Choosing the most friendly dog breeds can be difficult as it requires careful consideration of several factors, including your available resources, the dog's estimated lifetime, personality traits, breed, and environmental requirements.
The goal is to determine non-aggressive dog breeds suitable for your family, household and social life. Keep reading to know more about aggression in dogs and the least aggressive dog breeds out there!
What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Dog Aggression?
Dog aggression has gone from a relatively unknown topic to a widely discussed one as more and more people try to pin down its causes. Experts suggest that the dog's genes play a role in this. However, other factors including the dog's upbringing and temperament, also matter.
- Aggressive dog behaviors include growling, lunging, and biting. Reactive dog behaviors include growling, lunging, and biting.
- Dogs that come from competent breeders are the most predictable in terms of their behavior. This is because there are specific breed features and behaviors that you can anticipate appearing in the dog as a result of its genetic makeup.
- The characteristics of their parents' breeds may be passed down to them by their mixed-breed offspring, and it takes attentive dog ownership to grasp their dispositions.
Top 14 Dog Breeds Known for Their Low Levels of Aggression
As we count down the top 14 dog breeds with low aggression levels, all of these dog breeds are paw-sitively ideal for anyone looking for a calm and loving companion.
1. Golden Retriever
This is a very friendly dog, also known for its sociable nature. They have an inclination towards friendliness and delight in mingling with different species. Golden Retrievers are wonderful companions because of their kind nature and outgoing personality. They are the canine equivalent of the gentle giant dog.
These massive canines are adored by their families for their calm temperament and tremendous desire for active playtime. Thanks to their high intelligence and trainability, these calm and large dog breeds are incredibly versatile and can excel in various roles. From assistance dogs and police dogs to hunting dogs, scent hounds, and loyal companions, they are widely sought-after for their adaptability and ability to fulfil diverse tasks.
2. Beagle
This small to medium-sized breed thrives in family settings and is especially wonderful with young children. No wonder this is truly one of the least aggressive dog breeds you can go for. They are admired the most because of their cheerful nature and tranquil temperament. This breed is characterized for having small legs and short hair, and its coat is often tricoloured and straightforward to care for.
Beagles were originally bred in England for use as hunting dogs, and as a result, they are high-energy dogs who require close monitoring when they are outside since they are readily stimulated by a wide variety of smells.
Due to their generally pleasant demeanours, they get along well with other dogs and even with people they have never met. This breed is not recognised for having a history of aggressive temperament, despite the fact that they are prone to canine anxiety over separation and boredom.
3. Maltese
The Maltese is a type of toy dog that is known for its friendly nature and is considered to be the breed that gave rise to the term "lap dog." They are renowned for their outgoing personalities, glossy coats, low maintenance requirements, and amazing agility capabilities for such a small animal.
They are among the traditional toy-good dog breeds, but their bark is significantly more dangerous than their bite, which might cause them to be unduly protective of their owners at times. They are typically eager to make new acquaintances wherever they go, which helps to alleviate this to a significant extent and can be mitigated by proper training and early socialization.
4. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the breed that best exemplifies the term "gentle giant," and it is also one of the least reactive dog breeds that is least likely to show aggression. They are bold canines who are known for their intelligence as well as their unwavering devotion to their families.
Their thick coats and webbed feet make these dogs incredibly capable swimmers who also like going for frequent swims. They are also adaptable canines who normally perform well in most living conditions, provided they get appropriate exercise and socialization and that they are given the opportunity to interact with other people.
5. Pug
They are the performers of the dog world and bring unending fun and amusement to any home they reside in. One of the least aggressive dog breeds, pugs have very recognisable squished faces and comedic natures, which make them wonderful family dogs. Pugs make excellent companions for people who live in smaller homes.
They are known for their human-like expressions, which they achieve with the help of their huge eyes and wrinkled faces. You can never misunderstand a pug's thoughts. These low-maintenance dogs thrive in various environments, as long as they receive ample love and attention from their beloved humans.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a calm, amiable, and affectionate canine that is graceful but athletic. Its name and history are both befitting of its royal pedigree, as is its disposition. These dogs enjoy playing and running outside on excursions, but they also love to cuddle on the sofa with their family, making them ideal family pets.
7. Great Dane
The Great Dane lives up to its name for being a noble and devoted canine, which is reflected in the dog's towering stature and massive build. Even though these canines are rarely hostile, the decision to acquire a Great Dane as a pet is not one that should be taken lightly.
These giant dogs need a lot of care and attention, in addition to space to exercise and eat. However, they are not known to be aggressive, and training is something you need to devote time to. If you have the room for it, a Great Dane may be an excellent family companion in addition to being an attentive and watchful guard dog.
8. Whippet
Whippets are kind and friendly dogs, but they can also be very fast and athletic if given the chance. However, these periods of accelerated activity are brief, and almost all of the day is spent in the shade, where they rest. These dogs are pleased to live in confined places because they don't bark very often and, as long as they get enough exercise, they aren't bothered by the confinement. This makes them ideal pets for apartments.
