10 Best-Behaved Dog Breeds to Love

"The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's." – Mark Twain 

Only pet parents would understand that a few years of one's life with their dogs is not enough or fair to share. We can only spend a significant amount of time with them while they share their whole lives. If you have shared your life with more than one dog, you would know they all come with a rainbow of personalities. Some are too active, while others are the laziest of them all. However they are, you cannot love them any less than the other. You would love their frantic side as much as their sleepy faces. 

However, if you are looking for a furry friend who will mostly be on his best behavior, this blog can be your guide. Here are the best-behaved dog breeds and more about them to discover which one will be your soulmate. 

Best Behaved Dog Breeds and Their Features

Any dog breed, regardless of its fundamental personality traits, has the potential to be at their best behavior. This entirely depends on their parents. However, here are the most well-behaved dogs which require the least effort:  

Golden Retriever 

 

Golden Retrievers are one of the most commonly owned dog breeds. Most people prefer this breed due to their easy-going nature, which makes them comfortable to tag along. Also, who doesn't like to have a furry, loyal, Golden stress-buster with them? 

The best thing about this breed is its unconditional love for families and children. All of these points gather to bring the Golden Retriever to the number 1 spot on this list. 

Group: Sporting Group 

Height: 51cm – 60 cm

Weight: 25 kg – 34 kg 

Energy Level: Active 

Physical Characteristics: Water-repellent coat, golden to creamy shade, strong and broad head, short floppy ears, straight muzzle, etc. 

Lifespan: 10 – 12 years 

Labrador Retriever 

Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U.S. and there are some undeniable reasons for the same. What makes them so popular in the States and all over the world is their easy trainability and family-friendliness. 

Since they are puppies, their energy level stays at 10 on a scale of 10. However, as they grow old, they prefer to spend their time at leisure more than playing or fetching sticks. 

   Group: Sporting Group 
   Height: 57 cm – 60 cm 
   Weight: 29 kg – 36 kg 
   Energy Level: Active
   Physical Characteristics: Wide head, gentle eyes, short thick coat, yellow,       brown or black in color, floppy ears, sturdy stature, etc. 
   Lifespan: 10 – 12 years 

Beagle 

 

Have you watched the Disney movie named “The Underdog”? Do you remember the character named Shoeshine? Shoeshine is a beagle. The Sewdish breed is so playful and amicable, that even Disney couldn’t resist making them a part of their world.

They love to play, cuddle, and even hunt if required. What's not to love, right? They can get a bit stubborn occasionally. However, with consistent training, they are one of the most well-behaved dog breeds. 

Group: Hound 

Height: 33 cm – 41 cm

Weight: 9 kg – 11 kg 

Energy Level: High 

Physical Characteristics: Muscular, domed head, droopy and log ears, square muzzle, broad nose, lemon, red & white, tricolor shades, etc. 

Lifespan: 12 – 15 years 

German Shepherd 

All of us call our pets "good boy" or "good girl" out of affection. But if you want the definition of a "good boy", a German Shepherd would fit perfectly. 

GSDs are mostly chosen for military services because of their active nature and responsiveness. However, they love nothing more than accompanying their "hooman” in everything they do. They are also one of the most loyal dog breeds. 

     Group: Herding 

Height: 166 cm – 180 cm

Weight: 22 kg – 40 kg 

Energy Level: High 

Physical Characteristics: Large and straight ears, broad head, sharp muzzle,   curved and bushy tail, muscular build, dense coat, etc. 

Lifespan: 9 – 13 years 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog use to be a favorite among monarchs and they descend from the English Royal Stock in the 1600s. They are one of the most well-behaved breeds due to their calm and cuddly nature. 

They get used to families, elders and children easily, making them a great option for first-time pet owners. 

 

Group: Toy Dog 

Height: 30 – 33 cm 

Weight: 5.9 – 8.2 kg 

Energy Level: Medium 

Physical Characteristics: Large round eyes, silky coat, droopy fluffy ears, etc.

