When it comes to choosing a furry friend, the “friend” part is pretty important.
Now let's be clear: Pedigree is not destiny. Whether you're buying a purebred pup from a responsible breeder or adopting a mixed breed dog from a shelter, your new furry friend has the potential to be kind and gentle–especially with the right training and environment.
At the same time, some breeds do have a well-earned reputation for effortless amiability. Here’s a look at some of the canine companions who are always ready with a snuggle session and a wagging tail.
Golden Retriever
The ultimate family dog
Why they’re great: Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and tolerant attitude. These loyal and intelligent dogs are fantastic with children and other pets. Their playful nature and love for human interaction make them one of the most popular dog breeds. (Just look at that face.)
Ideal owner: Perfect for families, singles, or seniors who are searching for a gentle, affectionate dog. Goldens are especially perfect for active households where they can get plenty of exercise and mental enrichment.
Why they’re great: Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly and outgoing. They're excellent with kids and other animals, making them a top choice for a family pet. Labs are also highly trainable and eager to please, which makes them great companions for countless activities.
Ideal owner: Best for active families or individuals who can provide plenty of exercise and engagement. Labs love to play fetch and enjoy swimming, hiking, and running.
Things to consider: Labs have a high energy level and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're also prone to obesity, so be sure to maintain a balanced diet and monitor their weight.
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Why they’re great: Cavaliers are known for their affectionate and gentle demeanor. These small, elegant dogs are incredibly friendly and enjoy being around people. They're great with kids and other pets, making them perfect for families.
Ideal owner: Perfect for anyone looking for a loving, small-breed dog who enjoys lying on laps and taking part in family activities. They're also good for apartment living, as they don't require extensive exercise.
Why they’re great: Beagles are cheerful and friendly dogs who love to socialize. Their curious nature and gentle disposition make them excellent family pets. Beagles are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.
Ideal owner: Beagles are great for individuals and families who love hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. Beagles love following scents and exploring new areas.
Things to consider: Beagles have a strong sense of smell and can be quite determined when they catch a scent, so a secure yard is a must. They also need regular exercise to prevent obesity.
Bichon Frisé
The cheerful companion
Why they’re great: Bichon Frisés are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These small, fluffy dogs are incredibly friendly and make excellent companions for families with children. Their happy-go-lucky attitude and gentle demeanor make them a joy to be around.
Ideal owner: Perfect for families looking for a small, active dog who loves to play and doesn't need a huge amount of exercise. They thrive on human interaction and are known to be great with kids.
Things to consider: Bichons require regular grooming to keep their coat looking its best. They can also suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they do best in households where someone is home most of the time.
Boxer
The playful protector
Why they’re great: Boxers are known for their playful and energetic personalities. At the same time, they're relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. These loyal and affectionate pups are also great with kids and protective of their families, making them excellent guard dogs and companions. Boxers love to be involved in family activities and are known for their clownish antics.
Ideal owner: Best for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities. Boxers need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, so they thrive in homes where they can play and explore.
Things to consider: Boxers need regular exercise to burn off their high energy levels. They're also prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart conditions, so regular vet visits are extremely important.
Poodle
The intelligent entertainer
Why they’re great: Poodles are highly intelligent and exceedingly friendly. They come in three sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—making them versatile for different living situations. Poodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature, as well as their near-hypoallergenic coats, which makes them a great choice for allergy-sufferers.
Ideal owner: Great for families or individuals looking for an intelligent and trainable dog. Poodles excel in obedience training and enjoy participating in various dog sports and competitions.
Things to consider: Poodles need regular grooming to maintain their curly coats. They also need mental stimulation and physical exercise to keep them happy and prevent boredom.
Collie
The gentle herder
Why they’re great: Collies are known for their empathetic and protective instincts. They're fantastic with children and other pets, making them ideal family companions. Their loyalty and attentiveness helps them form strong bonds with their families.
Ideal owner: Collies are perfect for those who have the time and inclination to provide lots of energetic exercise, plenty of stimulating play with interactive toys, and other mental engagement. These dogs excel in activities like agility courses and herding trials. Their zest for learning and problem-solving keeps them mentally sharp and physically active, making them excellent companions for dynamic and adventurous owners.
Things to consider: Collies have long coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. And they need an owner who can provide frequent, vigorous exercise; otherwise they can become bored and even destructive. They're also prone to certain genetic health issues, such as hip dysplasia and eye conditions.
Irish Setter
The friendly fireball
Why they’re great: Irish Setters are exuberant, friendly, and playful, with a wonderful disposition around kids and other pets. They're also extremely intelligent and very easy to train.
Ideal owner: Best for active families or individuals who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Irish Setters love to run and play, so they thrive in homes with a large yard or access to parks and open spaces.
