32 of the Least Aggressive Dog Breeds

When we want to get a doggo, we consider tons of things. As a dog dad, many people have asked me these questions, and one of the main questions most of these people asked me is, “What are the least aggressive dog breeds?” Even though we get doggos as pets, there are two main benefits of having one. They are,

They protect us
They give us love

So if you are getting a dog as a guard dog or as a protector, you have to get an aggressive kind. Even though every doggo is obedient to its owner, aggressive dogs are not very kind to others. So if you have children or maybe many people come to your house regularly, then having an aggressive doggo can cause problems. This is why many people ask me this question, and you are also here because you have this question, right? So let’s dive in and check “What are the least aggressive dog breeds.” I have some of these breeds, but me and my brother have had lots of experience with these breeds. Hence, we know that these breeds are generally very friendly and are some of the least aggressive dog breeds in the whole world.

Basset Hound

Personality: Amicable, Social
Coat: Double coat withshort Hair.
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
Adaptability: Very flexible for almost any situation

Basset Hound is one of the least aggressive dog breeds in the world. So don’t let the name fool you. These hounds are loving and super friendly. This breed was originally hunting in packs. Because of that, they get along with any kind of dog and any type of pet. They are very adaptable to their owner and are good with little kids. Basset Hounds are very smart but somewhat hard to train than other breeds.

Bassets are usually lazy when they are inside the house. They also hate to be left alone for more extended periods. So they could get destructive if they are left alone for a longer time. But overall wise, Basset Hounds are none aggressive dog breed for apartments even. They are also considered small dogs least likely to bite. You can learn more about this breed from this site and about other least aggressive breeds.

Brittany Spaniel

Personality: Patient and Gentle with everyone
Coat: Dense double coat with a variety of colors
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Not ideal for apartments

Brittany Spanielis a very friendly dog breed that gets along well with anyone (especially with kids). Brittany Spaniel is a large dog breed and they are very active (Height: 17.5-20.5 inches/ 44.5-52 cm, Weight: 30-40 pounds/ 13.6-18 kg) . They have lots of energy, so they need to be active a lot during the day. So, they are not suited for apartment households because they require much space to run and walk. They get along with other doggos, but keep in mind that they have tons of energy, so they need to be occupied all day. So, it might not be practical for some people to have a Brittany Spaniel if they already have other dog breeds at home.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Personality: Very playful and sociable
Coat: Dual coat withmedium length fur
Life Span: 9- 14 years
Adaptability: Will get adapted to any kind of environment

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal non-aggressive dog breed for apartments because they are small and don’t require much space. They like to cuddle with you or stay on the sofa anytime, but also they are ready for action any time. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very sociable breed with anyone. But keeps in mind that they are vulnerable to health issues like Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Slipping Patella, and Retinal Disorders.

Beagle

Personality: Intelligent and determined
Coat: Short double-layered coat with a variance of colors
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Most suitable for large households

Beagles are considered one of the sweetest dog breeds in the world. They got so famous when “Cats & Dogs (2001)” movie was released. They have a unique sense of smell, so Beagles are a very popular hunting dog breed. They also possess much energy, so a large environment is ideal for this breed. They are also very sociable with other animals, and since they are brilliant, it’s very easy to train Beagles.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Personality: Very loyal and affectionate
Coat: Double coat with a longer outercoat
Life Span: 6 – 8 years
Adaptability: Need a large household with much space

Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds you can find. So, it’s safe to say that they are very sociable even with little kids. However, since they are large in size (Height: 23-27.5 inches/ 58-70 cm, Weight: 70-115 pounds/ 31-52 kg), they will not be adaptable for apartment households. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a good family dog and are considered one of the most loyal dog breeds in the world. But make sure that you handle them with kindness because they are compassionate. If you get aggressive towards this breed, they might be non-responsive to you.

Golden Retriever

Personality: Friendly, Intelligent, and trustworthy
Coat: Two layers with dense water repellent outer coat and a thick undercoat
Life Span: 10 – 12
Adaptability: Can adapt to any kind of home (small or big)

Golden Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America. There are many reasons for this popularity. They are loyal and super friendly. Golden Retrievers are great with kids, even infants. They can even adapt to any kind of home. They are easy to maintain and easy to control. Golden Retrievers are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, so they are very easy to train even. So, suppose you are looking for the least aggressive dog breed. In that case, my personal opinion is that Golden Retrievers are generally an excellent choice.

