Looking for companion dogs is not difficult, because all dogs possess the quality of being a wonderful companion. But they differ in their temperaments, and few of them are aggressive, and because of their strong bite forces, they are not recommended as gentle companions.
However, many of these dogs are trained as family pets through proper training from an early age.
Having gentle dog breeds as loyal companions not just gives you company, but they also thrive at performing roles assigned to them. With these calm dogs, your kids can crawl and play in any way they want. But to enjoy their playful and sweet nature, they must be trained properly.
If you are looking for a gentle companion, below is a list of the top ten gentle dog breeds that make the right choice for active households.
Top Gentle Dog Breeds That Make Great Companions
1. Golden Retriever
Originating from Scotland as a working gundog, the Golden Retriever is an intelligent, playful, and affectionate nature dog. Their gentleness, willingness, and intelligence make them the ideal dog for families with children. And along with socialization, they are good at aligning with other pets, as well.
These medium-sized dogs are easy to train, they adapt to the home environment, and most importantly, they are devoted to their owners.
While Golden Retrievers are playful dogs that require daily walks. Other activities they enjoy are: obedience training, tracking, and bird hunting, etc. These dogs have webbed feet, which makes them excellent swimmers.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another playful, intelligent, and affectionate dog that remained the favorite of British Royals for a long time. Even today, they make great lap dogs known for their gentle nature.
Furthermore, their gentle and sweet nature, calm temperament make them ideal for families with children, and the elderly.
While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal dog as a companion that loves cuddling, these cute dogs require regular exercise, along with 20-30 minutes of walking and mental stimulation. When their demands are met, you will find these dogs in a happy mood and lounging on the couch.
3. Pug
Pug, often famous as the loveable wrinkly companion, is a charming, affectionate, and playful dog. Originating from China, Pugs without a doubt can bring a smile to your face because that’s what they were bred for: to be friendly companions.
You can say they are lap dogs because they crave their owner’s attention and like to relax in their laps.
Being the silliest and sweetest, Pugs have high energy levels and require 15-20 minutes of walking daily, following a good exercise routine.
They make good companion dogs when trained and socialized properly, and they align with other dogs as well. And considering their health, according to Hill’s Pets, their eyes require special care because they can be injured easily.
4. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is known as the loving and loyal family companion dog because of its outgoing, friendly, and sweet nature. Labs are highly affectionate dogs, and their easy-going personality makes them an ideal choice for families. Their energy levels make them enjoyable with kids.
But exercise and training are the key to keeping these dogs healthy and well-mannered. If you think Lab can work as a watchdog, you are mistaken because of their easy-going nature, which makes them friends with strangers as well, according to the AKC.
To remain energetic and healthy, they require lots of exercise and crave their owner’s attention. An hour of exercise, along with other activities like tracking, agility, dock diving, and swimming, is what Labs enjoy.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, also called Newfies, are devoted, sweet, and patient dogs. Their gentle demeanor makes them safer to be around children, and for this reason, they are also known as “nanny dogs”. Being massive in size and humble in nature, Newfies are incredibly affectionate, loyal, and protective of their families.
They were bred in Canada and Newfoundland to help fishermen pull in their nets and haul carts. So, these gentle giants are water dogs, and their thick double coat helps them stay warm in chilly water.
Due to their massive size, they require attention in training, exercise, feeding, and grooming. A balanced diet must be given, along with moderate exercise and regular walks.
6. Irish Setter
Irish Setter is a true family dog that craves people’s attention. It is an active, sweet-natured, and outgoing dog that loves company, which is why they make great companions for families with children. But as they were bred for hunting birds, they have a strong prey drive, which makes them chase smaller pets.
So, while they are good for the family, they might be unusual for other pets. Keeping them within their boundaries and training might help. However, installing an electric dog fence is another solution.
Irish Setter has a glossy red coat that requires a couple of brushing sessions a week, preventing it from matting. Occasional baths are also recommended to keep the coat fresh and flowing, adding to its beauty and appearance.
7. Poodle
Poodles are one of the popular dog breed that comes in different sizes and colors. They are kind, energetic, and friendly dogs that are eager to please and highly trainable. Being a working dog, they were bred to retrieve waterfowl.
They have an alert instinct that alerts the owner to any strangers or new visitors coming to the house. Because of their good and responsive nature, they make wonderful family pets. Furthermore, Poodles are recommended for people with allergies because they have a hypoallergenic coat.
Being an adaptable and smart breed, training is easier for Poodles. Use positive reinforcement training and socialize from an early age. An hour of exercise, with different dog sports, keeps them mentally stimulated and happy.
8. Collie
Collie is a smart, sensitive, and loyal dog that is wanted because of its gentle and sweet personality. They are sensitive but at times stubborn, so training them can be a bit tricky for the owner. So, starting with obedience training is recommended.
Collies were generally bred to herd in England and Scotland. While today, they bond with humans and children, they also enjoy playing with them in the house or yard. They are fast and athletic with high energy levels, so an hour of outdoor exercise is important.
While you find these dogs highly energetic outdoors, they are couch potatoes indoors who like to enjoy and spend time with their family members. They have a long length double coat that requires routine brushing and bathing.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big, beautiful dog that is intelligent, loyal, and affectionate. Known for their self-confident and sweet nature, these dogs are perfect family pets. They were bred to work as farm dogs during the 1920’s, to pull carts, herd cattle, and act as watchdogs.
This breed enjoyed taking on challenges and performing any task assigned to them happily. But these sturdy dogs require a spacious area to live in a house because of their huge size. To stay healthy, they require regular exercise and training along with treats to praise them, as PDSA advises.
BMD sheds twice a year. So, weekly brushing is required to get rid of loose hair and keep the coat free from tangling or matting. Use a slicker brush or a metal comb, which makes brushing quicker and easier.
10. English Bulldog
English Bulldog, being among the calmest dog breeds, is docile, willful, and friendly. It has low energy levels, and napping is one of the favorite things for a Bulldog. It is a well-mannered family dog that thrives on the owner’s attention.
Owners have to monitor their health because they are sensitive, as their brachycephalic (flat) snout makes it difficult for them to breathe, and not suitable for hot climates; they require special care. Moreover, their wrinkly skin is prone to skin infections, so frequent maintenance keeps them healthy.
The English Bulldog has a smooth and short hair coat that sheds moderately. Their coat and wrinkly skin require frequent grooming and cleaning to prevent bacteria and keep the coat free from debris.
Conclusion
These friendly dog breeds stand out because of their temperaments and calm behavior. While every dog has its own personality, they all stand at the same page when we consider their grooming, care, training and exercise needs.
As a responsible pet parent, you must keep a few factors in consideration to enjoy these loyal companions.
Start socializing dogs from an early age, provide them with a rich diet and regular exercise, take them outdoors, and lastly, when they perform well, praise them with treats. And remember, on your hunt for a great companion dog, avoid picking on breeds that are aloof by nature.
