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There’s nothing quite like the joy of coming home to a dog. The moment you open the door, there they are—tail wagging, whole body shaking with excitement, and those happy, sloppy kisses that say you’re their whole world.
Dogs have earned their place as one of our most cherished companions throughout history; they’re family members who play countless roles: protector, helper, lifesaver, and loyal friend.
Dogs naturally possess a friendly demeanor, which scientists believe has played a crucial role in their long-standing relationship with humans. This bond dates back to when early humans and wolves first formed a mutual alliance. Humans provided shelter and food, while wolves offered protection, eventually evolving into the domestic dogs we know today. This deep-seated bond is why dogs are so attuned to human emotions and why their friendliness seems almost instinctive.
In this guide, we’re excited to share with you ten of the best dog breeds known for their outstanding friendliness towards strangers. Let’s find the perfect furry friend who’s ready to love everyone they meet!
Dog Breeds Most Friendly to Strangers
1. Labrador Retriever
| Personality | Friendly, active, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 11-13 years |
Labrador Retrievers are truly the epitome of friendliness, especially when it comes to meeting strangers. Known for their gentle and affectionate nature, Labradors make outstanding family pets and are especially good with children due to their patient and loving temperament. These dogs are not just friendly; they’re also incredibly smart and eager to please, which makes them a breeze to train.
According to PetPlan, Labradors are sociable, and they love to make new friends, both human and animal. They’re known for their ability to get along with just about anyone. This breed is often celebrated for its approachable demeanor, making Labradors a favorite choice for first-time dog owners.
Additionally, Labradors are versatile, excelling as service dogs, in search and rescue roles, and in many other capacities that require close human interaction. While they are energetic and playful—sometimes a little too enthusiastic in their younger years—they are also robust and easy to care for, despite a tendency to shed.
2. Golden Retriever
| Personality | Friendly, intelligent, devoted |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Golden Retrievers are renowned for their kind and gentle demeanor, making them excellent companions for families and a joy to have around children and other pets. This breed stands out for its extraordinary friendliness, not just towards family members but also to strangers and other animals.
Their warm and welcoming nature makes Golden Retrievers exceptional therapy animals, as they naturally possess an eagerness to please and a calm temperament. These dogs are highly intelligent and adaptable, easily fitting into various environments, whether it’s a bustling city apartment or a spacious suburban home.
Golden Retrievers thrive on interaction and are always ready for a game of fetch or a swim, staying true to their bird dog heritage. HillsPet notes that they respond well to obedience training, which is why they are often chosen as service dogs. Although they require regular exercise to stay happy, their flexibility and affable nature make them ideal for almost any living situation. Regular brushing keeps their shedding manageable and their coat shiny.
3. Boxer
| Personality | Bright, fun-loving, active |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | With Supervision |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 65-80 pounds (male); females are about 15 pounds less than male |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
Boxers are truly a delight to have around, brimming with energy and affection that never seems to fade. Known for their playful nature and boundless loyalty, they make exceptional companions, especially in active families. Their joyous demeanor and youthful spirit often lead them to be described as perpetual “puppies.”
The American Kennel Club highlights that Boxers are not only upbeat and playful but also patient and protective, making them excellent with children. They take their roles as watchdogs and family guardians very seriously, facing any threats with fearless determination. Early socialization with a variety of people and other animals is crucial for Boxers to develop their well-rounded, sociable nature.
Intelligent and quick-thinking, Boxers can sometimes be stubborn and are known for their ability to solve problems creatively. Their high energy requires daily exercise, ideally on a leash or within a securely fenced area to prevent them from wandering off. Despite their need for regular physical activity, Boxers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, shiny coat only needs a quick brush once or twice a week.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Personality | Affectionate, gentle, graceful |
| Energy Level | Calm |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 12-13 inches |
| Weight | 13-18 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is revered for its sweet, gentle, and loving nature, making it an extremely popular breed among those looking for the ideal house dog. Its cheerful and affectionate demeanor is complemented by a friendly attitude towards strangers, other dogs, and animals, encapsulating the essence of a perfect family pet.
As noted by Britannica, Cavaliers thrive in various living situations. They make excellent companions for both children and the elderly due to their gentle nature. While they are playful and fairly easy to train, they are also somewhat laid-back with a moderate energy level, making them well-suited to both active families and quieter homes.
Cavaliers are not known for being great watchdogs or protection dogs as they are not big barkers, instead focusing on being loving companions. Their exercise needs are modest and can be satisfied with daily walks in a neighborhood or playtime in a small yard. Grooming the Cavalier is straightforward, requiring regular brushing and occasional baths to keep their coat in good condition.
5. Irish Setter
| Personality | Sweet-natured, active, outgoing |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Eager to Learn |
| Height | 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female) |
| Weight | 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
The Irish Setter is a bundle of joy and energy, making it a wonderfully affectionate companion. Known for their loving and playful nature, these dogs are particularly great with children, eagerly engaging in games like fetch. The Irish Setter’s temperament is spirited and vivacious, always ready to join in on fun activities and provide plenty of affection.
Despite their enthusiasm, Irish Setters can be a bit boisterous, especially during their puppy years. Their energetic play might be too much for small toddlers, as they could accidentally knock them over. However, their friendly nature means they’re not aggressive and welcome everyone with open arms. Contrary to some beliefs, Irish Setters are not difficult to train. They are highly intelligent and eager to learn, though they can sometimes show a stubborn streak.
WebMD notes that Irish Setters are high-energy dogs best suited for active families. They thrive in homes with more space and are less suited for apartment living. A home with a garden or yard is ideal for them to expend their energy. To maintain their gorgeous, healthy coat, regular brushing with a soft brush at least twice a week is necessary.
