13 Affectionate Dog Breeds That Get Along With Absolutely Everyone

If you’re looking for a dog that brings joy not just to you but to everyone they meet, some breeds are simply born to love. These social butterflies don’t just bond with their owners—they extend their warmth to family, friends, neighbors, and even friendly strangers at the park. They’re the ultimate four-legged extroverts, radiating affection and friendliness with every tail wag and soulful gaze.

Whether you live in a bustling household filled with kids or you’re someone who frequently entertains guests, having a dog with a naturally gentle, loving temperament can make a world of difference. These breeds aren’t just friendly—they thrive on companionship, attention, and making others feel welcome. From calm cuddlers to playful goofballs, they wear their hearts on their furry sleeves and are eager to form connections with anyone willing to pet them.

Affectionate dog breeds often make ideal therapy animals, emotional support companions, or just the kind of dog who makes you smile every single day. Their intuitive nature means they’re great with children, excellent with seniors, and often do well in multi-pet households. They’re adaptable, charming, and easy to fall in love with—traits that make them especially beloved by first-time dog owners and experienced pup parents alike.

In this list, you’ll find 13 of the most affectionate dog breeds around—dogs known not just for their loyalty and sweetness, but for their uncanny ability to get along with absolutely everyone. Whether you prefer a tiny lapdog or a gentle giant, these breeds bring nothing but warmth, companionship, and an endless supply of love. Ready to meet your new best friend—and everyone else’s too? Let’s dive in.

1. Golden Retriever: Sunshine in Fur Form

With their perpetual smile and wagging tail, Golden Retrievers embody pure joy in canine form. These golden-coated charmers have never met a stranger – only friends they haven’t made yet!

Originally bred as hunting companions, their gentle mouth and cooperative nature translate perfectly to family life. They excel with children, seniors, and everyone in between, showing remarkable patience even when little hands pull their silky ears.

Their intelligence makes training a breeze, while their adaptable personality fits nearly any lifestyle. Whether joining a hiking adventure or curling up for movie night, these dogs simply want to be wherever their humans are.

2. Labrador Retriever: America’s Faithful Companion

Labs claim the title of America’s most popular dog for good reason – they’re practically engineered for human companionship! These sturdy, energetic dogs come in three classic colors: chocolate, black, and yellow, but their loving personality remains consistent across the spectrum.

Did you know? Despite their name, Labrador Retrievers actually originated from Newfoundland, not Labrador! Their water-resistant coat and webbed feet hint at their fishing heritage.

Labs thrive on human interaction and bring boundless enthusiasm to everything they do. Their friendly, outgoing nature makes them exceptional therapy dogs, service animals, and beloved family pets who reliably get along with everyone they meet.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Lap Warmer

Those soulful eyes will melt even the iciest heart! Cavaliers combine the spirited nature of sporting spaniels with the affectionate temperament of toy breeds, creating the perfect balance of playfulness and cuddles.

These silky-eared aristocrats earned their royal status through centuries of warming laps in European castles. Today, they’re equally content in apartments or spacious homes, adapting their energy level to match yours. Cavaliers form deep bonds with their humans but welcome newcomers with tail-wagging enthusiasm.

Their natural sweetness makes them exceptional companions for children, seniors, and first-time dog owners looking for a gentle, loving friend who gets along with absolutely everyone.

4. Bulldog: The Wrinkled Softie

Behind that grumpy-looking mug lies one of dogdom’s sweetest souls! Bulldogs might resemble tough guys with their muscular builds and distinctive wrinkled faces, but they’re actually marshmallows at heart.

Their moderate energy level makes them perfect apartment dwellers who won’t demand marathon play sessions. Content with short walks and lengthy naps, these stocky companions excel in homes with children, showing remarkable patience and gentleness despite their powerful appearance.

Bulldogs form strong bonds with family members while maintaining their characteristic friendliness with visitors. Their comedic personalities and affectionate nature have earned them devoted fans worldwide who appreciate a dog that combines strength with surprising tenderness.

5. Bichon Frise: The Cotton-Ball Charmer

Resembling animated cotton balls with boundless enthusiasm, Bichons bounce through life spreading joy wherever they go! These powder-puff pups combine the best qualities of companion dogs – affectionate without being needy, playful without being hyper.

Historically entertainers in royal courts and circuses, Bichons haven’t forgotten their people-pleasing roots. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them suitable companions even for many allergy sufferers, opening doors to homes that couldn’t otherwise welcome a furry friend.

Bichons thrive on human interaction and approach everyone – from toddlers to seniors – with the same tail-wagging enthusiasm. Their sunny disposition rarely clouds, making them reliable mood-boosters for anyone lucky enough to cross their path.

6. Irish Setter: The Flame-Haired Socialite

Sporting a magnificent mahogany coat that ripples in the breeze, Irish Setters make an unforgettable first impression. But their beauty runs far deeper than their fiery fur – these dogs possess some of the friendliest souls in the canine kingdom.

