We have all met that one dog who just feels everything. You know the type. They give you “sad eyes” when you leave, curl up next to you when you are down, and practically throw a wagging party when you walk back through the door.
For many of us, dogs are family members with bigger hearts than half the people we know. Some breeds, though, take “wearing your heart on your sleeve” to a whole new level.
These are the most emotional dog breeds you will ever meet. The ones who bond deeply, sense your moods, and show you just how emotional and loyal and downright they can seem.
Today, we are rounding up the nine most emotional dog breeds. Gentle giants or tiny lapdogs, these pups prove that love, sensitivity, and soul are not just human traits. They are dog traits, too.
DID YOU KNOW?
Dogs can actually “catch” human emotions, like happiness or stress, through scent or body language. And researchers call it “Interspecies Emotional Contagion“. Sounds fancy!! Yes, your pup can smell your mood and respond to it. Some breeds really do seem like four-legged therapists. They always know when you need a cuddle or when it is time for playful distraction.
Most Emotional Dog Breeds You’ll Ever Meet
1. Labrador Retriever
When we talk about emotional dogs, Labrador Retrievers are America’s sweethearts and should be #1 on all dog lists. These dogs wag their whole soul for you. Labs thrive on closeness with their humans and want to be part of every moment. No matter if it is morning coffee or evening walks.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Labrador Retrievers are prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long.
They have an uncanny sense for when their owner is upset and will nudge, lick, or lean against you to comfort. Such affectionate dogs.
Labs are used as therapy and rescue dogs because of their emotional sensitivity and loyalty.
They bond quickly… sometimes a little too much! They will follow you from room to room.
If you are on the lookout for a dog who becomes your best friend and constant companion, a Lab is it.
But remember!! Their love comes with responsibility. They need attention, exercise, and interaction every single day. Ignore them and you will see just how sad those big, brown eyes will get.
2. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a herding breed with sky-high intelligence. And not just any intelligence. They are one of the smartest dog breeds to ever exist on this planet. These dogs feel deeply, they follow commands, they watch, they sense, they respond to emotions with the kind of intuition that can leave you speechless.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Border Collies can get stressed if their person is stressed. They feed off your energy.
They need constant mental stimulation. Boredom can trigger anxiety and destructive behavior.
APSCA mentions Collies are famous for their endurance, energy, loyalty, and friendliness… other than being intelligent dogs.
Their herding dog instincts sometimes transfer to children or other pets… yes, even cats!!
A walk is NEVER enough! These pups crave emotional connection through play and training.
Border Collies are often called the “workaholics,” but at the heart of that drive is a fiercely loyal and emotionally sensitive dog. Give them the time, energy, and love they so deeply want, and they will become the most emotional and sensitive dog breed you will ever meet.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If emotional connection had a mascot, it would probably be the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These gentle dogs were literally bred to be the lapdogs for the British royalty, and that’s where they got their name from, as per PetMD. They take the role of “emotional support system” very seriously.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
These Spaniels thrive on closeness and hate being left alone for long hours.
They are playful but sensitive and pick up on their owner’s mood easily.
Perfect family dogs because of that oh-so-sweet and affectionate nature.
Grooming is part of the deal. Their silky coat needs regular care.
There is something timeless about a Charles Spaniel’s ability to bond with humans. They will melt into your lap, lock eyes with you like they are staring into your soul, and remind you every day why they are one of the most affectionate breeds on earth.
4. Golden Retriever
Highly emotional and empathetic dogs. Known as the ultimate family dog, Golden Retrievers wear their hearts on their fluffy sleeves. They are gentle dogs who want nothing more than to be part of your daily life with that cheeky smile and enthusiasm.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Goldens are prone to sadness if ignored or left out of family activities.
They have great and deep bonds with children, and they act like furry babysitters.
These puppies are highly trainable because they love to please their humans.
Expect shedding. Lots of it. Grooming is part of the package.
