Few experiences warm the heart like the companionship of a loyal dog.
For ages, these furry friends have stood by us, epitomizing loyalty and love.
Yet, among the canine kingdom, some breeds stand out for their exceptional gentleness and affection.
Perfect for families, kids, or anyone in search of a faithful sidekick, this article shines a light on the gentlest dog breeds that promise to bring more joy and less bark into your life.
1. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is undoubtedly one of the gentlest dog breeds out there.
These dogs are known for their friendly and tolerant attitude, which makes them great family pets.
They are also incredibly patient and gentle with children, making them the perfect addition to any household with kids.
One of the most distinctive features of the Golden Retriever is their lustrous coat of gold, which gives the breed its name.
This dense, double-layered coat is water-resistant and perfect for playing in the great outdoors. It also requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best.
Golden Retrievers are also incredibly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
They are often used as service dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs due to their loyal and obedient nature.
In terms of size, Golden Retrievers are considered medium-sized dogs, with males typically weighing between 65 and 75 pounds and females weighing between 55 and 65 pounds.
They are muscular and sturdy, with a broad head and friendly, intelligent eyes.
2. Labrador Retriever
Ah, the Labrador Retriever, the most popular dog breed in the United States for the past 30 years.
These lovable goofballs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them the perfect family pet.
Labradors are great with children and other animals, and they have a natural instinct to retrieve, which makes them excellent hunting companions.
They’re also highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a popular choice for service dogs.
One thing to keep in mind with Labradors is their energy level. These dogs have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
A daily walk or run, or a game of fetch in the backyard, will help burn off some of that excess energy.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known as “gentle giants” due to their massive size and sweet temperament.
These dogs are patient, calm, and affectionate, making them excellent family pets.
One of the most distinctive features of the Newfoundland is their thick, water-resistant coat, which comes in black, brown, or gray.
They were originally bred as working dogs to help fishermen pull nets and rescue drowning people.
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are surprisingly gentle and careful around children, earning them a reputation as one of the best family dogs.
They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience and water rescue competitions.
Newfoundlands do require regular exercise and grooming due to their size and thick coat.
However, their laid-back nature makes them perfectly content to lounge around the house with their family.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Gentle and patient temperament | Requires regular exercise |
| Excellent family pet | Requires regular grooming |
| Highly trainable | Can be prone to health issues |
| Skilled in water rescue | Can be messy droolers |
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, gentle dog breed with a big heart.
They are known for their sweet and affectionate nature, making them one of the gentlest dog breeds out there.
Appearance
Cavaliers are a toy breed that typically weigh between 13 to 18 pounds and stand 12 to 13 inches tall at the withers.
They have a long, silky coat that comes in four color varieties: tricolor, Blenheim (red and white), ruby, and black and tan.
Their feathering around the ears, feet, chest, and tail adds to their elegant appearance.
Personality
Cavaliers are known for their friendly, outgoing, and affectionate personalities. They love to cuddle and are always up for a good belly rub.
They are also great with children and other pets, making them the perfect family dog.
Care
Cavaliers require regular grooming to keep their long coats looking their best.
They also need daily exercise, but they are not high-energy dogs and are happy with a short walk or playtime in the backyard.
They are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as Mitral Valve Disease (MVD), syringomyelia (SM), and hip dysplasia.
5. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is a high-spirited gundog known for its grace, swiftness, and flashy red coat.
They are famously good family dogs: sweet-tempered companions for the folks, and playful and energetic with children [1].
Irish Setters are medium to large-sized dogs, standing tall and elegant in appearance, with fairly long legs and a long neck.
They have a moderate muzzle with an obvious stop (forehead) and their ears hang down.
Their coat is shiny, long, and silky, with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail [2].
These dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personality. They love to be around people and are always eager to please.
They are also quite intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tasks.
However, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak, so training may require some patience and persistence [3].
Characteristics
- Weight: 60-70 pounds
- Height: 25-27 inches
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Coat Color: Red
- Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, and playful
- Exercise Needs: Moderate to high
6. Pug
The Pug is a small dog breed that is known for its wrinkly face and charming personality.
This breed is one of the most popular lap dogs in the world, and for good reason.
Pugs are playful, affectionate, and gentle, making them perfect for families with children or elderly people who need a companion.
One of the most endearing qualities of the Pug is its ability to make people laugh.
These dogs have a great sense of humor and love to clown around.
They are also very expressive and have a wide range of facial expressions that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Despite their small size, Pugs are sturdy and robust dogs.
They are not prone to many health problems, although they can be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise and a healthy diet.
Pugs are also known for their snoring, which can be a bit of a nuisance for some people.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, fluffy, and friendly breed that is known for its gentle nature.
They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their size and calm temperament.
These dogs are great with children and other pets, making them a perfect addition to any family.
