What are the friendliest dog breeds? - Page 3

[aeterna]

Originally Posted by graceomalley 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. You'd need to go with a reputable breeder (of course) and see evidence of testing because they've really suffered from breed standards.

I disagree with labs and goldens - they're a dog I always steer clear of at the park. They come in just under rotties for aggressive bites (having said that I'm more of a 'deed, not breed' person - but I thought I'd throw it out there).

...the last statistics I read had Daschunds, Chihuauas, Beagles, and JRTs at the top of the aggressiveness/bites scale. Goldens are under Rotties, yes, but near the bottom of those charts! xD (A mirror of the original article can be found here: http://indigorescue.org/?page_id=83)

I agree with the "any dog looks friendlier with a colorful bandana" rule! And I like most dogs, but I squeal and go all and gooey over Goldens (of course!), Great Danes, Boxers, Rotties, Bermies, and Collies. Dogs (usually under 20 lbs) that yap aggressively and jerk on their owner's leash get entirely ignored and then badmouthed once I'm out of earshot. >.> In my experience, people spend more time training larger dogs (because it's a lot more annoying if they yap/jump), so they're frequently better-behaved.

I see the OP has chosen her breed but wanted to throw my $0.02 in anyway! =D

[CortLong]

labs and retrievers.....

[rcr]

collies.

[starrlamia]

pit bulls :)

[mamandedeux]

Originally Posted by fresh_veggie 

Boston terriers or French bulldogs!! We've had Bostons my whole life. They will snort a lot though because of their flat faces, which some children might be afraid of. They also don't have much of a tail to wag - but they'll wag their whole butt to make up for it!!

I had a Boston for many years. AWESOME dogs, but would you believe that many people were scared of him? I guess the snorting and teeth thing... They also do tend to be jumpy (or flat-out bat-sh*t crazy in some cases.) But great family dogs!!!!

[MariaMadly]

Bernese Mountain Dogs!  Another dog *not* to have if you want an introspective walk -- people are always approaching us, and ours never met a stranger.

[Cris Hankins]

Labrador Retriever (med/lg)

Golden (med/lg)

Greyhound (large)

Whippet (med/small)

[CanBoo]

I am adding my opinion here, but I have to admit I have not read EVERY post.

If you are looking for a friendly look, I would make sure you have a dog with floppy ears. It is a big trait that make people think they are friendly.

When I had a retriever x shepherd/husky, she got very protective (shepherd) yet we had to tell people to back off she wasn't friendly. I think it is those floppy retriever ears that fooled them, although her tail was also permanently up (Spitz tail type) and that fooled people too it always looked like she wanted to play, even when she didn't. Often I would have preferred she looked less friendly.

I have a happy springer spaniel/retriever mix. Once again, those floppy ears. She is 40 lb and full of energy. The problem I am having with her in public right now is that kids come to her because she looks so happy. But she is exuberant (6 months old only) and she knocks them over because she is over enthusiastic in her play. Which ends up scaring them. Honestly though, like for my previous dog often, I would prefer she would not look so darn friendly. I would save me lots of work in managing other people kids and apologizing to people who came to say Hi! without me having time to notice and they end up with muddy clothes. :(
 

But if you are aware of this is still what you want, I'd say look for traits in the breeds that give them the friendly look. Lighter color, not black. A chocolate at most. Tail that is high works well too most of the time. Definitely floppy ears. So any retrievers, spaniels too from my experience. Most people cannot resists fluff balls, that is probably why retriever/poodle mixes are so popular too.

Depending if you can handle a high energy dog: aussie shepherd, border collie

I'd also stay away from yappy little things that move too fast, no cropped ears and cartoony smooshed faces (like boxer, boston, etc) Nothing that looks too much like a wild dog either (no huskies, keeshound that will remind kids of the big bad wolf etc)

[gumby74]

Originally Posted by starrlamia 

pit bulls :)

Truly, this is often the case.  My American Eskimos are adorable looking and as puppies look like little teddy bears.  Even after two obidence classes as well as a professional trainer and owners who really try to follow through on training with them....my male Eskie has to be in the room when other people are over and especially kids.  He is great with his family, but doesn't trust other people and gets very nervous.  When people see him walking down the road, they always want to cuddle with him and I have to tell them to keep their distance.  Not because I think he will attack them, but because he will bark and growl as if he is going to.  On the other hand...I volunteer at our local shelter and have met many pits that I would trust my life with and would snuggle with in a heart beat.  Looks and people's perceptions can be completely wrong. 

[nd_deadhead]

CanBoo, while I agree with you in part about floppy ears - gigantic upright ears serve the same purpose.

Who could be afraid of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi? In addition to adorable faces and clownish ears, they have a delightful personality, and are nice and close to the ground - toddlers especially adore them, because the dog is right at their level.

[boricuaqueen327]

My favorite dogs in the entire world are retrievers, mainly goldens and labs.  My first dog ever in life was golden and he was amazing.  A well bred, well socialized lab or golden is one of the safest dogs ever.  Notice  I said well bred and well socialized.  Good breeding and proper socialization will ensure that almost any dog is a wonderful companion.

I saw that you are going with a french bulldog, those are adorable, hilarious dogs.  They are so fun and can keep up with active families.  Good luck with your dog and please, please, please look into puppy socialization and puppy kindergarten classes so that your pup lives up to his potential as an amazing, friendly companion. 

[CanBoo]

Originally Posted by nd_deadhead 

CanBoo, while I agree with you in part about floppy ears - gigantic upright ears serve the same purpose.

Who could be afraid of a Cardigan Welsh Corgi? In addition to adorable faces and clownish ears, they have a delightful personality, and are nice and close to the ground - toddlers especially adore them, because the dog is right at their level.

OMG what a cutie!