Woof-woof and a tail wag to all dog lovers out there! In our quest to discover the friendliest canines, we scoured the wisdom of pet experts, online havens for pet parents, and even tapped into the canine insights of Alexa. After much sniffing around, here's our list of the 7 fur-tastically friendly dog breeds that have received unanimous wagging approval.
Here’s how they all added up…
7. Cavalier King
6. Golden Retriever
5. Irish Setter
4. Boxer
3. Poodle
2. Labrador Retriever
1. Beagle
#7 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Small Size, Big Heart!
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
With its elegant appearance and gentle and affectionate demeanor, the Cavalier King is becoming more popular than in previous years. The Cavalier King loves companionship and are especially peaceful dogs that get along with both dogs and cats. The hair is moderate in length and slightly wavy, and they are easy to maintain with a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
#6 Golden Retriever: Intelligence Wrapped in a Golden Coat!
Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 55-75 pounds
The Golden Retriever is arguably one of the most recognizable breeds. Their intelligence and loyal, friendly temperament make them a favorite among active owners. Like the Cavalier King, this breed thrives on companionship and an eagerness to please their owners. They are known for being good hunting dogs because they are a natural-born retriever with an alert presence. The hair on a Golden Retriever is very thick and can be straight or wavy. A great, family-oriented dog, the Golden Retriever has a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
#5 Irish Setter: Floppy Ears, Fun Personality!
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
The Irish Setter may surprise some to be on the list, unless your someone who knows one. Elegant like the Cavalier King, the Irish Setter is also a very kind and responsive breed. With their big floppy ears and fun-loving personality, the Setter is just a fun dog to have. The coat of the Irish Setter may be what it is most known for. Moderate in length, it’s described as having a vivant coat the color of mahogany or chestnut. The Irish Setter is also an athletic type dog, used for hunting sometimes and has the life expectancy of 12-15 years
#4 Boxer: Energetic and Lively Guardian!
Height: 22-25 inches
Weight: 65-80 pounds
Fun and energetic, Boxers have a lively reputation that makes them a favorite among children. Additionally, their active disposition and solid, muscular build contributes to their strength as a solid guard dog. It's this high-spirited enthusiasm combined with their muscular build that has increased the popularity of the breed as a well-rounded family dog. The Boxer's coat is short and shiny, and with the exception of a wash now and then, requires no maintenance. With a life expectancy of 10-12 years, the Boxer is a breed that needs an active lifestyle to keep up with his high-level energy.
#3 Poodle: Elegance Meets Intelligence!
Height: 15-24 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Through no fault of their own, Poodles often get a bad rap. They're often viewed as a "fancy" dog, paraded around in the ritziest digs with their dense, curly hair groomed in the most outlandish of styles--the most recognizable being puffs of hair on their long legs. But wouldn't only the friendliest of pups patiently sit through such crazy grooming? Well, that's exactly why the Poodle is third on our list. Despite their often elegant and almost regal appearance, Poodles are extremely intelligent and very eager to please. And though they require less exercise than other breeds, they are still considered an active breed and has a surprisingly long life expectancy with 10-18 years.
#2 Labrador Retriever: Labs, the Never-Strangers!
Height: 23-25 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Affectionately known as Labs, these pups have never met a stranger. They bond easily with the whole family, and are even incredibly friendly towards both outsiders and their fellow dogs. Labradors are very active and best enjoys playing games with their owners and swimming. Similar to the Golden Retriever, the Lab's coat is short, dense and naturally repels water. With their gentle reputation and outgoing personalities, Labs make great family dogs that do require a good amount of exercise to keep their happy, healthy disposition throughout their life, at which the expectancy is 10-12 years.
#1 Beagle: The Sweetheart of Hound Dogs!
Height: 12-15 inches
Weight: 18-30 pounds
The Beagle has all of the most wanted qualities when searching for a family dog. They have a strong desire to be loved and they have plenty of it to give right back. With their overgrown, floppy ears and their big, brown, soulful eyes, the Beagle has been the most popular hound dog among American pet owners (according to akc.org). A breed that's great with children, Beagles love chasing them through the backyard. This playful demeanor means that despite their small size, they do require a lot of exercise. Their medium-length coat is considered hard, but that won't stop them from cuddling up close. With a life expectancy of 10-15 years, this is one sweet, family-oriented breed that just loves... well... LOVE!
Adopt, Don’t Shop!
While these breeds are pawsitively amazing, let's not forget the countless other lovable pups in shelters awaiting their forever homes. When adding a new furry member to your family, consider the local rescue centers—they're filled with friendly, sweet dogs waiting for love. Bringing home a new dog is great; rescuing one is even better! 🐾🏡❤️
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