Choosing the perfect animal for our home is not easy as we must consider details like our lifestyle or the size of the house to give our pet a happy life. However, especially when there are children in the home, an aspect that is critical is the selection of a breed which is less prone to aggression and with a gentle demeanor. If this is exactly what you want, in oneHOWTO we give you a list of the least aggressive dog breeds.
Leadership issue
One thing that is very important to understand about animal behaviour: any dog can become aggressive if your leadership is not appropriate. An animal that is beaten by its owner, is isolated or is forced to act violently may become aggressive even when it is from a more relaxed breed as its temper will be affected by these conditions. It is also important to note that aggression has nothing to do with size because there are many large breeds that are non-aggressive and small dogs that are characterized by being so.
However there are breeds considered to be much more gentle in their temperament, showing few traits of aggressiveness. Here are some of the most non-aggressive dog breeds.
Golden retriever, adorable 100%
When we think of an dog which is ideal around children almost certainly the Golden Retriever will be among the first names mentioned when we talk about the least aggressive dog breeds. This is one of the most intelligent breeds but it is also an animal that has a sweet and playful nature, loves the company of people, is noble, an excellent friend and an animal with little tendency to excessive barking.
This means that it's the perfect dog to take home should you have the space for it and time to devote to walk it and exercise it, as physical activity is essential for this animal.
Labrador retriever, a gentle companion
Together with the golden retriever, the animal best known for its charm, affectionate and docile character as well as its tremendous intelligence is the Labrador Retriever. This pet is the perfect companion for children, with huge energy and stamina, like their cousins the golden retriever, they require daily exercise, walks and lots of love and attention to grow up happy.
Certain Labradors are known to use aggressive behavior on occasions, although a Labrador with use warning signs before a reactive reaction such as yawning, ticking their nose or the dilation of their pupils, which is why the owner needs to be aware of his/her dog's behavior so they are none-aggressive.
The Greyhound, a very calm dog
It is increasingly common to see Greyhounds, dogs known for their ability to run in short distance races, as pets. This is because many organizations promote their adoption when their careers as runners are over, giving them the opportunity to live with loving families. Although we tend to believe that they need plenty of exercise, this breed is content with short 30 minute walks, that will be enough to keep them healthy.
This animal is quiet and hardly inclined to aggressive behavior, but it is a pet that also enjoys independence and therefore it requires its own space. If you adopt a Greyhound that was ill-treated in the past, it may occasionally act aggressively in response to fear and anxiety. In these cases, you should re-address the aggressive attitudes with the help of a professional.
Boxer, above all patience
This dog is patience personified, and in its face we see this reflected, which is why the boxer is considered one of the least aggressive dog breeds. This is one of the less active dog breeds and is perfect for those owners who do not want too much exercise. The boxer is extremely noble and tolerant, especially with children, becoming a pet that rarely reacts aggressively to anything. However, Boxers need to be socialized properly to avoid any traits of aggression, as they can get a bit territorial, especially if they live with other dogs in the same household.
Poodle, intelligent and obedient
Did you know that the Poodle is among the smartest dog breeds? This animal is one of the easiest to train, offering a high level of obedience and docility that makes it the perfect lap dog. In addition to all this, it is a dog with a very non-aggressive temperament, perfect for homes with children or elderly people who will enjoy to the fullest with the companionship. They may only show faint signs of aggression with strangers approaching their territory, a behavior that can be reverted with proper socialization. Destructive behavior may also appear in Poodles that are left alone at home for too long, as they are highly sociable.
Portuguese water dog, full of patience
The Portuguese Water Dog, whose appearance reminds us a little of the poodle, is extremely docile and calm. It was originally bred to accompany the fishermen during their travels so it is certainly a dog that knows the value of peace and calm, offering a balanced and non-aggressive nature ideal for living at home.
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