9 Best Behaved Dog Breeds For A Stress-Free Home

Creating a serene and harmonious home environment begins with choosing the right canine companion. Welcoming a well-behaved dog into your family not only enhances your living space but also brings joy and companionship to everyday life. While each dog has its unique personality, certain breeds are renowned for their calm temperaments, ease of training, and gentle nature. In this guide, we delve into the nine best-behaved dog breeds that promise a stress-free home, perfect for families, individuals, and first-time dog owners alike. Discover the ideal furry friend that complements your lifestyle and brings balance to your household.

All dogs are amazing in their own way—that’s just the truth. But let’s be honest, some breeds come with a mischievous streak that can turn your favorite shoes into chew toys or leave your couch looking like a crime scene. And while every dog brings endless joy and unconditional love, it’s a huge relief when your furry companion has a natural knack for good behavior.

For many families, finding a well-mannered pup isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a priority. A dog with great behavior creates a peaceful, happy home where you can focus on bonding instead of constantly managing mischief. Plus, a well-behaved dog is easier to train and makes everyday adventures—whether it’s mastering potty training or learning to walk politely on a leash—a lot more fun for everyone.

Whether you’re bringing home your very first dog or adding to a house already filled with wagging tails, this list highlights breeds that stand out for their calm, cooperative, and loving personalities. So, if you’re dreaming of a dog that offers all the love with none of the chaos, these nine best-behaved breeds might just be the perfect fit.

Best Behaved Dog Breeds

1. Yorkie Terrier

Personality	Affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish
Energy Level	Regular Exercise
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	With Supervision
Shedding	No Shedding
Grooming	Daily
Trainability	Generally Trainable
Barking Level	Vocal

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, may be small in size, but they come with a big personality! These energetic and playful little dogs are full of curiosity and enthusiasm, making them a lively addition to any household.

Affectionate and loyal, Yorkies form strong bonds with their families. They can get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers if treated gently and socialized properly. However, their brave and sometimes bossy nature means they might snap if handled roughly, so it’s important to teach kids to be gentle with them.

Training a Yorkie can be a mix of challenges and rewards. They’re intelligent and can pick up commands quickly, but their stubborn streak means you’ll need patience and plenty of positive reinforcement. Excessive barking is common with Yorkies, but consistent training can help keep it in check.

2. Labrador Retriever

Personality	Friendly, active, outgoing
Energy Level	Needs Lots of Activity
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	Good With Other Dogs
Shedding	Heavy
Grooming	Almost Daily
Trainability	Eager to Please
Barking Level	Occasional

The Labrador Retriever holds the crown as the most popular dog breed in the U.S., and it’s not hard to see why. Their unmatched blend of trainability, family-friendly nature, and all-around good temperament has made them a beloved choice not just in America but worldwide.

Labradors are gentle, affectionate, and playful companions who fit seamlessly into family life. Their outgoing and easygoing personalities make them natural crowd-pleasers, whether at home, the park, or a social gathering. WebMD adds that Labs are also famously easy to train, staying calm and obedient when given consistent, positive guidance.

Of course, like any breed, they’re not without their quirks. Labradors can develop behavior issues, such as excessive barking or chewing, especially if they’re bored or lack proper exercise. Addressing these behaviors requires understanding their energetic nature and keeping them mentally and physically engaged.

3. Cane Corso

Personality	Affectionate, intelligent, majestic
Energy Level	Energetic
Good with Children	With Supervision
Good with other Dogs	With Supervision
Shedding	Moderate
Grooming	Monthly
Trainability	Highly Trainable
Barking Level	Occasional

Once prized as skilled herders, Cane Corsos have evolved into loyal companions and reliable guard dogs. Known for their strong, muscular build, they might appear intimidating at first glance, but don’t let their looks fool you—these gentle giants are incredibly affectionate and form deep bonds with their families.

