When choosing a dog breed, an important consideration for many families is temperament. Some dogs have more aggressive tendencies, while others are known for being gentle and easygoing. For households with small children or other pets, a non-harmful dog that is unlikely to bite or attack is often the top priority.
What makes a dog non-harmful?
There are several factors that contribute to a dog being considered non-harmful or unlikely to cause injury:
- Breed temperament – Certain breeds have been selectively bred for gentle dispositions and tolerance of people and other animals. Breeds known for being non-aggressive include Retrievers, Spaniels, Greyhounds, and some companion breeds.
- Size – Very small dogs with limited jaw strength physically cannot cause as much damage from biting compared to medium, large, and giant breeds. However, small dogs can still bite and may be more prone to aggression due to lack of training.
- Training and socialization – Well-trained and socialized dogs that have had positive experiences with people, other pets, and the outside world from a young age are less likely to develop problematic behaviors like biting, lunging, or attacking.
- Individual temperament – Even within typically gentle breeds, individual dogs can vary in their friendliness and propensity for aggression. Adopting older dogs with known temperaments can help avoid problems.
- Health – Dogs that are in pain or stressed due to health issues may be more prone to reactive or defensive biting. Keeping a dog physically and mentally healthy can promote good temperament.
Dog breeds least likely to cause harm
Based on breed temperament profiles, some of the dog breeds considered least likely to intentionally harm people or other animals include:
| Breed | Key Temperament Traits |
|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Friendly, gentle, eager to please, highly trainable |
| Golden Retriever | Intelligent, kind, sociable, calm, trainable |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Affectionate, patient, eager to please, gentle |
| Poodle | Intelligent, active, faithful, obedient, does not typically show aggression |
| Collie | Gentle, intelligent, easy to train, not prone to aggression |
| Greyhound | Calm, gentle, lazy, sensitive, quiet |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Affectionate, faithful, calm, good with children, tolerant |
| English Bulldog | Friendly, calm, courageous, does not typically attack or bite |
Of course, proper socialization and training is essential for any dog, regardless of breed tendencies, in order to promote good manners and inhibit unwanted behaviors. But some breeds do tend to be naturally more inclined towards patience, gentleness, and tolerance than others.
Ideal family dogs with non-aggressive reputations
For families with small children or elderly household members looking for an exceptionally patient and gentle dog, some of the top recommendations include:
- Labrador Retriever – Known for their friendly, patient, and eager-to-please personalities, Labs are a popular family dog breed, especially for households with young kids. Their tolerance for handling and positive response to training make them unlikely to lash out.
- Golden Retriever – Similar in temperament to the Labrador Retriever, Goldens tend to be calm, sociable, and exceptionally patient with children. They aim to please their families and are responsive to training.
- Collie – Made famous by the ‘Lassie’ books and movies, Collies are intensely loyal to their families while being famously gentle and protective with children. They are intelligent, willing to learn, and not prone to aggression.
- Greyhound – Although large, retired racing Greyhounds are known as ‘gentle giants’ for their calm, sedate temperaments. Undemanding and laid-back indoors, they do well in families with kids and ignore rough handling.
With early socialization and training, these breeds often excel in households with young children who may interact with the dog in loud or clumsy ways that could provoke more reactive canines. Their tolerance, patience, and non-aggressive nature makes them the top recommendations for families seeking the least harmful dog breed.
Small dogs with non-aggressive reputations
For families living in smaller homes or apartments, large dog breeds may not be practical. Certain small dog breeds are known for their generally non-aggressive, family-friendly reputations. Top small dog breeds considered non-threatening include:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Known for being gentle, patient and eager to please, the Cavalier rarely shows aggression or reactivity. Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful pets for adults and children.
- Havanese – A cheery, upbeat breed, the Havanese typically gets along well with children and other pets. They tend to be friendly towards everyone and are not prone to snapping or biting.
- Pug – With their outgoing, affectionate personalities, Pugs are happy-go-lucky dogs that thrive on human companionship. They get along well with kids and are not typically prone to aggressive behaviors.
- Maltese – Though small in size, Maltese are even-tempered and patient with children. Their gentle natures and affectionate personalities make them ideal, non-aggressive family dogs.
With training and socialization, miniature and toy dog breeds can become wonderful family companions, even for households with small, active children. While supervision is still required, certain small breeds are naturally less likely to show unwarranted aggression.
Giant dog breeds with gentle reputations
For some families, nothing but a giant breed dog will do. Many giant breeds have reputations for being peaceful, gentle, and more serious-minded. Some of the least aggressive giant breed dogs include:
- Bernese Mountain Dog – Despite their massive size, Berners are renowned for being calm, patient, and gentle, especially with children. They aim to please their families.
- Newfoundland – Known for their intelligence and eager-to-please nature, Newfoundlands are loyal, calm dogs that do well with considerate children. They are protective but not aggressive.
- Great Dane – With their towering height but gentle spirit, Great Danes thrive in families with children. They are patient, friendly, and eager to please and protect their loved ones.
- Irish Wolfhound – Wolfhounds are independent thinkers but also exceptionally calm and unlikely to show aggression. Their gentle patience suits them to homes with well-behaved kids.
Giant breeds require extensive training and socialization to reach their full potential as family companions. But many are prized for their easygoing natures and tolerance of children – provided they are treated with respect by all family members.
Herding dog breeds that are non-threatening
Herding breeds were developed to work cooperatively with humans, moving livestock through gentle nipping and staring rather than aggression. Many make wonderful family dogs, including:
- Collie – Bred for a calm demeanor while herding sheep and children, Collies are famous for their gentle dispositions. They aim to please and rarely show unwarranted aggression.
- Border Collie – Extremely intelligent and trainable,Border Collies thrive when kept mentally and physically engaged. With proper outlets for their energy, they are affectionate, gentle dogs.
- Australian Shepherd – Smart and energetic, Australian Shepherds require regular activity and training. But with guidance, they are loyal, smart dogs that bond closely with children.
Herding breeds are very trainable and if properly exercised, make active, loving family companions. Their inherent desire to cooperate with humans makes them less likely to show uncontrolled aggression in family settings.
Considering individual needs and temperament
While breed tendencies can provide useful insight into a dog’s likely temperament, there will always be individual variation between dogs. Some key factors to consider include:
- Supervise interactions – Regardless of breed, dogs should never be left alone with young children. Adult supervision is a must.
- Observe warning signs – Watch for body language that signals discomfort, such as growling, tucked tails, freezing, staring, etc. Do not ignore warning signs.
- Respect needs – Respect a dog’s need for downtime and personal space, which can help prevent reactive guarding behavior.
- Training and socialization – Invest in professional training classes and expose your dog to a wide range of people and situations.
- Medical needs -Rule out pain, anxiety, or illness as contributors to any out of character aggressive reactions by your dog.
While general breed traits can serve as useful guidance, ultimately each dog will have a unique personality and background that influences their behavior. Thorough socialization, training, and respectful treatment is key in producing good canine family members.
Conclusion
When choosing a family dog, finding a breed or individual animal with an easygoing, tolerant temperament is an important priority for many prospective owners – especially those with small children or other pets. While no dog is 100% guaranteed non-aggressive in all situations, some breeds have been selectively developed to emphasize gentler dispositions. Retrievers, Spaniels, Collies, Greyhounds, and certain giant and herding breeds have excellent reputations for being friendly, calm, and unlikely to harm children or other pets when properly raised. However, any breed can make a wonderful family dog with careful socialization, training, supervision, and respect for their individual needs. By understanding breed tendencies but also making selections based on observed behaviors, families can successfully add a gentle, patient, non-harmful new canine member to their household.