Dogs are man’s best friend and have been for a long time. They’re intelligent, friendly, and very loyal companions.
When you start looking for a dog, you have probably looked up the least aggressive dog breeds, which is why you’re here. Even though the breeds that are considered aggressive sometimes get a bad rep, it’s understandable why someone would want a friendlier breed.
Especially if you’re looking for a family dog, you will find the best options among the dogs who least display aggressive behavior. From Golden Retrievers to Pugs, many friendly, loving, and non aggressive dogs are out there.
To aid you in your search, this list contains 15 of the least aggressive dog breeds and an overview of their personalities. Who knows, if you keep reading, you might just find your next good boy.
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1. Basset Hound
These droopy-eyed and long-eared dogs are very easy-going breeds. They are great family dogs and make excellent companions for the elderly, young children, or anyone with limited mobility. They have a reputation for being porch dogs, basking in the sun, and taking a lot of naps.
Basset Hounds are also quite friendly towards other pets and even strangers. These friendly dogs may look a little sad, but they are super playful and outgoing. You will have the time of your life and then have a nap on the couch with one of these chill dogs.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs may look like small bears but have such a sweet personality. These large dogs are known for their loyalty and friendly disposition and even make excellent watchdogs. This gentle giant creates strong bonds with their family members but are also friendly towards strangers.
They are also so calm that they can handle kids climbing all over them without snapping or growling. However, they might try to herd the kids due to their history as cattle dogs. These gentle giants are as hard-working as they come and make great family dogs. However, they do need a lot of outside time and proper training.
If you open your heart to a Bernese Mountain Dog, you will have a gentle being who lounges around your house and eats everything in sight. Not much different from a teenager, just less moody. Or check out the Bernedoodle, a Bernese Mountain dog crossed with a poodle.
3. Beagle
Bred as hunting dogs, Beagles are very energetic and get excited by different smells. Even though they need a lot of supervision, they have such a happy and friendly nature. It’s like nothing can get a Beagle down.
They are sociable and get along well with kids, strangers, and other dogs. They’re also perfect for getting your younger child’s energy out, as they are very athletic and love running around. Beagles can be very loud, so do keep that in mind if you live in a quiet neighborhood. They can also become prone to canine separation anxiety.
Welcoming a Beagle into your home opens the door for a lot of energy and love.
4. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is known as the quintessential family dog. They are super intelligent, friendly, and easy-going breeds. These gentle dogs are also adaptable, so they are used as guide, sniffer, and police dogs.
Golden Retrievers can get very attached to their owners and love pleasing them. They can also be incredibly active and excitable as puppies. However, you can train this behavior; they will be the calm, loving, and loyal dogs we know.
A Golden Retriever is a perfect friend, guardian, and cuddle bug for anyone who doesn’t mind some hair everywhere.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands have been nicknamed the nanny dogs because of their relationship with children. And even though their size might be intimidating, they are such gentle creatures. They are docile and calm, working as companion dogs and rescue dogs. They are also courageous and loyal breeds.
Newfoundlands are very protective of their family. They easily tolerate small kids climbing all over them and will follow them around to ensure they are safe. This breed loves to swim, so make sure you have access to a pool or lake for them to splash around in. They also tend to sit on your feet as if they don’t weigh 150 lbs.
If you want a friend and a babysitter in one, then a Newfoundland dog is the perfect companion.
6. Brittany
Brittany Spaniels are sweet-tempered, sensitive, and love to please. Their friendly and peaceful disposition makes them thrive in a calm environment. They are very polite and gentle with people and other animals but get attached to their owners.
Originally bred to hunt birds, they are active and excitable. The birds in your backyard need to watch out. Brittanys train well but need exercise and a lot of playtime. If not, they can get into all sorts of mischief. Interactive toys are a great way to keep them out of trouble. They do well with kids and other animals but keep them away from small animals like birds and hamsters.
If you love dogs and hate pigeons, get a Brittany. They will supply you with an endless amount of entertainment.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The American Kennel Club classed These small spaniels as toy dogs, but they have prominent personalities.
These affectionate and curious creatures require a lot of attention. However, they are well-behaved and loyal.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can either be very friendly and outgoing or calm and prefer cuddling with you on the couch. They are also quite intelligent and adaptable, fitting into new environments easily. They also make great lap dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are as regal and elegant as their name and will make you feel like royalty whenever they curl up on your lap.
8. Labrador Retriever
Another iconic and popular family dog, Labrador Retrievers are gentle and easy-going dogs. They are as friendly as they come but also highly energetic. Labradors love playing with small children and other dogs and need a lot of playtime. Invest in a good quality leash and harness system because they will wear them out from all the walkies.
Labradors are eager to please and are very loyal dogs. They love human interaction and get attached to their owners. However, they are thought to be the most social breed. They are incredibly friendly toward strangers and other animals. They indeed are man’s best friend.
