Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

23 Dog Breeds That Behave Like Royalty

| December 20, 2024

Shutterstock

A dog’s personality can make or break your experience as an owner. While some breeds are known for their high energy and need for constant stimulation, others are renowned for their calm, obedient, and friendly nature. These breeds tend to be highly trainable, eager to please, and well-behaved, making them ideal companions for those seeking a dog with a pleasant and easy-going temperament. If you’re looking for a well-mannered dog that will fit seamlessly into your family, here are some of the best-behaved dog breeds.

Labrador Retriever

Shutterstock

Labrador Retrievers are the epitome of friendly, well-behaved dogs. Known for their easy-going nature and strong desire to please, these dogs make excellent family pets and are often used as service dogs. Their temperament is typically calm, and they are highly trainable, responding well to commands. However, they do need regular exercise to maintain a good behavior level. Labradors are gentle with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners.

Shetland Sheepdog

Shutterstock

Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are often likened to miniature Rough Collies due to their elegant appearance and graceful movements. Known for their intelligence and quick learning, Shelties excel in obedience and agility training, making them well-behaved and disciplined companions. Their strong herding instincts also contribute to their attentive and responsive nature, ensuring they are always in tune with their owner’s needs. With their lush double coat and expressive eyes, Shelties not only look regal but also possess a gentle and affectionate demeanor that makes them beloved family members.

Papillon

Shutterstock

Papillons are small dogs with big personalities, known for their distinctive butterfly-like ears that give them a charming and regal appearance. Highly intelligent and eager to please, Papillons are quick learners who thrive in obedience training, making them exceptionally well-behaved. Their playful and spirited nature is balanced by their calm and affectionate side, allowing them to adapt seamlessly to various living environments. Papillons are also excellent watchdogs, always alert and ready to protect their families with their keen senses and brave hearts.

Maltese

Shutterstock

Maltese dogs are the epitome of grace and affection, making them perfect snuggle champions. Their long, flowing white coats and sweet, gentle personalities make them ideal companions for those who enjoy close physical contact. Maltese dogs thrive on human attention and love to be held, petted, and cuddled. Their calm and loving nature makes them excellent for apartment living or homes where they can be a constant presence by your side. Whether you’re watching TV or reading a book, a Maltese will always be there to offer a comforting cuddle.

Havanese

Shutterstock

Havanese dogs are renowned for their silky, flowing coats and their affectionate personalities. These small, sturdy dogs thrive on human interaction and love nothing more than spending quality time snuggled up with their owners. Their gentle and friendly nature makes them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Havanese are highly adaptable and enjoy both active playtime and quiet cuddle sessions, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any household. Their expressive eyes and wagging tails are sure to bring a smile to your face during every snuggle.

Australian Shepherd

Shutterstock

Australian Shepherds are not only beautiful but also incredibly intelligent and hardworking. Known for their strong herding instincts and agility, these dogs are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports and activities. Their loyal and protective nature makes them excellent family guardians, always ready to stand by their owners’ side. Australian Shepherds are also affectionate and enjoy close companionship, making them both active and loving members of the household. Their striking appearance and graceful movements add to their regal presence, ensuring they behave with the dignity of true canine royalty.

Great Pyrenees

Shutterstock

Great Pyrenees dogs are majestic and powerful, known for their strong protective instincts and gentle nature. Originally bred to guard livestock, these dogs are fiercely loyal and dedicated to their families, ensuring they always have their back. Despite their imposing size, Great Pyrenees are calm and patient, especially with children, making them excellent family pets. Their thick, weather-resistant coat adds to their regal appearance, while their serene and dignified demeanor ensures they behave with the grace and poise of true guardians.

