Best Friendly Dog Breeds: A Comprehensive Owner-Based Ranking

When you’re searching for the perfect canine companion, temperament matters just as much as looks. A team at Forbes Advisor surveyed 5,000 dog owners—200 for each of the 25 most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club—to determine which pooches make the best friendly dogs. The findings reveal some surprising insights about breed behavior, socialization impact, and what really makes a dog welcoming to families and strangers alike.

How We Ranked Dog Friendliness

The research analyzed 10 key behavioral metrics, each representing 10% of the total friendliness score. These metrics included how dogs interact with other canines, their receptiveness to cuddles, their openness to treats from strangers, and how warmly they greet newcomers. It’s important to note that while breed genetics play a significant role in temperament, early socialization and positive reinforcement training are equally crucial in developing a dog’s social skills and eagerness to bond.

The Top Performers: Most Affectionate Dog Breeds

Bernese Mountain Dogs Lead the Pack

Topping the rankings with a perfect score, Bernese mountain dogs demonstrate exceptional warmth toward virtually everyone they encounter. Despite their substantial size, these gentle giants are prolific cuddlers. Owner surveys showed only 6% of these dogs display any defensive behavior toward newcomers, and a mere 0.5% receive ratings of unfriendly conduct. Most impressively, 80.5% of owners report their Bernese mountain dogs excel at playing well with other dogs.

Golden Retrievers and Pembroke Welsh Corgis Tie for Second

Both scoring 94.94 out of 100, these breeds consistently rank as best friendly dog options. Golden retrievers maintain their well-deserved reputation for playfulness and intelligence—94% of owners rate them as friendly, and 43.5% say they warmly welcome strangers. Pembroke Welsh corgis, small in stature but generous in personality, prove equally welcoming. They’re the least likely breed to refuse treats or affection from others, with only 6.5% showing resistance.

Labrador Retrievers Dominate in Cuddle Culture

Scoring 94.38 out of 100, Labs earned this ranking through their enthusiastic embrace of physical affection. Three-quarters of owners (75.8%) report their Labs enjoy constant cuddling, and 75.3% say their dogs happily accept treats from anyone. It’s no coincidence this breed held the AKC’s top popularity spot for nine consecutive years—their genuine love for human connection is unmistakable.

Boxers, Great Danes, and Others Round Out the Top Five

Boxers scored 76.4, distinguishing themselves as athletic and affectionate companions eager to accept treats and pets. Great Danes, despite their imposing presence, achieve 74.16 points largely due to their outstanding compatibility with other dogs (80.5% play well together).

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (68.54), Boston Terriers (62.36), French Bulldogs (55.06), and Australian Shepherds (53.37) complete the rankings. While Boston Terriers match Labs in cuddling enthusiasm (75.8%), they’re less forthcoming with strangers. French Bulldogs notably represent small-breed representation among the best friendly dogs, and Australian Shepherds combine intelligence with genuine interest in interacting with new people.

The Opposite End: Least Sociable Breeds

American Bulldogs Show Limited Warmth

Paradoxically ranking high in obedience studies, American bulldogs scored 0.00 for friendliness. Only 56% of owners report their bulldogs happily accept treats, and 16.3% rarely or never enjoy cuddling. However, 82% of owners still rate their dogs as friendly overall—suggesting the breed simply expresses affection differently than traditionally sociable types.

Doberman Pinschers and Guardian Breeds Display Reserved Temperament

Doberman pinschers score just 2.25 out of 100, their protective instincts making them cautious with strangers. A significant 23.5% of owners describe them as defensive, and 60% don’t readily accept treats from outsiders. Rottweilers (8.43) and Cane Corsos (8.43) similarly reflect their breeding as guardian dogs. With only 77% of Cane Corso owners rating their pets as friendly—below the study average of 87.1%—these breeds prioritize loyalty to their families over broader socialization.

Shih Tzus Break the Mold

The sole small breed among least-sociable dogs, Shih Tzus score 8.99. Remarkably, they’re the least likely breed to play well with other dogs (49.5% do so), suggesting their social reserve extends to canine companions, not just humans. Only 58% happily accept treats from strangers.

The Friendship Factor: Socialization vs. Genetics

The research underscores a critical finding: while breed predisposition significantly influences temperament, environment matters enormously. All dogs benefit from early positive exposure to diverse people, animals, and situations. A naturally reserved breed can become more welcoming through proper socialization, while even the best friendly dogs can develop anxiety or aggression without appropriate childhood experiences.

Choosing Your Ideal Companion

When selecting a best friendly dog for your household, consider not just breed tendencies but also your lifestyle and living situation. Will the dog interact regularly with children, other pets, or visitors? Does your community offer socialization opportunities? These factors can shift outcomes substantially.

It’s equally prudent to consider pet insurance when welcoming any dog home. Several breeds appearing on both friendliness rankings—including French Bulldogs, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos—command higher insurance premiums due to predisposition to specific health conditions. Larger breeds typically incur higher costs given their susceptibility to heart and hip issues.

Average pet insurance costs approximately $55 monthly with unlimited annual coverage at 90% reimbursement and $500 deductible. Annual costs average around $612 with $5,000 coverage, $250 deductible, and 80% reimbursement. Standard policies typically cover accidents, injuries, chronic and hereditary conditions, behavioral therapy, prescription medications, and diagnostic testing.

Given that routine vet visits average $61 and can escalate significantly with treatment, insurance provides meaningful financial protection. Before committing to any breed, evaluate whether unexpected medical expenses would strain your budget—and consider how a dog’s natural temperament aligns with your family’s needs and capacity for training and socialization.

The friendliest dog breeds prove their worth through genuine connection and warmth, yet remember: every dog deserves the opportunity to develop into their best self through love, patience, and consistent guidance.