9 Extremely Friendly Dog Breeds That Stay by Your Side

Dogs are our best friends. After domestication, they developed a bond with humans based on mutual benefit. Early humans provided food and shelter to the dogs, while dogs offered protection and companionship.

Today, many dogs have become part of families. While each dog has its own unique personality, their temperament largely depends on the training they receive in the first few months of life and their interactions with people, other animals, and situations.

Some dogs are more sociable and friendly than others. They reciprocate their owner’s love by offering emotional support, unlimited licks, and adorable tail wags. Some pups are so loyal and affectionate that they follow their favorite human from room to room.

Have a look at 9 extremely sociable and friendliest dog breeds that make great companions.

Extremely Friendly Dog Breeds

1. Great Dane

Breed Profile

• Height: 28 to 32 inches

• Weight: 110 to 175 pounds

• Energy Levels: Calm

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Great Danes are working dogs who were originally bred for boar hunting. According to Britannica, these swift and alert dogs make the friendliest pets. Great Danes are an affectionate breed that gets along well with both family and strangers.

Great Danes have a calm demeanor despite their large size, due to which they are called the “gentle giants.” Their large size makes them intimidating guard dogs, but they are great with children and other dogs.

Do you know? Scooby Doo is the most famous Great Dane of all times, but not a typical one. The creators wanted a big dog with a quirky personality. This is why while real Great Danes are elegant and strong, Scooby Doo is a bit clumsy.

These easygoing dogs thrive on interaction and companionship. They form strong bonds with their humans and often misunderstand themselves as lapdogs.

2. Newfoundland

Breed Profile

• Height: 26 to 28 inches

• Weight: 100 to 150 pounds

• Energy Levels: Calm

• Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years

Large and heavy-coated fellow, Newfoundland, is a docile and friendly dog. It stays calm and patient around children. Newfoundlands are affectionate and protective towards their owners. They do not hesitate to put themselves in danger while trying to save their humans.

They also have a reputation for being good roommates to other dogs and cats. If you are a pet parent dedicated to brushing your Newfie’s fur and wiping its drool, it will reward you with its sweet temperament.

Newfoundlands are one of the smartest dogs that can easily be trained. PetMD explains that consistent training and early socialization help them to become comfortable, confident, and well-behaved in various social situations.

3. Irish Setter

Breed Profile

• Height: 25 to 27 inches

• Weight: 60 to 70 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years

Irish Setters are affectionate dogs with a friendly and gentle nature. They behave well around kids and other pets, which makes them an excellent choice as a new family member. They are sweet-natured, playful, and mischievous.

Due to their natural hunting and tracking instincts, you will find them looking for treasure in your home, including your drawers and closets. Irish Setters are intelligent dogs having a stubborn streak. Therefore, you need to be patient and consistent while training them.

These bags of energy are well-suited for active families. They are highly social and want you to play and exercise with them.

4. Boxer

Breed Profile

• Height: 21.5 to 25 inches

• Weight: 50 to 80 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Boxers’ dark eyes and muscular faces make them look serious, but they love their humans more than anything. These playful dogs are known for their sweet and goofy nature. Boxers are great with children and have a friendly temperament.

Boxer is a calm yet high-energy dog who loves challenges and games. They excel at dog sports like agility, obedience training, and herding. These social and outgoing dogs are not too vocal.

Do you know? Boxers are known for their distinctive “kidney bean dance,” which they do when they are excited. This little dance involves twisting their bodies into a semi-circle, just like the shape of a kidney bean.

Boxers are very intelligent and feel the happiest when using their brains. They can play constantly, so make it clear when the playtime starts and when it ends.

5. Labrador Retriever

Breed Profile

• Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches

• Weight: 55 to 80 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Labrador Retrievers, or Labs, are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are called gundogs because they were originally bred to retrieve game. Labradors are known for their versatility, playfulness, and high energy levels.

Labrador Retrievers are a friendly breed. These affectionate canines are open to strangers and make friends easily. According to WebMD, these dogs are protective towards their owners and highly adaptable.

Despite their large size, loyalty, and trainability, Labradors are not good candidates for guard dogs due to their friendly nature. They love to play— plenty of exercise and attention make them happy.

6. Golden Retriever

Breed Profile

• Height: 21.5 to 24 inches

• Weight: 55 to 75 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

Golden Retrievers are good-natured dogs who can easily steal your heart with their loving personalities. These affectionate dogs love being surrounded by people and getting attention. When you come home, they will welcome you with a wagging tail.

Golden Retrievers are social creatures who thrive on human attention. They are great with children— their gentle demeanor makes them ideal playmates for kids of all ages. Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please. These traits make them highly trainable.

They are very sociable and get along well with other animals and dogs as well. They are generally non-aggressive, but do have a protective instinct for their owners.

7. Bernese Mountain Dog

Breed Profile

• Height: 23 to 27.5 inches

• Weight: 70 to 115 pounds

• Energy Levels: Calm

• Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their sweet and gentle personalities. They are loyal to their families. Berners are very intelligent and always eager to please their owners. They are big, friendly, and agile dogs.

These tricolored dogs are the “gentle giants” who make great pets. Berners get along well with children, too. However, they are not well-suited for households with younger kids due to the risk of injury caused by accidental knocks.

Bernese Mountain dogs love challenges and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and content. Bored Berners can be destructive, so we would advise to keep your pup occupied!

8. Pomeranian

Breed Profile

• Height: 6 to 7 inches

• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Pomeranians or Poms are small dogs weighing around 3 to 7 pounds. These perky little fellas are friendly and affectionate. Poms are known to be the cuddly buddies who love belly rubs and being petted by their humans.

Pomeranians are intelligent and do well in obedience competitions despite having an independent streak. They are great with children— their small size makes them easier for kids to walk, carry, and handle. Their playful nature keeps your child engaged.

Pomeranians are alert and alarm dogs. This toy breed is prone to excessive barking. Poms require a moderate exercise of 30 to 60 minutes every day. Exercise helps with physical and mental stimulation.

9. Dalmatian

Breed Profile

• Height: 19 to 24 inches

• Weight: 45 to 70 pounds

• Energy Levels: Active

• Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years

Dalmatians are a friendly yet independent dog breed that thrives in a family of homebodies. They crave activity and cannot be left alone for longer periods, as they are vulnerable to separation anxiety.

These highly energetic dogs need a lot of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Without adequate physical and mental stimulation, Dalmatians may develop undesired behaviors. These lively pups are well-suited for active households.

They get along well with children and other pets, but small children must be taught how to treat dogs nicely. Dalmatians feel happy when they get a job to do. They excel at learning new tricks and competing in dog sports.

Conclusion

Many breeds are popular for their friendly nature and sweet temperament. Friendly dogs’ personality traits include affection, sociability, calm demeanor, and playfulness. If you are planning to adopt a friendly dog breed, just remember: treat them with love and they will reciprocate it!