Akita

Shutterstock

Akitas are powerful and dignified dogs known for their unwavering loyalty and protective nature. Originating from Japan, these dogs form deep bonds with their families and are naturally wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Akitas are confident and independent, yet they are also affectionate and gentle with their loved ones. Their strong presence and commanding appearance are matched by their calm and composed behavior, ensuring they carry themselves with the elegance and respect befitting a regal companion.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Shutterstock

Staffordshire Bull Terriers, often referred to as Staffies, are known for their courage, strength, and deep affection for their families. These dogs are highly loyal and form strong bonds with their owners, making them protective and vigilant guardians. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are fearless and confident, yet gentle and loving with their families, including children. Their energetic and playful nature ensures they remain engaged and responsive, always ready to defend their loved ones if needed. With their combination of bravery and tenderness, Staffordshire Bull Terriers are dependable companions who behave with the nobility of true guardians.

Vizsla

Shutterstock

Vizslas are sleek and athletic dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Originally bred in Hungary for hunting, these dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility activities. Vizslas are deeply bonded to their families and thrive on human companionship, making them excellent companions for active individuals and families alike. Their graceful movements and striking rust-colored coats add to their elegant appearance, while their gentle and loving demeanor ensures they behave with the grace and poise of regal companions.

Norwegian Elkhound

Shutterstock

Norwegian Elkhounds are robust and resilient dogs known for their strong protective instincts and loyalty. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, these dogs are highly intelligent and independent, making them excellent guardians of their families. Norwegian Elkhounds are affectionate and devoted, forming deep bonds with their owners and always ready to stand by their side. Their thick, wolf-like coat and alert expression add to their noble appearance, while their calm and composed behavior ensures they behave with the dignity and strength of true canine sentinels.

Basenji

Shutterstock

Basenjis are unique and elegant dogs known for their sleek appearance and cat-like behavior. Originating from Central Africa, these dogs are highly intelligent and independent, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a more reserved and dignified pet. Basenjis are clean and well-groomed, often likened to purebred show dogs in their meticulous appearance. Their quiet and composed demeanor, combined with their affectionate nature towards their families, ensures they behave with the grace and elegance of regal companions, making them standout breeds that embody canine royalty.

Golden Retriever

Shutterstock

Golden Retrievers are beloved for their friendly and well-mannered demeanor. They are easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. These dogs have a calm temperament and are typically very affectionate, getting along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. Golden Retrievers are patient and loyal, and they thrive on being part of family activities. Their gentle nature makes them a popular choice for therapy and service dogs, and they are often used to help people with various disabilities.

Basset Hound

Shutterstock

Basset Hounds are known for their calm and laid-back personalities. Despite their strong scent-tracking abilities, these dogs are usually quite relaxed at home. Their friendly and gentle nature makes them great companions for families, especially those with young children. Basset Hounds are well-mannered and tend to be easygoing, though they do enjoy their walks and playtime. They may be a bit stubborn at times, but their calm demeanor generally makes them easy to live with.

Shih Tzu

Shutterstock

Shih Tzus are small dogs with large personalities. They are known for their sweet and friendly temperament, making them ideal companions for people of all ages. Shih Tzus is gentle, affectionate, and patient, particularly with children. They are well-mannered and generally do well in various environments, including apartments. Despite their charming looks, these dogs are not overly demanding and are content to cuddle up with their owners. Their good behavior and low-key nature make them one of the best breeds for those seeking a calm and pleasant companion.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, friendly, and easy to train. Known for their gentle and sweet demeanor, they are often described as “lap dogs,” as they love to snuggle and be close to their owners. These dogs are well-behaved and get along with just about everyone, including children and other pets. They are eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Their calm and loving nature makes them ideal companions for seniors or anyone looking for a well-mannered dog that doesn’t require too much maintenance.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Shutterstock

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants with calm and affectionate personalities. They are patient, friendly, and incredibly good-natured, making them excellent family pets. Despite their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being calm and easygoing. They are also highly trainable, and while they may require more space and exercise due to their size, they tend to be well-behaved when provided with a structured routine. Their gentle temperament and loyalty make them a favorite among families looking for a well-mannered companion.

Boxer

Shutterstock

Boxers are known for their playful nature, but they are also highly intelligent and obedient. Their loving personalities make them excellent family dogs, and they are typically good with children and other pets. Boxers are easy to train, especially when they are given the right structure and boundaries. Despite their playful antics, they are generally well-behaved and happy to please their owners. Boxers are great companions for active families, but they also enjoy downtime, making them adaptable to different lifestyles.

