15 Safest Dog Breeds to Pet - Perfect for Family
When choosing a pet, safety is likely a top priority for you and your family. In this guide, you will discover the safest dog breeds known for their gentle nature and reliable temperament. You’ll learn about breeds that are great with children, friendly with other pets, and less likely to show aggressive behavior.
Bringing a new pet into your family is exciting, but choosing the right dog can be tough. You want a furry friend who is safe and loves everyone. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 15 safest dog breeds for families. These dogs are known for being gentle and good with kids.
Don't worry, we'll tell you all about each breed so you can decide which one is best for your family. Let's find your new best friend!
15 Safest Dog Breeds for Your Family 🐶
Here's our list of the non-aggressive dog breeds you can pet with confidence, knowing they are perfect for family life and great with kids:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Poodle (Standard and Miniature)
- Border Collie
- Boxer
- Bichon Frise
- Shih Tzu
- Bulldog
- Irish Setter
- Papillon
- Whippet
- Newfoundland
- Shetland Sheepdog
1. Golden Retriever as the Safest Dog Breed
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and gentle nature. They are highly social dogs that thrive on companionship and are extremely loyal to their families. Their patience and love for people, especially children, make them excellent family pets. They are also very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train.
These dogs are rarely aggressive and have a calm demeanor that suits households with kids. They enjoy playing and exercising, which keeps them happy and healthy. With their affectionate and trusting personality, Golden Retrievers easily become cherished members of the family.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are energetic, loving, and have a good-natured personality. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world due to their friendly disposition and loyalty.
Labs are very active and enjoy playing fetch, swimming, and participating in family activities.
Their gentle and patient nature makes them great with children and other pets. They rarely show aggression and are known for their protective instincts towards their family. With proper training and socialization, Labrador Retrievers are incredibly safe and enjoyable companions.
3. Beagle
Beagles are curious, friendly, and happy dogs. They have a strong sense of smell and love to explore, making them great companions for active families. Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs with a cheerful and gentle disposition.
They are great with children and get along well with other pets. Beagles are rarely aggressive and are known for their playful and affectionate nature. Their friendly temperament makes them safe and delightful family pets.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle, and eager to please. They are small dogs with a loving and friendly personality, making them perfect lap dogs. Cavaliers are known for their sweet nature and enjoy being close to their human companions.
Their calm demeanor and friendly attitude make them great with children and other pets. They are rarely aggressive and are very sociable, making them excellent family pets. With their loving and gentle nature, Cavaliers bring joy and comfort to any household.
5. Poodle (Standard and Miniature)
Poodles are intelligent, active, and friendly dogs. They come in standard and miniature sizes, both known for their smart and trainable nature. Poodles are very social and enjoy being around people and other pets.
Their gentle and friendly nature makes them great with children and they are rarely aggressive. Poodles are also known for their hypoallergenic coats, making them a good choice for families with allergies. With their playful and loving personality, Poodles make wonderful family pets.
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and obedient dogs. They are known for their exceptional herding abilities and high energy levels. Border Collies are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports and activities.
Their friendly and sociable nature makes them great with families and other pets. Border Collies are gentle and rarely show aggression, making them safe and reliable companions. With their intelligence and playful demeanor, they bring excitement and joy to any household.
7. Boxer
Boxers are playful, loyal, and energetic dogs. They have a strong and muscular build, but their friendly and loving personality makes them great family pets. Boxers are known for their boundless energy and playful nature.
They are protective of their family but are also very gentle and friendly, especially with children. Boxers are rarely aggressive and enjoy socializing with other pets. With their loyal and affectionate nature, Boxers make safe and fun-loving companions.
8. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frises are cheerful, playful, and affectionate dogs. They are small and fluffy, with a friendly and gentle disposition. Bichons are known for their happy and sociable nature, making them great family pets.
Their gentle nature makes them safe and friendly companions for children and other pets. Bichons are rarely aggressive and love to play and cuddle. With their cheerful and loving personality, Bichon Frises bring joy and warmth to any home.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are gentle, friendly, and loyal dogs. They are small and have a luxurious coat, giving them a regal appearance. Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature and enjoy being close to their human companions.
Their gentle and non-aggressive nature makes them great with children and other pets. Shih Tzus are very social and love to be the center of attention. With their loving and friendly personality, Shih Tzus make excellent and safe family pets.
10. Bulldog
Bulldogs are calm, friendly, and loyal dogs. They have a sturdy build and a distinctive wrinkled face. Bulldogs are known for their gentle and laid-back nature, making them great family companions.
Their patient and friendly demeanor makes them great with children and other pets. Bulldogs are rarely aggressive and enjoy relaxing and spending time with their family. With their calm and loving personality, Bulldogs make safe and reliable family pets.
11. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are energetic, friendly, and outgoing dogs. They have a beautiful red coat and a playful nature. Irish Setters are known for their high energy levels and love for outdoor activities.
Their friendly and playful nature makes them great with children and other pets. Irish Setters are gentle and rarely show aggression, making them safe and enjoyable companions. With their lively and affectionate personality, Irish Setters bring excitement and joy to any household.
12. Papillon
Papillons are friendly, intelligent, and playful dogs. They are small and have distinctive butterfly-like ears. Papillons are known for their cheerful and outgoing nature, making them great family pets.
Their gentle and friendly demeanor makes them great with children and other pets. Papillons are rarely aggressive and enjoy playing and cuddling with their family. With their playful and loving personality, Papillons make wonderful and safe companions.
