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Every dog has the potential to be friendly if trained correctly as a pup, but there are some breeds that are naturally more affectionate and gentle than others. To find out which stand out the most, reporter Shania King-Soyza asked a pet expert, and they revealed nine of the friendliest dogs , including a lesser-known breed that could be an ideal choice for families. Pet expert and CEO of Pets4Homes, Axel Lagercrantz, said: "Each dog breed has unique traits, but there is a collection that come out on top in terms of friendliness and suitability as family pets. Choosing the right breed should always take into account your family's lifestyle, activity level, and housing situation." Is your dog on the list? Find out below. Axel shared: "The first that comes to mind is the Irish setter. Originally bred to help ‘set’ game for hunters, their origins as working companion dogs mean they are exuberant, energetic and compatible with people." The Irish Setter is a fantastic dog to have around children, and they make a great family playmate. The only downside to owning this breed is its need for exercise and they can be quite stubborn, according to Pooch and Mutt , reports the Express . Labrador retrievers are similar to the Irish Setter, said the pet expert. "Bred as fishing assistants in Newfoundland, they’ve since become one of the world ’s most popular family dogs because of their gentle temperament, intelligence and the ease with which they can be trained." Ross Hallifax from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets agreed and commented: "Friendly, loyal and outgoing, Labradors are also great family pets. "With a good-natured temperament and high intelligence, they are highly trainable, sociable pets." The popular Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also made the list of the friendliest dogs. This pooch is known to be gentle, trustworthy and good with young children. "They love to be fussed over and make great lap dogs," said Axel. Speaking on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ross shared: "Gentle, affectionate and social, they are excellent companion dogs and form strong bonds with their families." According to the Pets 4 Home expert, "The Beagle is a happy-go-lucky little dog." Beagles were once bred to work in packs. They thrive on companionship and are well-suited to life with children and other pets. Ross from Purely Pets added: "A curious, friendly and sociable breed, they make excellent family pets and are good with children and other dogs." Boxers are another very friendly breed due to their guarding instincts and affectionate personality. They thrive in a loving environment and are deeply patient and protective, making them a great option for families. According to Boxer Rescue, their greatest flaws are having too much energy, they can have dominance issues, flatulence, drool, and genetic medical issues. "The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often referred to colloquially as the ‘nanny dog’ because of its muscular but gentle appearance and temperament," said the Pets 4 Home CEO. Their friendly nature and patience make them great with children. However, they have a stubborn streak and can suffer from separation anxiety. An expert at Dog Time shared: "While Staffies are intelligent and generally eager to please, they can also display a stubborn streak. Without consistent training and firm boundaries, they can become strong-willed and hard to manage." Poodle mixes are increasingly popular as family pets because of their friendly temperament, low-shedding, and hypoallergenic coats (breeds that produce low risk for allergens). Axel noted: "Poodles excel at obedience and are adaptable to various living situations." The canine's major flaw is its need to be groomed frequently and need to be mentally stimulated. Poodle's also need at least one hour of physical exercise each day. The Pets 4 Home expert praised the Boston Terrier, saying, "The Boston Terrier is sometimes known as the ‘American Gentleman’ because of its elegance, temperament, and intellect. They’re known for forming strong bonds with their owners." The only disadvantage is that their house training can be "challenging." A writer at Style Nest noted: "Bosties are naturally stubborn and want to run around, play, and get all the pets. However, this adorable nature can also be problematic when they don’t have ways to entertain themselves appropriately." Lastly, naming a "slightly lesser-known French hound," Axel spotlighted the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen. This dog was "bred for hunting small game. Like previous hunting dogs on this list, they are good with people, confident, extroverted and require a lot of activity. "They’re eager to please and love outdoor pursuits, making them perfect for active families." However, it is important to note that this dog does not do well when left on their own for too long, reported PetMd. The expert shared: "This is not a timid breed, and if they don’t get the attention they deserve, they will bark to let you know and find ways to entertain themselves that you might not approve of."
