Some dog breeds want to be surrounded by their humans 24/7. They want no dog park drama or chasing tails with the neighbor’s puppy. All these dog breeds who prefer people over other dogs want is, well, some belly rubs, a warm couch, and their favorite people, AKA you!!
And you know what? That is perfectly okay.
Plenty of pups love pack play and mingling with other dogs. But certain breeds are simply wired to prefer people over other canine companions. These loyal dogs bond hard with their owners and love human interaction.
If you want a puppy that would only love you no matter what, this list is for you. We have compiled top friendly dog breeds with the mantra “people over pups”, and they love every second of it.
Dog Breeds Who Prefer People Over Other Dogs
1. Poodle
Let’s start with one of the smartest and most affectionate dogs out there: the Poodle! No matter the types of Poodles, Toy, Miniature, or Standard, Poodles are known for being incredibly people-focused.
As noted by PetPlan, Poodle has an extremely friendly, calm, and fun-loving temperament, which makes them an ideal dog for any house with a lot on its plate.
Key Traits:
Highly smart and easily trained
Thrive on praise and positive attention
Form tight bonds with their family
Poodles can be friendly with other dogs alike when properly socialized, sure, but at their core, they are human lovers. Plus, they are an affectionate breed that is well-suited for everything from agility training to lounging on the couch with you after a long day.
They would much rather be learning tricks with you than wrestling with strangers at the dog park. They are on number 5 on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular dog breeds in 2024.
2. Pug
Pugs are dogs with a stable temperament and a loving disposition. They are that little snorty puppy with a wrinkly face, following you around the house. These puppies are obsessed with people. They are social butterflies but not necessarily with other dogs.
PetMD notes that Pugs tend to bond more with humans than animals, and they love spending time just being near you, even if you are not doing anything.
Key Traits:
Crave attention from their owners
Get emotionally attached quickly
Love to be the center of your world
They are a friendly dog breed, that’s why we say they are perfect for people who want a fun-loving, low-energy pup to hang with. They may tolerate other pets, but what they want is you. All in all, they are goofy, loyal, and totally human-obsessed.
3. Beagle
Now, don’t get us wrong. Beagles are pack dogs by nature. When they are trained well with other dogs, they do love to be around animals. But, many modern Beagles and those who were raised in single-pet homes turn into people-loving pets with a soft spot for their humans.
They might still howl at a passing squirrel, but their loyalty often lies with the ones who feed them treats and rub their bellies.
Key Traits:
Love routine and familiarity
Attach to their family
Great family dogs, great with kids
They are one of those friendly breeds that do okay with others, but shine the most when they are bonding one-on-one. If you are their person, they will stay close, follow you around the house, and nap with their head on your feet.
As one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., Beagles are loved for their gentle demeanor, friendliest nature, and good-natured ways.
4. Bulldog
Ever met a Bulldog who wanted nothing more than to lie on your lap like a 50-pound baby? That’s them, people over everything. They are known for their calm and sweet personalities. Bulldogs don’t usually care for the chaos of multiple-dog households or puppy meetups.
Key Traits:
Calm, low energy, and such a loyal breed
Prefer cuddles over confrontations
Often uninterested in other animals
Many Bulldogs are not dog-friendly, but not in an aggressive way. They just don’t see the point of other dogs when their best friend, their favorite human, is right there with snacks.
Bulldogs are great family dogs as they bond well with both children and adults alike. They have a reputation for being lazy, but they would benefit from some long walks with you.
5. Collie
Collies were practically designed to work closely with people. These energetic dogs will do anything they can to please you. These intelligent and loyal herding dogs are deeply bonded to their human pack.
They are often wary of other animals but are incredibly loving toward their humans. They are the ultimate people’s dogs.
Key Traits:
Highly responsive to human emotions
Naturally protective of their family
Tend to be shy or indifferent around different breeds
Hills Pet Nutrition mentions they are great therapy dogs because of their gentle and affectionate nature. They are perfect for people who want a best friend, not a social butterfly. They are also one of those breeds that tend to become emotionally in sync with their owners. It is honestly a one-of-a-kind feeling.
6. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Corgis are compact bundles of sass, smarts, and affection. They are working dogs at heart, but not the kind that needs a pack to thrive. Nope. They want you. Corgis are known for following their humans from room to room like a curious little detective.
They are strong, athletic, well-built dogs. AKC calls the Welsh Corgi a big dog in a small package.
Key Traits:
Get deeply attached to their family
Very social but only with humans they trust
Have a strong “Velcro dog” tendency
They may do okay with other pets if raised together, but truthfully, Corgis would rather train, play fetch, and go on walks with their human than wrestle with other puppies. They have got personality, loyalty, and just enough sass to keep you on your toes.
7. Newfoundland
Big dog. Bigger heart.
Newfies are affectionate dogs through and through. And while their size might scream “gentle giant”, what makes them special is how tender they are with people. And children.
They have a moderate energy level and do not need regular exercise. So they can spend more time snuggling with you.
Key Traits:
Exceptionally gentle with kids
Loyal to the core
Prefer calm households (better with a swimming pool)
With humans, it’s love at first slobbery hug (they are water-loving dogs). They are not a fan of chaos, so they are better-suited for families that don’t have a house full of different breeds or other animals running around.
If you want a loyal breed that is also a fluffy (read: fluffiest) bodyguard, the Newfoundland might be your new best friend.
Conclusion
Look! Not every dog wants to join a pack. And not every dog loves playdates with 12 other strangers at the dog park. Some just want their human family, a soft blanket, and maybe a squeaky toy or two.
These are the snuggle champions, the heart healers, the ones who will always greet you at the door like you are the only one that matters.
Be it a Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, a Basset Hound, Jack Russell Terrier, Boston Terrier, or even a Bichon Frise, some dogs have the most affectionate personalities, and they are just about being with their family than mingling with other pets.
If you are eager for a rare breed, mixed breeds, a rescue dog, or just a great companion, this list is your ULTIMATE starting point. These pups may not be pack players, but they are forever loyal to the one pack that matters the most to them: you!!
