As Forbes claims, dogs remain the most popular pets in America, with over 65 million homes owning one. Of course, it is not surprising to any of us.
Loyal, loving, and endlessly entertaining, dogs have won hearts for centuries. While all pups are charming, some breeds are especially famous for being social butterflies, with their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Highly sociable dogs thrive in company and easily become a part of the family, holding everyone together with their awesome tail-wagging energy.
Let’s take a closer look at 9 of the most highly sociable dog breeds that were born to be everyone’s best friend!
Highly Sociable Dog Breeds
1. Golden Retriever
It is no surprise that the Golden Retriever tops the list of sociable dog breeds. Just like their name suggests, they are the shining stars of the canine world.
Known for their friendly, eager-to-please, and gentle nature, they remain one of the most popular dog breeds in America. They thrive on attention and affection, forming lasting bonds with family and strangers alike. This outgoing dog makes friends wherever it goes.
In addition to being loyal dogs, they are super intelligent. Being people-oriented, their patience and empathy also make them excellent therapy and service dogs.
According to PDSA, daily exercise as per the age requirement ensures that your Golden Retriever stays happy and healthy. At least 1-2 hours of physical activity is encouraged. This includes play sessions, walks, hikes, games of fetch, etc.
For those seeking a loving pet companion, the golden retriever stands out as a top choice!
2. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis are a delightful blend of charm, intelligence, and energy. Originally bred as herding dogs, they pack a lot of energy. They love being around people and get along well with everyone.
Got other dogs, other animals, or frequent visitors? Not a problem. They love socializing!
Due to their herding past, Corgis are active and intelligent. Despite their short legs, they are fast and agile. They can adjust well to apartment life as long as their daily exercise needs are met. They love being involved in family activities, so at least one hour of daily exercise, short play sessions, and mental stimulation work best.
Big brains also mean they could get bossy really quickly. Training should start early, treat-based positive reinforcement, and early socialization ensure they develop into well-behaved adults.
A couple of things to note are that they shed. A lot! Be prepared to invest in some good vacuum cleaners. They are also loud barkers and bark for everything! It is usually to alert their owners, but sometimes just because they are happy or excited… Yeah. Just a heads-up!
3. Labrador Retriever
Labradors combine all the qualities that pet owners look for in a dog. They are the ultimate all-rounders. Friendly, smart, and always up for adventure! No wonder they have been America’s favorite dog for over three decades!
Labs are naturally social and friendly dog breeds. They love human interaction and companionship. Whether it’s a game of fetch, catching a flying disc at the family picnic, swimming, or a walk around the neighborhood, they are happiest when surrounded by people. They do well with children and adults alike and even make friendships with other pets and dogs in the neighborhood.
Historically, they were bred as water dogs and gun dogs. They are suitable for highly active families. Without proper stimulation, they can get bored and anxious, which leads to unwanted behaviors. With the right amount of love, mental and physical stimulation, these playful dogs can prove to be the most loyal and fun pups ever!
And yes, their overly friendly temperament makes them unsuitable as guard dogs. Don’t give them watchdog duties, they trust people too easily!
4. Irish Setter
The Irish setter radiates joy wherever it goes! With a flowing red coat and upbeat energy, this dog turns heads wherever it goes. These incredibly affectionate dogs are extremely social and thrive in households where they get plenty of attention from humans and other animals as well.
Their puppy-like nature lasts well through adulthood. They are high-energy sporting dog breeds, so they naturally excel in agility and dog sports. They are extroverts who are perfect for active lifestyles and love spending time outdoors. You can expect them to be the entertainers in family gatherings, often becoming the center of attention.
Irish Setter Club suggests that Irish setters be bathed every 4-6 weeks. Their long coat needs maintenance, regular brushing, and grooming to prevent matts and tangles. Daily exercise for 1-2 hours keeps them happy and healthy.
All in all, they are a happy-go-lucky breed that is sure to fill your home with lots of positive energy!
5. Border Collie
The smartest of all! The Border Collie! With a heart as big as their brain, they have a strong social drive. Originally bred as herding dogs, they are built to be attuned with their owners and thrive in social settings.
Once you win their trust, they are loyal family pets who love to look after their loved ones. They make excellent watchdogs and alert and protect when they feel something is off.
Being highly intelligent, they are well capable of learning complex tricks. With proper training, they perform extremely well in dog sports, agility, and obedience trials. With early socialization, they can be very social and be great around kids and other animals.
Note that proper training is required for them to understand that they do not need to herd kids, or else they are prone to nipping at them and getting bossy!
Suitable for country living and houses with large yards so that they can run around and release all the pent-up energy. They may resort to negative behaviors if not given enough exercise.
6. Poodle
Curly, intelligent, and an extremely friendly breed, meet the famous Poodle! Poodles come in three sizes: the standard, toy, and miniature. All of them are equally sweet-natured.
Originally bred as water dogs, poodles are an active and lively breed. They love being involved in family fun and attach themselves to their owners. Their calm temperament means they are suitable for houses with small children and the elderly, as well as they love spending time with people and making new friends easily.
Their high intelligence means they quickly learn tricks and routines. They are also emotionally attuned with their humans and pick up on social cues. They also work great as emotional support dogs.
7. Shih Tzu
This pint-sized pup packs a big dog’s personality! Having been the companions of royalty in ancient China, these little lions love lounging around with their owners.
Shih Tzus are exclusively family pets. They don’t hunt, watch, or protect. All they need is attention and lots of it. Excellent with people of all ages, including small kids, they follow you around everywhere. These small dogs love going on short walks but do not require extensive exercise.
They are prone to separation anxiety and do not love being left alone for long periods. It is important to train and socialize them early so that they turn out to be well-balanced pups emotionally and physically. Without mental stimulation, they may become a bit stubborn and may develop unwanted behaviors.
8. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is also known as the ‘American gentleman’ and for good reason. Their big brown eyes and goofy smiles are sure to make you smile every time!
Bostons are small dogs with a big personality. They love spending time with people and making new friends. They greet everyone with a contagiously happy manner.
Orvis confirms that their favorite activities include games like fetch and frisbee! You should also plan indoor games that offer mental and physical stimulation. The reason is their brachycephalic nature. Their flat faces and short snouts make breathing a bit difficult, especially in warmer weather, so it’s better to keep them indoors.
Treats are definitely their favorite part of the training routine. So, positive reinforcement methods work great with them.
9. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire bull terrier, also known as the Staffy, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA and the UK. They are an affectionate breed that loves being lap dogs.
They are also known for their unique smile that you may notice when they are happy. Being from the terrier group of dogs, they are fiercely loyal and protective of their families. Their small stature makes them perfect for apartments and big homes alike.
Training them early with proper socialization is necessary to keep their guarding instincts in check. They are intelligent and also active and sporty. Which means they learn tricks fast and excel in dog sports such as agility and obedience.
Conclusion
When choosing the right dog for your family, a highly sociable dog can make a lot of difference. Highly sociable dog breeds form strong bonds with their families and enjoy making new friends wherever they go.
In addition to the dogs mentioned above, certain breeds like the Cavalier King Charles spaniels and Cocker Spaniels are also loved for their calm and gentle demeanors. According to the American Kennel Club, breeds that are calm and social, adapt well to family life, reduce household stress, and bring positivity in day-to-day life.
Whether you are looking for a playful buddy, a jogging partner or just a lion pup to lounge with, these breeds are sure to bring joy, connection, and a whole lot of fun!
