Playful Dog Breeds

Discover 37 dog breeds categorized as playful. Learn about their characteristics, temperament, and care requirements.

AffenpinscherImage not available

Affenpinscher

Stubborn, Curious, Playful, Adventurous, Active, Fun-loving, Affectionate, Gentle, Loyal, Smart, Playful, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Athletic, Crate Trained, Cuddly Loving, Gentle Calm, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Good with Other Animals, Housetrained, Social, Loves, Independent, Adventrous, Shy, Quiet, Dignified

Alaskan MalamuteImage not available

Alaskan Malamute

Friendly, Affectionate, Devoted, Loyal, Dignified, Playful, Affectionate, Curious, Friendly, Loves, Loyal, Playful, Smart, Brave, Athletic, Dignified, Couch, Funny, Gentle, Independent, Quiet, Protective, Calm, Mellow, Lounger, Test, Add, Waiver Dog Selective Reactive, Lived with Dogs, Lived with Children, Lived with Cats, Adult Only Home Preferred, Blue, Good Dog Meet in Shelter, Experience with Dogs, I love treats, I would be a great hiking buddy, I love toys, Very Curious, Amiable, Loves People, No Cats Please, Leash Trained, Friendly With Friendly Dogs, Not A Talker, Vocal, Loves Hugs, Loves Kisses, Loves Attention, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Housetrained

BasenjiImage not available

Basenji

Affectionate, Energetic, Alert, Curious, Playful, Intelligent, Athletic, Brave, Loyal, Affectionate, Funny, Loves, Playful, Smart, Friendly, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Gentle, Loves Treats, Spayed or Neutered, Quiet, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Housetrained, Independent, Sweet, Active, Available for Foster, Family Friendly, No walks yet I am a puppy, No Refunds on puppies, Seeks Affection, Silly Playful, Cuddle Bug, Crate trained, Eager to Please, Gives kisses, Quick learner, Food motivated, Playful Goofy, Active Home, Dog Selective, High jumper climber, Mouthy, Multiple Visits required, Needs Socialization with People and or Dogs, Needs Basic Training, Older Children only, Velcro Dog, Toy motivated, Loves to play Fetch, Not good with vet care, Not Good with Cats, Dog Friendly, Snuggle Bug, Bold, Protective, Calm, Good with Men Women

Demokratiska republika Kongo

Bichon FriseImage not available

Bichon Frise

Feisty, Affectionate, Cheerful, Playful, Gentle, Sensitive, Affectionate, Brave, Curious, Friendly, Smart, Loves, Playful, Gentle, Size Small fifteen to twenty nine lbs, Funny, Loyal, Couch, Dignified, Quiet, Awaiting Spay neuter before adoption at HSDC, Mill Discard, Coming Soon for Adoption, Fenced in yard Required, This dog will do best in a home with another dog, Shy, Loves kisses, Couch potato, Athletic, Independent, Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Protective, Snuggler, Lap Lover, Couch Potato, Gentle and Friendly

BoxerImage not available

Boxer

Devoted, Fearless, Friendly, Cheerful, Energetic, Loyal, Playful, Confident, Intelligent, Bright, Brave, Calm, Friendly, Loyal, Smart, Affectionate, Playful, Athletic, Funny, Couch, Gentle, Loves, Food Motivated, Social, Good with Dogs, Independent, Curious, Foodie, Lease Trained, Crate Trained, Timid, Self Entertains, Brave, Dignified, Quiet

Bracco ItalianoImage not available

Bracco Italiano

Stubborn, Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Companionable, Trainable

Cavalier King Charles SpanielImage not available

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Fearless, Affectionate, Sociable, Patient, Playful, Adaptable, Affectionate, Athletic, Playful, Friendly, Gentle, Curious, Funny, Smart, Loves, Heart Murmur, Size Small fifteen to twenty nine lbs, Couch, Brave, Dignified, Independent, Quiet, Loyal, Protective, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Potty Trained, Shy, Good with Other Dogs, Crate Trained, Silly

