The Friendliest Dog Breeds That Love People

Corgis are known for being highly sociable dogs that love spending time with their families. They were bred to be at attention as herding, guard, and companion dogs, which perhaps explains why they’re always so focused on their humans. They tend to be very affectionate and need lots of playtime.

With their warm eyes and cheerful grins, Labrador retrievers are the picture of friendliness. Labs were bred to be companions—first to fishermen and then to hunters. They adore being around people, and they maintain a sweet, carefree nature. But they are high-energy dogs that need vigorous exercise every day.

Golden retrievers often exude friendliness as they engage with people and other animals. Part of this comes down to confidence. Goldens tend to have a cheery outlook that helps them navigate the world with ease. Moreover, a golden is almost always willing to sit for pets for as long as a person wants.

Boston terriers are affectionate dogs with a silly streak. They love to make new friends, and they're usually up for a play session. They also have a tendency to be adaptable, meaning they’re at ease in many situations. If that isn’t enough, that goofy smile will definitely win your heart. 

Irish setters are friendly dogs with carefree, spunky attitudes that many canine lovers find appealing. They are a very active breed, and if their energy gets pent up, they might engage in unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking or chewing. So regular exercise is a necessity for an Irish setter.

Beagles are a cheerful breed that truly enjoys spending time with people. They are fairly active and love playing fetch or going on long walks with their humans. They’re always down to have some fun and are happy to snuggle with their favorite people at the end of the day.

Border collies aim to please. They are constantly in tune with their humans, which helps them succeed in dog sports, such as agility and flying disc, as well as everyday training. But minimizing a border collie's desire to herd everything in sight is a must, as this can cause them to nip people.

Boxers are suckers for attention. These affectionate dogs want to be social, and the more positive attention you give them, the more you’ll get back. For this reason, boxers can make excellent pets for families with children. But training is essential to curb their desire to excitedly jump on people.

Staffordshire bull terriers, a breed under the umbrella of pit bulls, have mammoth smiles that instantly give away their sincerely sweet personalities. They're intensely loyal to their humans, which unfortunately is why some are trained to fight. But many Staffordshire bull terriers who have been hurt by humans are still eager to love and trust.

When it comes to Cavalier King Charles spaniels, their main purpose throughout history has largely been to serve as companion animals. These dogs truly love people, so they demand ample attention and don't like being left alone. But much of that attention can simply be cuddling with your dog on the couch.