In the grand quest for the best-behaved dog breed, we must consider not just obedience but also the delightful quirks and silly habits that make each breed unique. While every dog has its moments of mischief, certain breeds have a reputation for being particularly well-mannered. These dogs are not just polite, but they also bring joy and laughter into our lives with their charming personalities. In this whimsical countdown of the top 15 best-behaved dog breeds, we’ll explore what makes each breed special, from their impeccable manners to their amusing antics. Get ready to meet some of the most delightful and well-behaved canine companions around.
15. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small but mighty when it comes to good behavior. These regal lapdogs thrive on human companionship and are known for their affectionate nature. They rarely cause a fuss and are generally easy to train. However, Shih Tzus have a playful side that can lead to some hilarious moments. They often perform “zoomies” around the house, racing in circles with their flowing coats trailing behind them. Despite their dignified appearance, Shih Tzus are not above rolling around on their backs, eagerly awaiting belly rubs.
14. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with a reputation for being incredibly well-behaved. These dogs are calm, patient, and great with children. They are known for their easygoing nature and willingness to please their owners. However, Berners also have a goofy side. They are prone to trying to sit on their owner’s lap, seemingly unaware of their large size. Their love for leaning against their humans for a good cuddle is endearing, even if it occasionally knocks you off balance.
13. Papillon
Papillons may be small, but they are big on good behavior. These dainty dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them a breeze to train. Papillons are known for their graceful prance and butterfly-like ears. Despite their refined appearance, they have a playful streak that often results in them chasing after toys with surprising speed and agility. Their love for performing tricks and their constant desire to be close to their owners make them delightful companions.
12. Vizsla
Vizslas are known for their boundless energy and affectionate nature. These Hungarian hunting dogs are incredibly trainable and form strong bonds with their families. They are well-behaved and responsive to commands, making them excellent companions for active households. Vizslas have a quirky habit of leaning against their owners for affection, often referred to as the “Vizsla lean.” Their playful nature and love for running in wide-open spaces can lead to some entertaining moments.
11. Collie
Collies, made famous by Lassie, are known for their intelligence and good behavior. These herding dogs are gentle, loyal, and great with children. They have an innate sense of responsibility and are quick to respond to training. Collies are also known for their playful side, often seen herding family members or chasing after balls with enthusiasm. Their expressive eyes and loving nature make them both well-behaved and endearing.
10. Greyhound
Greyhounds might be known for their speed on the racetrack, but at home, they are the epitome of well-behaved. These sleek dogs are gentle, calm, and easygoing. They love lounging around and are surprisingly low-maintenance for their size. Greyhounds have a quirky habit of “roaching” – lying on their backs with all four legs in the air, which looks incredibly goofy given their otherwise elegant demeanor. Their relaxed nature and affectionate behavior make them excellent companions.
9. Whippet
Similar to Greyhounds, Whippets are known for their grace and good manners. These dogs are gentle, affectionate, and highly trainable. Whippets love to curl up on the couch and are often found snuggling with their owners. Despite their calm nature, they have a playful side that can result in spontaneous bursts of speed, known as “zoomies,” around the yard. Their sleek bodies and big hearts make them both well-behaved and lovable.
8. Poodle
Poodles, whether standard, miniature, or toy, are known for their intelligence and trainability. These dogs are eager to please and excel in obedience training. Poodles are also playful and enjoy performing tricks, often showing off their skills to the delight of their owners. Their love for water and their occasional attempts to “dance” on their hind legs add to their charm. With their hypoallergenic coats and well-mannered behavior, Poodles are a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their friendly and well-behaved nature. Labs are intelligent, easy to train, and always eager to please. They have a playful side that includes a love for fetch and water games. Labs often greet their owners with a toy or shoe in their mouth, showcasing their goofy yet endearing personality. Their loyalty and gentle demeanor make them excellent family pets.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are synonymous with good behavior. These dogs are friendly, obedient, and incredibly loyal. Goldens are known for their patience, making them great with children and other pets. They love to play fetch and often carry objects in their mouths as a sign of affection. Goldens have a silly habit of rolling around on their backs with their legs in the air, looking both ridiculous and adorable. Their loving nature and impeccable manners make them beloved companions.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the epitome of well-behaved lap dogs. These small, affectionate dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are easy to train and eager to please, making them ideal pets for families and individuals alike. Cavaliers have a quirky habit of “shadowing” their owners, following them from room to room with unwavering devotion. Their expressive eyes and constant need for affection make them both charming and well-mannered.
4. Beagle
Beagles are known for their friendly and curious nature. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Beagles have a playful side and love to explore their surroundings, often leading to some amusing adventures. Their keen sense of smell and love for tracking can sometimes get them into mischief, but their good behavior and loving nature quickly make up for it. Beagles’ wagging tails and happy-go-lucky attitude make them delightful companions.
3. Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are known for their intelligence and good behavior. These herding dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience competitions. Shelties are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families. They have a playful side and often engage in herding behaviors, even with humans. Shelties’ expressive faces and eagerness to please make them both well-behaved and endearing companions.
2. Border Collie
Border Collies are often considered the most intelligent dog breed, and their good behavior reflects this. These dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility competitions. Border Collies are known for their work ethic and eagerness to please their owners. They have a playful side and enjoy games that challenge their minds and bodies. Despite their high energy levels, Border Collies are incredibly loyal and well-mannered, making them excellent pets for active families.
1. Australian Shepherd
Topping our list is the Australian Shepherd, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and good behavior. These dogs are highly trainable and excel in obedience and agility. Aussies form strong bonds with their families and are always eager to please. They have a playful side and enjoy activities that challenge their minds. Aussies are also known for their “wiggle butts” – a quirky habit of wiggling their entire backside when they’re excited. Their combination of good behavior, intelligence, and playful personality makes them the best-behaved dog breed.
In the end, the best-behaved dog breed is a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. Each breed on this list brings a unique blend of good manners, intelligence, and playful quirks that make them special. Whether you prefer the gentle nature of a Bernese Mountain Dog, the playful antics of a Labrador Retriever, or the intelligence of an Australian Shepherd, there is a well-behaved dog out there for everyone. These delightful canines not only impress us with their manners but also bring joy and laughter into our lives with their charming personalities and endearing habits.
Toledo, United States.
