10 Least Aggressive Dogs

While some dog breeds are typically more gentle than others, the environment and training history of any individual dog affects its temperament. Smaller dogs tend to be more aggressive and feisty as a result of breeding for home protection and rodent control as well as being more subject to fear-based responses, while many larger dogs are placid, gentle and family friendly. In December of 2008, the journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science published an article on breed differences in canine aggression.

  1. Labrador Retriever

    • Labrador retrievers were originally from Newfoundland. They were bred to work alongside fishermen to help pull in nets and catch fish. The American Kennel Club says that the Lab is the most popular breed in the United States and ideal as a family and sporting dog. The male Labrador can weigh between 65 to 80 pounds and the female can weigh 55 to 70 pounds. Their disposition is friendly, outgoing, easy-to-please, and nonaggressive.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback

    • Rhodesian ridgebacks are active hunting dogs from South Africa. The American Kennel Club calls them "ideal 'people' dogs" who enjoy cuddling with their masters and are trustworthy around humans. Rhodesian ridgebacks are active and need plenty of exercise. The males can weigh up to 80 pounds, while females often weigh up to 70 pounds.

    Poodle

    • Standard Poodles were bred in Germany as a water retriever. The miniature poodle was bred for truffle hunting, and the toy poodle was bred as a trick dog. Like the Labrador retriever and the Rhodesian ridgeback, the poodle is a very energetic dog that needs plenty of exercise. The breed is extremely intelligent and excels in obedience training.

    Greyhound

    • Greyhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs in the world. According to the American Kennel Club, "evidence of the Greyhound was first discovered in tomb carvings in Egypt dating back to 2900 B.C." Greyhounds are renowned as the fastest breed of dog. They make sweet and loving companions but can be difficult to train. Because they enjoy exercise but have a tendency to run, they should be kept fenced in or on a leash.

    Whippet

    • The whippet is the fastest medium-sized breed of dog. They make excellent house dogs but are very energetic and need frequent exercise. Whippets can grow up to 18 or 22 inches tall, depending on gender. They are friendly and gentle, which makes them an ideal dog for active families with small children.

    Brittany Spaniel

    • The Brittany spaniel is a medium-sized dog bred for sporting and companionship. Its hunting style resembles that of pointer breeds. Like other friendly dogs, the Brittany is also very energetic and requires exercise and activity, making it a good companion dog for active families. The American Kennel Club claims that the Brittany spaniel has a very "willing attitude." They usually weigh between 30 and 40 pounds.

    Siberian Husky

    • It is often debated whether the Siberian husky is an aggressive or friendly dog. They do tend to be territorial and protective of their families, and this has earned them a reputation for aggressiveness. But according to the study published by Applied Animal Behavior Science, the temperament of the husky is agreeable and outgoing. They are loyal to their masters but require plenty of exercise to stay happy. The Siberian husky is a popular breed of dog for therapy work.

    Golden Retriever

    • The golden retriever is a hunting breed with origins in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of the most popular breeds in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club. Its temperament makes it an ideal guide, assistant, and search and rescue dog. Their disposition is friendly, reliable and trustworthy. They can weigh between 55 and 65 pounds, with females tending to weigh less than males.

    Bichon Havanese

    • The Bichon Havanese is a small dog whose ancestors hail from Spain and Cuba. While originally bred as the pampered pets of aristocrats, it has evolved into a family companion dog. Havanese are watchdogs and are protective of their families. The dog's disposition is affectionate, and it thrives as a child's playmate. Havanese are also very intelligent and easy to train. It is important to remember, however, that the breed is extremely active and they require regular exercise.

    Portuguese Water Dog

    • The Portuguese water dog, a breed known for loyalty, was bred to accompany fishermen on their boats. The dog is very intelligent and responds well to obedience training. It is also very energetic and requires regular exercise to stay happy. They can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, and as usual females tend to weigh less than males.