From the Friendliest to the Unfriendliest Dog Breeds: What 5,000 Owners Really Think

When it comes to bringing a dog into your home, personality matters just as much as breed standards. A comprehensive survey of dog owners reveals a striking spectrum of temperaments across popular breeds—from the most affectionate companions to the unfriendliest dog breeds that might surprise you. Based on detailed feedback from 5,000 American dog owners (representing 200 owners per breed across the 25 most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club), we’ve uncovered which dogs truly live up to their friendly reputation and which ones prefer a more reserved demeanor.

The Science Behind Dog Friendliness

What makes one dog a social butterfly while another keeps its distance? The answer is more nuanced than breed alone. While genetics certainly play a role, early socialization, positive reinforcement training, and quality social interaction from puppyhood significantly shape how friendly a dog becomes. Every dog benefits from exposure to different people, environments, and experiences that cultivate sociability and an eagerness to please.

To determine where each breed falls on the friendliness spectrum, our research analyzed owner responses across ten critical metrics. These included how dogs interact with newcomers, their willingness to cuddle, their openness to treats from strangers, how well they play with other dogs, and their overall behavioral ratings. Each metric carried equal weight in determining the final rankings.

Top Dogs: The Most Sociable Breeds You Can Find

Bernese Mountain Dogs Lead the Pack (Score: 100/100)

If you’re seeking the gold standard of dog friendliness, the Bernese Mountain Dog takes the crown. These calm, good-natured giants earn perfect marks for being non-defensive with newcomers—only 6% of owners report defensive behavior. Perhaps most impressively, just 0.5% of owners describe their Bernese mountain dogs as unfriendly, tying with Golden Retrievers for the lowest unfriendliness rating. These mountain dogs also rank among the best playmates, with 80.5% of owners noting they play well with other dogs.

Golden Retrievers and Corgis: The Friendly Duo (Scores: 94.94/100)

Golden Retrievers live up to their stellar reputation, scoring 94.94. These playful, intelligent dogs excel at welcoming newcomers—43.5% greet new faces warmly—and just 0.5% are rated as unfriendly by owners. Similarly, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, despite their compact size, punch above their weight in personality, demonstrating equal enthusiasm for treats and cuddles. Both breeds show remarkable consistency in their approachable nature.

Labrador Retrievers: America’s Sweetheart (Score: 94.38/100)

For nine consecutive years, the Labrador Retriever held the title of America’s most popular breed according to the AKC—and for good reason. Labs rank highest in cuddling enthusiasm (75.8% enjoy constant affection) and are the most likely to accept treats from anyone (75.3% do so regularly). With 47% of owners reporting that their Labs warmly welcome strangers, these dogs truly love everyone they meet.

Middle-Ground Favorites: Boxers, Great Danes, and Others

Boxers (76.4) and Great Danes (74.16) round out the top tier with their own unique charm. Boxers excel at accepting treats and physical affection (73.5% of owners confirm this), while Great Danes prove that big dogs can be playful companions—matching Bernese Mountain Dogs at 80.5% for positive play with other dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (68.54) bring royal grace to the list, though owners note they’re more selective about treating from strangers.

Boston Terriers (62.36), French Bulldogs (55.06), and Australian Shepherds (53.37) complete the friendliest ten, each bringing their own personality strengths. These breeds still score well above the midline, demonstrating genuine affection and social compatibility.

The Other End of the Spectrum: Unfriendliest Breeds

Understanding which unfriendliest dog breeds appear on this list helps prospective owners make informed decisions. These breeds aren’t inherently “bad”—they simply have different temperament profiles shaped by their breeding history and intended purposes.

American Bulldogs Top the Unfriendly List (Score: 0/100)

Surprisingly, despite ranking among the best-behaved breeds in obedience, American Bulldogs score lowest for friendliness (0/100). Our data reveals that 16.3% of these dogs rarely or never enjoy cuddling, and 56% are reluctant to accept treats from strangers. Only 82% of owners rate them as friendly—the lowest percentage on the study. These strong-willed dogs tend to bond primarily with their families.

