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22 Best Dog Breeds For People Who Want A Gentle Soul

22 Best Dog Breeds For People Who Want A Gentle Soul

Looking for a dog with the gentlest heart? The kind that will curl up beside you and melt away all your stress? Well, your search is over. These 22 dog breeds are the ultimate snuggle buddies and will make you feel like you’ve found a lifelong friend.

Forget the barking, the jumping, and the endless energy. These dogs are all about calm companionship and loyalty. They’re the kind of pups who look at you with those soulful eyes, making you wonder how you ever lived without them.

Whether you’re looking for a companion to sit quietly by your side or a dog who’ll melt in your arms, there’s a breed on this list ready to give you all the love you’ve been waiting for.

Get ready to meet the gentle souls that will steal your heart without a single bark.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
© Petfinder

Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly demeanor and gentle nature. They are excellent family dogs, offering both loyalty and affection. Their playful spirit makes them ideal companions for children. Labs are highly trainable, often excelling in obedience training. They love the outdoors, making them perfect for active families. Their gentle soul and patient nature make them great therapy dogs as well. Labs thrive on companionship, so they do best in homes where they can be part of family activities. Overall, their loving nature and adaptability make them a fantastic choice for any home.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
© Treehugger

Golden Retrievers are the epitome of friendliness and affection. They are renowned for their unwavering loyalty and gentle demeanor. Goldens are highly intelligent, making training an enjoyable experience for both owner and pet. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent with children and other animals. These dogs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of a family. Their gentle nature is complemented by a playful energy, providing the perfect balance of calmness and fun. Golden Retrievers are not just pets; they become cherished family members who bring joy and love to any household.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
© Britannica

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels exude elegance and charm, coupled with a gentle and affectionate nature. These small-sized dogs are perfect for those seeking a lap companion. Their friendly and sociable disposition makes them excellent family pets. Cavaliers are known for their adaptability, fitting well into both active and more relaxed households. Their loving nature means they form strong bonds with their owners, offering unwavering loyalty. These dogs are also great with children, ensuring a harmonious home environment. Their beautiful coat and soulful eyes add to their royal appearance, making them a delight to own.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
© Chewy.com

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs with a loving and gentle personality. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them perfect for allergy sufferers. Bichons are incredibly sociable, enjoying the company of humans and other pets alike. They are playful and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for families and individuals. These dogs are known for their intelligence, often mastering tricks and commands with ease. Their gentle nature and adaptability make them ideal for apartment living. Bichon Frises bring joy and laughter into any home, with their charming antics and heartwarming companionship. Their presence is sure to brighten any day.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
© Daily Paws

Shih Tzus are known for their sweet temperament and loving nature. These small dogs are perfect for those who desire a gentle companion. Their elegant appearance is matched by a friendly and sociable personality. Shih Tzus thrive on human interaction and enjoy being pampered. They are excellent with children, providing a gentle and playful presence in the home. These dogs are adaptable, fitting well into various living situations, including apartments. Their loyalty and affectionate nature make them wonderful companions, bringing warmth and joy to their families. Owning a Shih Tzu means welcoming a devoted friend.

Pug

Pug
© Potty Buddy

Pugs are small dogs with a big heart and a gentle demeanor. Their expressive eyes and charming personality make them irresistible companions. Pugs are incredibly affectionate, always eager to be by their owner’s side. They are known for their playful nature, often engaging in silly antics that bring laughter into the home. Despite their small size, Pugs have a sturdy build and are great with children. They enjoy short walks and snuggling on the couch, making them ideal for both active and relaxed lifestyles. Pugs’ endearing nature and adaptability make them a joy to own.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland
© Reddit

Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their kind-hearted nature. These large dogs are incredibly patient and protective, making them excellent companions for families. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make training a rewarding experience. Newfoundlands are natural swimmers, often enjoying water activities. Despite their size, they are gentle with children, providing a reassuring presence in the home. They thrive on companionship, forming strong bonds with their families. Newfoundlands’ loving nature and gentle disposition make them ideal therapy dogs. Their loyalty and devotion bring comfort and security, making them cherished members of any household.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter
© Daily Paws

Irish Setters are known for their stunning appearance and gentle nature. These dogs are friendly and outgoing, enjoying the company of humans and other animals. Their playful spirit and high energy levels make them ideal for active families. Irish Setters are highly intelligent, excelling in obedience training and dog sports. They have a gentle and affectionate demeanor, forming strong bonds with their owners. These dogs thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities. With their loving nature and striking beauty, Irish Setters bring joy and vitality to any home, becoming treasured family members.

Collie

Collie
© PetHelpful

Collies are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. These dogs are loyal and protective, making them excellent family companions. Their herding instinct means they enjoy being active and engaged. Collies are highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility. They have a gentle and friendly demeanor, especially with children, ensuring a harmonious home environment. Collies thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities. Their loving nature and striking appearance make them a joy to own. With a Collie by your side, you gain a devoted friend who brings warmth and joy to your life.

Beagle

Beagle
© Britannica

Beagles are small, friendly dogs with a gentle and curious nature. Their expressive eyes and playful disposition make them beloved companions. Beagles are known for their intelligence and keen sense of smell, often excelling in scent work and tracking. They enjoy being part of family activities, bringing a joyful energy to the home. Despite their high energy levels, Beagles are gentle with children and other pets. They thrive on companionship and enjoy exploring the outdoors. Beagles’ loving nature and cheerful personality make them a wonderful addition to any family, bringing happiness and adventure.