Grossbritannien und Nordirland

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Chinese Crested

Affectionate, Sweet-Tempered, Lively, Alert, Playful, Happy

China

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Cocker Spaniel

Trainable, Friendly, Affectionate, Playful, Quiet, Faithful, High Energy, Affectionate, Friendly, Brave, Athletic, Curious, Funny, Independent, Playful, Smart, Gentle, Loyal, Loves, Quiet, Shy, Bonded Pair, Dignified, Protective, Loves Other Dogs, Loves To Walk, Good with Dogs, Couch, Friendly and Outgoing, Good with Cats, Good with Kids, Rides well in car, Special Dietary Needs

Coton de TulearImage not available

Coton de Tulear

Affectionate, Lively, Playful, Intelligent, Trainable, Vocal, Affectionate, Athletic, Independent, Friendly, Quiet, Gentle, Curious, Loyal, Loves, Smart

Madagaskar

DalmatianImage not available

Dalmatian

Outgoing, Friendly, Energetic, Playful, Sensitive, Intelligent, Active, DtwoD Required, Unknown with Cats, Affectionate, Loyal, Gentle, Quiet, Smart, Friendly, Loves Other Dogs, Loves To Play, Playful, Loves, Curious, Brave, Sweet, Funny, Loves Toys, Walks On Leash, Easy Going, Calm, Couch Potato, Does well in a car, Has basic training, I can sit, Leash Trained, Snuggle Buddy, Good with Dogs, Housetrained, Good with Kids, Athletic, Food Motivated, Couch, Dignified, Mello, Independent, Training Class Mandatory, Unknown Reaction to Cats, Active, Stray in Custody, Being rehomed by owner, Protective, Loves Kisses, Couch potato, Heartworm Positive, Crate Trained, Not Spayed Neutered, Yard Required, Foster NEEDED, Likes to Fetch, Moderate Energy Activity Level, Obedient, Plays with Toys

English SetterImage not available

English Setter

Strong Willed, Mischievous, Affectionate, Energetic, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Hard-working, Intelligent, Eager, People-Oriented, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Playful, Smart, Active, Loves, Couch, Brave, Gentle, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Dignified, Funny, Needs A Fenced In Yard, Loves kisses, Community Lost Pet

English Toy SpanielImage not available

English Toy Spaniel

Affectionate, Reserved, Playful, Gentle, Happy, Loving

England

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Finnish Spitz

Playful, Loyal, Independent, Intelligent, Happy, Vocal, Affectionate, Athletic, Friendly, Funny, Gentle, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loves Kisses, Sweet, Loves, Curious

French BulldogImage not available

French Bulldog

Playful, Affectionate, Keen, Sociable, Lively, Alert, Easygoing, Patient, Athletic, Bright, Affectionate, Brave, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Loves, Deserving, Enthusiastic, Adventurous, Playful, Athletic, Independent, Protective, Dignified, Comfy Couch Potato, Family Friendly, Food Motivated, Gives kisses, Takes time to adjust, Shy but warms up, As is adoption see medical, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Couch, Gentle, Loyal, Smart, Quiet, Gold, Crate Trained, Know the breed, Needs Active Lifestyle, Fence not required, Good with Kids positiveeight, Housetrained, Moderate Energy Level, No Object Aggression, Spayed, Unknown with Cats, Resilient, Strong, Loving, Energetic, Not Good with Cats, Indoor Dog, Scared with new people, Adoption Ready, Intelligent, Lap Dog, Likes Cats, Likes Kids, Likes Other Dogs, Needs Breed Specific Experience, Older Kids Only, Suitable for Apartment Living, Gentle and Friendly, Low Moderate Energy

