The 11 friendliest dog breeds

*Review of the best according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Specialist consultation required before purchase.

The dog is, as the old saying goes, man’s friend. And many breeds serve to truly illustrate this statement. They are faithful and reliable companions, who will keep you company in fun and help you in difficulties, and even comfort you in sorrow.

And for those who want to get a good companion and loyal companion, we have compiled a rating of the 11 most friendly dog breeds. It’s worth noting that the placements are random, so you shouldn’t think that corgis are more aggressive than golden retrievers (or vice versa).

The Friendliest Breeds of Dogs

#11: The French Bulldog

Rating: 4.0

Despite the presence of the word “bulldog” in the name of the breed, these dogs are not aggressive at all. They are lively, playful, and friendly to all people, including strangers. Therefore, guests are more likely to be licked and knocked down by the jumping French bulldog than frightened by the snarling.

French bulldogs are especially popular among city dwellers. Despite the dog’s active and playful disposition, it does not require a large space to live comfortably. She’ll be fine in a small apartment, too. And walking a French bulldog does not require winding kilometers around the block.

French Bulldogs are suitable for families with children. This dog is good with children, will be a great companion in games. And best of all – it doesn’t need much care, so you won’t be torn between making dinner for the kids or combing out the hair.

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that French bulldogs have a rather poor health. These dogs are often sick, have a sensitive respiratory system (also because of their flat muzzle), and have occasional eye problems. Also the dog needs training from a very young age – otherwise it will be stubborn and disobedient.

10th place: Corgi (Welsh Corgi Cardigan)

Rating: 4.1

The Corgi is a Regal Dog. And this is not an exaggeration. It is the corgi that is kept at the court of the Queen of England. Dogs of this breed are sweet, playful and friendly, but retain some of the stature peculiar to royalty. The Corgi is a companion, not a pet.

Because of their attractive, cute appearance with their distinctive light reddish color and permanently smiling face, the Corgi are now incredibly popular. And it is not a flaw. The Corgi is low maintenance, good for novice owners, and is fine in small apartments.

However, their playful temperament and herding roots should be taken into account. The Corgi is an active dog. It requires long walks, and simple walks around the block will prove too boring for these four-legged pets. Best to take them out to the park to play with parkas, Frisbees or other objects at hand.

The corgi is very easy to train. Training won’t take long, and the animal will quickly get used to house rules and won’t be lugging socks under the couch. This breed is also good with kids, but acts more as a play companion than a babysitter. So a kid with a corgi is capable of more destruction than without one.

An important disadvantage of the breed – sociability. The dog barks a lot, so for fans of silence it is not suitable. And the neighbors aren’t likely to be happy listening to the yapping behind the wall all day long.

9th place: Akita

Rating: 4.2

The Akita is a large, majestic and very calm dog. Despite its large size, it can live in apartments of relatively small size without the appearance of character or health problems. The loyal and somewhat phlegmatic temperament of the Akita makes it a good companion.

But the Akita’s main advantage – it loves children. This is a dog that will take part in the education of the child, will help him to grow up, protect him from various troubles. Even relatively small children can be sent for walks with Akita – clever and quiet, it will not tear the leash, will take part in games and protect from problems.

It is worth noting that the Akita is a dog with character. She is a companion, not a pet. This breed is stubborn, difficult to train and often puts itself on the same level as the owner in the family. Therefore, for beginner breeders Akita is not suitable. But despite its stubborn nature, it won’t growl or get angry. However, training from an early age helps the animal to become a friend.

Among the other disadvantages of this breed include conflict with other animals and poor health. Akitas often suffer from autoimmune diseases that require prolonged (lifelong) care and medication.

8th Place: Long-haired Collie

Rating: 4.3

Long-haired collies, aka shepherd sheepdogs, are smart and friendly dogs that are large and attractively colored. They became especially popular after the “Lassie” movies and TV series, which were, in principle, quite naturalistic demonstrations of the breed’s character.

It should be noted immediately that the long-haired collie, despite all its advantages, is not suitable for urban housing. It is a very active dog that needs regular and considerable exercise. Even a daily walk should take at least 1.5-2 hours! Otherwise, the animal will simply begin to stunt.

Collies are excellent house keepers. As herding dogs, they regularly check to see if family members are okay, no one is sick or sad, and how things are going with the furnishings and grounds. They don’t let strangers into their territory, but they’re smart enough not to growl at their guests. They are more likely to be wary of visitors, but they will understand from the owners’ behavior that they are not a threat.

