In short The most affectionate breeds bond with the whole family and love to be close. Topping devotion are the Labrador, Golden Retriever and Pug — gentle, sociable and poor at coping with being alone.
How we rated
Scored on attachment and affection towards family members and the need for closeness. A high score = the dog is maximally devoted and gentle.
Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1
English GreyhoundKids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.02
American Pit Bull TerrierKids 4.5Apartment 3.0Energy 4.55.03
Irish WolfhoundKids 4.0Apartment 1.5Energy 2.55.04
Rat TerrierKids 4.5Apartment 4.0Energy 4.05.05
Mi-KiKids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.06
Moscow DragonKids 3.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.05.07
OdisKids 4.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.08
LabradoodleKids 5.0Apartment 3.0Energy 4.05.09
Lucas TerrierKids 4.5Apartment 4.0Energy 3.55.010
Panda German ShepherdKids 4.5Apartment 2.5Energy 4.55.011
Kai LeoKids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.012
WällerKids 5.0Apartment 3.0Energy 4.05.013
CavapooKids 4.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.05.014
English ShepherdKids 4.5Apartment 2.0Energy 4.05.015
American Lo-Sze PugKids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.016
AlopekisKids 4.5Apartment 4.5Energy 3.55.017
EurasierKids 4.5Apartment 2.5Energy 3.05.018
Japanese Spitz (Nihon Supittsu)Kids 4.5Apartment 4.0Energy 3.55.019
Irish Red and White SetterKids 4.5Apartment 2.0Energy 4.55.020
Icelandic SheepdogKids 4.5Apartment 3.0Energy 4.55.021
Swedish LapphundKids 4.5Apartment 2.5Energy 4.05.022
Finnish LapphundKids 4.5Apartment 3.0Energy 4.05.023
Russian Toy (Long Haired)Kids 3.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.024
Continental Toy Spaniel (Phalène)Kids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.025
Japanese ChinKids 3.5Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.026
PugKids 5.0Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.027
Russian Toy (Smooth Haired)Kids 3.5Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.028
French BulldogKids 4.5Apartment 5.0Energy 2.55.029
KromfohrländerKids 4.5Apartment 3.5Energy 4.05.030
Toy PoodleKids 4.0Apartment 5.0Energy 3.55.0FAQ
Which breeds are most devoted to their owner?
Labrador, Golden Retriever, Pug, French Bulldog — they bond strongly with the family and value attention.
Do all affectionate breeds cope poorly alone?
Most sociable breeds dislike being alone for long; they need company and gradual training for the owner’s absence.
Does affection depend only on the breed?
No — socialization, upbringing and the individual dog’s character all play a big part.