There are two types of dogs out there: those who are always barking, howling, and yodeling, and those who prefer staying calm and composed in all kinds of situations. Where the former are highly reactive dog breeds, the latter are classified as low-reactive dog breeds. Low-reactive dog behavior is most suitable for urban living, which is already replete with a lot of noise and chaos. A calm dog that doesn’t react to small things is the best addition to your urban apartment.
Low-reactive dogs showcase composure when they see a new person entering the house. They don’t even react when some loud music is annoying them. However, every dog has a limit, and when it gets overstimulated, it may exhibit some reactions. For the low reactivity dog breeds, however, these reactions are mild.
Let’s talk about the nine most low-reactive dog breeds that are emotionally steady and don’t show over-the-top reactions.
Low Reactivity Dog Breeds
1. Golden Retriever
If there ever is a competition of low-reactive dogs, the Golden Retriever will surely emerge as the ultimate winner! With the lowest possible dog aggression and the highest possible affection for humans, this is a dog worth keeping!
Goldens come with a friendly disposition. They are super loyal to their family members and have a calm temperament. As a matter of fact, the European Golden Retrievers are considered to be some of the most gentle companions for humans.
However, this doesn’t mean these dogs don’t react at all. Being excellent watchdogs, they bark and alert their family members whenever something strange happens. While keeping their composure, they perform their duties pretty well.
These dogs are extremely social and loving. They are playful and adore kids.
Nonetheless, if you Golden starts showcasing some aggressive reactions, it could be due to any underlying medical condition or health problem. This Quora question tells how dog owners can manage the occasional aggression of these dogs efficiently.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their calm energy. As a matter of fact, these dogs are extremely laid back. They are low in energy and don’t even have the stamina to react to anything. Hence, this is the least aggressive dog breed you can get your hands on!
However, pet parents need to ensure they provide early socialization to these animals. Starting from a young age is the right thing to do! This way, Bassets will get accustomed to living alongside humans and won’t showcase the typical canine anxiety when taken out for a walk.
These hunting dogs don’t have any aggressive tendencies at home! Rather, they are sweet-tempered and friendly. With a gentle demeanor, they remain tenacious most of the time.
Belonging to France, these dogs are easy to train with positive reinforcement training methods.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is super-gentle and patient with humans and other animals.
This breed’s characteristics of being affectionate and loyal to human companions make it the best dog to own in the house. Despite being calm and gentle, they are super protective. The female dogs are more prone to being reactive when compared to their male counterparts!
These dogs love to play with their family members. They cherish the moments spent with their folks. However, as they are massive in appearance, it is necessary to keep them under observation if they are playing with very young kids.
Also, they won’t be suitable for apartment living as they need a large space to reside comfortably.
These dogs are not likely to react when there is a stimulus. However, if you leave them alone for a long period, they may develop separation anxiety!
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs that are friendly yet docile. You can’t expect it to bark all day or yodel to showcase its excitement.
These dogs are sociable. With their calm attitude, they make wonderful family pets. However, they feel better with families that have kids than with those that only have adult members in the house.
These charming dogs are adaptable. No matter where you take them, they will not show any reaction or be annoyed. However, if we talk about the French Bulldog, it has often been reported to exhibit reactive behaviors when exposed to certain situations.
Training the dog to have good self-control during reactive situations is what helps it be mild in its reactions. The best result of obedience training is a dog that doesn’t react to small things and rather keeps its composure.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This British dog is yet another low-reactive dog that is anything but aggressive!
Highly adaptable and extremely patient, this dog comes with a loving disposition. Hence, people living with families prefer the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel over other dogs when it comes to choosing pets. This one never showcases aggressive behaviors. Hence, even if you take it outdoors to the dog park, it would showcase its best behavior!
These dogs with a sociable nature love to be a part of most of the family activities. Be it traveling with their folks or playing indoors, this dog prefers to be around its people!
Cavaliers are rather shy dogs. Even in the home, they would choose their favorite people and stay close to them.
6. Pug
The cute little dog is super charming and far from being aggressive. Yes, it can be stubborn at times, especially when it comes to training. Pugs are calm dogs with a low reactive nature.
With this dog in your house, you will never hear deep and loud barks. Rather, these companion dogs are mostly playful and docile.
With proper socialization, this dog gets comfortable in the company of humans and doesn’t throw a massive fit when you have guests at home. Loud music, however, can trigger a young dog as it has a peaceful nature.
Having said that, they will still alert you when a stranger enters the house or something weird happens around them. AKC says even if this dog reacts to alert you, it won’t be severe or extreme.
7. Newfoundland
Sweet-tempered and super-gentle, the Newfoundland is one of the least reactive dogs that you can keep in your house.
Even as an adult dog, it is a gentle one. This is why dog lovers fondly call it a gentle giant dog.
Despite being huge in size, it is a nonaggressive dog that doesn’t get affected by stimuli. Hence, pet parents easily trust it around the kids, and it is famously called a nanny dog.
They are low in energy. Hence, they don’t act or react as other dogs. As they are intelligent dogs, you can control them without a leash when you go outside. However, make sure you have practiced this enough times to trust the dog to be on its own when you step outside the house.
Regular walks outside the house and puzzle games are necessary to provide this dog with the much-needed physical and mental stimulation.
8. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a lively dog. It is full of energy but can’t be described as a reactive dog.
Yes, it loves to be around kids and other fellow pets, its hyper energetic behavior can’t be tagged as aggressive behavior.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says they are sociable dogs. Hence, you need to provide them enough chances for socialization as they grow up to ensure they are used to human contact.
Thanks to their easy-going nature, this Reddit Thread says this dog is great for first-time owners if they stick to a firm obedience routine and proper training without being harsh or strict. Not practicing this can lead to these dogs being mischievous.
These dogs are a bit high-maintenance. Keep them engaged with lots of brain games, and they will love to spend their time with you!
9. Whippet
The whippet is a super-friendly and lively dog. However, at the same time, it is a quiet animal who rarely barks!
Its adaptability makes it a wonderful family dog for owners who keep moving to different places when compared to other pets. This dog adapts well to changing living situations and doesn’t show any reaction.
Unlike aggressive breed dogs, Whippets get along with guests and visitors easily.
Oh, and let me mention, these dogs love to sleep! As a matter of fact, this furry friend of yours would spend most of its time taking small naps. PDSA says it is necessary to take it out for regular walks, or else it will get antisocial.
Conclsuion
A low-reactive dog is surely an easy-to-manage dog! Homes with kids need pets that add a sense of calmness to their lives when the toddlers are already throwing tantrums every hour. Low-reactive dogs are a stress-free addition to the home that provides parents with the much-needed emotional peace.
Some other dogs that are great for a harmonious and manageable relationship with humans include the Labrador retriever, the Bichon Frise, and the Border Collie. With them being with you, you can surely build a happy home!
