Choosing a furry friend involves more than just their cuteness; their behavior is a crucial factor to consider! Since your dog will be a long-term companion and part of your household, it’s important to pick a breed known for being well-behaved. So, here are 17 dog breeds celebrated for their outstanding behavior.
Corgi
Known for their association with our British royalty, Corgis are adorable dogs with iconic short legs and big ears. YourPureBredPuppy says, “This attentive breed learns quickly and responds well to obedience training.” Corgis are affectionate without being overly demanding, making them great companions.
Beagle
Beagles, with their expressive eyes and charming demeanor, are ideal family pets. As scent hounds, they’re curious and require regular physical activity, but they respond well to positive training methods, making them a joy to raise. Beagles are also friendly and sociable, thriving in an environment of companionship and play.
Boston Terrier
Originally bred in Boston, U.S., the Boston Terrier is known for its friendly, lively personality and stable disposition. It’s a low-maintenance breed with a short, smooth coat, ideal for those who want companion dogs. This type of dog will blend seamlessly into family life!
Bull Terrier
People don’t often assume that Bull Terriers are well-behaved because of their “menacing” appearance—but these dogs are actually very friendly and intelligent, making fantastic family pets! The strong, muscular breed from here in the United Kingdom is adaptable to different living environments and thrives on companionship.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Descended from the Spaniels of English royalty, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate dogs with loving temperaments. They thrive indoors with their family but also love to explore and play. They’re known for their health, happiness, and gentle nature—and, according to Wag, respond well to training.
Collie
The Collie breed has Scottish origins and was initially bred for herding sheep. These gorgeous, fluffy dogs are sensitive, affectionate, and responsive to positive reinforcement, making them very well-behaved. They’re also intelligent, good with families, and not naturally aggressive.
Golden Retriever
As you may well know, Golden Retrievers have long been praised for their excellent behavior and affectionate nature. This dog breed has a friendly, calm temperament, and they’re known for their love of their owners. They do make poor guard dogs due to their friendly nature, but they’re also easy to train.
Labrador Retriever
As shared by PetPlan, these dogs “are a popular choice for a family pet, due to their kind and playful spirit.” Labrador Retrievers are a versatile breed, popular as both service and therapy dogs. They have a calm demeanor and are highly intelligent and loyal. Adaptable to various living environments, they’re also easy to train.
Newfoundland
Despite their large size, Newfoundlands are actually gentle giants. This Canadian breed is known for its intelligence, patience, and loving nature, making it an ideal family pet. It’s crucial, however, to provide early training, given their strength and size. They’re also best suited to homes where they won’t be left alone for long periods, as they thrive on companionship.
Poodle
Poodles, originally bred as hunting dogs, are known for their intelligence and stylish appearance. They’re active, friendly, and confident, making them excellent family pets. They’re also quick learners, meaning training is a breeze. Regular exercise and grooming are key, and their hypoallergenic coat is ideal for allergy sufferers.
Pug
This ancient breed from China is popular worldwide, mainly because of their adorable squashed-looking faces. Despite their mischievous personalities, Pugs are sociable and integrate well into families. They’re easy to train, though their curiosity can be a distraction and is something to watch out for.
Vizsla
“Hungarian Vizslas respond really well to positive, reward-based training from an early age because they are so eager to please their owners,” as per the PDSA. This energetic and intelligent breed is excellent at obedience training and needs ample exercise and mental stimulation.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are charming companions, perfect for indoor living due to their breathing issues. They’re playful, intelligent, and also easy to train, rarely barking except to alert for danger. Frenchies require minimal exercise, making them suitable for less active households, and their affectionate nature and entertaining personalities make them beloved family pets.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Originating in Switzerland and known for its tri-colored coat, the majestic Bernese Mountain Dog is patient, friendly, and gentle. They adapt well to family life, getting along with children and even cats. Quick learners, they also excel as service dogs and are great for people seeking a large, affectionate pet.
Basset Hound
Recognizable by their floppy ears, Basset Hounds have a cool, laid-back nature. These dogs are patient and ideal for families, especially those with children. They’re intelligent and easy to train but need regular exercise to avoid weight gain. Bassets form strong bonds with their owners, making them loyal and lifelong companions.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu dogs, a toy breed originating in China, are known for their long, silky coats and affectionate nature. They’re adaptable to apartment living, friendly with children and other pets, and love to learn new things—though their stubbornness can make them hard to train without the right methods.
Boxer
Boxers have playful natures and are very loyal. Excellent with children, they strike a balance between being protective and friendly. They’re also intelligent and trainable as pets, making them suitable for active families. If you want an affectionate dog who can adapt well to various living situations and is well-behaved, this is one option to consider.