Trait guide

All Friendly Dog Breeds

Compare dog breeds associated with friendly tendencies and use ratings, care details, and full profiles to understand the tradeoffs.

Browse 74 breed profiles and use filters to move from broad discovery to a tighter shortlist.

Built from reputable breed standards, veterinary guidance, and breed-specific references. Individual dogs still vary.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Low-shedding

74 breeds • Showing 12

Trait: Friendly

4 photos

Alaskan Husky

WorkingCommonSiberia and Alaska

Friendly

The Alaskan Husky is a medium-sized, energetic breed known for its endurance and friendly nature. Originally bred as sled dogs, they require ample exercise and thrive in active households.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routinePatient training plan

Alpine Dachsbracke

Scent HoundUncommonAustria

Friendly

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small, sturdy scent hound from Austria, known for its tracking abilities and friendly nature. Ideal for hunters and families.

Family-home friendlyHigh-motion routine

60 min/day

3/54/5

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American English Coonhound

HoundUncommonUnited States

Friendly

The American English Coonhound is a medium-large, agile breed known for its friendly nature and exceptional hunting skills. With a strong prey drive and a need for regular exercise, they thrive in active households and make excellent family companions.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

American Foxhound

HoundRareUnited States

Friendly

The American Foxhound is a medium to large breed known for its speed, endurance, and friendly nature. Originally bred for trailing foxes, they require ample exercise and thrive in active households.

Family-home friendlyLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

American Water Spaniel

SportingRareUnited States

Friendly

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, intelligent, and friendly breed known for its versatility as a hunting companion and family pet. With a love for water and a playful spirit, they thrive in active households.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routineEasier first month

Ariegeois

HoundUncommonFrance

Friendly

The Ariegeois is a medium-sized French scenthound known for its friendly nature and exceptional hunting abilities. With a sleek white coat and distinct black markings, this breed excels in tracking and driving game, particularly hares and boar. Affectionate and sociable, the Ariegeois makes a wonderful companion for active families.

Lighter cleanupHigh-motion routineEasier first month

Australian Terrier

TerrierUncommonAustralia

Friendly

The Australian Terrier is a small, spirited breed known for its adaptability, intelligence, and friendly nature. Originally bred for vermin control, they make excellent companions and watchdogs.

Child-friendly fitLower-key rhythmPatient training plan

Austrian Black and Tan Hound

HoundUncommonAustria

Friendly

The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a medium-sized, elegant breed known for its keen sense of smell and friendly temperament. Ideal for active families and hunters.

Lighter cleanupHigh-motion routinePatient training plan

Basset Artesien Normand

ScenthoundUncommonFrance

Friendly

The Basset Artesien Normand is a charming French breed known for its short legs, friendly nature, and keen hunting instincts. Ideal as a family pet!

Family-home friendlyLower-key rhythmPatient training plan

Beagle-Harrier

HoundRareFrance

Friendly

The Beagle-Harrier is a medium-sized scenthound known for its loyalty, friendly nature, and strong hunting instincts. This breed requires ample exercise and is great with children and other pets.

Family-home friendlyHigh-motion routine

Bichon Frise

Non-SportingCommonMediterranean

Friendly

The Bichon Frise is a small, cheerful dog known for its fluffy white coat and playful personality. This affectionate breed is hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for families.

Family-home friendlyGrooming projectHigh-motion routine

30 min/day

5/54/5

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Bluetick Coonhound

HoundUncommonUnited States

Friendly

The Bluetick Coonhound is a friendly and energetic breed known for its striking blue mottled coat and exceptional tracking abilities. Originally bred for hunting, they thrive on exercise and mental stimulation, making them great companions for active families.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupSteady movement

60 min/day

4/53/5

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Showing 12 of 74 breeds

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How to use this friendly breed guide

Open a few breed profiles, compare energy and trainability, and check the care sections before treating a single trait as the whole story.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Easy to train Active & playful