These Are the Most Affectionate Dog Breeds Out There

Permission to buy your Yorkie a bathrobe granted. These tiny pups have fierce personalities that’ll win you over immediately. They’re great with little kids too.

There’s no dog that will tug at your heartstrings quite like a golden retriever (if you’ve ever seen Homeward Bound, you know what I mean). It’s a breed known for being super friendly and getting along with literally all humans and other dogs too.

He’s just a pup here, but keep in mind, esp if you live in a studio, that Newfoundlands can grow up to be almost 150 pounds! A hundred-plus pounds of straight love, that is. On the AKC’s “openness to strangers” scale, they’re ranked as “everyone is my best friend.”

Such a small body but so much personality! They’re always eager to play but also enjoy chilling out and snuggling with you. And if you do get a pug, it’s absolutely necessary to create an Instagram account for it.

These fluffers literally love everyone they meet and are highly adaptable too (true story: A bichon belonging to a random stranger once hopped up on my lap in a nail salon during a pedi).

Berners, as their owners affectionately call them, are calm yet playful and always super sweet. Beware though if you have allergies or generally hate to vacuum: They will shed all over the place.

You may not see an Irish setter as frequently as, say, a bichon in your dog park, but they are equally gorgeous with their reddish-orange fur. Plus, they’re high energy, amazing family dogs, and easily trainable.

Frenchies are known for being smart and fun, yet don’t require a ton of outdoor exercise (aka they love lying on the couch with you), so they’re the perfect pup to get if you live in a big city or somewhere without a huge amount of green space.

How. Freakin. Adorable. The Cavalier King Charles has the most loving eyes ever, and will get along well with everyone, including little ones and other dogs.

This is a literal stuffed animal and nothing will convince me otherwise. Toy poodles love to be right in your face, cuddling with you at all times and also like to be constantly active and playing, so make sure you’re ready for their level of energy.

Who doesn’t love a Corgi?! As much as they love you back, they’re also super protective of you (even though they’re in this tiny body).

Don’t be fooled by those innocent puppy eyes and teeny paws! A German shepherd will grow to be a pretty big and muscular dog and have a reputation for being v intelligent and trainable. They’re also just as gentle and lovable around families.

Any boxer I’ve ever met is the springiest, happiest, and most loyal little guy ever. That said, they have a ton of energy and are always wanting to play, so be ready for that.

You don’t come across Shelties too often, but they’re literally so pretty. Plus, the AKC says they’re very sensitive and almost intuitive to your mood. So basically, if you’re happy, they’re happy, and they also know when you need cuddles the most.

One of my faves! Trying not to give into the impulse to adopt a Jack Russell rn. They’re known for being curious (remember Wishbone the dog detective?!) and just as loving and protective of you.

Are you a Gemini vegetarian? This may be the pup for you! Chihuahuas never exceed 6 pounds, hence why they fit perfectly in your bag and will snuggle in your lap for hours.

If a tiny dog isn’t for you, maybe you’re meant to go all out and get a Great Dane (just make sure you have a big enough yard first because they can weigh up to 175 pounds!). They may seem low-key intimidating at first, but once they bond with you, it’s love.

Another absolutely beautiful dog (those eyes!) is the Siberian husky. They’re obviously really active since they can pull sleds while running, but no worries if you don’t live in the Arctic. Huskies are so affectionate toward everyone they meet and will be happy just trotting around a park with you.