Bulldog

Bulldog
© The Spruce Pets

Bulldogs are known for their calm and gentle demeanor. These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their unique appearance, with a wrinkled face and stocky build, adds to their charm. Bulldogs are excellent with children, providing a loving and protective presence in the home. They enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, often content with short walks and lounging around. Despite their laid-back nature, Bulldogs are alert and courageous, making them great watchdogs. Their affectionate personality and devotion make them cherished family members, bringing comfort and joy to any household.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard
© Chewy.com

Saint Bernards are gentle giants known for their sweet temperament and loving nature. These large dogs are incredibly patient and protective, making them wonderful family companions. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them easy to train. Saint Bernards enjoy being part of family activities, often showing a playful and affectionate side. Despite their size, they are gentle with children, providing a reassuring presence in the home. Their loving nature and loyalty make them excellent therapy dogs, bringing comfort and joy to those they encounter. Owning a Saint Bernard means gaining a devoted and gentle friend.

Maltese

Maltese
© ASPCA Pet Insurance

Maltese dogs are known for their elegance and gentle nature. These small dogs are perfect for those seeking a lap companion. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them suitable for allergy sufferers. Maltese are incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. They enjoy being pampered and thrive on human interaction. Despite their small size, they have a playful spirit and enjoy short walks and playtime. Maltese are intelligent and easily trained, making them delightful companions. Their loving nature and charming appearance bring joy and warmth to any home, making them a cherished addition to the family.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
© Pikes Peak Veterinary Clinic

Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants known for their calm and loving demeanor. These large dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their protective nature makes them excellent companions for children. Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy outdoor activities, thriving in spacious environments. Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate, providing a comforting presence at home. Their intelligence and trainability make them enjoyable to work with. Bernese Mountain Dogs’ loving nature and majestic appearance make them a joy to own, bringing warmth and happiness to any household they become part of.

Great Dane

Great Dane
© Britannica

Great Danes are known as gentle giants with a loving and friendly disposition. These large dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Despite their size, they are gentle and patient, making them wonderful companions for children. Great Danes enjoy being part of family activities and thrive in spacious environments. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make training a positive experience. Great Danes’ loving nature and majestic appearance bring joy and warmth to any home. Owning a Great Dane means welcoming a devoted and gentle friend who brings happiness and security.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
© Chewy.com

Cocker Spaniels are known for their sweet nature and friendly disposition. These dogs are incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families. Their playful spirit and gentle demeanor make them excellent companions for children and other pets. Cocker Spaniels enjoy being part of family activities, bringing a joyful energy to the home. They are intelligent and easily trained, often excelling in obedience and agility. Cocker Spaniels’ loving nature and beautiful appearance make them a joy to own. With a Cocker Spaniel by your side, you gain a devoted friend who brings warmth and happiness.

Samoyed

Samoyed
© DogTime

Samoyeds are known for their friendly and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly sociable, enjoying the company of humans and other animals. Their playful spirit and affectionate demeanor make them wonderful companions for families. Samoyeds thrive in active environments, often enjoying outdoor activities and playtime. Their loving nature and striking appearance bring joy and warmth to any home. Despite their fluffy coat, they are surprisingly low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Samoyeds’ cheerful personality and devotion make them a cherished addition to any family, offering companionship and happiness.

Poodle

Poodle
© CareCredit

Poodles are known for their intelligence and gentle nature. These dogs are highly trainable, often excelling in obedience and agility. Poodles come in various sizes, making them suitable for different living situations. Their hypoallergenic coat makes them ideal for allergy sufferers. Poodles are incredibly sociable, enjoying the company of humans and other pets. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being part of family activities. Their loving nature and elegant appearance make them a joy to own. With a Poodle by your side, you gain a devoted friend who brings warmth and joy to your life.

Havanese

Havanese
© Wag!

Havanese dogs are known for their playful and gentle nature. These small dogs are incredibly affectionate, forming strong bonds with their families. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent companions for children and other pets. Havanese thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training an enjoyable experience. Despite their small size, they have a lively spirit and enjoy playtime and short walks. Havanese’ loving nature and charming appearance bring joy and warmth to any home, making them a cherished addition to the family.

Boxer

Boxer
© Rover.com

Boxers are known for their playful and friendly nature. These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their high energy levels make them ideal for active households. Boxers enjoy being part of family activities, often showing a playful and exuberant side. Despite their muscular build, they are gentle with children and other pets. Boxers’ intelligence and eagerness to please make training an enjoyable experience. Their loving nature and boundless energy bring joy and vitality to any home, making them a cherished addition to the family.

Whippet

Whippet
© World Dog Finder

Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for various living situations, including apartments. Whippets enjoy being part of family activities, often showing a playful and agile side. Despite their energetic nature, they are gentle with children and other pets. Whippets’ loving nature and sleek appearance make them a joy to own. With a Whippet by your side, you gain a devoted friend who brings warmth and happiness to your life.

Vizsla

Vizsla
© Chewy.com

Vizslas are known for their friendly and gentle nature. These dogs are incredibly loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. Their high energy levels make them ideal for active households. Vizslas enjoy being part of family activities, often showing a playful and enthusiastic side. Despite their energetic nature, they are gentle with children and other pets. Vizslas’ intelligence and eagerness to please make training an enjoyable experience. Their loving nature and striking appearance bring joy and vitality to any home, making them a cherished addition to the family.