HavaneseImage not available

Havanese

Affectionate, Responsive, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Intelligent, Affectionate, Funny, Friendly, Playful, Brave, Curious, Gentle, Loyal, Smart, Loves, Quiet, Shy, Athletic, Independent, Couch, DtwoD Required, Unknown with Cats, Known Adverse Behaviors, Easy Going, Loving, Submissive, Sweet, Happy, Energetic, Eight To Nine Months Old, Needs A Playful Doggie Companion In Her New Home, Eight Months Old, Dignified, Love To Cuddle, Protective, Loves People, Affection Motivated, Cuddle Bug, Eager to Please, Good with Dogs, Leans in, Lap Dog, Mellow, Seeks Affection, Gentle Soft mouth, Silly Playful, Joyful, Loves Toys And A Good Sweater, Good with Cats, Good with Kids, Housetrained, Bonded, Not Good with Cats

Kuba

Irish SetterImage not available

Irish Setter

Affectionate, Energetic, Lively, Independent, Playful, Companionable, Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Loves, Playful, Athletic, Smart, Curious, Loyal, SWEET LOVING PLAYFUL AFFECTIONATE LOVE HER TREAT, Brave, Funny, Protective, Quiet, Loves kisses, Loving

Ireland

Japanese SpitzImage not available

Japanese Spitz

Affectionate, Obedient, Playful, Companionable, Intelligent, Proud

KeeshondImage not available

Keeshond

Agile, Obedient, Playful, Quick, Sturdy, Bright, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Gentle, Loves, Loyal, Playful, Smart, Protective, Loves To Play, Quiet, Goofy, Cute

Lhasa ApsoImage not available

Lhasa Apso

Steady, Fearless, Friendly, Devoted, Assertive, Spirited, Energetic, Lively, Alert, Obedient, Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate, Friendly, Funny, Gentle, Loves, Playful, Smart, Brave, Curious, Loyal, Athletic, Couch, Dignified, Independent, Protective, Quiet, Dog Friendly, Shy, Awaiting Spay neuter before adoption at HSDC, Awaiting dental before adoption at HSDC, Coming Soon for Adoption, This dog REQUIRES another dog in the home, Fenced in yard Required, Mill Discard, Has Done Well With Other Dogs, Please Read Entire Description, Companion, Loves Kisses, Gentle and Friendly, Active Dog, Cold Sensitive, Eager to Please, Heat Sensitive, Intelligent, Lap Dog, Likes Cats, Likes Other Dogs, Requires a yard, Suitable for Apartment Living

MalteseImage not available

Maltese

Playful, Docile, Fearless, Affectionate, Sweet-Tempered, Lively, Responsive, Easygoing, Gentle, Intelligent, Active, Friendly, Sweet, Affectionate, Couch, Gentle, Loves, Playful, Funny, Brave, Curious, Smart, Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Special Medical Needs, Energetic, Shy, Loyal, Athletic, Dignified, Independent, Quiet, Loves Belly Rubs, Crate Trained, Foster Needed, Good with Kids, Potty Trained Working on it, Has Lived With Other Dogs, Bonded, Active, Snuggly, Costa Mesa Adoption Center, Active Dog, Eager to Please, Lap Dog, Suitable for Apartment Living, Loving, Social, Happy, Kissy, Protective

Miniature PinscherImage not available

Miniature Pinscher

Clever, Outgoing, Friendly, Energetic, Responsive, Playful, Affectionate, Gentle, Quiet, Brave, Curious, Playful, Independent, Funny, Smart, Loves, Friendly, Couch, Loyal, Gentle and Friendly, Athletic, Dignified, Silly, A Real Lover, Has Lived With Other Dogs, Bonded, Positive Interactions with Dogs, Requirement No cats due to temperament and or a history of inappropriate behaviors towards cats, Positive Interactions with Kids, Recommendation Older children due to high energy behaviors that may overwhelm young children, Activity Level High, Active Dog, Eager to Please, Intelligent, Suitable for Apartment Living, Apartment Appropriate, Chino Hills Adoption Center, Good with Dogs, Sweet, Activity Sleepover Eligible, Senior, Crate Trained, Goofy Big Personality, Blind, Active and Playful, Confident, Enjoys Walks, Dog Selective Slow Intros, Non destructive in Home, Older Children, Snuggle Master, Special Needs, Food motivated, Living in Foster Home, Knows Tricks, Cat Friendly, Loves Kids, one Cat Compatibility Yes, one Kid Compatibility Older Children Okay, one Energy Level Moderate Exercise, Velcro, Chatty, Concerned, Protective