6. Poodle
| Personality | Active, proud, very smart |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | With Supervision |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 10 inches & under (toy), 10-15 inches (miniature), over 15 inches (standard) |
| Weight | 4-6 pounds (toy), 10-15 pounds (miniature), 60-70 pounds (male standard), 40-50 pounds (female standard) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-18 years |
Despite the common stereotype of being snobby and aloof, Poodles are actually friendly, cheerful, and full of fun. They are highly sociable and excel at forming close bonds with their human companions, thriving on interaction and affection. Whether it’s a standard-sized Poodle or a toy size, these dogs are known for their loving nature and intelligence, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a friendly pet.
Poodles might initially be cautious around strangers, but they warm up quickly once familiar, displaying great affection and friendliness. They are also wonderful with children and get along well with other animals, especially when socialized from a young age. Known for their high intelligence and eagerness to please, Poodles are relatively easy to train. They enjoy learning new things and excel in obedience, tricks, and agility.
Being very social creatures, Poodles need to be part of family activities. They require regular exercise and play, including daily walks, to keep them happy and healthy. According to the VCA, Poodles have thick, curly hair that needs regular grooming. Their coat should be clipped every six to twelve weeks. Although Poodles shed minimally, their curly hair can catch dead hairs that may become matted if not regularly brushed. Thus, consistent grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s health and appearance.
7. Border Collie
| Personality | Affectionate, smart, energetic |
| Energy Level | Needs Lots of Activity |
| Good with Children | With Supervision |
| Good with Other Dogs | With Supervision |
| Trainability | Eager to Please |
| Height | 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) |
| Weight | 30-55 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years |
Originally bred to herd sheep, Border Collies are still cherished as working farm dogs and have also become beloved family pets. Ideal for active owners, these dogs thrive on adventure and activity, making them perfect companions for those who enjoy an energetic lifestyle. The Border Collie is extremely playful and interactive, enjoying the company of people of all ages, though their high energy levels may be overwhelming for young children or the elderly.
Known as possibly the most intelligent dog breed, Border Collies require ample mental and physical stimulation to stay content and well-behaved. Their keenness to please and attunement to their human companions make them excellent at dog sports like agility and flying disc, as well as in learning tricks and training routines.
Managing a Border Collie’s instinctual herding behavior is essential, as it can lead them to nip at heels. They need extensive daily exercise to channel their energy positively. On the grooming front, while Border Collies do shed, particularly during spring and autumn, they are not as high maintenance in this regard as some other breeds, according to the PDSA. Regular brushing can help manage their shedding and keep their coat in good condition.
8. Newfoundland
| Personality | Sweet, patient, devoted |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Height | 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female) |
| Weight | 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years |
The Newfoundland is a gentle giant among working dogs, whose large size might seem intimidating at first glance, but its sweet, patient, and gentle nature makes it an ideal companion for families, children, other dogs, and even cat-friendly homes. These dogs are deeply loyal and enjoy social interactions.
Training is crucial for a breed of this size, especially from puppyhood. It’s important to teach Newfoundland not to jump up on people or become overly excited, which could be overwhelming given their size. Despite their imposing stature, Newfoundlands are not particularly high-energy dogs. They thrive on regular walks and moderate exercise to maintain fitness, and they need considerable yard space to move around freely.
Forbes notes that Newfoundlands are considered moderate to high maintenance, largely due to their thick double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and manage shedding. Additionally, as a social breed, Newfoundlands need regular interaction not only with their human family but also with other dogs to stay happy and healthy.
9. Bichon Frise
| Personality | Playful, peppy, curious |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 9.5-11.5 inches |
| Weight | 12-18 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 14-15 years |
Adaptable and cheerful, Bichon Frises thrive in a variety of home settings, including those with children and cats. With a history that includes performing and capturing hearts, these sociable little dogs absolutely love being at the center of attention and action.
Bichons are excellent companions who mesh well with everyone. Their alert and curious nature makes them effective little watchdogs, though they’re much more about love than defense. They operate on the charming belief that there are no strangers, only friends they haven’t met yet. Their confident demeanor and compact size make them particularly well-suited for city living.
While Bichons are indeed active, their small size means they don’t require a large space to get their exercise, making them perfect for apartment living. A significant advantage for urban residents is that Bichons are not habitual barkers. However, they do require considerable grooming time to maintain their fluffy coats, which is something potential owners should consider.
10. Cocker Spaniel
| Personality | Smart, happy, gentle |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Good with Children | Good With Children |
| Good with Other Dogs | Good With Other Dogs |
| Trainability | Easy to Train |
| Height | 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female) |
| Weight | 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female) |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years |
Cocker Spaniels are affectionate and friendly dogs, brimming with love and energy. Known for their gentle, easy-going nature, they are also quite lively, making them well-suited for families, particularly those with children. These dogs are typically non-aggressive towards other animals and people, flourishing under the right training and socialization.
Cocker Spaniels are known for their calm demeanor and are eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They are especially affectionate during close moments, often nuzzling or licking your face as an endearing prompt for more attention and petting.
Their lively, adaptable, and friendly nature allows them to integrate seamlessly into various types of households. This makes Cocker Spaniels particularly good choices for first-time dog owners due to their kind and gentle disposition.
However, it’s important to note that Cocker Spaniels are high maintenance in terms of grooming. They require daily brushing to manage dead hair and prevent their fur from tangling. A quick brush after walks is also a good practice to ensure their coat remains clean and free of debris.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the friendliest dog breeds that are great with strangers, consider breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Boston Terrier. Known for their friendly and affectionate nature, these dogs are not only excellent family pets but also embody the true spirit of a friendly dog.
Whether you’re out in the park or welcoming guests at home, these breeds are sure to spread joy and warmth with their sociable demeanor.
