Meet These 5 Overwhelmingly Affectionate Dog Breeds

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Some pet parents are looking for assertive watch dogs. Others love to travel or hike and want an energetic companion who can join them in vigorous physical activity. Some people just want the breed of dog that likes to cuddle the most. They need the most loving, affectionate pup they can find, a dog who will greet them excitedly when they come home from work, lick their face, and cuddle up on the couch with them on a relaxing evening.

Luckily, big-hearted, loving dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and coat types. We have some info on five of the most consistently friendly, affectionate breeds out there. Many breeds fit the bill, but as you know, every individual dog has their own personality. We can speak generally to the typical member of the breed, but your personal experience may differ. However, if you are searching for a pup to love on you and shower you with attention and joviality day in and day out, you may want to consider one of the following breeds.

Labrador retrievers are extremely recognizable dogs. These lovable canines are often trained as seeing-eye dogs, police dogs, and rescue pups because they are extremely loyal and eager to please. But you might want to know: Are Labrador retrievers good dogs to have around kids? Indeed, labs are known for being super friendly, outgoing, energetic dogs who love their whole family — kids included. 

The one caveat with labs is that they require a ton of exercise to stay happy and healthy. It's right there in their name; they are natural-born retrievers! If you have a lab, get outside and play some fetch. They also often excel in things like agility, tracking, and swimming. Labs are large, powerful dogs that can get up to between 55 and 80 pounds, so comprehensive training and socialization are extremely important. These are not independent pups who can lounge around alone all day. They want to be with their people and included in activities at pretty much all times.

Labs can be yellow, black, or chocolate, and they have thick coats that definitely shed. While Labrador retrievers are not the best pets for those who want a low-maintenance dog, the intense love they have for their families and their exuberant, affectionate personalities make them awesome animals for the active, playful family.

If labs are a little much for you, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel may be more your speed. These little lap dogs are generally gentle, sweet, and cuddly companions who love their families, including kids and other pets. While they are descendants of sporting dogs and may like to run around with an active owner or chase a squirrel, Cavaliers were bred as lap dogs and are usually content to snuggle on the couch with their people.

Cavaliers have long coats that need regular brushing. Luckily, you can easily learn how to bathe and groom a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. They are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, middle ear infections, and heart disease. They also need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard while outside. Cavaliers aren't the best at coming when they're called if there's an interesting animal or scent to follow. This breed is eager to please and affectionate with all, especially if socialized early and often. Not to mention, they're extremely cute and pretty much have the definition of puppy dog eyes.

The Staffordshire bull terrier, also known as the Staffy, gets a bad rap because it's one of the breeds under the pit bull umbrella. Similar breeds include the American bulldog, American bully, American pit bull terrier, and American Staffordshire terrier. While they were historically bred for fighting, Staffies are extremely affectionate, playful dogs who tend to have a unique affinity for kids. 

Of the pit bull breeds, Staffies are on the smaller side, weighing between 24 and 38 pounds. They are strong, muscular dogs, but they're not as large and in charge as some of the other pit bull breeds. Due to their fighting past, many Staffies still have a strong prey drive and require early and plentiful socialization and training. With consistent guidance and direction, they can become ideal family pets.

Staffies are extraordinarily loyal dogs who are eager to please their owners. They can be prone to separation anxiety and require some regular exercise to get their energy out, but after a hike or a game of fetch, you'll be surprised how quickly they can become supreme couch potatoes. If you need more proof that these breeds are cuddly goofballs, you may want to take a look at some photos that prove pit bulls are the biggest sweeties ever.

Newfoundlands are for those who want to go big with their dog. Newfoundland owners believe a fair amount of hair and drool is a small price to pay for a lovable, adorable companion to lick their faces and snuggle with on the floor. At 100 to 150 pounds, it's not likely they're getting up on your couch easily. Newfoundlands, or Newfies, are known as "noble giants" who are especially good with kids. In fact, Nana, the dog who looks after the children in J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan", is a Newfoundland.

Newfies are content to relax a lot of the time, but they don't mind some daily exercise either. They're great as water rescue dogs with their webbed feet and thick, water-resistant coats that need to be brushed regularly. They're also natural swimmers and often enjoy long walks or hikes as well. Usually, Newfies are outgoing, eager-to-please dogs who are affectionate with their family but also friendly to strangers. They are a lot, though. Sometimes they don't know their size, especially around small children, so they benefit from early training and socialization to develop good manners.

The Havanese is one of the smiliest dog breeds there is. These little pups have long, silky coats that bounce up and down with their every joyful step. The only breed native to Cuba, and named after its capital, the Havanese is extremely friendly, funny, and trainable. Their small size makes them perfect city dogs. They also benefit from exposure to many different people and places. However, they can be happy anywhere, as long as they have people around to give them lots of love and attention. Your Havanese will want to spend as much time as possible with their family. These cuties don't appreciate a lot of alone time.

The Havanese is very intelligent and responds wonderfully to positive reinforcement training. It's important not to be too harsh with them, as they are "a sensitive breed," and take feedback to heart. No matter what, you will have a hard time not smiling around a Havanese!