Lifespan: 9 – 14 years 

 

Bernese Mountain Dog

 

If you get scared of the size of a Bernese Mountain Dog, let me tell you, they are just like giant plushies. They love to play and cuddle to sleep. Hence, you won’t need a pillow. What makes them a great choice is their calm and patient behavior with children and elderly citizens. This is a tri colored dog breed.

On an aggression level of 10, they will probably get a 2, which makes them a sweetheart. 

Group: Working 

Height: 58 – 70 cm

Weight: 36 – 50 kg 

Energy Level: Moderate 

Physical Characteristics: Elegant tri colored coat, long and thick coat, muscular     build, long fluffy tail, etc. 

Lifespan: 6 – 8 years 

Great Dane

 

Great Danes are really great in size but they are actually just giant and scary darlings. Even though they are compared with the size of horses, they can be a great cuddle buddy. Hence, if you have guests coming over, warn them of getting giant-sized cuddles and face-licks.  

Group: Working 

Height: 71 – 90 cm 

Weight: 45 – 91 kg

Energy Level: High 

Physical Characteristics: Strong and long neck, straight front legs, muscular built, smooth and short coat, medium length tail, etc. 

Lifespan: 8 – 10 years 

Border Collie 

 

Border Collies are incredibly affectionate and intelligent. They are usually known as “working dogs” and you can find them in fields. But they can also be a great cuddle partner and pretty energetic if you want to have some entertainment. 

Group: Herding 

Height: 46 – 53 cm 

Weight: 12 – 20 kg 

Energy Level: High 

Physical Characteristics: Rough or smooth coat, smoother undercoat and       coarser overcoat, strong body, wide shoulder, etc.  

Lifespan: 10 – 17 years 

St. Bernard

St. Bernard is another addition to the list of gentle giant plushies. They were previously utilized in Europe for their exceptional search and rescue talent. They are the perfect blend of strength and gentleness. This is the primary reason why they are comfortable to be around. 

Their kindness and vigor make them one of the most well-behaved dog breeds in the world and Switzerland’s national dog.  

Group: Working 

Height: 65 – 90 cm 

Weight: 54 – 82 kg 

Energy Level: Moderate 

Physical Characteristics: Color combinations include red & white, brindle & white, brown & white, droopy dark eyes, floppy ears, wide head, short muzzle, etc. 

Lifespan: 8 – 10 years 

Shih Tzu

There are dogs like Great Danes on the list, and then there is Shih Tzu. The comparison is the difference between their size spectrums. Their temperament is comparable to some large dog breeds even if you can fit them in your tote bag. 

Once you are a parent to a Shih Tzu, you will never be out of cuddles and amusement. 

Group: Toy Dog

Height: 20 – 28 cm

Weight: 4 – 7 kg 

Energy Level: Moderate 

Physical Characteristics: Moderate sized & rounded head, short muzzle, prominent eyes, noticeable underbite, long lush double coat, tail curled up over the back, etc. 

Lifespan: 14 – 15 years 

   

Takeaway

In this blog, there are only 10 dog breeds discussed. But there are many other breeds in the world that are just as well-behaved, energetic, loving and gentle as these ones. A breed doesn't guarantee a dog's behavior. A large part of their behavior depends on their upbringing, just like a human child. Hence, ensure they have a healthy diet and environment to live and thrive in, and you will have the best-behaved dog breed regardless of their stereotypes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any small dog breeds that are well-mannered?

Some of the well-mannered small dog breeds include Pug, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Terrier, Poodle, and Pekingese, Bichon Frise.  

What are some low-energy and well-behaved dog breeds?

Pug, Chow Chow, Tibetan Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Bulldog, Beagle, and Greyhound are some of the couch potatoes that are well-behaved. 

What are some gentle and well-behaved dog breeds ideal for first-time dog parents?

Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog, Shih Tzu, Papillon, and Poodles are some gentle and well-behaved dog breeds ideal for first-time dog parents. 

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