Golden Retrievers are the true definition of loyal dogs. If they are bounding after a ball or resting their head on your lap during a tough day (being the therapy dogs), they are always loving, always present, and always ready to make life brighter.
5. German Shepherd
Few breeds display loyalty and emotional depth like the German Shepherd, a “large and muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence”, as per the American Kennel Club (AKC).
They are famous in the world as working dogs, police, military, rescue… but at home, they are just as much about bonding and protecting their family.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
German Shepherds make incredibly strong bonds with their owners.
They can be protective and aloof around strangers if you do not give them proper socialization from a young age.
These dogs need structure. All kinds of it. Training, agility, and plenty of exercise to stay well-behaved.
The loyalty is absolutely unmatched. They will stand by their family through anything.
We know German Shepherds to be brainy and brave, basically. But they are emotional beings. They connect with their people in ways that make you wonder if they can read your mind. If you are yearning for fierce loyalty in a dog, this is your breed.
6. Beagle
Floppy ears and goofy expressions say otherwise, but Beagles are incredibly emotional dogs. They love companionship. Be it with people, other dogs, or pretty much any animals willing to be their friend. Purina noted they were bred to be in packs; that’s why they are happiest in company.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Beagles hate being left alone. They are prone to howling if lonely.
They bond best when they are part of an active family.
Their sense of smell is off the charts because they are the best tracking dogs. They will happily “walk” with you while tracking scents.
Food is their weakness and motivation. Overfeeding can become a problem.
Beagles wear their emotions loud and proud. Happy tail-wags when you grab the leash or the sad puppy eyes when you leave. They will make sure you know exactly how they are feeling.
7. Shih Tzu
Tiny but might dog in the feelings department. The Shih Tzu is one of the most emotional breeds you will ever meet. These little dogs were bred as companion dogs about 1,000 years ago, as per Britannica. And they take that job very seriously.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Shih Tzu make great bonds with their owners. They crave constant closeness.
They are very sensitive dogs, so never use harsh training methods because they won’t respond well.
Their coat is high maintenance and needs regular grooming.
Small dogs, but still a surprisingly playful and happy-go-lucky energy.
Shih Tzu dogs might be small, but you can never underestimate how big they are in affection and loyalty. They are the kind of deeply bonded dog that will curl up in your lap, follow you from room to room, and give you unconditional love every single day.
8. Great Dane
The Great Dane may be a giant (one of the tallest dog breeds), but deep down, they are emotional softies. Often called “gentle giants”, these dogs crave love and affection just as much as smaller breeds… sometimes more.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Great Danes are prone to separation anxiety. They are not built for long hours of loneliness.
They bond so good with children and never care about their enormous size.
Regular exercise is a MUST! But they are surprisingly calm dogs while indoors.
Their short lifespan makes their bonds with humans even more precious.
There’s nothing quite like a Great Dane leaning against you for comfort… or trying to fit their 175-pound body into your lap. They are emotional and gentle, and completely unforgettable family dogs.
9. Havanese
Last but not least…. another small, friendly dog. The Havanese is a small breed with a giant emotional heart. They are Cuba’s national dog, and these fluffy pups thrive on attention and love for being the center of family life.
Things you should know about this emotional dog
Havanese dogs hate being ignored. They will ask for attention with playful antics.
They are intelligent and respond quickly to training.
Grooming is part of the deal, and their silky coat needs attention.
These pups are entertainers at heart, and beneath that fur lies deep loyalty and attachment. They will make you laugh, comfort you when you are down, and remind you daily why dogs are called man’s best friends. They will love you even when you are sleeping.
Conclusion
Dogs fill our homes with fur and fill our lives with love, loyalty, and emotional connection. Of course, being emotional means they need time, attention, and care.
These are not the dogs you can leave alone for long hours or ignore when life gets busy, and they are not relatively low-maintenance. They will give you their soul, but they will also need your presence in return.
So, if you are looking for a pup who will be more than a pet… someone who will become a true best friend, then one of these most emotional dog breeds you will ever meet may just be waiting for you.
