Dogs fill us with joy, don’t they? They’re at the door when we get home from work, our able companions on those long walks in the countryside and our friends through thick and thin.

That got us thinking – what are some of the happiest dog breeds in existence? Those reliable breeds that, 9 times out of 10, produce dogs that always have a smile on their face?

Here is a selection you can’t go wrong with.

Beagles

Beagles have a wonderful nose, which is perhaps why they’re so fun-loving all the time: they’re experiencing life in full. A home with a beagle in it is usually a happy place to be. Beagles love to be in the outdoors and are real people-pleasers too.

Bearded Collie

Great with kids and the family at large, these fluff-balls are almost always smiling, though you might miss the grin under that mountain of hair! Bearded collies love to run in the outdoors but are small enough to make a great addition to even a small apartment.

French Bulldog

The French are known for their great wines and cheeses, but perhaps one export they don’t get enough credit for is the French Bulldog, a wonderfully fun-loving breed that complements any home environment. Tempt out their award-winning personality with the reward of food and make sure they’re exercised regularly to keep their spirits high.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are beautiful, fun and popular too. They have it all. Little wonder, then, that the Lab is one of the most popular breeds worldwide. Given their size, they need a fair amount of space but they’re good-natured enough to adapt to almost any environment.

Golden Retriever

Like the Lab, Golden Retrievers are a real hit with families thanks to their good looks and lovable personality. Retrievers are extremely loyal too; people-pleasers who like nothing more than playing with you after a long day’s work.

Bichon Frise

Pronounced BEE-shawn FREE-say, it’s easy to mistake one of these fluffy little dogs for a child’s toy. The good news? They’ve got the personality and spunk to light up any home. The Bichon is renowned for its happy-go-lucky demeanor, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s as cute as a button to boot.

Great Dane

Take one look at your Great Dane and you might think he’s feeling the blues, because these dogs often exhibit a sorrowful expression. But the opposite is the case. These tall, powerful dogs are often very happy and noted for their easygoing traits. Keep them active, however, and make sure you have space, because a Dane needs regular walking to keep that good demeanor going.

American Staffordshire Terrier

AmStaffs, as they’re known, are not only happy dogs, they’re confident and assertive too. They’ll need a bit of training to get them on the straight and narrow, but if you don’t mind a bit of upfront work, the rewards are well worth it in the long run.