15 Friendly Dog Breeds That Welcome Everyone

Golden Retrievers are like walking, tail-wagging hugs. Known for their warm temperament and patience, these dogs are famously friendly with people, kids, and other animals alike. They approach strangers as if they’re long-lost friends and are rarely ever shy or aggressive. Goldens are especially great for families because of their gentle nature and unshakeable tolerance. Basically, if this breed could talk, it would greet every guest with a heartfelt, “Come in! We’ve been expecting you!”

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are the party planners of the dog world—always upbeat, always welcoming, and usually the first to say hello. Labs have a happy-go-lucky attitude and genuinely love meeting new people and dogs. Whether it’s a toddler, a cat, or your 87-year-old neighbor, a Lab will probably treat them all like their bestie. They thrive on companionship and will go out of their way to make everyone feel included. Just make sure to secure your snacks—these sociable pups also love helping themselves at gatherings.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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This charming little breed has a royal name but a totally down-to-earth personality. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are incredibly affectionate and seem to think everyone they meet is meant to be snuggled. Their sweet, gentle demeanor makes them ideal for families, seniors, and even other pets. These dogs don’t discriminate when it comes to doling out love—they’ll curl up in anyone’s lap like it’s their job. Basically, if your home were a sitcom, this breed would be the friendly neighbor who always pops by with cookies.

Beagle

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Beagles are cheerful, curious, and always ready to make new friends—both human and furry. Their wagging tails and expressive eyes make them hard to resist, and they’re just as happy chasing scents as they are making social rounds. Beagles tend to get along well with other dogs and are incredibly kid-friendly, too. They’re pack animals at heart, so being around people or other pets just feels right to them. If you had a barbecue, the Beagle would be working the crowd and charming everyone for table scraps.

Boxer

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Boxers are bouncy bundles of joy with a goofy personality and an endless supply of energy. They adore people and often behave like oversized toddlers—playful, curious, and always ready to clown around. Despite their muscular frame, Boxers are gentle with children and have a heart as big as their paws. They’re not just tolerant of strangers—they practically launch themselves into new friendships. You’ll never need a doorbell again because your Boxer will be at the door, tail wagging like a wind turbine, ready to greet every visitor.

Irish Setter

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With their flowing red coats and boundless enthusiasm, Irish Setters are the life of any dog-friendly party. These dogs are known for their sociable and outgoing temperament, especially with children and new acquaintances. Irish Setters love attention and return it with tail wags and goofy grins. They do best in active homes where they can socialize regularly, as their exuberance thrives around people. If an Irish Setter had a dating profile, it would read: “Loves long walks, meeting new friends, and being the center of attention.”

Bichon Frise

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Bichon Frise is like a fluffy ball of friendliness on four legs. Always upbeat and ready to play, these dogs are practically allergic to hostility. Bichons are naturally sociable and love being in the middle of family activities or public outings. They tend to get along well with other dogs, kids, and even strangers on the street. If a Bichon could speak, its favorite phrase would probably be, “Hi! Want to be best friends forever?”

Collie

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Collies, especially the Rough Collie variety made famous by Lassie, are loyal, affectionate, and gentle with everyone they meet. These dogs love being around people and excel at reading emotions, often stepping in to comfort anyone who looks a little down. They’re great with children and tend to be welcoming toward new people, always ready with a gentle nudge or a tail wag. Collies are natural caretakers and thrive in environments where they can be part of the action. Think of them as the friendly therapist with fur.

Poodle

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Whether it’s a Standard, Miniature, or Toy variety, Poodles are intelligent, loving, and surprisingly social. These dogs may look fancy, but they’re actually quite goofy and friendly under all that fluff. Poodles are eager to please, and that means they get along well with guests, kids, and other dogs. They pick up on moods quickly and tend to be very adaptable, so they’re just as happy at a dog park as they are at a family dinner. And yes, they’ll charm the pants off your in-laws.

Havanese

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Havanese is Cuba’s gift to the world of friendly dogs. This breed is known for its affectionate nature, playful antics, and ability to make just about anyone feel special. Havanese dogs are especially attached to their people and crave companionship like a teenager craves WiFi. They’re great with guests, get along with other pets, and often behave like tiny comedians to keep the mood light. If this breed were a party guest, it would be the one cracking jokes, dancing on the table, and still managing to win over grandma.

English Springer Spaniel

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English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic greeters who love people, animals, and basically anyone with a pulse. These dogs are energetic, affectionate, and always ready for fun. They thrive on human interaction and have an innate desire to be helpful, whether that means fetching a ball or just being a warm presence. They’re great with kids and generally do well with other pets. If friendliness were a sport, the English Springer Spaniel would have a tail-wagging gold medal.

Samoyed

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With their perpetual “smile,” Samoyeds look like they were born to spread happiness. These fluffy white dogs are incredibly friendly and affectionate, even with people they’ve just met. They were originally bred to live closely with humans in freezing temperatures, which means they’ve developed an intense bond with people over time. Samoyeds are great with kids and usually get along well with other animals, too. They’re basically snowballs with personalities, always ready to share their joy with everyone in sight.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is known for its signature “Wheaten greetin’”—an enthusiastic jumping display of love aimed at anyone walking through the door. These dogs are affectionate, happy-go-lucky, and totally devoted to their families. They make friends quickly and don’t like being left out of anything. Wheaten terriers are good with children and typically adjust well to new people and situations. If you’re not careful, they’ll greet your guests before you even get the chance.

Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, sweet-natured, and always ready for a snuggle. These dogs are great with kids, guests, and even the occasional feline friend. They love being part of the family and usually thrive in social settings. Whether it’s a backyard party or a quiet night in, Cocker Spaniels just want to be where the people are, preferably with their heads resting on someone’s lap. They’re like living, tail-wagging teddy bears who always RSVP “yes” to affection.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, fluffy love machines with a heart as large as their size. Despite their imposing build, they’re among the gentlest and friendliest breeds you’ll meet. They’re known for being great with kids, easygoing with strangers, and accepting of other animals. Berners bond closely with their families and often try to sit in your lap—whether or not your lap is built for 100-pound snuggle bears. These dogs are like warm blankets with fur and feet, always ready to comfort and cuddle.

The Friendship Floofs You Never Knew You Needed

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If you’re looking for a dog that rolls out the welcome mat for guests, befriends every backyard visitor, and treats strangers like lifelong pals, these breeds are your perfect match. They’ll greet your mailman with kisses, nap with your cat, and probably think the neighbor’s kid is their new best friend. Their enthusiasm for human (and non-human) connection is unmatched. With one of these friendly pups around, you won’t need a doorbell—because your dog will assume every knock means their fan club has arrived. And honestly, it probably has.