They are bright canines, one of the least aggressive dog breeds, simple to train and require little upkeep. They are also kind and compassionate when they are with their human families.
9. Greyhound
Although the sweet mindset of the Greyhound is less well-known than its rapid speed, this dog breed is as laid-back as they come. In spite of the fact that they are primarily recognised for their capacity to run, these dogs are perfectly satisfied to spend the majority of their time lazing around in the shade.
They are quiet, placid, and obedient dogs that choose peaceful settings and rarely make any noise at all. Early socialization is essential since they can be apprehensive of unfamiliar people and may chase after smaller animals.
10. Brittany
The beautiful and nimble Brittany was originally bred for hunting, but because this breed is so easy to teach, its natural hunting ability may readily be transformed into other canine activities. They are kind and gentle with children and other animals, making them ideal family dogs. But, in order for them to remain happy and stay out of mischief, they require a significant amount of physical activity. If you love spending time outdoors, the Brittany breed is perfect for you.
11. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a dog breed that is known for its superior athleticism as well as its seemingly endless stores of energy and high level of intelligence. Farmers have relied on Border Collies for close companionship and protection for ages because of their agility, quick thinking, and unwavering loyalty.
If they are introduced to new people and activities from an early age, these obedient dogs are wonderful additions to families and get along well with a wide variety of animals and other pets. In all, you must also keep in mind that though they are rarely violent, a significant amount of activity is still recommended on a daily basis to maintain their happiness and positive aura.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent option for families who live on farms or in homes with large yards since it has the temperament of a gentle giant despite its size. Despite their giant built size, these are friendly dogs with submissive and kind personalities. They are eager to please their owners and possess a high level of intelligence and are perfect for first-time pet parents.
They are devoted to their families and are tolerant and affectionate with children as well as other animals, even though they may occasionally try to herd them!
13. Bergamasco
The huge and powerful Bergamasco may appear to be scary due to their one-of-a-kind shaggy coat, but in reality, they are as loving and gentle as it gets. These dogs were originally intended to be trustworthy and watchful guard dogs, and they have maintained their naturally calm and protective demeanor even when living with families.
They are known to build one-of-a-kind ties with each member of the family as they are highly social creatures. Bergamasco has the ability to sense its surroundings profoundly. This ultimately helps them to be as effective as watchdogs.
14. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is an ideal choice to be a family pet owing to its laid-back attitude. They are outgoing dogs who are constantly pleased to see new people and get along splendidly with human companions and canine and feline companions, provided they are socialized from an early age.
How to Ensure Your Puppy Stays Non-aggressive?
With only a few easy steps, you can set the stage for a lifetime of pleasant relationships with your dog. Learn the ins and outs of socialization, positive reinforcement, and obedience training so that your dog grows up well-rounded, obedient and entirely non-aggressive.
1. Socialization
Socialization is really a fruitful trait that must be incorporated in dogs. This ultimately helps them to be comfortable around new situations and different audiences and curb any sign of aggression right from the beginning. Dogs that are socialized as puppies have fewer fears as adults and are more content with life in general. They learn to adapt positively to new environments, especially to new sounds and smells. In order to help the dog control his or her aggressive tendencies, early intervention is essential.
2. Positive Reinforcement
You can successfully mold your pet's behavior through the use of positive reinforcement. The idea is to give your pet a treat or a personalized gift when they achieve a certain point in their training. Your pet will likely repeat the behavior or training you ask of it if doing so will result in a reward.
3. Obedience Training
Dogs have a high level of intelligence and may learn to perform the tasks their pet parents assign them. Training your dog in obedience teaches it appropriate actions. The use of rewards in obedience training is common. You might give them their favorite foods or just lavish them with love and affection as a reward. Dogs as early as 14 weeks old usually begin obedience training. There is also a consensus among dog experts that golden retrievers and labradors are the calmest canine species.
Obedience training, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are all effective methods for helping a young dog become less aggressive over time.
Also, picking up the correct dog presents and toys will help your developing puppy develop a calm demeanor. You can help your puppy grow into a calm, friendly pet by giving it age-appropriate toys that challenge its mind and reward good conduct.
Takeaway
The possibility of nipping aggression at the bud exists in every dog, but these 14 breeds are especially well-known for their gentle conduct and appreciation of positive playful habits. These dogs represent the best qualities desired in a companion dog, bringing joy and peace to their lucky owners' homes.
Reference Links
- https://dogacademy.org/blog/least-aggressive-dog-breeds/
- https://www.hepper.com/least-aggressive-dog-breeds/
- https://breedingbusiness.com/least-aggressive-dog-breeds/
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/dog-breeds/a41305892/safe-dog-breeds-least-likely-bite/
- https://puppiesclub.com/least-aggressive-dog-breeds/?&isPwa=true
- https://canna-pet.com/articles/top-12-least-aggressive-dog-breeds/