Despite, under natural conditions, the cattle is a social species and forms stable maternal herds, the dairy calves are separated from their dams early after the birth and then usually housed individually till the 8th week of age. Based on the legislation, it is compulsory to house the dairy calves in the groups from this age. However, the previous studies showed the early social contact (before the 8th weeks of age) is important not only for the further social development, but also for the calves’ health and growth. Moreover, the positive affect of early social housing has been also shown in heifers in their first lactation. Social housing has some specific needs and risks and farmers have to be aware about this. It is important to consider several important parameters as size of the group area, number of calves in the group, age range of calves in the group or feeding management etc. Theses parameters are discussed in the article. We can conclude that social housing of calves guaranties, under good management, adequate housing and good welfare for calves.