Labrador

Personality: Friendly, loyal, and very sociable
Coat: Thick and short double coat with various colors
Life Span: 10 – 12
Adaptability: Can adapt to any kind of household

They go toe to toe with Golden Retrievers. Labradors hold 2^nd place in popularity in America. They can also adapt to any type of home and environment. Labradors are known to be a very sociable breed of dogs, and they are also one of the least aggressive dogs in the world. But keep in mind that they need to be socialized from an early stage to be less aggressive. A well-socialized doggo would be great with kids of any age. Make sure to buy a Labrador from a well-reputed breeder because they are prone to many inherited health issues. You can learn more about Labradors and Golden Retrievers from this site.

Portuguese Water Dog

Personality: Intelligent and very obedient to the owner
Coat: Single very long coat (curly or wavy)
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Can adapt to almost any kind of household

Portuguese Water Dogs are usually a very quiet doggo breed. They only bark when it’s necessary. They are also very friendly and sociable with anyone. They also can adapt to any kind of household as long as they get their daily required exercise. The biggest downside of having a Portuguese Water dog is that they need constant heavy grooming because of their long thick, and complicated hair coat. That’s why they are also considered stylish dogs. You can cut their body hair into different styles. If you do that, make sure that you get advice from an expert, so you don’t make your doggo uncomfortable with their hairstyle.

Collie

Personality: Intelligent and Family-friendly
Coat: Shorthair (Smooth) and Long hair (Rough)
Life Span: 14 – 16
Adaptability: Ideal for large households but can be adapted to apartments also

Collies are considered one of the best family dogs you can have. They are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, so it’s very easy to house train this doggo. Even though they have exceptionally long body hair, it’s easy to groom than you think. They are also very energetic outside but also very calm from the inside. So they will be by themselves without bothering you much. The main downside of having this dog breed is that you can’t leave them alone by themselves for a long time. Other than that, Collies are one of the best least aggressive doggos you can find.

Newfoundland

Personality: Sweet tempered and very gentle
Coat: Flat and thick water resistant double coat
Life Span: 8 – 10 years
Adaptability: Need plenty of room to adapt

This breed is generally not aggressive. Suppose you train this dogs properly and socialize them with other people and animals. In that case, their aggression will decrease a lot more. These sweet doggos are relatively large (Height: 69-74 cm/ 27-29 inches, Weight: 60-70 kg/ 132- 154 pounds) so, they need much space to move around even though they are a calm breed. In addition, they need heavy grooming because they have thick double-coated hair and their nails need to be trimmed regularly. Some people might be afraid of Newfoundland doggos since they are large, but they are one of the sweetest and least aggressive dog breeds you can find.

Pug

Personality: Perfect Companions
Coat: Short double coated
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Easily adaptable to lifestyle changes

If you are looking for the least aggressive small-sized dog breed, Pugs would be perfect for you (Height: 30-36 cm/ 11.8-14.8 inch, Weight: 14-18 pounds/ 6.3-8.1 kg). They are easily adaptable for any kind of lifestyle change but keep in mind that they are not very good with weather changes. These small pug pups would make perfect companions for you and your kids but make sure that you socialize them properly. Pugs are considered a bit harder to train than other breeds, but they listen to their masters.

Poodle

Personality: Intelligent and very trainable
Coat: Single coat of dense curled hair
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Extremely sensitive to stress

Poodles are the 4^th most popular dog breed in America. They are considered stylish dogs because you can trim their hair into different kinds. If you do that, make sure that you get advice from experts to not make your doggo uncomfortable with their hairstyles. Also, Poodles are known to be extremely sensitive to stress. If the family is arguing or the environment this doggo is living in is stressful, it will make them sick. Also, Poodles are very intelligent and very easy to train.

Irish Setter

Personality: Affectionate but shy
Coat: Double coat with a thick undercoat and long outer coat
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Ideal for bigger households with more space

Irish Setter is an amiable and sociable family dog. However, sometimes they can be a bit shy if not socialized properly. They are also very good with kids but can be a bit uncontrollable with little kids because Irish Setters are a bit large (Height: 22-26 inches/ 55-66 cm, Weight: 50-70 pounds/ 22-31 kg). They also have long hair that needs constant grooming, especially their ears. There is a myth that “Irish Setters are dumb.” It’s not true. But they love to goof around, and that’s why this myth was created in the first place. So, if you are looking for the least aggressive dog breed with tons of energy, Irish Setters would be ideal for you.

