Do you want to expand your family by four paws to fill that space in your home? Some happy-go-lucky breeds can bring joy into any space with their loving and playful attitude. These furry friends have a special talent to lift spirits and spread smiles.
According to a recent study, people who spend more time with dogs tend to be happier and feel more loved than those without a dog. Dogs also let you exercise more often and spend more time outdoors. Studies also reveal that dog owners experience increased oxytocin (the love hormone) release.
When you come home after a long, tiring day, they will welcome you with wagging tails and smiling faces. Happiest dog breeds never let you feel alone; they will always stay by your side to brighten up your day.
Here are some happiest dog breeds that will fill any space, whether in your heart or your house.
Happiest Dog Breeds To Fill Any Empty Spaces
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred for companionship. They genuinely love people and demand lots of attention. Cavaliers want to be with you all the time and are prone to loneliness and separation anxiety.
Cavaliers have a gentle and calm disposition—these affectionate pooches get along nicely with children, other dogs, and dog-friendly pets. While they lack athleticism, Cavaliers enjoy a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood.
However, you have to be careful, as these adorable pooches are high-spirited chasers. Due to their compact size, quiet demeanor, and adaptable nature, these dogs thrive in apartments and smaller living spaces.
If you want to fill the space of a comforting partner in your life, no dog breed is better than the Cavaliers.
2. Golden Retriever
Goldens are one of America’s best dog breeds that have been serving as guard dogs and search and rescue pups for several decades. The American Kennel Club describes them as intelligent, friendly, and devoted companions.
Golden Retrievers have a personality that exudes positivity. They will stay by your side and comfort you as long as you want. Their easygoing, gentle, and incredibly affectionate nature makes them amazing family pets. These sweet-natured dogs get along nicely with strangers, children, and other pets.
Goldens are eager to please, dogs that have a joyous and playful approach towards life. They are quite empathetic and can easily sense when you are upset or anxious. That is why Goldens make excellent therapy dogs.
3. Pug
Pugs are the mischievous companions with squished faces. These adorable pups like cuddling and spending time with their human companions. Their big sparkling eyes and wrinkled brows give them a range of human-like expressions such as surprise, happiness, and curiosity.
Pugs have a quiet and laid-back demeanor, and they do not need extensive physical activity to stay happy. They make great apartment dogs due to their low exercise needs, small size, and calm temperament. These happiest grumpy dogs live to love and be loved in return.
These adaptable pooches are not overly demanding and do well in a city or country, with kids or old folks. Pugs are happy as only pets and also thrive in multi-pet households. However, take care of your Pug in hot weather and do not over-exercise, as it is a brachycephalic breed.
4. Boston Terrier
Often nicknamed as “American gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is an affectionate breed with a silly streak. They love making new friends and are always up for a play session. Their goofy smile and adaptable nature will melt your heart.
Boston Terriers exhibit a friendly nature around kids and love playing with them, but you need to keep an eye on things if the play becomes too rambunctious. They may be small in size, but this dog’s personality is massive.
Boston Terriers have big and round eyes that shine with kindness and curiosity. According to Purina, they love human companionship and make loving and outgoing pets. They are sociable with family, friends, and even strangers. Their distinctive coat requires regular brushing.
5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed due to its obedience, boundless energy, and happy-go-lucky personality. If you are looking for a furry friend to welcome you home with a smile on their face and wagging tails, Labradors are a great choice.
According to Petplan, Labradors are friendly, warm, and affectionate dogs who do well with sole owners as well as part of a family. They bond deeply with their family members and thrive on companionship.
Labs possess bundles of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and content. They love to go on long walks and enjoy games of fetch. These enthusiastic athletes also excel at swimming and other canine sports like dock diving, agility, and tracking.
6. Papillon
Papillon is a perfect family companion known for its extraordinary intelligence and butterfly-shaped ears. These pooches possess upbeat athleticism, a happy disposition, and a friendly nature, and can ideally fill up that space in your home or your life.
These bright fellows are highly trainable and can learn new tricks in only a few repetitions. Papillons are keen problem solvers and need activities to keep their minds and bodies busy. Typically weighing between 5 to 10 pounds, they do not need lots of space to move around.
In fact, Paps are quite content in small spaces if you provide them a comfortable environment where they can play and spend their time snuggling with their favorite humans. These small dogs are quite lively and require little exercise of around 30 minutes a day for stimulation.
7. Shih Tzu
Like Pugs, Shih Tzus were also bred to be royal companions. These outgoing and affectionate dogs will fill your home with giggles and mischief. Shih Tzus are friendly and affectionate family pets who thrive on human interaction.
Their compact yet sturdy size, laid-back demeanor, and minimal exercise needs make them well-suited for apartment life. Plus, they don’t bark too much, so if you are an apartment dweller, you do not need to worry about your neighbors.
Shih Tzus are great cuddle partners and loving playmates for your kids. These perky canines are lively and friendly. They have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming. Daily brushing helps prevent mats and tangles.
8. Poodle
This friendly and outgoing breed is known for its hypoallergenic coat and immense intelligence. They are the true aristocrats with an eager and athletic personality. Poodles are a good match for households with kids.
Poodles are people-oriented dogs and prove to be a loyal and loving part of a family unit. These active dogs possess lots of enthusiasm and energy. Poodles are quite lively and form deep connections with their family members.
These agile and graceful doggos are always ready to work and excel in a variety of canine sports such as obedience, agility, and tracking. Poodles like swimming and, as hunting dogs, have an instinct to retrieve things like toys, sticks, or balls.
9. French Bulldog
These apartment dogs love snuggling their humans and tend to amuse them with their playful antics. French Bulldogs need little exercise to stay fit. They do not need long walks and can happily spend most of their day lounging with their human companions.
Frenchies don’t bark much and are quite alert, making them perfect watchdogs. These wrinkle-faced pooches are quite adaptable and do well with singles, couples, and families. Frenchies are not overly energetic, but they enjoy canine sports like obedience, agility, and rally.
However, their extremely short nose can cause some problems. Being brachycephalic, Frenchies experience breathing issues and should not be over-exercised. These loving dogs are low maintenance since their short coat does not need extensive grooming.
Conclusion
Having a pet, particularly a dog, can fill your home with lots of love, fun, and warmth. Some canines are so happy-go-lucky that they can lift your spirit and light up your life. From Frenchies to Labradors, Pugs, and Golden Retrievers, several breeds beautifully fill that empty spot in your life.
Remember, even the happiest dog can become cranky if you do not give them proper training and exercise. Most importantly, you should give them much-needed love and affection.