They are also very loyal and protective of their owners, which makes them great watchdogs.
One thing to keep in mind is that Bernese Mountain Dogs require a lot of exercise and grooming.
They love to play and run around, so they need plenty of space to move around in. Additionally, their thick coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
8. Collie
If you’re looking for a dog that’s both gentle and intelligent, you might want to consider a Collie. These dogs are famously fond of children and make wonderful family pets.
These swift, athletic dogs thrive on companionship and regular exercise. With gentle training, they learn happily and are quick learners.
Collies are sheepdogs by definition and include smooth collies, rough collies, border collies, bearded collies, English shepherds, Shetland sheepdogs, and Old English shepherds.
The different types of collies normally have long fur and herd cattle or sheep. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and playful nature.
With their long, flowing coats and their intelligent, expressive eyes, collies are one of the most recognizable breeds in the world.
They are also highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and herding trials.
If you’re looking for a gentle dog that will be a loyal companion for years to come, a Collie might be just what you’re looking for.
They are great with children and other pets and are known for their gentle and patient nature.
They are also highly intelligent and love to learn new things, so they make great pets for people who enjoy training and teaching their dogs new tricks.
9. Bulldog
Bulldogs may look tough and intimidating with their wrinkly faces and muscular build, but they are actually one of the gentlest dog breeds out there.
These lovable and affectionate dogs are known for their calm and patient demeanor, making them great companions for families with children or seniors.
One of the defining characteristics of Bulldogs is their stubbornness, but don’t let that fool you.
They may be determined, but they are also incredibly loyal and eager to please their owners.
With proper training and socialization, Bulldogs can be well-behaved and obedient pets.
In addition to their gentle nature, Bulldogs are also low-maintenance dogs.
They don’t require a lot of exercise or grooming, making them a great choice for apartment dwellers or those with busy lifestyles.
However, it’s important to note that Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, such as respiratory problems and skin infections, so it’s important to keep up with their veterinary care.
10. Beagle
Beagles are known for their adorable looks and gentle personality. They are small to medium-sized dogs that make great family pets.
Their floppy ears and big brown eyes will melt anyone’s heart.
Appearance
Beagles have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, tan, and white.
They have a compact, muscular body with a broad head and long, droopy ears. Beagles are known for their distinctive howl, which can be heard from miles away.
Temperament
Beagles are friendly, sociable dogs that love to be around people. They are great with children and make excellent family pets.
Beagles are also very intelligent and easy to train, although they can be stubborn at times.
They are known for their love of food, so be sure to keep them on a healthy diet to avoid obesity.
Care
Beagles require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
They love to run and play, so taking them for daily walks or letting them run in a fenced yard is important.
Beagles also require regular grooming to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
11. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, friendly, and affectionate dog breed that is known for its gentle nature.
They are great with children and make excellent pets for those living in apartments or small homes.
Temperament
Shih Tzus have a playful and lively personality that makes them a joy to be around. They are also very loyal and protective of their owners.
According to Great Pet Care, they are affectionate and playful, which makes them great for families with children.
Characteristics
Shih Tzus have a long double coat that comes in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations.
They stand 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh between 9 to 16 pounds. They have a life span of 10 to 16 years.
Care
To keep their long coat looking its best, Shih Tzus require regular grooming and brushing.
They also need daily exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
According to the American Kennel Club, they are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems, so regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important.
12. Greyhound
If you’re looking for a gentle dog breed that’s also incredibly fast, the Greyhound might be the perfect choice for you.
These dogs are known for their incredible speed, but they’re also incredibly gentle and loving.
One of the benefits of owning a Greyhound is that they require very little grooming.
Their short, smooth coat doesn’t require much maintenance, so you won’t have to spend hours brushing and grooming your dog.
Another benefit of owning a Greyhound is that they’re generally very quiet.
They don’t bark much, so you won’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors with a noisy dog.
Greyhounds are also known for their sweet and gentle nature. They’re great with children and love to cuddle up on the couch with their owners.
They’re very loyal and will quickly become a beloved member of your family.
13. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a lovable and gentle breed that is known for its long ears, droopy eyes, and short legs.
They are a medium-sized dog that was originally bred in France as a hunting companion.
Basset Hounds are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets.
Patient with children and other pets, Basset Hounds thrive when properly socialized.
Their loving and affectionate nature makes every moment a joy.
A standout trait is their remarkable sense of smell, elevating them to stellar hunting companions, especially adept at tracking small game like rabbits and hares.
Despite these hunting proclivities, Basset Hounds embody the essence of low-energy dogs.
Lounge days and leisurely strolls are their preferred pastimes, eschewing the need for vigorous exercise.
Content with the simpler pleasures, they demand minimal activity, perfectly suited for relaxed living environments.