Shih Tzu

Personality: Intelligent, Loyal, and Playful
Coat: Dense, long and flowing double coat
Life Span: 10 – 16 years
Adaptability: Highly adaptable for any kind of household

Shih Tzu doggos live up to 16 years which is a lot in dog years, but they can suffer from severe kidney and liver failure. They are also vulnerable to eye diseases, skin allergies, knee problems. They are a small-sized breed (Height: 8-11 inches/ 20-28 cm, Weight: 9-16 pounds/ 4-7 kg), but they can quickly adapt to any kind of household. They are very friendly with anyone if you socialize them from an early stage. They would make great companions for little kids and would be a great addition to the family. The only downside of having a Shih Tzu is that they require extreme grooming. They are also considered a stylish dog breed because of their hair so, it needs heavy maintenance.

Bichon Frise

Personality: Gentle and Feisty
Coat: White soft yet substantial textured double coat
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
Adaptability: Easily adaptable to any living situation

Bichon Frise is also a stylish doggo. Therefore, require heavy grooming. This small dog breed (Height: 9.5-11.5 inches/ 24-30 cm, Weight: 12-18 pounds/ 5.4-8.1 kg) can live up to 15 years. They tend to bark a lot, but that does not mean they are aggressive. They are a very friendly dog breed and considered one of the breed of dog least likely to bite. They are brilliant and very easy to train. Bichon Frise can adapt to any living situation, whether it’s a huge household with lots of people or a small apartment with only the owner. But they do not respond well if they are left alone for long periods of time.

English Bulldog

Personality: Sweet and Gentle
Coat: Double coated with short hair
Life Span: 8 – 10 years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any kind of household

English bulldogs are a very gentle and loving dog breed. They are ideal with kids. They don’t bark a lot, but they tend to snore and wheeze. They can also get breathing difficulties in hot weather. However, they generally have loud breathing, so it’s normal and many doggos drools also. Even though they are very friendly in general, they tend to be aggressive with other dogs. Since they have very short hair coats, they require minimum hair grooming. But they require special attention when bathing since they have folds on their face that you have to clean with special care.

Havanese

Personality: Intelligent and playful
Coat: Double coated, long, silky and lightweight overcoat. The undercoat is very short (sometimes can be completely missing)
Life Span: 13 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Can quickly adapt to any kind of household

This little cute doggo (Height: 8.5-11.5 inches/ 21.5-29 cm, Weight: 7-13 pounds/ 3.2-5.9 kg) is the national dog in Cuba. They usually have a very long life, but they are very vulnerable to allergies, which can severely affect their health. This breed is also brilliant, so they are effortless to train. They are also very social and would make great family pets. They are great with little kids as well as other animals. Since Havanese have long hair, they need constant heavy grooming.

Papillon

Personality: Energetic, Intelligent, and Happy
Coat: Straight, silky, and lightweight without any undercoat
Life Span: 13 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any household, but they tend to like playing outside

This tiny dog breed (Height: 8-11 inches/ 20-28 cm, Weight: 4-9 pounds/ 1.8-4 kg) is highly intelligent and has a long lifespan. They can also adapt to any kind of household, but they do tend to like to play outdoors. Papillons get along with cats and other dogs as well as any humans. They are also ideal for households with infant babies since they are tiny and considered one of the least aggressive dog breeds in the world. However, they also need heavy grooming and are very vulnerable to separation anxiety if left alone by themselves for more extended periods of time.

Greyhound

Personality: Loving and Quiet
Coat: Any colored short and smooth hair
Life Span: 10 – 14 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any kind of household

Unlike their name, they are a very gentle and affectionate dog breed. They are also a well- mannered breed. Very sociable with humans and other animals. They are also good around small children. They usually mind their own business and do not require much attention. They can get adaptable to any kind of living situation and do not require lots of hair grooming. But keep in mind that Greyhound can be a bit aggressive if not appropriately socialized from an early stage.

Border Collie

Personality: Loyal, Alert, and Athletic
Coat: Two coat types. Medium length rough coat and a smooth shorter coat
Life Span: 10 – 17 Years
Adaptability: Best suited for households with huge space but can be adaptable to any living situations

This lovable dog breed is ideal around children. But keep in mind that Border Collies are somewhat sensitive. Suppose they are not given the required brain stimulation and attention, In that case, they tend to get hyperactive, and that can lead to destructive actions. Therefore, this breed is considered a high maintenance breed not for grooming, but they require lots of time and attention from the owner. Even though Border Coolies are less aggressive, they bark a lot as a method of communicating.

