Top 10 Friendliest Dog Breeds

by Kate Barrington

Published: October 7th, 2014

When it comes to selecting the right dog for yourself and your family, there are a number of factors to consider. In addition to thinking about the size and exercise requirements for the dog, you also need to think about its temperament. If you have a family with small children, it is essential that you choose a patient, mild-mannered breed that will get along with children. While the temperament of individual dogs may vary, the dogs on our friendliest dog breeds are largely recognized for being sociable, and are always happy to make a new friend (especially if you have treats!). (Photo credit: Lilun/Bigstock.com)

Bulldog: Though the Bulldog may look a little rough with its wrinkled skin and heavy head, they are actually quite sweet. The biggest advantage of this breed as a family pet is the fact that they are sturdy – even the most rambunctious children will be unlikely to get a rise out of a Bulldog. (Photo credit: sabianmaggy/Flickr)

Beagle: The Beagle is a happy-go-lucky breed that loves to be around people and other dogs. This breed is energetic but friendly by nature which makes them a great choice as a pet. Beagles do tend to be a little nosy so proper training is required to prevent the development of problem behaviors, but you can rest assured that they will always be loving and affectionate. (Photo credit: Judd Hall/Flickr)

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is largely recognized as one of the friendliest dog breeds out there due to their loving and gentle personalities. These dogs are not overly energetic but they do love to play and you can trust them to keep watch over your children. (Photo credit: Sonja Lovas/Flickr)

Collie: The Collie is largely known for its long, flowing coat, but it is also a great family breed. These dogs are well suited to large, active families because they have a great deal of energy to expend. Collies are intelligent and friendly – they also tend to react with patience when children climb on them or handle them roughly. (Photo credit: Hans-Joachim Schneider/Bigstock.com)

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized breed that has consistently rated in the top 5 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. based on AKC registry statistics. In addition to being friendly and energetic, this breed is also very gentle and patient with children. When properly socialized and trained, Labrador Retrievers make great family pets. Just keep in mind that they require regular exercise and attention – if they become bored they may be prone to developing problem behaviors. (Photo credit: ots-photo/Bigstock.com)

Boxer: Though the Boxer is commonly used as a guard dog, they are actually friendly and gentle by nature. This breed craves human attention which makes them a great choice for families with children. Boxers are patient and spirited which makes them fun for children to play with, but they are also protective so you can be sure they will keep your kids safe. (Photo credit: ninare/Flickr)

Poodle: The poodle is largely considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds out there which means that they are responsive to training. This, combined with their gentle demeanor, makes them a great choice on our friendliest dog breeds list. Poodles are outgoing by nature, friendly with everyone they meet and gentle with children. As an added bonus, there are three different sizes to choose from: standard, miniature and toy. (Photo credit: Michael Porter/Flickr)

Newfoundland: The Newfoundland is a very large breed of dog known for its gentle nature and love for children. This breed is impossible not to fall in love with, with their loving nature and affectionate personalities. Newfoundlands may drool and shed a lot but you can be sure that they will always be a good friend – they are always willing to cuddle and will keep an eye on your children at all times. (Photo credit: Tracy Lee/Flickr)

Irish Setter: The Irish Setter is known for its long, dark red coat and for its endless energy. This breed is recommended for families with older children, especially active children who need a dog that will play with them. This breed has an outgoing, almost clown-like personality that lends itself well to being a family pet. (Photo credit: Reddogs/Bigstock.com)

German Shepherd: Though the German Shepherd dog is often used for police work, it is actually a gentle and patient breed which makes them a great choice for families. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable – they also tend to be very easy going, not reacting if children climb all over them. Additionally, German Shepherds make good guard dogs. (Photo credit: Nneirda/Bigstock.com)

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

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