While most dogs are certainly fond of people, some are very sociable and love to meet new people all the time. Almost all dogs will be social with their owners, but some breeds were bred as guardians and can be wary and even aggressive toward strangers. So if you’re looking for a pup that’s almost guaranteed to love everyone, friend or stranger, then be sure to check out these 15 breeds!
#1 – Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family companions because of its friendly nature toward family, friends, strangers and even other animals. Originally bred as a hunting dog, they now also excel in various dog sports such as agility and obedience.
#2 – Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States and its temperament toward people is almost unparalleled. Labradors are remarkably social toward everyone they meet and many behavioral problems in the breed arise because of their desire to be around people.
#3 – Poodle
Although many people consider Poodles to be fancy show dogs, they’re actually very active, social, and intelligent dogs that make incredible companions. They do very well in a variety of different dog sports and enjoy the company of people, friend or stranger.
Related: 20 Dog Breeds You Might Want to Avoid!
#4 – Pug
The Pug is so loved partly due to its looks, but also because of its wonderful personality. Pugs are extremely social, they love everyone and get along very well with other animals.
#5 – Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is nicknamed “America’s Gentleman,” and he truly is. The breed is full of personality, very social, playful, and goofy. They’re often considered to be one of the funniest breeds because they’re so full of life.
#6 – Beagle
The Beagle is a small hound breed that was originally used for hunting rabbits and other small vermin. Because the were bred to hunt in packs, they’re typically social with both people and other dogs. Beagles make excellent family companions are great dogs for families with small children.
#7 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One of the smallest spaniels, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was bred primarily as a companion and lapdog. Because of this, they are extremely friendly with their families and strangers, gladly meeting as many new people as they can. If you visit a friend with Cavaliers, you’re likely to find one in your lap too!
#8 – French Bulldog
The smallest of the bulldog breeds, the French Bulldog is still quite mighty. What they lack in size they make up for in goofy personality and are one of the more clownish breeds. Overtly friendly towards strangers, they make excellent companions for someone looking for a smaller dog with a big personality.
#9 – Boxer
The Boxer was originally bred as a guard dog in Germany, but there are very few working Boxers left. Today, most are active, intelligent family companions that are great for individuals and families alike. They are very social dogs and enjoy meeting and playing with new people and other dogs.
#10 – Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a dwarfed herding breed originally used for driving cattle from ranches to markets. They are the smallest herding breed, but have a lot of personality and can be difficult for the novice owner to handle. That said, they are very social dogs that love people and other animals.
#11 – English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, or Bulldog, is a short but large breed originally bred for baiting bulls and other animals. Since this practice became outlawed many years ago, they have been bred as companion dogs and are extremely friendly and playful.
#12 – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is nicknamed “The Nanny Dog” because it’s so friendly and social with children. Despite its taboo reputation (which is turning around!), the breed is exceptionally social towards people and often other animals, as well.
#13 – Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a large, beautiful gundog known for its endearing temperament and its desire to socialize with all other animals and people. The breed enthusiastically welcomes strangers and makes a terrible guard dog.
#14 – Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV, is a short-legged hunting dog of medium size. Despite being hounds, they are very extroverted and extremely social dogs that enjoy the company of family and strangers alike.
#15 – Samoyed
This northern working breed has been used as a sledding, carting and even herding dog. Although they make fine watchdogs that bark when people approach their homes, they’re terrible guard dogs as this barking is usually in excitement that someone has come to visit. The breed is known for its love of human companionship, be it from a close family member or a stranger.
Toledo, United States.