Great Dane

Personality: Friendly, Confident, and Devoted
Coat: Double coat with short hair
Life Span: 8 – 10 Years
Adaptability: Ideal for larger households

Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world (Height: 30-34 inches/ 76-86 cm, Weight: 100-130 pounds/ 45-59 kg). Despite their large size, this breed is very loving and highly sociable. They are great around children also. Since they are large, households with large spaces are ideal for living for Great Dane doggos. However, they tend to get anxiety if you leave them by themselves for more extended periods. They can get aggressive if not appropriately socialized from an early stage. Otherwise, these giants are just cuddling pups with so much love to offer.

Maltese

Personality: Fearless, Intelligent, and Easy going
Coat: Single pure white, straightand silky coat
Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any living situations

This small doggos (Height: 7-12 inches/ 18-30 cm, Weight: 4-8 pounds/ 1.8-3.6 kg) are fearless yet very loving. This stylish dog breed requires much heavy grooming. Their hair can grow long and touch the ground. After that, you have to trim it, or it will make this doggo uncomfortable. But other than that, this doggo is veryeasy going and highly trainable. They are very social and great with little kids. They can also adapt to any kind of living conditions (huge households or small apartments). They are vulnerable to different kinds of allergies. If you leave them alone for more than 4 hours at times, they can get frustrated and anxious.

Whippet

Personality: Intelligent and very Friendly
Coat: Double coated with thin and short hair
Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any lifestyle from an early stage

This England dog breed is famous for being very friendly towards humans they are familiar. So if you socialize them from an early stage, they would be much less aggressive than a usual doggo and would make great companions for children. Whippets are also a brilliant dog breed, so it’s easy to train them properly. They can also adapt to any kind of lifestyle their owners have. Whippets are a part of the “hound group.” Compared to other breeds in this group, Whippets are less vulnerable to health issues except for arrhythmia.

Vizsla

Personality: Very Loyal and energetic
Coat: Short and smooth single coat
Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Ideal for big households

Vizsla is considered one of the most loyal dog breeds in the world. They get so attached to their owners, and they would follow their owners anywhere despite how dangerous it might be. But that loyalty comes with a price since they requires tons of personal attention from their owners. They also need vigorous daily exercise. Suppose they were restrained too much or haven’t given the necessary attention. In that case, they could develop unstable behaviors like being harmful and hyperactive. Unless you can give your dog the necessary time and attention, it is not recommended that you buy a Vizsla.

Bull Terrier

Personality: Keen and Protective
Coat: Short and Dense double coat
Life Span: 10 – 14 Years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any kind of household

Bull Terriers would make an excellent addition to your family. But keep in mind that this breed is not suitable for a household with irresponsible kids or for new dog owners without any previous experience. The reason for this is that Bull Terriers are known to be somewhat manipulative and stubborn. If you are a beginner for being a dog owner, then they have the ability to dominate you. But with early stage training and proper socializing, they can be less aggressive and can be great with other people.

Australian Terrier

Personality: Very active and Obedient
Coat: Two thick coat layers red or sandy colors or blue and tan
Life Span: 12- 15 years
Adaptability: Won’t adapt properly if there are other dogs in the household

Australian Terriers are considered one of the cuddliest breeds since they love cuddling. They are very active and very friendly. They need more attention and won’t behave properly if there are other doggos in their environment. So this is an “only dog in the house” type of breed. They are also considered one of the small dogs least likely to bite so they are very safe to be around small kids. They are also known to dig holes around the house, so you will definitely have a lot of holes around your house if you get an Australian Terrie.

German Shepherd

Personality: Intelligent, Obedient and Confident
Coat: Dense and harsh medium length doublecoat
Life Span: 9 – 13 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any kind of living situation and household

German Shepherds are one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. They are actually one of the most popular guard dogs in the world. Despite that, if you train them from a younger age and socialize them with other family members and neighbors, they will not be aggressive towards them. Also, this highly trainable dog breed is very obedient to their owners, and is very popular with children. German Shepherd coat sometimes can be a bit long but they don’t require heavy grooming. Also, they are less vulnerable to health issues than a usual doggo.

