Friendliest Dog Breeds for First-Time Pup Parents

Dogs have been called man’s best friend. If you share your life with a dog, you know this to be 100% true. While most dogs are incredibly affectionate and outgoing, there are those breeds that are particularly friendly. If you are in need of a real friend and are thinking of bringing a dog into your life, the following are some of the friendliest dog breeds.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are the epitome of friendly. Their warm and expressive eyes, along with their cheerful grins, make you feel calm and happy. No wonder this breed is one of the  most popular in the country and has been for decades!

Labrador Retrievers love being around people. Very sweet and affectionate, these pups also are playful and intelligent. Be warned, labs have a fair amount of energy and really need a pup parent who will take them on daily walks and/or hikes!

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 22 to 25 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 80 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short and dense double coat in black, chocolate, and yellow
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Golden Retriever

You can’t create a list of friendliest dogs and not include golden Retrievers! Another wildly popular dog breed, Goldens exude charm and friendliness. These pups are very curious and intelligent. In fact, you’d swear there is a person in there wearing a dog suit sometimes, because there is just something “extra” behind those eyes. 

Goldens make great companions and family dogs. They are great with kids, even very little ones, and will play for hours. And because of their intelligence and willingness to please, Goldens are very easy to train.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
HEIGHT: 22 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 75 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Straight or wavy; medium-length double coat in light to dark golden shades
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Beagle

 

Beagles are entirely easy going and awesome to have around. They are equally happy going on a vigorous walk as they are snuggling up on the sofa and watching TV with you. Beagles are loyal and affectionate, and just really want to spend time with their humans. They also do well with other dogs. Beagles tend to be a breed to snatch your food when you aren’t looking, so it’s best to keep all human food up and away where they can’t get it. Beagles are also very interested in sniffing scents, so always keep them on lead or in a fenced yard so they don’t wander off.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Hound (AKC)
HEIGHT: Up to 15 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 30 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat in black and tan, brown and white, and more
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 15 years

Boxer

If you’re looking for a best friend who will keep you in stitches, look no further than the Boxer breed. These pups are known for being absolute clowns and their antics will always have you smiling, even on your worst day. Boxers are also affectionate and social and make great family dogs.

You’ll need to spend some time training your boxer. They are so friendly and excited, they tend to like to jump up on people. This breed is also particularly athletic, so will do well with those people and families who can provide regular exercise and play time.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working (AKC)
HEIGHT: 22 to 25 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 80 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat in brindle, fawn, and white with a black mask or white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Corgis were bred to be not only herding dogs but also as companion animals. This explains why they are such social creatures who love to spend time with their people. Highly intelligent and affectionate, Corgis require lots of playtime. Sure, their legs are very short, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t love and need daily exercise. Corgis have a lot of energy to burn and will love going on daily walks with you.

About the only real negative with this breed is that they tend to shed. A lot. So you will need to brush them regularly to keep that shedding under control.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding (AKC)
HEIGHT: 10 to 12 inches
WEIGHT: Up to 30 pounds
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat in black and tan, fawn, red, and sable with white markings
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 13 years

Pug

Oh the lovable pug. That snorting little angel with the big personality. Pugs are smart, affectionate and incredibly silly. They will make you laugh all the time and snuggle with you when you’re feeling blue. 

Pugs get along great with other people and other dogs, and they are particularly good with children. But if you have kids, make sure your kids are good with dogs. Because of their small size, be sure kids don’t get too rough. Pugs don’t require a lot of exercise like some breeds, but they should get a daily walk and plenty of playtime to keep their weight in check.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy (AKC)

HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches

WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds

COAT AND COLOR: Short double coat in fawn or black

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

 

Pet Insurance – Friendly for Your Pup and Your Wallet

Did you know that every year, one out of three pets requires emergency veterinary care? And did you also know that emergency vet bills can cost in the thousands of dollars?

Most pet parents don’t have this kind of money just lying around. That’s why more and more are signing their fur babies up for pet insurance. This gives them peace of mind knowing they can afford to provide the very best care should an accident or serious illness strike.

And accidents and illnesses can happen at any age. So when you bring your new pup home, be sure to sign them up and protect their health right out of the gate. Here are the top providers based on over 150,000 reviews from pet parents just like you:

 

Top Pet Insurance Providers of 2024

Rating	Provider	Total Review
4.9	Embrace	17,158
4.9	Healthy Paws	10,008
4.9	Trupanion	73,743
4.9	Fetch	18,571
4.9	Lemonade	805
4.8	Nationwide	21,407
4.8	Prudent Pet	125
4.7	Hartville	165
4.6	ManyPets	2,343
4.6	Pumpkin	1,473
4.6	Spot	7,033
4.5	ASPCA	11,757
4.5	PetPartners	113
4.4	AKC	891
4.3	Pet Assure	12
4.3	Pets Best	12,232
4.2	Figo	2,602
4.0	MetLife	652

 

References:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-friendly-dog-breeds/
2. https://www.pumpkin.care/blog/friendliest-dog-breeds/
3. https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-compatibility/friendliest-dog-breeds

 

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.