Doberman Pinschers: Loyal But Guarded (Score: 2.25/100)

The Doberman Pinscher, known for fierce loyalty and protective instincts, unsurprisingly ranks as unfriendly (2.25). With 23.5% of owners reporting defensive behavior toward newcomers, this breed clearly prioritizes family protection over casual friendliness. These are dogs bred to evaluate threats, not immediately welcome strangers into their circle.

Rottweilers and Cane Corsos: Guardian Temperaments (Scores: 8.43/100)

Both Rottweilers and Cane Corsos share guardian dog heritage, and their unfriendliness scores reflect this. While owners describe them as playful and silly with family members, only 20.5% of Rottweiler owners (and fewer for Cane Corsos) report their dogs happily accept treats from strangers. These powerful breeds command respect and selective affection, making them unfriendliest toward unfamiliar people.

Shih Tzus: The Small Exception (Score: 8.99/100)

Interestingly, the Shih Tzu is the only small breed appearing on the unfriendliest list. What sets this toy breed apart? They’re the least likely to play well with other dogs—only 49.5% of owners report positive play interactions. With 58% being reluctant about treats from strangers and just 27% welcoming newcomers warmly, these small dogs pack surprising aloofness.

Factors Beyond Breed: Socialization Matters

It’s crucial to note that breed scores represent general tendencies, not absolute destinies. A Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler raised with early socialization and positive experiences can develop much friendlier traits than their breed average suggests. Conversely, a naturally friendly breed like a Golden Retriever might develop behavioral issues without proper socialization and training.

Finding the Right Fit: Choosing Your Perfect Companion

Your lifestyle, living situation, and expectations should guide your breed selection. If you want a dog that greets every visitor like an old friend, the friendliest dog breeds—particularly Bernese Mountain Dogs, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers—are proven choices backed by owner data. These breeds typically score well across all friendliness metrics: cuddling, treat acceptance, and warm newcomer greetings.

However, if you prefer a loyal, protective companion that bonds intensely with family but maintains boundaries with strangers, an unfriendliest breed like a Doberman Pinscher or Rottweiler might actually be ideal. With proper training and socialization, these reserved breeds make exceptional family protectors.

For renters or those in apartments, consider the smaller friendly breeds like Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Boston Terriers, which combine social warmth with manageable size. For active families, Australian Shepherds and Boxers offer both friendliness and athletic engagement.

Considering Long-Term Care: Insurance and Health

Before bringing home your chosen breed, consider the complete picture. Pet insurance costs vary significantly by breed, with larger breeds and certain predisposed-condition breeds carrying higher premiums. Among our listed breeds, Cane Corsos, French Bulldogs, and Rottweilers rank among the most expensive to insure due to breed-specific health vulnerabilities.

The average pet insurance policy costs approximately $55 monthly for unlimited annual coverage (at 90% reimbursement with a $500 deductible). However, vet visits average $61, and serious medical situations can quickly escalate into thousands of dollars. By comparing quotes from multiple providers, you can find coverage that protects your finances while keeping your chosen companion healthy.

How We Ranked These Dogs: Our Methodology

To identify the friendliest and unfriendliest dog breeds, Forbes Advisor commissioned Talker Research to survey 5,000 American dog owners—200 owners for each of the 25 most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Our analysis evaluated each breed across ten equal-weight metrics:

• Percentage of dogs that play well with other dogs (always/often)
• Percentage of dogs that rarely or never play well with others
• Percentage that enjoy cuddling all the time or often
• Percentage that rarely or never enjoy cuddling
• Percentage that happily accept treats from strangers (all the time/often)
• Percentage that never or rarely accept treats from strangers
• Percentage that warmly welcome newcomers
• Percentage that appear defensive toward newcomers
• Owner ratings of very or somewhat friendly behavior
• Owner ratings of very or somewhat unfriendly behavior

Each metric represented 10% of the total score, creating a comprehensive friendliness index. This data-driven approach provides pet owners with reliable, owner-verified information about breed personalities rather than relying on stereotypes or breed standards alone.

The views and opinions expressed are based on comprehensive owner survey data and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Kennel Club or other third parties.