Cane Corsos are eager to please and excel at following commands, making them a great choice for owners who can provide firm but loving guidance. They’re naturally protective and thrive in homes where they can feel like part of the pack. While their size and strength are impressive, their calm demeanor and gentle nature make them wonderful playmates for older children.

With proper training and early socialization, Cane Corsos can fit seamlessly into family life, offering both affection and security. According to AKC, their short, dense coat is low-maintenance—just a quick weekly brushing keeps them looking sleek and polished.

4. Poodle

Personality	Active, proud, very smart
Energy Level	Energetic
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	With Supervision
Shedding	Moderate
Grooming	Weekly
Trainability	Eager to Please
Barking Level	Occasional

Poodles are cheerful, playful, and responsive dogs, making them a fantastic fit for active families. Whether you choose a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, you’ll find they share similar personalities—friendly, loyal, and eager to join in on the fun.

These intelligent and adaptable dogs are easy to train and enjoy learning new things. While Poodles can be a bit cautious around strangers at first, early socialization helps them feel at ease with other pets, children, and guests. They thrive on attention and need mental stimulation to keep boredom at bay.

Poodles can be protective of their families and homes, often barking to alert you of visitors. However, if left alone for too long or ignored, they may develop habits like excessive barking. As for grooming, Poodles do require regular maintenance to keep their coat in great shape, but they shed very little and are relatively low-maintenance in that regard.

5. Golden Retriever

Personality	Friendly, intelligent, devoted
Energy Level	Needs Lots of Activity
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	Good With Other Dogs
Shedding	Moderate to Heavy
Grooming	Weekly
Trainability	Eager to Please
Barking Level	Only To Alert

It’s nearly impossible to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the company of a Golden Retriever. These dogs aren’t just well-behaved—they’re naturally kind-hearted and incredibly easy to get along with. Their gentle, comforting presence has even been shown to reduce stress and help calm aggressive tendencies in people.

Golden Retrievers are exceptional at picking up on human emotions, making them true companions who are always eager to lend a paw. According to Hill’s Pet, their playful yet gentle nature makes them wonderful with children, and they get along effortlessly with other pets and even strangers.

Their desire to please is unmatched, which not only makes obedience training a breeze but also explains why they’re such popular service and therapy dogs. When it comes to interactions with other animals, Golden Retrievers are peacekeepers by nature—it’s rare to see them in conflict.

6. German Shepherd

Personality	Friendly, intelligent, devoted
Energy Level	High Energy
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	Good With Other Dogs
Shedding	Moderate to Heavy
Grooming	Weekly
Trainability	Highly Trainable
Barking Level	Only To Alert

When it comes to defining the ultimate “good boy,” the German Shepherd fits the bill perfectly. These dogs are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong work ethic, which is why they’re often chosen for roles in the military, police force, and search-and-rescue missions.

But don’t let their professional reputation fool you—German Shepherds are also incredibly devoted to their families. They love nothing more than being by your side, whether you’re relaxing at home or exploring the great outdoors. Their independent and sharp minds make them one of the most cherished big dog breeds, and they truly thrive when given a purpose or job to do.

While their strength and size make them impressive protectors, it’s important for families with small children to supervise interactions to ensure everyone stays safe. PetPlan notes that these dogs do best in larger spaces where they can burn off their endless energy, and with the right outlet, they’ll reward you with calm, steady companionship that’s hard to match.

7. Rottweiler

Personality	Loyal, loving, confident guardian
Energy Level	Regular Exercise
Good with Children	With Supervision
Good with other Dogs	With Supervision
Shedding	Moderate
Grooming	Monthly
Trainability	Eager to Please
Barking Level	Only To Alert

Rottweilers are loyal, protective, and intelligent companions with a fascinating history as guard dogs for farmers and butchers. While their strong build and protective instincts have sometimes led to unfair stereotypes of aggression, a properly trained and socialized Rottweiler is a gentle, loving, and devoted family member.

