It’s hard to meet two dogs with the same temperament, even if they belong to the same breed. We all love dogs who have a playful nature and a gentle demeanor. While most domesticated breeds are quite friendly and adapt well to living with humans, some pups just have hearts of gold.
Gentle dog breeds that are more likely to get along well with children, elders, and other dogs in the household are a dream of many pet owners. While a little crankiness, aloofness, and protective nature are expected of many breeds, it helps to know which canines are the kindest.
In this article, we will review 7 dog breeds known for their sweet temperament.
Lovable Dog Breeds Known for Being Gentlest
1. Golden Retriever
The “Golden” in its name can be associated with both its famous coat colors and its heart. Golden Retrievers are one of the most gentle dog breeds, loved all around the world for their adaptability and loyalty.
The world can get tough at times, but we’ve always got dogs. Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds that’ve left their mark throughout the ages as enduring and gentle companions to humans.
These dogs don’t just bring you peace and joy with their beautiful golden coat, but also add a spark to your life with their charming smiles and affectionate eyes. No wonder they’re commonly used as therapy dogs; their ability to sense their humans’ moods and boost a sense of safety is sure as anything.
2. Labrador Retrievers
Excellent companions to owners with a robust lifestyle, Labrador Retrievers also bring a calming and gentle partnership to people who want a furry friend with a sweet nature. Their versatile traits, protective nature, and gentleness have earned them their place as popular service dogs and emotional support animals.
As the name speaks for itself, Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as retriever gun dogs. These high-energy dogs don’t just help their humans stay active and enjoy hikes outside, but also fight off depression and a sense of isolation with their lovey-dovey nature.
These gentle giants don’t mind sharing their homes with children and get along amazingly with older adults. Got other dogs or cats in your home? With early socialization training, these canines can coexist just fine with other furry housemates.
Despite being softies and excellent family pets, these large dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. They’re excellent swimmers; take them out on a water adventure and they’ll jump right in.
3. Irish Setter
These ginger dogs have a medium to large size and an awe-inspiring silky coat. Originally bred as bird hunting dogs, Irish Setters make amazing family dogs and great companions for individual owners due to their gentle nature.
Though Irish Setters are normally calm canines that can tolerate other animals in the home, they have a prey drive due to their hunting past. Watch them around smaller animals; we don’t want any mishaps. The upside of their hunting background is their instincts to please their owners and get a job done.
Irish Setters’ cooperative nature proves to be really useful if you want your highly trainable pup to participate in some dog sport. Caring for their lush coat can be a pleasure and easy; some regular grooming, like weekly brushing and occasional baths, is more than enough.
4. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are a popular dog breed known for their sweet and protective nature. They have a natural urge to protect their families and watch over kids; this is how they get their famous title of “nanny dogs”.
These affectionate dogs are large in size and boast a thick, double coat that’s coarse (unlike their soft hearts). These huggable dogs are well-suited for families with kids and owners who love activities like swimming.
Their webbed feet and thick coats make them excellent water rescue dogs, adding “lifesaver” to their already fabulous resume. According to the American Kennel Club, Newfies’ sweet temperament is their most important trait.
5. Collie
Collies have such a distinct look, it’s hard to miss this breed for another once you get acquainted with it. With their pointed snouts, medium to large sizes, and mostly fluffy, long coats, Collies are beautiful dogs with big hearts.
Collie is a popular breed known for their intelligence and happy-go-lucky nature. They’re normally well-behaved and friendly dogs that don’t mind the company of kids and other pets.
These easy-to-train dogs can help you keep your life boredom-free; play games like fetch and hide and seek with them, and they’ll love it. Collies need regular grooming due to their thick double coat.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) mentions two varieties of Collies: “Full-coated rough Collie” and “Sleek and smooth Collie”. Grooming needs depend a lot on the kind of coat your Collie has.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dogs are friendly dogs hailing from the Swiss Alps. Their large size and dense coat make them impossible not to notice, and their sweet temperament seals the deal, making them beloved companions to their owners.
“Berners” are working dogs and make loyal companions with a natural desire to please their owners. These tri-color canines are captivating in their appearance and make us want to cuddle with them so hard.
They’re pretty amazing with children and let their mini humans play around with them happily. It’s always good to watch any dog, especially bigger dogs, around kids, though. Berners love forming a strong bond with their pet parents and love getting their regular exercise.
7. Shih Tzu
It’s impossible to miss Shih Tzus while we’re talking about dogs with the most loving and gentle nature. Their hairiness sparks joy in the owner’s heart with a coat so silky and fine it should be the talk of the town. Their temperament is not just sweet but also perky; these little pups can be quite bouncy.
Shih Tzus are small dogs with a big personality. They keep things peachy with their happy personalities and love for having fun. If you love playful small dogs, this toy breed can be your dream come true. This Tibetan breed is quite old and has been called “little lions” due to their appearance.
Despite being the tiny bundle of cuteness that they are, Shih Tzus are also quite alert and smart. If they sense something’s off about their environment, they’ll use their cute little barks to communicate it to you.
They can make amazing lap dogs and companion dogs. Socialization and obedience training when they’re still puppies is a must, or they might grow up to be stubborn and destructive.
Conclusion:
We hope that this list will help you find your gentle and loving furry companion. If you’re seeking to adopt a new pet, always look for reputable rescue centers or breeders known for their ethical practices. Always discuss your pet’s unique health, exercise, and nutritional needs with your vet.
If you have allergies, it’s recommended to check if the dog breed has a hypoallergenic coat or not, just to stay on the safer side.