In addition, collies are great parents. Therefore, they are suitable for families with a child, acting as a real babysitter and playmate for the little one. Collies will make sure nothing happens to your baby, and if anything goes wrong they will either protect him or call for help with a loud bark.

This breed is also poorly suited for beginner breeders. Even considering its good health and constitution, the dog requires considerable care. For example, regularly combing and brushing his long hair, which also often sheds.

Ranking 7: Samoyed (Samoyed Spitz)

Rating: 4.4

The Samoyed is a breed you fall in love with at first sight. Harmonious constitution, medium size, snow-white fluffy coat and a distinctive grin, which is even called “Sammy’s smile”, are attractive features. A friendly disposition and high activity only adds to the image.

The Samoyed in character combines independence and affectionality. They are a four-legged partner, not a pet. Like other northern dog breeds, it has a certain stubbornness to it. Having an intelligent disposition and a definite intellect the Samoyed is difficult to train, so it will do what it likes.

The Samoyed Spitz is not suitable for city living. Unless the owner is willing to spend 1.5-3 hours of his time walking the dog. The breed is very active and energetic, and needs constant physical activity. Also, do not expect the dog to walk peacefully in the street near the owner – rather, the Samoyed will find in the city center first some strange bushes, then equally strange puddle with undrying dirt, and it will soak in it all.

But expend the dog’s boundless energy. Bored, the Samoyed can start spoiling things, and then bark and howl.

Also, the Samoyed is so friendly that he is no guard at all. With strangers, he will play and have fun. In families with children, the dog will also be a partner for the child, and will gladly help the child tear a sheet of wallpaper off the wall.

Number 6: St Bernard

Rating: 4.5

There’s only one word to describe the St Bernard’s character: good-natured. It is a very calm, peaceful dog that, despite its size, will never show aggression towards its owners. At the same time it has a so-called sense of territory, thanks to which strangers risk to be barked at or fell on the back.

The St Bernard is considered the best dog in the world for families with children. This breed not only gets along well with children, but is also ready to sacrifice its life to save or simply protect its young owner. The Saint Bernard is not only a nanny and guardian, but also a playmate who is incredibly patient. Even if your baby tries to saddle the dog or yank his tail, the dog won’t lift a finger.

Also, dogs of this breed are characterized by a rare intelligence. They are able to analyze the degree of danger and calculate steps to save or protect their owner, doing incredibly intelligent things. At the same time, we should not forget that it is an animal.

In particular, since the puppy’s age it is necessary to socialize the animal. When they are young, Saint Bernards need attention from their owners – and this is how they establish not only contact, but also hierarchy. Left alone for long periods of time, this breed will grow up to be independent and unsociable – but also 90-pound and muscular, so it can’t afford to be destructive. From a young age you need to train, educate and train a Saint Bernard – and, fortunately, dogs are not particularly stubborn.

5th place: Sheltie (Shetland shepherd dog)

Rating: 4.6

A small shepherd dog that looks a bit like a collie, the sheltie is a friendly, active and caring dog. It is a good companion, comrade and partner.

The character of the Sheltie is almost typical of a shepherd breed. The dog is friendly and caring, and it is important for it to keep everything in order. It will monitor the condition of each member of the family. If someone is unhappy, the dog will cheer them up and try to lift their spirits. If it’s okay, it’ll join in the fun and games.

Sheltie loves kids. For them she is not only a nanny, but also a playmate. At the same time, if a child is in danger, the Sheltie will do anything to protect him.

The Sheltie has one character trait that other herding breeds do not have. Dogs need human attention. They love long walks and socializing. However, it will not force its presence – but without proper attention, the dog will languish and become ill and sad. Therefore, it is not suitable for people who “sleep and sleep” at work.

Thanks to the small size, it is suitable for housing in apartments. Although, it will still take a long time to walk the dog. It may require more care than other breeds, but it’s undemanding and therefore suitable for owners with no previous breeding or husbandry experience.

And you can also give a Sheltie to your grandmother. This dog’s delicate undercoat makes a great yarn, and things made of it are warm, light and delicate. And, of course, with a medicinal warming effect.

4th place: Aussie (Australian shepherd dog)

Rating: 4.7

The aussie is not the most popular “in our latitudes” dog breed. Its standard and exterior are just not too unusual. There aren’t many tricolor (white-black-red) dogs with a half-length coat running around on the streets to buy one just for the money?

But it is the character of the aussie that bribes, which is truly unique. They’re friendly, affectionate and smart – but they’re also good guards. It will be a companion, a playmate and a protector of the home. The Aussie has inherited a love and caring attitude toward children from its shepherd breed ancestors, and from the sheepdogs in its pedigree, superior intelligence and easy trainability. Training an aussie does not take much time, but every hour invested will return a hundredfold.

