Thinking About Getting A Dog? Here Are The 12 Best-Behaved Breeds

Thinking about getting a dog but worried about training and behavior? Choosing the right breed can make all the difference. Some dogs are naturally more obedient, calm, and eager to please, which makes them easier to train and live with—especially for first-time pet owners or families with children. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large home, a well-behaved dog can bring joy, comfort, and companionship without the stress of constant discipline.

In this article, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best-behaved dog breeds known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and easygoing personalities. These breeds not only adapt well to different living situations but also tend to get along with kids, other pets, and even strangers. If you’re looking for a loyal companion who listens well and fits easily into your daily routine, one of these breeds might just be the perfect match for you.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are consistently ranked among the most well-behaved dog breeds. These dogs are known for their friendly, patient, and reliable nature. They’re incredibly intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy, even for first-time dog owners. Golden Retrievers thrive on human interaction and are often used as therapy and service dogs due to their gentle demeanor.

They’re also great with children and other pets, which makes them ideal for families. However, they do require regular exercise and grooming to keep their long coat healthy. With the right attention and care, Golden Retrievers become loyal and affectionate companions who fit seamlessly into many types of households.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are another top choice when it comes to well-mannered dogs. Friendly, outgoing, and energetic, Labs are known for their excellent temperament and eagerness to work with people. They are highly trainable and respond well to commands, which is why they’re frequently seen as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue animals.

Their gentle disposition makes them great around children and other animals. Labs do need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, as they are very active dogs. A bored Lab may develop behavioral issues, so regular play and training are essential. With their loving nature and intelligence, Labradors are ideal companions for active families or individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors.

3. Border Collie

Border Collies are widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed, which makes them very trainable and well-behaved when provided with the proper environment. These dogs are hardworking, responsive, and eager to learn. Originally bred for herding sheep, Border Collies have strong instincts and require consistent physical and mental stimulation.

Their loyalty and focus make them exceptional in obedience training and canine sports. However, they are best suited for owners who can meet their high energy levels. Without enough exercise or mental challenges, they may become restless or even destructive. For those who can provide an active lifestyle, Border Collies are rewarding companions known for their quick learning and affectionate nature.

4. Poodle

Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are among the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds. They are known for their dignified yet playful personalities and excel in obedience training. Poodles are highly adaptable, making them suitable for city or country living. Their hypoallergenic coat is a bonus for allergy sufferers, though it requires regular grooming.

Poodles are generally calm indoors but enjoy energetic play and exercise. They are good with children and get along well with other pets, especially when socialized early. Due to their intelligence and need for mental stimulation, engaging them with puzzles, tricks, and interactive play helps keep their behavior in check and prevents boredom-related issues.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog breed known for its affectionate and gentle personality. They are incredibly social and bond quickly with their human family members. These dogs are very adaptable and can thrive in apartments or larger homes, as long as they get enough attention and affection.

They are not overly energetic, which makes them perfect lap dogs, but they still enjoy walks and playtime. Cavaliers are generally easy to train due to their eager-to-please attitude. They’re great with kids, the elderly, and even strangers, making them excellent therapy dogs. While grooming is necessary to maintain their silky coat, the breed’s friendly and obedient nature makes them a popular choice for people looking for a well-behaved companion.

6. Boxer

Boxers are energetic, fun-loving dogs with a natural inclination toward being protective and loyal. Despite their muscular build and intimidating appearance, they are affectionate and playful, especially with children. Boxers are highly intelligent and can be well-behaved when trained early and consistently.

They are known for forming strong bonds with their families and often act as natural guardians. Regular exercise is important for this breed, as they are very active and need an outlet for their energy. When properly socialized, Boxers get along well with other pets and strangers. Their enthusiasm and cheerful disposition make them a joy to have around, and with proper structure, they become well-mannered household members.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, gentle, and affectionate breed that thrives on human companionship. Their playful and friendly nature makes them ideal for families, seniors, and apartment dwellers. Bichons are smart and eager to learn, which makes training fairly easy. They respond best to positive reinforcement and enjoy performing tricks or participating in agility.

Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic, with curly coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting. Though they have a bubbly personality, they are not overly hyperactive, making them a balanced companion for those seeking a calm, well-behaved dog. Socialization is important to prevent shyness, but overall, they’re a happy-go-lucky breed that integrates well into various lifestyles.

8. Collie

Collies, whether Rough or Smooth, are known for their graceful, gentle nature and deep loyalty. Popularized by the fictional dog Lassie, Collies are often praised for their intelligence and intuitive understanding of human emotions. They are naturally protective and make excellent family pets, especially around children.

Collies are quick learners and respond well to training, particularly when it involves praise and positive reinforcement. They need daily exercise but are not as high-energy as breeds like the Border Collie. Their elegant appearance requires regular grooming, especially for Rough Collies. Collies enjoy being involved in family activities and do best in homes where they’re given attention and included in daily routines.

9. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate lap dogs with a friendly and outgoing personality. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, they thrive on attention and make excellent indoor pets. Shih Tzus are typically calm and get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats. They’re not known for being particularly high-energy, which makes them ideal for apartment living.

Though not as easily trainable as some larger breeds, Shih Tzus can learn commands and manners with patience and positive reinforcement. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their long, luxurious coat. Their gentle temperament and sociable nature make them one of the best-behaved small dog breeds for families or individuals.

10. Papillon

Papillons may be small in size, but they have big personalities. Known for their distinctive butterfly-like ears and lively disposition, these dogs are smart, alert, and eager to learn. Despite their petite stature, Papillons are confident and athletic, often excelling in obedience and agility sports. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them highly trainable and well-behaved when given consistent guidance.

They’re typically friendly with strangers, children, and other pets, though early socialization is beneficial. While they enjoy cuddling, they’re also active and need regular exercise. Their long, silky coat needs moderate grooming. A Papillon’s combination of charm, brains, and obedience makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, well-mannered dog.

11. Vizsla

Vizslas are loyal, affectionate, and eager-to-please dogs with an energetic spirit. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are athletic and love being active, but they also have a calm side that makes them gentle companions at home. Vizslas are known for their devotion to their families and often form strong emotional bonds with their owners.

They’re very trainable and respond well to commands, especially when trained from a young age. Due to their high energy levels, Vizslas require regular exercise and mental engagement to prevent behavioral issues. With the right environment, they are obedient, affectionate, and great with children and other pets, making them a well-behaved option for active households.

12. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants known for their calm demeanor and affectionate nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly gentle and friendly, especially with children. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them fairly easy to train with consistent, positive methods.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are typically laid-back and don’t require intense exercise, though they do enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or walks. Their thick coat requires regular grooming, particularly in warmer climates. They thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and are included in family activities. Their loyal, even-tempered personality makes them one of the best-behaved large breeds for families or individuals with enough space.

Bottom Line

Getting a dog is a life-changing decision, and choosing a breed with a calm, obedient temperament can lead to a much smoother pet ownership experience. The 12 breeds listed in this blog are known for being well-behaved, trainable, and loving—qualities that make them ideal for families, singles, and seniors alike.

From the loyal Golden Retriever to the intelligent Poodle, each of these dogs brings unique strengths to the table. With proper training, attention, and care, these breeds can become the perfect lifelong companions you’ve been looking for.

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