Old English SheepdogImage not available

Old English Sheepdog

Sociable, Bubbly, Playful, Adaptable, Intelligent, Loving, Brave, Funny, Playful, Smart, Athletic, Affectionate, Gentle, Friendly, Dignified, Loves, Loyal, Quiet, Shy Lacks Confidence But Will Improve, Treat Motivated, Crate Trained, Eager to Please, Housebroken, Intelligent, Likes Kids, Likes Other Dogs, Hypoallergenic, Obedient, Walks Well on Leash, Rides Well in Car, Dog Friendly, Cat Friendly, Independent, Protective, Couch, Gentle and Friendly, Curious, Sweet, Loves Her Person, Kid Friendly, Shy, Small Animal Friendly

Pembroke Welsh CorgiImage not available

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Tenacious, Outgoing, Friendly, Bold, Playful, Protective, Affectionate, Friendly, Loves, Funny, Playful, Loyal, Gentle, Smart, Quiet, Curious, Shy, Independent, Couch Potato, Athletic, Couch potato

Pharaoh HoundImage not available

Pharaoh Hound

Affectionate, Sociable, Playful, Intelligent, Active, Trainable, Affectionate, Friendly, Loves, Playful, Gentle, Energy High, Loves Toys, Loves to Cuddle, Knows Basic Commands, Protective of Food, Toy Possessive, Adult Only Home Preferred, Breed Experience Required, Dog Selective, Experience Moderate, Good on a Leash, Size Medium thirty to fifty nine lbs, Athletic, Smart, Quiet, Loyal, Dignified, Brave, Curious, Funny, Independent, Couch potato, Loves Kisses, Dog Friendly, Crate Trained, Good with Cats, Good with Dogs, Housetrained, Loves kisses, Protective, Great Expressions, So cute, An Adorable Redhead

PomeranianImage not available

Pomeranian

Extroverted, Friendly, Sociable, Playful, Intelligent, Active, Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Curious, Smart, Funny, Athletic, Playful, Loves, Quiet, Loyal, Couch, Good with Dogs, Active, Adult Only Home Preferred, Dog savvy Children ten positive, Good in car, Playstyle Wrestler, Takes time to adjust, Happier with another dog in home, Leash Trained, Medium Energy, Independent, Dignified, Size Small fifteen to twenty nine lbs, Sensitive, two Medical Care Center, Couch potato, Loves kisses, Loves Cuddles With People

PugImage not available

Pug

Docile, Clever, Charming, Stubborn, Sociable, Playful, Quiet, Attentive, Couch, Affectionate, Friendly, Funny, Gentle, Loves, Loyal, Playful, Smart, Active, Mellow, Athletic, Curious, Quiet, Dignified, Puppy, Brave, Protective, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Crate Trained, Good with Cats, Good with Children, Needs Active Lifestyle, Shy, Snuggly, Independent, Great On A Leash, Adult Only Home Preferred, Small Dog, Cratetrained, Housetrained

SamoyedImage not available

Samoyed

Stubborn, Friendly, Sociable, Lively, Alert, Playful, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Loves, Playful, Smart, Gentle, Quiet, Cuddle Bug, Good with Dogs, Hiker, Mellow, Physically playful, Seeks Affection, Couch, Loyal, Handsome, Brave, Dignified, Independent, Protective, Love Food, Very Sweet, Loves Children, Tolerate Small Dogs, No Cats, Spayed Neutered, Microchiped, Housetrained, Good with Cats, Adult Only Home Preferred, Up To Date On Shots, Good with Kids, Couch potato, Loves kisses, Snuggly, Snuggle, Cuddles, Teddy Bear, Kisses, cheerful, active, Cuddly, Anxious, Strong, Energetic, Barky