The relatively small size makes the aussie a good city dog. But it’s a very active dog, so walks with it will take quite a bit of time. Again, it is better to go with it not around the block, but to the parks, where the animal can play and have fun. Walking is required twice a day, because otherwise the aussie’s boisterous activity may be aimed at destroying the leg of a beloved Vienna chair.

It is important to note that the Aussie is not suitable for novice owners. These dogs are bred to work in harsh environments. They do not react neither to pain, nor to cold or heat. That’s why you can walk with them all day and then accidentally notice a cut on their paw. The Aussie is a dog for attentive and responsible owners.

3rd place: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Rating: 4.8

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the smallest members of the spaniel family. However, despite the “room orientation”, the habits of the ancestors relating to hunting dogs, it has not lost. Representatives of this breed keep active and playful mood until old age, thus pleasing their owners.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is incredibly friendly! He remains loyal and faithful to his master throughout his life, treats other people positively and greets guests with the joyful wagging of his tail. Of course, that doesn’t make him much of a guard, but he’s worth looking into another breed for home protection.

Also representatives of this breed are friendly to other animals. If you meet a dog in the street, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will say “hello” with joy, but a cat will only take a long look at him. Representatives of the breed easily get along with pets. Also, these dogs are suitable for families with children. But they see the baby as a playmate.

Another important advantage of the breed – these dogs do not require long walks. They’ll let their excessive energy out in games, but there’s no need to fear for the safety of their property.

By the way, the name of the breed has a rather interesting history. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred in the Renaissance and were instantly admired by the nobility for their toy-like appearance and lively, active demeanor. And they were especially admired by King Charles II of England in the late 17th century. He liked them so much that he allowed dogs of this breed to enter any building, even the Houses of Parliament, without hindrance! Actually, the name of the breed translates to “King Charles Award Spaniel.”.

2nd place: Bobtail (Old English Shepherd)

Rating: 4.9

Bobtails are adorable dogs. It’s hard to keep from smiling when you look at its long, slightly curling and therefore seemingly dirty fur. At the same time the dog is big and seems a bit clumsy – partly because of its seemingly disproportionately large feet.

Categorized as a herding breed, the Bobtail is a dog that will take care of the whole family. At the same time she does not follow the hierarchy and is equally good to each of the housemates. A bobtail is a great companion for not just one person, but for the whole family.

It is worth remembering that the bobtail refers to sheepdogs. Therefore, it is characterized by activity and stamina, and literally needs constant exercise. And they shouldn’t be limited to just long walks. The dog must run, carry sticks and other things. Otherwise she will become sick and frail.

Like many other English breeds, the Bobtail is somewhat stubborn and independent. The dog is poorly trained, requires general training, and can still ignore the owner’s instructions if he thinks they are too silly or pointless.

It is worth noting that the long hair of the Bobtail requires care. It needs to be brushed every 2-3 days, otherwise tangles will form. What’s more, the dog constantly grows very long bangs that cover his eyes – and they need to be trimmed. Coats tend to pick up dirt and debris, so they need to be brushed out and after every walk.

1st place: Golden Retriever

Rating: 5.0

Perhaps the most famous of the companion dog breeds. Its active and friendly disposition makes it a good friend and companion, and because of its humanity golden retrievers work in rehabilitation centers, socialization, guide dogs and so on.

Golden Retrievers are very smart. Many researchers compare their intelligence to that of a child. Also, these dogs can boast of a good memory. These qualities make Golden Retrievers easy to train, docile, quick to learn and capable of many commands.

Golden Retrievers are suitable for homes with children. For small households, dogs act as a playmate and babysitter. They will gladly bring a stick and make sure that the baby does not hit himself on the head with it. In addition, dogs have a high level of empathy, so that if a child is bad or sad – they will support. And if necessary, they will guard your sleep.

It’s worth noting that golden retrievers need a lot of physical activity. They require long walks – and even afterwards they won’t feel tired. So they are not suitable for small apartments. It is better if this dog will live in a country house with a plot where it can show its activity and playfulness.

Although golden retrievers are suitable for novice owners, these dogs need regular grooming. The point is that they shed their wool almost constantly. You brush it at least once a week and daily during the moulting period. Also, the dog will grow claws, so it will need to be taken to a groomer.

But otherwise, the golden retriever is the perfect companion. Loyal, outgoing, playful and friendly.