Getting a dog can be a fun and exciting experience for the entire family. While all dogs are wonderful, knowing which ones are the most playful might help you choose one if there are several available. If this sounds good to you, keep reading for a list of several breeds that love to play, so you can find the perfect dog for your home.
How Are Playful Dogs Classified?
A playful dog is one that is full of energy and likes to run around outside or in the house (provided that there’s room). They are always up for puzzle games, fetch, or tug-of-war with a rope toy. Ideally, they are good with children and can match their energy levels while being patient and calm enough to deal with excessive yelling and clumsiness. Playful dogs also tend to be easily trainable and get along well with other dogs and humans.
The 19 Playful Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
Image Credit: Radomir Rezny, Shutterstock
Origin:
Canada
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Height:
21.5 – 24.5 inches
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most playful breeds in existence. They are also extremely affectionate and often get along well with other pets. They love the water, which makes them great company to take to the lake or beach on a hot summer day. The American Kennel Club first recognized these dogs in 1908, and they have been a popular companion ever since.
2. Golden Retriever
Image Credit: Aaron Pletta, Shutterstock
Origin:
Scotland
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Height:
20 – 24 inches
The Golden Retriever is a family- and pet-friendly dog breed that loves to play. As their name suggests, they will chase and bring back a ball or frisbee countless times, happy to pass entire days this way. Their coat is attractive and dense, helping to protect them in any climate. The American Kennel Club recognized them in 1925, and they have been one of the most popular breeds in America ever since.
3. Beagle
Image Credit: Fran Vargas, Shutterstock
Origin:
England
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Height:
13 – 16 inches
The Beagle is an English dog that often pairs well with children due to their small size and playful personality. Children can help them get the activity that they need while burning off excess energy themselves. They also get along well with other pets and are available in several colors and patterns, though they always retain their distinct appearance.
4. Boxer
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Origin:
Germany
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Height:
21.5 – 25 inches
The Boxer gets along well with children and loves to play, likely due to their high energy level. These dogs are also quite intelligent and easy to train to do many different tricks. They are descendants of ancient fighting dogs, but today, they mostly spend their time playing. The American Kennel Club accepted them as a unique breed in 1904, but a famous award-winning dog named Bang Away further helped increase their popularity.
5. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Origin:
Wales
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Height:
10 – 12 inches
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is perfect for someone who wants a dog on the smaller side. They are extremely playful and enjoy spending time with family members. They have strong legs and plenty of energy, so they like to run around the house and enjoy playing in the yard or going for walks. Queen Elizabeth II loved these dogs and always had at least one ever since she got her first in 1933.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada, Shutterstock
Origin:
England
Lifespan:
13 – 16 years
Height:
10 – 15 inches
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the friendliest dogs that you will ever meet, and they love to play and hang out with their human companions. Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living, while their high energy levels will keep them racing around the house trying to pull you into a game. They get along well with other pets, but their small size might make them too fragile for young children.
7. Australian Shepherd
Image Credit: ChocoPie, Shutterstock
Origin:
United States
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Height:
18 – 23 inches
The Australian Shepherd is a playful breed that gets along especially well with children. They are descendants of ancient herders and became important working dogs in the Wild West. The American Kennel Club officially recognized them in 1993, and today, they are popular as service dogs and often help the police force with drug detection.
8. Dalmatian
Image Credit: TheOtherKev, Pixabay
Origin:
Croatia
Lifespan:
11 – 13 years
Height:
19 – 24 inches
Dalmatians are instantly recognizable worldwide and are extremely popular with children due to their starring role in the Disney movie “101 Dalmatians.” These spotted dogs are extremely playful and form strong bonds with their family members. They can get larger than several other dogs on this list, so they need a bit more room to run. They can be great companions to take on a hike.
9. Shetland Sheepdog
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Origin:
Scotland
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
13 – 16 inches
The Shetland Sheepdog is playful, energetic, and intelligent. Their friendly personality makes it easy for them to get along with family members, children, and other pets. They enjoy games of tug-of-war and fetch, and they excel at agility training. They are one of the most obedient breeds and make a wonderful addition to any household.