13. Whippet
Whippets are gentle, calm, and friendly dogs. They have a sleek and elegant build, and are known for their speed and agility. Whippets are very gentle and enjoy relaxing and spending time with their family.
Their quiet and friendly nature makes them great with children and other pets. Whippets are rarely aggressive and are known for their gentle demeanor. With their calm and loving personality, Whippets make safe and reliable family pets.
14. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are gentle, patient, and protective dogs. They are large and have a thick coat, giving them a majestic appearance. Newfoundlands are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them great family pets.
Their patient and friendly demeanor makes them great with children and other pets. Newfoundlands are rarely aggressive and are very protective of their family. With their gentle and loving personality, Newfoundlands make safe and reliable companions.
15. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent, loyal, and playful dogs. They are small to medium-sized and have a beautiful coat. Shelties are known for their smart and trainable nature, making them great family pets.
Their gentle and friendly nature makes them great with children and other pets. Shelties are rarely aggressive and enjoy playing and spending time with their family. With their loyal and affectionate personality, Shetland Sheepdogs make wonderful and safe companions.
How to Choose a Non-Aggressive Dog Breed To Pet?
Aggressive dogs are harder to care for and can be dangerous to you, your other pets, and especially your children.
That's why it's important to be careful when choosing a dog. For example, many families want to adopt a dog from a shelter. While shelter dogs can be great pets, it's important to learn about the dog's history. Find out why the dog is in the shelter and if it has been aggressive before. If the dog has been abused, it might be more likely to show aggression.
Before bringing a dog home, watch how it behaves with others, including children. If a dog growls around other dogs or strangers, it could be a sign of aggression.
Here are some tips to help you find the perfect non-aggressive and safest dog for your family:
✅ Research Breeds: Start by looking into dog breeds known for their friendly and gentle nature. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Beagles are often great choices because of their good temperament.
✅ Consider the Dog's History: If you are adopting a dog, ask about its history. Dogs that have been well-treated and socialized from a young age are more likely to be non-aggressive.
✅ Meet the Dog: Spend time with the dog before bringing it home. See how it reacts to different people and situations. A calm and friendly dog will be more likely to fit well with your family.
✅ Consider the Dog's Needs: Some breeds need more exercise and mental stimulation than others. Make sure you can meet the dog's needs to keep it happy and non-aggressive.
To find a non-aggressive dog, research different breeds. This can help you choose a dog that your family feels safe with. While any dog can become aggressive if mistreated, some breeds are more likely to be aggressive than others.
Dog Supplies for Your Pet From Best Dog Essentials 🐾
At Best Dog Essentials, we understand how important your pet is to you. That's why we offer a wide range of dog supplies to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. If you have one of the safest dog breeds, like a Labrador or a Golden Retriever, you'll find everything you need right here.
Comfortable Beds and Cozy Blankets
Every dog needs a comfy place to rest. Our selection of beds and blankets provides the perfect spot for your dog to relax and sleep. From soft cushions to warm throws, we have everything your pet needs to feel at home.
Entertaining Toys for Playtime
Keep your dog entertained with our fun and durable toys. From squeaky toys to chew bones, we have something for every playful pup. Our pet dog toys are designed to keep your dog active and happy.
Stylish Collars and Leashes
Make walks enjoyable with our stylish and sturdy collars and leashes. We offer a range of designs and sizes to suit every dog. Our products are made to last, ensuring you and your dog have a great time outdoors. Check our collection of Dog Leashes and Collars.
Grooming Tools for a Clean Pet
Keeping your dog clean and well-groomed is easy with our dog grooming tools. We have brushes, combs, and shampoos to keep your pet looking and feeling their best. Our grooming supplies are gentle on your dog's skin and coat.
Safe and Comfortable Travel Gear
If you love to travel with your dog, we have the gear you need. Our travel accessories, including car seats and travel bowls, ensure your pet's safety and comfort on the go. Check out our collection of Dog Safety Products.
At Best Dog Essentials, we are committed to providing high-quality supplies for your pet. Whether you have one of the safest dog breeds or any other, explore our collection and find everything you need to care for your furry friend.
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- 15 Ways on How to Make Your Dog Happy: Best Guide 2024
- Top 7 Things You Need for a Dog: Must-Have Pet Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog is least likely to bite?
The Labrador Retriever is often considered one of the least likely dog breeds to bite. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great family companions. Labs are typically social and enjoy being around people and other animals, which reduces the chances of aggressive behavior.
What is the #1 best family dog?
The Labrador Retriever is frequently ranked as the best family dog. They are friendly, loyal, and great with children, making them ideal for family life. Their playful and loving nature helps them bond well with all family members.
What's the least aggressive dog?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known to be one of the least aggressive dog breeds. They are gentle, affectionate, and friendly, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. Their calm demeanor and love for human interaction contribute to their peaceful nature.
What is the #1 nicest dog breed?
The Golden Retriever is often considered the nicest dog breed. They are friendly, loyal, and eager to please, which makes them great family pets and companions. Their loving nature and gentle temperament make them well-liked by both children and adults.
What is the best-behaved dog?
The Poodle is often regarded as one of the best-behaved dog breeds. They are smart and highly trainable, making them easy to manage. Poodles come in different sizes and are known for their friendly and sociable nature, contributing to their good behavior.