Choosing a Dog that is good with strangers
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dogs that are friendly with strangers:-
Some dogs of certain breeds tend to get along with almost anyone will greet strangers with a wagging tail and often a nuzzle. Dogs who have been socialised at an early age with lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult.
Some dogs of certain breeds seem to get along with almost anyone others can be shy and even aggressive.
Below are some dog breeds that are generally very friendly with strangers.

There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.


  • How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

  • What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
    Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
    Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
    Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
    Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems

  • How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
    Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
    Little or no grooming may be a factor.
    Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

  • Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

  • Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

  • Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?



Some suggestions for Dog Breeds that are friendly towards strangers.

Dog Breed
 

Beagle -
Medium sized happy and lively dogs, alert with a tolerant nature, can show an independent streak and a desire to follow scents. A lovely dog with a gentle nature, affectionate and friendly, good with children, other dogs and strangers.

Bearded Collie
They are lively and good company. Their nature encourages close bonding and their gentle behaviour makes them good with children and ideal family pets. Loves to be part of a family and good with other pets.

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and are just happy in big houses or small flats Good with children and other pets they make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Bloodhound
Affectionate, affable, sensitive and sometimes reserved dogs. Good with children but can often knock them over.Generally good with strangers, other pets and unfamiliar dogs.
Enjoys company making them ideal family dogs.

Cocker Spaniel -
Medium sized dog that is friendly, energetic and keen to please. Good with children and other dogs the Cocker Spaniel makes an ideal family pet. Has lots of energy and can be trained with patience

English Foxhound
Friendly, energetic dogs that are large and eager and love the company of other dogs and animals. Highly active, friendly, and extremely alert, these dogs have plenty of stamina and endurance. Moderately easy to train they make independent but very affectionate pets.

English Springer Spaniel
A great all-round family dog . Affectionate, friendly, active and enthusiastic, Highly intelligent and easy to train. Good with other animals and children, forms close bond with the whole family and if they get plenty of exercise are prepared to snooze at home if left alone.

Golden Retrievers
This is another breed that has a lot of energy and will want to play for hours. Golden retrievers are intelligent, easy to train,loyal, and with a life span of 10-12 year will be a long time family member.

Irish Setter
Extremely active, often excitable dogs that are also affectionate and loyal. Great with children and family pets they make an ideal pet dog for active families.
Reasonably easy to train they learn new commands quickly.

Labrador Retriever -
A kind natured dog not aggressive, intelligent and easy to train learning commands very quickly.
Reliable, trustworthy, calm, friendly, gentle and confident. A very popular dog that is very eager to please you and is always ready to have fun.

Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which mighy require regular grooming.
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