Beagle

Shutterstock

Beagles are friendly, calm, and well-mannered dogs, making them a popular choice for families. They have a curious and independent nature but are also highly trainable and eager to please. Beagles are known for their affectionate personalities and tend to get along well with children and other pets. While they do require regular exercise to stay fit and happy, their generally calm demeanor makes them easy to manage. Beagles are perfect for people looking for a loving and well-behaved dog that enjoys being part of the family.

Pug

Shutterstock

Pugs are small dogs with big personalities. Known for their charming and affectionate nature, they make excellent companions for people of all ages. Pugs are typically very easygoing and tend to get along well with children and other pets. Their playful and loving disposition makes them great family pets, and they are often described as “clowns” because of their humorous antics. Despite their playful nature, Pugs are well-mannered and enjoy lounging around as much as they enjoy playtime, making them a low-maintenance and well-behaved companion.

Greyhound

Shutterstock

Greyhounds are often associated with speed and agility, but they are also known for their calm and well-mannered nature. These dogs are typically very quiet, easygoing, and affectionate with their families. Despite their history as racing dogs, many Greyhounds adapt well to family life, enjoying lounging around the house just as much as a good sprint in the yard. Their calm demeanor and quiet nature make them an ideal companion for seniors or anyone looking for a peaceful dog that is easy to care for.

Poodle

Shutterstock

Poodles are not only intelligent but also well-behaved and easy to train. They come in three different sizes—standard, miniature, and toy—but all varieties are known for their friendly and pleasant demeanor. Poodles are highly trainable and respond well to commands, making them great companions for families or first-time dog owners. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them easy to manage, and they are generally well-mannered with other pets and children. Poodles are also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for people with allergies.

Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cocker Spaniels are known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. These dogs are friendly, calm, and easy to train, which makes them ideal for families with children. They are also very good-natured with other pets, making them a great addition to a multi-pet household. Cocker Spaniels are eager to please, which makes them easy to train and well-behaved. They do require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, but their sweet and calm nature makes them worth the extra effort.

The Well-Behaved Dogs Who Make Us Look Good

Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a dog that’s easy to train, friendly, and well-mannered, the breeds listed above are excellent choices. These dogs have calm, affectionate personalities and are typically well-behaved in various situations. They fit seamlessly into family life, making them great companions. However, don’t let their good behavior fool you – they still require attention, training, and lots of love to maintain their well-mannered nature. With the right care, these breeds will continue to be well-behaved and bring joy to your home.

Loading Checkout...

United StatesClose
Flag of United States
Powered by
duty and tax information for United States

Looks like your ad blocker is on.

×

We rely on ads to keep creating quality content for you to enjoy for free.

Please support our site by disabling your ad blocker.

Continue without supporting us

Choose your Ad Blocker

  • Adblock Plus
  • Adblock
  • Adguard
  • Ad Remover
  • Brave
  • Ghostery
  • uBlock Origin
  • uBlock
  • UltraBlock
  • Other
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock Plus icon
  2. Click the large blue toggle for this website
  3. Click refresh
  1. In the extension bar, click the AdBlock icon
  2. Under "Pause on this site" click "Always"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Adguard icon
  2. Click on the large green toggle for this website
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ad Remover icon
  2. Click "Disable on This Website"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the orange lion icon
  2. Click the toggle on the top right, shifting from "Up" to "Down"
  1. In the extension bar, click on the Ghostery icon
  2. Click the "Anti-Tracking" shield so it says "Off"
  3. Click the "Ad-Blocking" stop sign so it says "Off"
  4. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock Origin icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the uBlock icon
  2. Click on the big, blue power button
  3. Refresh the page
  1. In the extension bar, click on the UltraBlock icon
  2. Check the "Disable UltraBlock" checkbox
  1. Please disable your Ad Blocker
  2. Disable any DNS blocking tools such as AdGuardDNS or NextDNS

If the prompt is still appearing, please disable any tools or services you are using that block internet ads (e.g. DNS Servers).