Big hearts come in all sizes, and in the dog world, sensitive souls can be found in both large and small breeds. If you have ever felt like how your dog seems to pick up on your moods and provide you comfort during tough times or stay close during a rough day, you might already know the power of dog breeds with sensitive souls.
These are the dogs who form deep bonds, thrive on love, and often become a reflection of their owner’s emotions. More than just pets, they are affectionate dogs, gentle companions, and often serve as emotional support.
Dog Breeds With Sensitive Souls
We have compiled a list of some sensitive dogs. Meet the breeds known for their incredibly sensitive and empathetic nature.
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are famous for their intelligence, energy, and incredible work ethic, but beneath all that hustle is a highly sensitive soul. These dogs are deeply connected to their owners and environment. This quality makes them incredibly responsive to emotional cues, and they thrive with positive reinforcement.
They thrive on mental stimulation and human interaction and can get easily stressed or anxious if left bored or ignored. Their sensitivity helps them excel in training and understanding complex commands. But it also means they need gentle handling and positive encouragement to feel their best, as they can experience separation anxiety.
Why are Border Collies so sensitive?
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They are emotionally intuitive, often mirroring the feelings of their owners.
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Their strong bond with humans makes them eager to please but vulnerable to stress.
Border Collies have been voted the smartest dog breed, but their sensitivity is just as remarkable as their brains.
2. Whippet
Whippets are elegant, quiet dogs known for their calm temperament, gentle and sensitive nature. They are deeply attached to their families and often prefer calm environments where they can relax and feel secure.
These dogs don’t like loud noises or chaotic surroundings and can be shy with strangers. Despite their speed and hunting background, Whippets are affectionate couch potatoes who love soft cuddles and quiet companionship.
What makes Whippets emotionally special?
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They are very gentle and sensitive to changes in mood or environment.
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Their calm and quiet demeanor makes them excellent companions for sensitive owners.
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Whippets need patient socialization to overcome shyness.
Whippets are sometimes called “poor man’s racehorse,” as per Britannica, because of their incredible speed and graceful looks.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is pure sweetness wrapped in silky fur. These dogs are extremely affectionate and emotionally attuned, often known as “little therapy dogs” because of their comforting presence.
They are sensitive to their owner’s emotions and thrive on love and attention. Cavaliers don’t like to be left alone and can get anxious if ignored, so they need a family that can offer them lots of companionship.
Why are Cavaliers so emotionally tuned in?
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They crave closeness and enjoy snuggling to feel secure.
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Their sensitive nature means they respond best to gentle and loving training.
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Cavaliers are great with kids and other pets because of their sweet temperament.
This breed was beloved by British royalty, especially Queen Victoria, who helped popularize it.
4. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus may look independent and confident but they have a surprisingly sensitive side. This breed is known for being loyal and alert, and they form strong bonds with their owners.
Shibas can be shy or wary around strangers, and their sensitive nature means they don’t always respond well to harsh training methods. They need firm but gentle guidance and plenty of socialization to build confidence.
What makes Shibas sensitive?
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They are emotionally complex and show affection on their own terms.
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Sensitive to changes in routine or environment, they thrive with consistency.
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Their alertness means they’re quick to pick up on your feelings and moods.
Shibas are one of the oldest Japanese dog breeds and are treasured for their spirited personalities.
5. Greyhound
Despite being known as fast racing dogs, Greyhounds are surprisingly gentle and sensitive pets. They have calm, laid-back personalities and love relaxing in cozy spots with their families.
Greyhounds are sensitive to loud noises and sudden changes, preferring peaceful environments where they can feel safe. Their affectionate nature shines when they receive patience and gentle care.
Why are Greyhounds so sensitive?
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They are gentle, emotionally sensitive, and quiet dogs that dislike chaos or harsh treatment, as per PetPlan.
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Greyhounds bond deeply with their owners and enjoy close companionship.
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They need gentle training and slow introductions to new people or places.
Greyhounds have a history dating back thousands of years and were once prized hunting companions of ancient Egyptians.
6. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds may have droopy faces, but their emotions run deep. This sensitive breed is known for its calm, loyal, and sensitive nature, often forming close bonds with its family members.
These dogs don’t respond well to loud voices or rough handling and prefer a quiet and loving home. Their expressive eyes and soulful demeanor make it easy to see their emotional depth.
Why are Basset Hounds so sensitive?
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They are slow to warm up to new people but deeply loyal once trust is built.
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Their sensitive noses are matched by a sensitive heart, they notice everything.
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Bassets appreciate gentle praise and consistent routines.
Basset Hounds were bred for scent tracking and have one of the most powerful noses in the dog world.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are famously friendly and loving, but they are also incredibly sensitive dogs. Labs tune into their owners’ moods with their emotional sensitivity and can become upset if their family is stressed or unhappy.
They thrive on positive attention and consistent training, responding best when treated with kindness and patience. Their sensitive nature makes them fantastic family dogs, therapy dogs, and loyal companions.
Why are Labradors so emotionally connected?
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They seek harmony and become stressed in chaotic or tense environments.
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Their desire to please means they are quick to learn but need gentle guidance.
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Labs often mirror their owners’ emotions and offer comfort when needed.
Labradors are the most popular breed in the U.S. because of their loving temperament and sensitivity.
8. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the embodiment of warmth and kindness. Their incredibly affectionate and sensitive souls shine through their empathetic, gentle nature… they are incredibly good at sensing and responding to human emotions.
These dogs thrive in loving homes where they receive plenty of attention and reassurance. Goldens are patient, loyal, and comforting companions who love to be near their families.
Why are Goldens so emotionally in tune?
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They have a natural instinct to comfort and support their owners emotionally.
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Gentle and patient, they respond best to positive training methods.
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Goldens make wonderful therapy dogs because of their sensitivity and calm demeanor.
Golden Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve game from water and land, making them versatile and intelligent.
9. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are often seen as tough and strong, but they also have deeply sensitive and loyal hearts. This breed forms intense bonds with its family and is highly responsive to its owners’ emotions.
Rottweilers need respectful and consistent training to feel secure. Their sensitivity means they don’t respond well to harsh discipline, but when raised with kindness, they become calm, affectionate protectors.
What makes Rottweilers sensitive?
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They are protective and intuitive, often sensing when their family is in distress.
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Their strong bond means they are sensitive to separation and require companionship.
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Rottweilers respond best to firm but gentle leadership.
Final Thoughts
From Border Collies to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and from Australian Shepherds to gentle giants like Rottweilers, dog breeds with sensitive souls come in all shapes and sizes.
These sensitive breeds have a unique ability to form strong bonds, respond to human emotions, and offer unconditional love. They’re perfect for families, individuals needing emotional support, and anyone who appreciates a dog that mirrors their heart.
If you want to own a dog with a loving nature, pay close attention to one of these dog breeds that understand the owner’s feelings.
