Unlike cats, dogs are not grumpy creatures! Rather, they are fun, joyful, and always down for a good time. They are the extroverts of the animal world. Making new friends and chilling with them comes naturally to them.
Some dogs are naturally more playful and social than others. These dog breeds love interacting with new people and even participate in various games and activities with humans. They are even friendly with other pets living in the same house.
Life with these playful and social dog breeds is filled with daily amusements. Let’s check out some of the most playful dog breeds you can get your hands on!
Playful and Social Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
Labs are full of life!
Whether it’s a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or even their favourite activity of swimming, they love them all!
No matter whether you are opting for an indoor gaming session or an outdoor excursion, these dogs would happily be a part of everything.
One reason why they are so playful is their energetic nature. They are filled with energy, which is why they are always looking for an activity that can help them release it.
They possess a positive attitude towards life. Hence, they prefer interacting and engaging with others rather than leading a solo life!
These boisterous dogs are definitely the best pets to have, especially when you have kids at home who are always up to something fun!
What To Play With Them? Hide-and-seek, Puzzle Toys, Swimming
2. Golden Retriever
The American Kennel Club categorizes these dogs in the Sporting group, and rightfully so!
These dogs love outdoor adventures as much as they adore playing indoor games.
This dog, with its medium-length double coat, is always ready to have some fun.
They are happy dogs, and most of the time, you will see them smiling. For a home with different pets, this is a great companion as it makes sure everyone in the house lives a pleasant life when they are around.
The golden retriever is always eager to please its owners. Hence, it has the tendency to learn new commands and take orders sportingly. Compared to most other dogs, training sessions with this one are mostly smooth and relaxed.
If you live in a society apartment, you’ll be amazed at how well your dog makes friends and how smooth its interaction is with other animals. Its social skills can surely put an introvert owner to shame!
What To Play With Them? Chase the ball, Hide and Seek
3. Pomeranian
Pomeranian is also a loyal dog breed that is known for its social nature.
Their favorite activity of the day is surely a neighborhood stroll in the evening. This is when they can interact with other animals and make new friends.
They are some of the most exuberant dog breeds out there that would gladly interact with your guests. However, socialization from an early age plays a great role when it comes to managing the behavior of this dog.
First-time dog owners who are skeptical of getting a pet dog can easily choose a Pom as it is quite a friendly dog breed. As per Pet Plan, they get so attached to their owners that at times, they end up having severe separation anxiety and don’t want to leave their pet parents at all!
The only problem with them is their small size, which makes them vulnerable to accidental injury. Hence, it is necessary for kids to handle them with care and not go for strenuous activities with them.
What To Play With Them? Puzzle toys, dog fishing, and treat-dispensing toys
4. Border Collie
Border Collies are so loving and affectionate that they even get along with the cats living in the same house!
AKC mentions that these family dogs are playful and fun. Though they get along with new pets in the house, that’s not entirely true about their human interaction. With strangers, they can be somewhat reserved.
Early socialization, however, helps a lot, and this affectionate breed becomes equally friendly with humans as well.
These are active dogs! In activities including herding, obedience, agility, and other dog sports, they showcase exceptional performance and are a class apart.
At home, they are even-tempered and love interacting with kids.
Nonetheless, it is necessary to help this furry friend of yours learn appropriate behavior through proper training and socialization from an early age.
What To Play With Them? Mentally stimulating games like puzzles
5. Boxer
Though they are big dogs and may make you think they are not appropriate to be in a house with kids, you are wrong!
Boxers are super affectionate, outgoing dogs that love the company of kids.
They prefer spending their time with young kids, rather than being around adults. Also, as they have protective instincts, they are always alert, thereby making sure the kids are safe while playing with them.
The best strategy is to socialize them with the kids of the house in the puppyhood stage. They are incredibly loyal dogs and would stick with the kids once they get comfortable with them. The fact that they retain a puppy-like demeanor even when they turn adults makes them excellent family pets.
Their youthful exuberance and unlimited energy require a company of active family members.
What To Play With Them? Puzzle toys, snuffle mats
6. Irish Setter
The athletic dog with a sweet temper comes with a constant need to socialize and interact with others.
Irish Setters are high-spirited dogs that love to play games with kids and adults.
The thing is, this dog is packed with unlimited energy. It has to do something at all times to release it. Hence, it appears super playful and fond of various sports and activities.
This dog with a playful nature is outgoing and adventurous. The simple act of visiting a dog park would give it immense joy.
But, be cautious; they were originally bred to be hunters. So, if you are introducing it into a multi-pet home, make sure to give proper training and socialization to avoid a mishap.
What To Play With Them? Go on hiking trips, long walks, or a game of fetch.
7. Poodle
These little dogs are full of life!
Poodles are social, fun, and love being with their family members.
This playful companion is super affectionate and entertains humans with their cute acts.
They are enthusiastic, small fellows and love to interact with new human beings. As they are super-intelligent, they find it fairly easy to adjust to new situations and places when compared to other dogs.
Their playful temperament and boundless energy make them appropriate pets for families with kids.
Despite being a fun-loving dog, it tends to get lethargic at the end of the day, after plenty of exercise and play. The rest of the time, you would see it snoring on a rug!
This Reddit Thread proves these dogs are really playful and joyous!
What To Play With Them? Swimming games
Conclusion
Playful and social dog breeds add an element of fun to life. They thrive on human companionship and are extremely affectionate in nature. Apart from the dogs mentioned in this blog, Jack Russell terrier, Boston terrier, Pembroke Welsh corgi, Shih Tzu, and Australian shepherds are also considered to be some pets with a loving nature and adventurous spirit.