Labradors are great if you enjoy an active lifestyle with a dog that will say hello to everything they see on the walk.
9. Maltese
These affectionate toy breeds pretty much invented the term lap dog. Along with being a low-maintenance breed, they are also very friendly, caring, and docile. They are pretty intelligent and easily trainable due to their sociable personalities.
This breed is lively and playful and loves learning tricks. They can be overly protective of their owners, but their bark is much bigger than their bite. They don’t like being alone and will start whining if they’re left alone for too long. Even though they’re amiable dogs, they might snap at children that are being too rough with them.
But if they’re trained well, Malteses will be incredibly loving dogs who can entertain your guests with their adorable tricks.
10. Shih Tzu
The name Shih Tzu might mean little lion, but they’re far from it. These dogs are sweet and loving little creatures. They make themselves at home very quickly. They also train efficiently and do very well when walking in public with other people.
They are cuddly and quiet but can be very playful as well. They get along great with children and other animals. Shih Tzus were bred specifically to be companions, and following you throughout the house is a lot of fun for them. They also don’t mind being handled by children as long as they don’t get too rough.
Shih Tzu mix dogs are also very popular. Some of the most popular mix breeds are the Maltese Mix Shih Tzu, Chihuahua Shih Tzu mix, Shih Tzu mixed with Yorkie, the Shih Tzu Pomeranian, Shih Tzu mini, Imperial Shih Tzu and Maltese Shih Tzu Poodle.
These little lions are actually little lambs and will give you a lifetime of affection.
11. Border Collie
Border Collies have energy that never seems to deplete. However, even though they may drive you up the wall with their constant running, they’re such sweet family dogs and have been companions to farmers for centuries. They are also brilliant and quick thinking.
They love to learn tricks but can be hard to train due to their naturally stubborn personality. You need to earn their loyalty, but they are very protective when you do. And they will try to herd you or your kids if they haven’t received enough exercise.
One of the most stunning Border Collie colours is Blue Merles.
A Border Collie will be your best friend and running partner if you live an active lifestyle. And when you get home exhausted after a nice exercise session, you can relax while they go take care of the kids.
12. Rough Collie
The first thing that catches your eye about a Rough Collie is their majestic long coat that looks like they’re straight out of a Maybelline commercial. But they’re also known as one of the least aggressive dog breeds out there with their calm personalities.
They’re brilliant, train easily, and can pick up tricks quickly. They’re also quite energetic and need a lot of exercise and attention, or they may start herding anything that moves. Rough Collies are loyal and gentle animals and do very well with children and other dogs.
Rough Collies are beautiful dogs with calm demeanors. You won’t regret letting one into your home and on your morning jog.
13. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are goofy dogs with loveable and energetic personalities. They are athletic and perfect for anyone who lives an active lifestyle. They also train very well. Even though they have charming and kind dispositions, they can be pretty shy when around people they don’t know.
They are great with children but might accidentally knock over smaller kids because they’re so boisterous. Irish Setters can be very needy; if they don’t get attention for a while, they may chew your furniture.
Fun Fact: An Irish Setter chewed through the first manuscript of the novel Of Mice and Men. Get them some durable chew toys for these moments of boredom.
They were bred to hunt ducks and doves, so they might also chase the birds in your backyard. Be sure that if you let an Irish Setter into your home, you will have a loveable pup who wants to play fetch 24/7.
14. Poodle
There is more than one type of Poodle, the standard, the miniature, and the toy poodle. Not to mention all of the poodle mix breeds. These include the cavapoochon, golden mountain doodle, pomapoo, goldendoodle, labradoodle, whoodle and german shepherd poodle mix.
However, their personalities are very similar. These dogs are very polite and gentle and super intelligent to boot. Even though they’re laid back, they do need a lot of exercise and playtime. Poodles excel at dog sports.
These fluffy dogs are a breed of water dogs and love splashing around in puddles. They can also develop bad barking habits, so training from a young age is essential for Poodles. They are quite clingy and can get anxious if left alone for a long time. Loud noises and rough play can also make them nervous.
No matter which Poodle you choose, you will have an elegant and graceful pup who sometimes gets into the muddy puddles outside.
15. Pug
You’ll know a Pug immediately from their little smushed faces and curly tail. These small dogs have huge personalities and have grown in popularity over the past few years. They are naturally protective of their owners but enjoy socialization with new people. They also get along great with kids.
Pugs are dramatic. They are one of the most dramatic dogs and will overreact to scolding or any mild inconvenience. They are also incredibly strong-willed and are attached to their owners, following them around.
Pugs are charming and easy-going. They don’t need a lot of exercise but love snacking, so it’s good to keep an eye on them. A timed pet feeder can do this for you when you’re away.
Pugs are very loving and affectionate dogs; if you welcome one into your family, you will have a dramatic companion you can’t stay mad at.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.