These dogs are generally quiet and calm, often shadowing their owners around the house to stay close. Their deep devotion to their families makes them incredible companions who thrive on human interaction. With positive reinforcement, Rottweilers are quick learners and respond exceptionally well to training.

Rottweilers aren’t naturally prone to excessive barking or destructive behavior. PetMD adds that Rottweilers can make excellent family dogs and are often incredibly gentle and patient with children. However, like all dogs, early training and socialization are essential to help them develop good manners and feel comfortable in various situations.

8. Shih Tzu

Personality	Affectionate, playful, outgoing
Energy Level	Regular Exercise
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	Dogs: Good With Other Dogs
Shedding	No Shedding
Grooming	Daily
Trainability	Low
Barking Level	Occasional

The Shih Tzu’s cheerful and affectionate personality makes it a wonderful choice for families seeking a small, well-mannered companion. Though these sweet-natured dogs might take some time to fully warm up to you, once you earn their trust, you’ll be rewarded with unwavering loyalty and a deep desire to please.

PDSA states that they thrive on social interaction and generally get along well with both humans and other pets. However, like any dog, they benefit from careful introductions when meeting new furry friends. With proper training and early socialization, Shih Tzus can make delightful family pets, blending in seamlessly with the household.

Another advantage is their adaptability—they don’t need a lot of space, which makes them perfect for apartment living or homes of any size. That said, they do enjoy having enough room to play and stretch their legs, so don’t forget to give them time to romp around.

9. Boston Terrier

Personality	Personality: Friendly, bright, amusing
Energy Level	Regular Exercise
Good with Children	Good With Children
Good with other Dogs	With Supervision
Shedding	Low to Moderate
Grooming	Weekly
Trainability	Easy to Train
Barking Level	Low

Boston Terriers, a compact and muscular breed that originated in the United States in the 1870s, have earned the nickname “American Gentleman” for their charming and gentle nature. These well-behaved dogs are affectionate, friendly, and intelligent, making them a delightful addition to any family.

Known for their outgoing and loving personalities, Boston Terriers are incredibly loyal and devoted to their owners. They’re quick learners and thrive on mental stimulation, responding beautifully to reward-based training. Their eagerness to please and sharp intelligence make them fun and easy to train.

When socialized properly as puppies, Boston Terriers get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. They also need daily exercise and plenty of interaction to keep them happy and to avoid boredom or separation anxiety. One bonus for many dog lovers—Boston Terriers tend to bark less than most breeds, making them an excellent choice for quieter households.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a dog with good behavior is about finding the right match for your lifestyle and understanding the unique characteristics of each breed. While we’ve highlighted some of the best-behaved dog breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Poodles, it’s important to remember that many popular dog breeds not included in this list, such as Great Danes, American Bulldogs, and Havanese, can also exhibit pretty good behavior when properly trained and socialized.

On the flip side, even breeds with a reputation for being among the worst-behaved dog breeds can thrive with the right care and attention. After all, a dog’s own behavior is shaped largely by the time and effort their owner invests in training and creating a loving environment.

As you do your research, consider factors like health, energy levels, and how sensitive a breed might be to their environment. Some dogs, especially playful ones like lap dogs, may be prone to jumping or trying to ingest foreign objects, which can lead to trouble if not monitored. While certain breeds rarely destroy things, others might require more attention to curb potentially terrible behavior.

With patience, understanding, and the right approach, any dog can become a cherished member of the family—proving that no matter where a breed is ranked, its potential for love and loyalty knows no bounds.

In conclusion, choosing one of the best-behaved dog breeds can significantly contribute to a stress-free home environment. Breeds known for their calm demeanor, trainability, and friendly nature, such as the Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Bichon Frise, offer companionship without the challenges of more demanding breeds. These dogs typically integrate well into family life, exhibit patience, and adapt easily to routines, offering both comfort and joy. Understanding the characteristics of these breeds can help potential dog owners make informed decisions that enhance family harmony and ensure a positive pet-parenting experience.