Scottish TerrierImage not available

Scottish Terrier

Feisty, Alert, Independent, Playful, Quick, Self-assured, Affectionate, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Playful, Loyal, Loves, Funny, Friendly, Gentle, Smart, Quiet, Brave, Independent, Reserved, Athletic, Loves Treats And Attention, Protective, Goofy, Wiggle Worm, Active, Good with Dogs, Housetrained, Adult Only Home Preferred

Shetland SheepdogImage not available

Shetland Sheepdog

Affectionate, Lively, Responsive, Alert, Loyal, Reserved, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Active, Trainable, Strong

Verenigd Koninkrijk

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Shih Tzu

Clever, Spunky, Outgoing, Friendly, Affectionate, Lively, Alert, Loyal, Independent, Playful, Gentle, Intelligent, Happy, Active, Courageous, Affectionate, Curious, Friendly, Playful, Loves, Gentle, Funny, Couch, Smart, Quiet, Loyal, Existing Conditions Disclaimer, Bonded, Good with Dogs, Good with Kids, Good with Cats, Gentle and Friendly, Athletic, Dignified, Independent, Not Housetrained, Needs a fenced yard, Never Been Out Of The Shelter, Currently Living in Foster Home, Crate Trained, Housetrained, Energetic, Brave

Smooth Fox TerrierImage not available

Smooth Fox Terrier

Fearless, Affectionate, Alert, Playful, Intelligent, Active, Affectionate, Smart, Curious, Gentle, Playful, Funny, Friendly, Loves, Loyal, Couch, Dignified, Quiet, Athletic, Goofy, Brave, Protective, Independent, Loves Kisses, Loves kisses

Grossbritannien und Nordirland

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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Affectionate, Spirited, Energetic, Playful, Intelligent, Faithful

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Standard Schnauzer

Trainable, Good-natured, Devoted, Lively, Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate, Athletic, Curious, Friendly, Funny, Independent, Loves, Playful, Smart, Heartworm Positive, Good with Dogs, Housetrained, Good with Kids, Dog Selective, Kids eight positive and up, Gentle, Loyal, Active, Available for Foster, Cuddle Bug, Eager to Please, Dog savvy Children ten positive, Food Motivated, Good in car, Not Good with Cats, Quick learner, Seeks Affection, Silly Playful, Leash Trained, House trained, Hiker, Mellow, Knows commands, Calm, Cat Friendly, Dog Friendly, Shy, Quiet, Couch potato, Lazy

Tibetan SpanielImage not available

Tibetan Spaniel

Willful, Aloof, Assertive, Independent, Playful, Intelligent, Happy, Crate Trained, Good with Dogs, Local only, Affectionate, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Loves, Playful, Couch, Curious, Dignified, Funny, Loyal, Protective, Smart, Brave, Quiet

Toy Fox TerrierImage not available

Toy Fox Terrier

Friendly, Spirited, Alert, Loyal, Playful, Intelligent, Affectionate, Friendly, Playful, Funny, Smart, Loves, Gentle, Curious, Protective, Couch, Loyal, Quiet, Independent, Athletic, Dignified, Brave, Vocal, Adventurous, Chill, Communicative, Patient, Playfu, Resilient, Snuggly, Loves kisses

Verenigde Staten

Welsh Springer SpanielImage not available

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Stubborn, Friendly, Affectionate, Loyal, Playful, Active, Playful, Friendly, Loves, Affectionate, Quiet, Curious, Loyal, Gentle

Gales

About Playful Dog Breeds

This category includes dog breeds that are categorized as playful. These breeds share certain characteristics that make them distinctive in this category.

Key Characteristics

Dogs in the playful category often share these traits:

  • Specific physical or behavioral traits related to playful
  • Common temperament or personality characteristics
  • Similar care requirements or training considerations

Popular Playful Breeds

Some well-known breeds in this category include Affenpinscher, Alaskan Malamute, Basenji, Bichon Frise, Boxer.

Finding the Right Playful Dog

When considering a playful dog breed, it's important to research individual breed characteristics and needs. Every dog is unique, and even within categories, there can be significant variation between breeds and individual dogs.