10. Vizsla
Image Credit: martine552, Pixabay
Origin:
Hungary
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
21 – 24 inches
The Vizsla is an extremely attractive dog with a red or rust-colored coat. They are affectionate dogs that get along with family members and children. They are also intelligent and can learn new tricks quickly, which makes them well-suited to older people. Their high energy level helps them do well in agility competitions, and they love playing games of fetch.
11. Bearded Collie
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Origin:
Scotland
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
20 – 22 inches
The Bearded Collie is a large dog that is great with children and other pets. Their long fur makes them look like big teddy bears, and they enjoy playing puzzle games, running around, and playing fetch. They got their start as herding dogs in ancient times, and the American Kennel Club accepted them in 1983.
12. Berger Picard
Image Credit: picardzucht, Pixabay
Origin:
France
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
21 – 26 inches
The Berger Picard isn’t quite as friendly as some of the other dog breeds on this list, but they love to play and will usually put whatever they are doing aside to chase after a ball or pull on a rope. Their popularity began to increase in 2005 when one starred in a movie titled, “Because of Winn Dixie.” The American Kennel Club recognized them in 2015.
13. English Springer Spaniel
Image: onthegoTam from Pixabay
Origin:
England
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
18 – 20 inches
The English Springer Spaniel is a playful dog with a gentle disposition and a trusting expression that makes them popular with dog lovers worldwide. Despite their calm nature, they have plenty of energy for chasing after balls, swimming, and doing other physical games. They are also easy to train and can learn several tricks, which will help make them even more fun to be around.
14. French Bulldog
Image Credit: Tanya Consaul Photography, Shutterstock
Origin:
England/France
Lifespan:
10 – 12 years
Height:
11 – 13 inches
The French Bulldog is the perfect indoor pet. Their small size is well suited to apartment living. They don’t bark much and get along well with family members, including children, who often love their scrunched-in faces. Despite their lazy attitude, they love to play games like tug-of-war and often enjoy mentally stimulating activities like solving puzzle feeders.
15. Papillon
Image Credit: Kanyshev Andrey, Shutterstock
Origin:
France/Belgium
Lifespan:
14 – 16 years
Height:
8 – 11 inches
The Papillon is a toy breed that is great fun to have around the house. They enjoy playing games and are nearly always engaging in a fun activity. They get along well with children and adults but might be a little fragile for smaller children. These dogs got their start in ancient times when they were popular among royalty, and the American Kennel Club accepted them in 1915.
16. Pomeranian
Image Credit: Elena karetnikova, Shutterstock
Origin:
Germany/Poland
Lifespan:
12 – 16 years
Height:
6 – 7 inches
The Pomeranian is a small dog breed that is extremely playful. They are intelligent and easy to train, so they can be even more fun. Their thick coat is soft and cuddly, and many prominent figures owned one, including Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
17. Poodle
Image Credit: Valeriya_Chistyakova, Shutterstock
Origin:
Germany/France
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Height:
Varies (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
The Poodle is one of the most recognizable dogs in the world, and they are available in many sizes, so it’s easy to find one for any living environment. They are also intelligent and can learn a wide variety of tricks. Most importantly, they are extremely playful and enjoy having endless fun with their human companions.
18. Siberian Husky
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
Origin:
Siberia
Lifespan:
12 – 14 years
Height:
20 – 24 inches
The Siberian Husky is an amazing dog that gets along well with family members, including children and pets. These cold-weather working dogs may look fierce, but they are extremely playful and will enjoy participating in games of fetch and tug-of-war. They also excel at agility courses and other competitions.
19. Border Collie
Image Credit: Peter Galleghan, Shutterstock
Origin:
Scotland/England
Lifespan:
12 – 15 years
Height:
18 – 22 inches
The Border Collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they can be great fun to teach new tricks, especially when it comes to playing the games that they enjoy the most. They get along with people and pets and are adaptable to most living arrangements, as long as they get plenty of exercise and attention .
Summary
There are so many fun-loving dogs out there! Our favorites include the Labrador Retriever, Beagle, Dalmatian, and Border Collie, but each breed on this list offers something special and will make a great addition to any home. If you have limited space, one of the smaller breeds, like the Pomeranian, can be a good choice. If you live in a cold climate, the Siberian Husky is perfect.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