Things to consider: Irish Setters need regular exercise to burn off their high energy levels. They also need regular grooming to maintain their beautiful, flowing coats. Like many large breeds, they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia,bloat, and other genetic health issues.
Cocker Spaniel
The affectionate friend
Why they’re great: Friendly and affectionate, Cocker Spaniels are great with children and other pets. These small-to-medium-sized dogs have a powerful ability to sense their owner's mood and boost their mental health with affectionate nuzzles. Their love of interactive games and fondness for swimming and splashing make them standout companions.
Ideal owner: Great for families or individuals looking for a loving and loyal companion. (In other words, a lot of people.) Cocker Spaniels enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities, and are even suited for apartment living as long as they get regular exercise.
Things to consider: Cocker Spaniels require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best. They can also be prone to ear infections due to their long floppy ears, as well as other health issues.
Newfoundland
The gentle giant
Why they’re great: Newfoundlands, often referred to as "Newfies," are known for their sweet and gentle nature. These large, strong dogs are incredibly friendly and patient, especially with children. They're excellent swimmers and have a natural rescue instinct, making them great companions for families who love water activities.
Ideal owner: Perfect for families with children or individuals who have plenty of space for a large dog. Newfies are calm and gentle, making them great for households that can provide lots of love and attention.
Things to consider: Newfies require regular grooming due to their thick, water-resistant coats. They also need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. They can be prone to certain hereditary health issues, including hip dysplasia, cancer, and eye conditions like entropion and cataracts. Like many large breeds, their average lifespan (about 8-10 years) is on the lower end.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The affectionate powerhouse
Why they’re great: Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or "Staffies," are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Despite their muscular build, they're incredibly gentle and loving with their families. Staffies are great with children and have a playful spirit.
Ideal owner: Great for active families or individuals who can provide plenty of exercise and attention. Staffies excel when given tasks and responsibilities, such as agility training or interactive play sessions. Their eagerness to participate in all family activities showcases their boundless energy and loyalty.
Things to consider: Staffies need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They can also be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and skin conditions.
Shetland Sheepdog
The little dynamo
Why they’re great: Shetland Sheepdogs, or "Shelties," are known for their friendly and gentle demeanor. These small dogs are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them great companions for families. Shelties are also very loyal and affectionate.
Ideal owner: Perfect for families or individuals looking for a small, intelligent dog who enjoys being involved in family activities. (Known for their impressive herding instincts, Shelties often try to "herd" their human family members!) Shelties thrive in active households where they can get plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Things to consider: Shelties require regular grooming to maintain their long coats. They can also be prone to certain genetic health issues, such as epilepsy and various eye diseases.
Bulldog
The laid-back buddy
Why they’re great: Bulldogs (AKA English Bulldogs) are known for their friendly and calm demeanor. These sturdy dogs are great with children and make excellent family pets. Bulldogs are very affectionate and love to lounge around with their owners.
Ideal owner: Great for families or individuals looking for a low-energy, affectionate dog. Bulldogs are great for apartment living, as they don't require extensive exercise.
Things to consider: Bulldogs require regular grooming and are prone to certain health issues, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and skin problems.
Samoyed
The smiling sled dog
Why they’re great: Samoyeds are known for their friendly and sociable nature. These fluffy white dogs are incredibly affectionate and love to be around people, including kids.
Ideal owner: Samoyeds are born athletes. You don't need to be a sled driver, but Samoyeds do best with families and owners who love outdoor activities. Samoyeds need regular, brisk exercise to stay mentally healthy. Not surprisingly, these Siberia-bred pups thrive in cold weather and love to play in the snow, making them great for families who enjoy winter sports.
Things to consider: Samoyeds require diligent regular grooming to maintain their thick, fluffy coats. They're also prone to certain health issues, such as eye and heart problems.
Bringing home your new best friend
If you're looking for a canine companion who's a joy to be around, opting for a particularly friendly breed certainly can't hurt.
But no matter which breed you choose, remember that every dog is an individual with its own unique personality. With the right care, training, and love, any breed – even the so-called "aggressive" ones – can bring you steadfast companionship for many years to come.
Looking to protect your finances as you care for your dog? Dog insurance can help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Top-ranked* dog insurance
Coverage from "boops" to "oops."
You're in it for the long haul, and your dog insurance should be, too. Get a quote for your pup today.
*According to Forbes Advisor’s “Best Pet Insurance of 2023”
David oversees content strategy and development at ManyPets. As Lead Editor, he focuses on delivering accurate information related to pet care and insurance. David’s editorial background spans more than a decade, including a pivotal role at Digiday, where he wrote content and managed relationships with media and tech companies. As an Associate Editor at Cynopsis Media, David wrote the Cynopsis Digital newsletter and interviewed executives and digital marketing experts in the TV industry. His background also includes film journalism. His diverse experiences in journalism and marketing underpins his role in shaping content within the pet care industry.
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