French Bulldog

Personality: Easy going and Sociable
Coat: Short haired double coat
Life Span: 9 – 11 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any living condition

French Bulldogs are the third most popular dog breed in America. This dog breed is considered a high maintenance dog because their health issues. They are prone to allergies and other health issues. Despite that, French Bulldogs are a very sociable and affectionate dog breed. They can show love towards everyone. They are also a good breed to have around kids, and is considered one of the least aggressive dog breeds in the world. You can find more information about French Bulldogs from here.

Boston Terrier

Personality: Intelligent and Friendly
Coat: Single coat with thin and short fur
Life Span: 13 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any kind of household

This American doggo breed is also called “American Gentleman.” This cheerful doggo would make an awesome playful companion for you. They are also famous for being less aggressive towards human and other animals. They also get along well with little kids. Even though they can live up to 15 years, they can have a lot of health issues, especially because of their flat nose. They can varies from breathing problems to eye diseases. Boston Terriers are also prone to cancer, heart diseases, epilepsy and joint diseases. So, if you get a Boston Terrier, make sure you get one from a well reputed dog breeder.

Jack Russell Terrier

Personality: Intelligent, Vocal, and Stubborn
Coat: Double coat with medium length hair
Life Span: 13 – 16 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any living situation

Jack Russell Terriers are a highly intelligent less aggressive dog breed. They are smart but stubborn. So it’s not an easy task to train them. They also bark a lot but they don’t attack or bite others if properly socialized from an early stage. They would make great companions for adults and kids. They are also a very loyal dog breed, and you can leave them by themselves for extended periods of time without any issue. Jack Russell Terriers are prone to eye issues like Glaucoma , Lens Luxation and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. They are also vulnerable to joint issues like dislocation of knee caps.

Norwich Terrier

Personality: Sensitive and Affectionate
Coat: Double coat with a hard, straight and wiry topcoat
Life Span: 12 – 16 Years
Adaptability: Adaptable to any kind of household

This dog breed was originated from England and they were used to hunt small rodent due to their small size. Despite their size, they are a less aggressive dog breed but Norwich Terriers tend to bark a lot if not trained and socialized properly. They can live up to 16 years, and they are good with little kids. They don’t require extensive grooming and they don’t prone to a lot of health issues. But they can get cataract, patellar luxation and sometimes deafness at old age. Norwich Terriers have a very loud bark despite their small size. So make sure that you train them properly so they don’t bark all the time because it can be frustrating.

Miniature Schnauzer

Personality: Intelligent, Obedient and Friendly
Coat: A soft undercoat and a long and wiry topcoat
Life Span: 12 – 15 Years
Adaptability: Can adapt to any kind of household

Just like their name, they are a small breed. They are very famous due to their iconic beard like muzzle. Miniature Schnauzers are a brilliant dog breed, and they are also fearless. So, if your household has any other doggos, you have to socialize your Miniature Schnauzer with them from an early stage or your Miniature Schnauzer can get aggressive towards them. This dog breed is also very good around little kids. They tend to be friendlier around children, and they are very obedient to kids. This dog breed is prone to allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis and epilepsy. They don’t require heavy grooming but their iconic beard like muzzle can be a great way to make your doggo a handsome stylish good looking posh dog. But keep in mind that if you use hair products for their beard like muzzle, make sure you ask your vet about it, and make sure you use products that are made specifically for dogs.

Bite proof your doggo from the get go

As you can see from all these dog breeds, most of them can be aggressive if they are not socialized properly from a younger age. So keep in mind that if you want a less aggressive doggo, you have to socialize them from the get go, and you have to train them so they would be obedient to you. So, keep in mind that whatever dog breed you chose, you have to train them to be less aggressive. If you have children and want your dog to be around them, then you have to socialize your doggo with your kids from a very early stage so everyone would be confortable when your doggo grow up.

Breeds you have to avoid (Most aggressive dog breeds)

If you are looking for a least aggressive dog breed, then you should definitely avoid getting these dog breeds.

Rottweiler
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Chihuahua
Dobermann
Siberian Husky
American put Bull terrier
Dalmatian
Alaskan Malamute
American Staffordshire Terrier
Cane Corso
Bullmastiff
Perro de Presa Canario
St. Bernard
Dogo Argentino
American Bulldog
Lapponian Herder

These dogs can be aggressive even after properly trained and socialized. So try to avoid these breeds if you are looking for a less aggressive dog breed to adopt.