Dogs are a man's best friend, and for very good reason. Our loving dogs offer unconditional affection and friendship. They are loyal, obedient and bring so much joy to homes worldwide. But not every dog is equally affectionate.
Different canines are friendlier and more social than others. And, if you're planning on starting a family or have little ones running around - you'll want to ensure your dog will fit in nicely with your busy, young family.
Here, we’ll explain the friendliest dog breeds and their characteristics. We’ll also answer those frequently asked questions, like, are staffies dangerous? And what to consider when introducing a new dog to your family.
If you're a parent seeking a four-legged companion who will integrate into your family dynamics and provide your children with a safe and loving environment, look no further. This article will also discuss the best dogs for families, especially families with young children.
What are the friendliest dog breeds?
The following are five of the friendliest dog breeds:
Labradors
Labradors are renowned for having outgoing and social personalities. They like being a part of a family and thrive on social connection. Lab puppies who receive the right socialisation from a young age and are exposed to a variety of settings, people, and other animals tend to grow into well-rounded, gentle adult dogs.
Labradors are extremely accommodating canines. They are more friendly and approachable in diverse social settings due to their capacity to adjust to varied environments while keeping their cool.
If you’re searching for a fluffy friend that will sociable, affectionate, and loyal, a labrador could be the dog breed for you.
Beagles
Beagles are inherently outgoing and sociable animals. They enjoy pleasing their master and get along well with both people and animals of all ages. Originally bred as hunting dogs, and they were 'designed' to be affectionate and sociable. This is due to the fact that they would frequently be working near people and other animals, making it crucial for them to get along with everyone.
They have a positive outlook on life and enjoy taking part in activities, like fetch, walks, and playful games.
Poodles
Poodles are known for their loyalty and playful nature. They are also very good with children and other pets. Poodles are highly trainable and intelligent dogs. They are remarkably rapid learners and responsive to teaching techniques.
Because of their intellect, they can understand instructions and comply with them, which contributes to their charming nature. They can learn social skills and excellent manners with the right training.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavaliers are known for their playful and energetic personalities. They love engaging in activities and are generally well-suited for active families who can provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Cavaliers are also relatively easy to train. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. As long as you take the time to train and help your Cavalier grow into a well-rounded adult dog, they will be great family pets.
Bulldogs
One of the Bulldog's defining characteristics is their friendly disposition. They tend to get along well with people of all ages, including children and often display a tolerant and patient attitude. Bulldogs are generally not aggressive and are known for their gentle and easygoing nature.
Remember that all dogs are individual and may still exhibit variations in temperament and behaviour. Proper socialisation, consistent training, and regular mental and physical exercise are important factors in a dog's friendly nature. Your dog can flourish as a friendly and cherished companion by providing them with a loving and stimulating environment.
If you want to add a four-legged friend to your family, do plenty of research into the breed’s temperament and needs. Dogs need proper training and care for them to be their happiest, friendly selves.
Are staffies dangerous?
You may have noticed that Staffordshire bull terriers didn’t make the list. This isn’t because they’re not friendly; they are friendly. They simply didn’t make the cut because they’re not in the top 5 friendliest breeds. They are actually known as ‘nanny dogs’ due to their soft and protective nature.
Dog breeds for families
As well as our top five friendliest dog breeds and, of course, our lovely staffies. There are lots of other breeds that are a great fit for those with young children.
Good dog breeds for families (in no particular order!) include:
- Bichon Frise
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Newfoundland
- Cockapoos
- Springer Spaniel
- Border Collie
- English Cocker Spaniel
- West Highland Terrier
- Irish Setter
Things to consider when introducing a dog to children
Here are some tips for introducing a new dog to your family:
- Let the dog sniff around their new home and explore at its own pace.
- Introduce the dog to your children slowly and carefully.
- Supervise interactions between the dog and your children.
- Teach your children how to interact with the dog safely and respectfully.
Remember to be patient when it comes to introducing your new dog to young children. It may take some time for the dog and your children to get used to each other. But when they do, it’ll be so worth it!
Since you’ve made it this far in this article, we’re assuming you’re definitely looking for a pup! So, you’ll need a dog collar and a dog lead. We recommend reading our guide to buying a dog collar and guide to buying a dog lead before choosing the right ones. They have everything you need to know before making important decisions for your dog.
Check out the BullyBillows dog harnesses and dog ID tags. Remember, it’s a legal requirement for all dog owners to ensure their dog has an up to date ID tag!