Energy radiates from these elegant athletes who combine aristocratic grace with playful enthusiasm. Originally bred as hunting companions, they transferred their cooperative nature and people-focused attitude to family life with remarkable success. Irish Setters approach life with boundless optimism and genuine affection for everyone they meet.

Their playful spirit lasts well into adulthood, making them wonderful companions for active families who appreciate a dog that combines athletic ability with heartwarming affection.

7. Pug: The Comical Companion

Those expressive wrinkles and bug eyes aren’t just adorable – they’re windows into one of dogdom’s most people-oriented personalities! Pugs have spent centuries perfecting the art of human companionship, resulting in dogs who seem to understand your emotions before you do.

Ancient Chinese royalty treasured these little jesters for their charming personalities. Today’s pugs remain equally devoted to their humans, following you from room to room with unwavering loyalty. Despite their small size, pugs pack impressive confidence, approaching new friends with their signature head tilt and snorty greeting.

Their moderate exercise needs and apartment-friendly size make them accessible to many households, while their natural affinity for people of all ages ensures they’ll charm everyone they meet.

8. Collie: The Devoted Guardian

“What’s that, Lassie?” Long before this breed starred on television, collies earned their reputation as exceptionally devoted family companions. Their natural protectiveness never translates to aggression – instead, these intelligent herders show remarkable discernment and gentleness.

Collies possess an uncanny ability to read human emotions, often responding to your needs before you voice them. Their sensitivity makes them especially attuned to children and vulnerable family members, offering quiet companionship during difficult moments.

Behind those soulful almond eyes lies a quick mind eager for training and interaction. Whether in their flowing-coated “rough” variety or sleeker “smooth” form, collies combine striking beauty with unmatched loyalty, creating bonds that exemplify the special connection between humans and dogs.

9. Beagle: The Merry Adventurer

Equipped with a nose that never stops working and a tail that never stops wagging, beagles approach life as one grand adventure shared with their favorite humans! These compact hounds pack impressive personality into a medium-sized package.

Originally bred to hunt in packs, beagles maintain their sociable nature, getting along famously with other dogs and people alike. Their expressive faces telegraph their emotions – from the classic “beagle gaze” when food appears to their joyful bay when excitement strikes.

Beagles form deep bonds with family members while maintaining their friendly disposition toward newcomers. Their sturdy build and patient nature make them excellent companions for active children, while their manageable size and adaptable personality suit various living situations.

10. Newfoundland: The Gentle Guardian

Meet the living teddy bear of the dog world! Despite their imposing size – often topping 150 pounds – Newfoundlands move through life with remarkable gentleness, especially around children.

Their sweet expression mirrors their inner nature: patient, kind, and deeply devoted. Famous for their natural lifesaving abilities, “Newfies” have rescued countless swimmers with their powerful swimming skills and innate protective instincts. On land, they show the same protective care toward their families, watching over children with extraordinary patience.

Their thick, water-resistant coat hints at their working heritage in the cold waters of Newfoundland. Though they require space and regular grooming, families who can accommodate their size are rewarded with one of dogdom’s most nurturing companions.

11. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Majestic Friend

Sporting a striking tricolor coat and gentle eyes that reflect their kind soul, “Berners” combine impressive strength with remarkable tenderness. These Swiss mountain dogs evolved as farm helpers, pulling carts and herding livestock while forming close bonds with their farming families.

Berners approach relationships with a calm, deliberate pace that builds into deep devotion. They show particular gentleness with children, seemingly understanding their special responsibility toward smaller family members. While they love outdoor adventures in cool weather, they’re equally content serving as indoor foot-warmers during family movie night.

Their moderate exercise needs belie their size, making them more adaptable than many large breeds. For families seeking a gentle giant with striking good looks, Berners offer an unbeatable combination.

12. Great Dane: The Gentle Giant

“Is that a horse or a dog?” Great Dane owners hear this question regularly about their towering companions. Standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder, these magnificent dogs create an imposing first impression that quickly melts away upon meeting their remarkably gentle temperament.

Despite their size, Great Danes adapt surprisingly well to apartment living, requiring moderate exercise and plenty of couch space for their lanky frames. Their patient, easygoing nature makes them exceptional family dogs who form special bonds with children.

Ancient origins as boar hunters gave these dogs courage and strength, but centuries of companionship have refined their temperament into one of dogdom’s most approachable giants. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them lower-maintenance than many smaller breeds.

13. Saint Bernard: The Alpine Rescuer

Forget the brandy barrel – the real magic of Saint Bernards lies in their extraordinarily compassionate nature! These massive mountain dogs gained fame rescuing travelers in the treacherous Swiss Alps, using their powerful build and uncanny sense of direction to locate stranded humans.

Today’s Saints bring that same protective instinct to family life. Their patient, unflappable temperament makes them especially wonderful with children, tolerating enthusiastic hugs and commotion with serene composure. While their size and moderate shedding require consideration, Saints reward their families with unwavering devotion and gentle affection.

Their distinctive appearance – massive head, soulful eyes, and often drool-decorated jowls – houses one of dogdom’s most tender-hearted souls, creating an unforgettable companion who gets along with absolutely everyone.