Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs
Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.
If you already have a dog, the sociability of the new breed matters more than almost anything else: a bad match at home isn't fixed by longer walks. The same goes if you're at the dog park daily.
The list prioritises sociability with other dogs and with strangers, and penalises prey drive, which is what usually ruins encounters with smaller dogs.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Coton de Tulear 93%
- 2. Goldador 93%
- 3. Saint Bernard 93%
- 4. Sussex Spaniel 93%
- 5. Frenchton 87%
- 6. Goldendoodle 87%
- 7. Labradoodle 87%
- 8. Labrador Retriever 87%
- 9. Norfolk Terrier 87%
- 10. Norwegian Lundehund 87%
- 11. Puggle 87%
- 12. Vizsla 87%
- 13. Beaglier 80%
- 14. Bloodhound 80%
- 15. Boston Terrier 80%
- 16. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel 80%
- 17. Chinook 80%
- 18. Flat-Coated Retriever 80%
- 19. Golden Retriever 80%
- 20. Great Dane 80%
- 21. Norwich Terrier 80%
- 22. Pugalier 80%
- 23. Sheepadoodle 80%
- 24. Shichon 80%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
- Calm, quiet dog breeds Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Easiest dog breeds to train Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
- Dog breeds that handle hot weather well Breeds adapted to hard summers.
- Best guard dog breeds Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.