperament. These dogs love to play with other dogs, but especially children, around whom they can be extremely gentle and protective. Loyal and smart, these dogs are generally easy to train, and their playful spirit keeps daily life interesting. 

Beagle

These little dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing nature, making them a hit with kids and other pets alike. You don’t have to tell a Beagle to go for a walk or that it’s time for play twice. But, what really makes the Beagle stand out their natural need for companionship and a fun-loving spirit. 

Boxer

A Boxer is a true family favorite breed due to their lively, affectionate and social nature. They love children and their protective instincts make them great dogs for home security as well. This breed is energetic so they will need plenty of exercises to keep them healthy. While they can be a little stubborn sometimes, with efficient training, Boxers can become well-behaving, loving, and loyal pets.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Warm and gregarious, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an excellent family dog. They’re also gentle and playful which makes them excellent around kids. Although they can be somewhat clingy, this just means that they’ll be by your side during most (if not all) family activities or snuggling with you on the couch for a movie night.

Irish Setter

Irish Setters have a striking, redish brown coat that makes them look like royalty. They make great pets because of their gentle yet playful temperament. These dogs are extremely sociable and love spending time with their owners, especially if that includes a game of fetch or a good run in the park. 

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is an extremely friendly and lovable small dog breed. They love to play and are well-behaved, making them excellent companions for both adults and kids. They love meeting new people and dogs, and being the center of attention. They sometimes engage in some goofy behavior to make the people around them laugh. 

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are some of the most loyal and affectionate dogs a family with small kids can get. Larger than most breeds in this list, these gentle giants are surprisingly good with children and smaller pets. They’re protective and patient, often demonstrating a strong urge to keep their family safe. But be wary of the amount of drool they produce because they can get quite messy. 

Pug

Pugs are basically the clowns of the dog world because they can be mischiveous to draw out smiles from their owners. They thrive in loving families and are extremely child-friendly. Pugs are very loyal but can be clingy and they’re often described as ‘shadows’ due to their habit of following their owners around.

Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are some of the wackiest-looking dogs due to their long, thick, but soft coat. These dogs are affectionate, outgoing, and calm. These fluffy giants possess a herding instinct, which explains their tendency to keep a watchful eye over family members. To stay healthy, they need continual mental and physical stimulation. 

Dalmatian

This is a breed that’s best known for its appearance in a certain Disney movie. Dalmatians are exceptionally outgoing and friendly dogs with a high energy level that makes them a riot to have around. They love companionship and play and typically get along well with kids and other pets. However, they do need quite a bit of exercise so they’re best for active families.

Bulldog

Bulldogs are, contrary to their appearance, some of the most friendly and patient dog breeds. Kids and other pets get along fine with them. Bulldogs are also very low energy, needing less activity than many breeds, which makes them a great option for families looking for a devoted, relaxed friend. They are as happy in the backyard or curling up on the couch with you.

Border Collie

Collies are incredibly loyal, lovable, and well-suited to family life. They’re known for their fierce devotion and protective nature, especially when children are present. Collies need physical activity and mental stimulation since they’ve been bred for herding purposes. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them relatively easy to train.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is known as “The American Gentleman”. They are great with virtually anyone and anything, and will find a way to have fun with any play partner. Their energetic bursts and love of play can keep anyone entertained. They do need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy, including daily walks or playtime in the yard.

Bernese Mountain Dog

These good-natured and self-assured dogs often form close bonds with their families. They show a natural affinity for children and are generally tolerant of other animals. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large and powerful on the outside, but inside they are gentle and goofy. These dogs are great companions on hikes or prolonged runs in the park. 

American Eskimo Dog

American Eskimo Dogs are bright, enthusiastic and love being the center of attention in their families. Although small in stature, Eskies have a powerful protective instinct and are incredibly loyal to their human pack. They can be trained with relative ease and are naturally eager to please their owners as often as they can.

Shih Tzu

Every Shih Tzu dog has plenty of character, meaning you’ll always get a kick out of something they do. Shih Tzus develop strong bonds with their families and can suffer from separation anxiety if left on their own for too long. They make great pets for those living in apartments due to their small size.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels love to play and will cheerfully join in family activities, even when its an entirely human affair. Cocker Spaniels are very sociable animals and are incredibly loving toward children. The Cocker Spaniel’s energy and charm make these dogs some of the friendliest breeds in the world.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a friendly and highly sociable dog with a strong desire to please their owners. Pembroke Welsh Corgis quickly bond with their families, including children and other pets. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, training your Pembroke Welsh Corgi can be a joy, provided you maintain a consistent and firm approach with a dash of fun-filled activities.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a congenial, easygoing pet that is perfect for families. Typically good with children and other pets, they have a relaxed temperament that translates into much less effort required for their owners. Some Frenchies can be stubborn but you’ll still get a lifetime of funny, chaotic memories from this unique breed. 

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a highly intelligent, friendly breed that thrives on human companionship. Because they are so energetic, these dogs are excellent for families that lead active lives. They are excellent with children and tend to be good with other pets too. 

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a sociable, cheerful dog breed that is excellent with children and usually gets along well with other pets. They are eager to please, which makes them easily trainable, even in the absence of treats. Due to their friendly and outgoing nature, they seldom have issues interacting with strangers.

Vizsla

Vizslas are dogs that love spending time with their owners, especially when it involves plenty of physical activity, such as hiking and walking in nature. They’re outgoing and friendly toward other dogs, and highly protective of children. The Vizsla is also a very intelligent and obedient breed, often making training an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Brittany

Being among the smartest dogs, Brittanies are perfect for people who have never owned a dog before. However, this intelligence also means that they can be stubborn and independent at times, though rarely loud and dismissive of their owners. Their social nature means they get along well with children and other pets alike. 

Papillon

Papillons are small and friendly dogs, but their most famous trait is their butterfly-like ears. They are highly adaptable and are usually very easy to train. Papillons make wonderful family pets because they’re affectionate and alert. They usually get along well with other pets and absolutely adore children, often being by their side for most of the day.

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