Do you wish for a gentle dog that willingly submits and has no issues with family life? iHugDogs introduces you to eight particularly affectionate dog breeds.
- Brief Profiles of Affectionate Dog Breeds
- Saint Bernard: As Big as His Heart
- Bichon Frisé: A Small Lap Dog to Love
- Great Dane: The First Impression Can Be Deceptive
- Golden Retriever: Sunshine on Four Paws
- Labrador Retriever: Love for Children Above All
- Leonberger: Loyal and Calm Family Dog
- Newfoundland: Giant with a Heart for Children
- Poodle: Love with Quirks
In the breeding of dogs, efforts have always been made to enhance positive traits such as obedience, endurance, loyalty, and stress resistance. As a result, there are breeds like Border Collies, known for their affectionate nature.
However, no matter how sweet the image of a dog breed is, what matters is the proper training of the dog.
If the dog is not trained, even a sweet dog will do as it pleases. Anyone looking for a gentle dog breed because they want to minimize training and education should not get a dog!
It is also crucial, when buying a dog, to pay attention to breeding conditions to minimize the risk of illness and not support unethical breeding. Ideally, one should adopt a pet from an animal shelter.
Brief Profiles of Affectionate Dog Breeds
The dream for every dog owner is a gentle and loyal four-legged companion. Learn about dog breeds that are particularly sweet and what makes these animals so special below.
Saint Bernard: As Big as His Heart
One of the largest and heaviest dog breeds globally is the Saint Bernard or St. Bernard dog. Originally from Switzerland, these dogs are helpful, child-friendly, gentle, calm, and good-natured. The sensitive dogs need closeness to their owners, and children can pet and touch Saint Bernards without stressing them.
However, a Saint Bernard should not be underestimated. This dog is very vigilant and will defend its family and territory with all its might.
Although the Saint Bernard does not belong to the fighting and list dogs, only those who can handle and properly train it should keep it. It’s also important to note that this dog requires a lot of space.
Bichon Frisé: A Small Lap Dog to Love
The Belgian-French breed Bichon Frisé is small and has external similarities to the Poodle. These dogs have always been kept as cute lap dogs.
Bichon Frisés are friendly, very energetic, always cheerful, and love to participate in all activities with their owners. They enjoy being petted and prefer sitting on the laps of their human companions.
Keeping a Bichon Frisé is uncomplicated, as the dog can adapt to any daily routine. The robust and long-lived breed is open to strangers and is rarely aggressive.
Other dogs, cats, and children are accepted by the Bichon Frisé. However, care should be taken to ensure that children do not harm the puppies or the fully grown yet small dog while playing. After all, it is a living being, not a toy.
Great Dane: The First Impression Can Be Deceptive
Due to their size and appearance, the Great Dane can seem somewhat intimidating, but these dogs are, in reality, very friendly, calm, and reserved towards strangers and other animals.
Those looking for a family dog will find an affectionate playmate for children in the Great Dane. Since the Great Dane is not always aware of its weight during cuddling and playing, it is advisable not to leave it alone with small children.
The intelligent dog sometimes exhibits rebellious and independent traits, making consistency essential in training. However, there is very little to fear with the Great Dane, as these dogs rarely become aggressive and attack, usually only in extreme situations.
The Great Dane requires ample exercise and proper nutrition to avoid obesity and maintain its health.
Golden Retriever: Sunshine on Four Paws
The Golden Retriever started as a working dog for Canadian fishermen and later became a hunting dog in England. Their popularity, however, is owed to their people-oriented and always friendly nature. These dogs show absolutely no aggression and behave openly and good-naturedly towards other dogs and strangers, making them unsuitable as guard dogs.
What sets Golden Retrievers apart is their intelligence, willingness to obey, and eagerness to work when it comes to shared tasks with their owners. They are often used as rescue, assistance, and therapy dogs. Despite being uncomplicated for beginners and family dogs, they still need consistent training, sufficient exercise, and plenty of engagement.
Golden Retrievers love to eat, which makes them prone to overweight.
Labrador Retriever: Love for Children Above All
The former working dog from Britain is now a beloved family dog. Labrador Retrievers are very affectionate, cheerful, patient, and well-balanced.
These dogs love their people, especially children, which is why they want to be involved in everything and can hardly bear to be alone. Unwaveringly friendly, Labrador Retrievers are ideal for a harmonious family life.
However, the high exercise needs of Labrador Retrievers should not be underestimated. These dogs require varied activities. They love retrieving and swimming.
The desire to please is highly pronounced in Labrador Retrievers. These industrious animals are often used as guide dogs for the blind, rescue dogs, avalanche search dogs, or tracking dogs.
Leonberger: Loyal and Calm Family Dog
The origin of this German dog breed lies in Leonberg, a city in Baden-Württemberg. The lion in the city’s coat of arms served as inspiration for the breeding, resulting in a large and muscular dog with lion-like fur.
A Leonberger makes a great family dog if the owners can spend a lot of time with the dog. The good-natured dogs are very people-oriented, loyal, and affectionate. Due to their calm nature, they get along well with children and maintain a very loving relationship with their people.
Leonbergers are not aggressive by nature, but they develop a strong protective instinct, so they can fearlessly defend their family.
Those considering getting a Leonberger should be mindful of the high costs. These intelligent dogs require consistent training, intensive coat care, plenty of time, and outdoor activities in nature and by water.
Newfoundland: Giant with a Heart for Children
Newfoundland dogs look like large cuddly teddy bears and love children. The origin of this dog breed is on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, where the animals assisted fishermen in their work. The love for water has remained with Newfoundlands, which is why they are also often used for water rescue.
For anyone seeking an amiable, relaxed, cheerful, and affectionate family dog that also has no issues with other animals in the household, the Newfoundland is the right dog. Despite this breed’s very gentle character, Newfoundland dogs react quickly when it comes to protecting their loved ones.
It may require some strength to control the temperament and playfulness of a Newfoundland. This dog wants to be involved in every activity and insists on it.
Keeping a Newfoundland requires ample space, money, and time.
Poodle: Love with Quirks
Poodles are characterized not only by their unique appearance but also by their high intelligence. This dog breed needs to be physically and mentally challenged.
The people-oriented poodles are very versatile, which is why they are kept as rescue dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, and also family dogs. While these dogs are easy to train, like all dogs, they require consistency.
Poodles love to get everyone’s attention, which they always demand. For this reason, it is recommended to keep poodles alone.
Those who own a poodle have a loyal, loving, empathetic, lively, and calm companion who can quickly adapt to new situations and always behaves friendly and open to strangers.
Conclusion
How sweet a dog is has more to do with upbringing than breed
Certain traits such as the desire to please, composure, and affection are more pronounced in certain dog breeds than in others. However, these characteristics do not guarantee the perfect and loving dog.
Whether a dog behaves lovingly always has something to do with upbringing.
