Playful dog breeds

Some dogs stay playful all their lives, always looking for the ball or their favourite toy. This list includes the Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Poodle, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog and Samoyed, among others.

How the breeds were chosen

We included breeds with the top score (5 out of 5) for “Playfulness Level” in the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed ratings. Breeds without an AKC profile are not included. The rating describes the breed in general. Every dog has its own character, and training and socialisation matter just as much.

See all dog breeds.