The 10 Best Behaved Dog Breeds and What Makes Them Exceptional
Calm, intelligent dispositions combine with loyalty to create harmonized family life.
If you’re searching for a canine companion whose loyalty, intelligence, and composure will make your daily life better, you’ll want to know which breeds stand out for their excellent behavior. Some pups are calmer or more eager to please, while others are known for their biddable temperament and adaptability. This detailed guide ranks the top 10 best behaved dog breeds, highlights their unique qualities, and answers common questions for pet owners and families alike.
How the Best Behaved Dog Breeds Were Ranked
Recent research conducted by Protect My Paws analyzed Instagram hashtag sentiment to determine which breeds display the most positive behavior online. Scores are based on the proportion of positive behavior reports from thousands of social media posts, giving a unique perspective on breeds renowned for being polite, obedient, and easy to live with.
While every breed is unique and even the best-behaved dogs need training, these rankings reflect overall tendencies in temperament and behavior, rather than guarantees for every individual dog.
Top 10 Best Behaved Dog Breeds
- Korean Jindo Dog (75.86%)
- Perro de Presa Canario (72.73%)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback (71.05%)
- Black Mouth Cur (70.83%)
- Portuguese Water Dog (70.83%)
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog (68.97%)
- Rat Terrier (68.97%)
- Belgian Malinois (67.90%)
- Miniature Pinscher (66.67%)
- Dutch Shepherd (65.91%)
Korean Jindo Dog
The Korean Jindo Dog is celebrated for its loyalty, alertness, and keen intelligence. Native to the South Korean island of Jindo, this breed adapted over centuries to challenging environments, making them energetic and remarkably devoted to their families. The Jindo’s cautiousness with strangers is balanced by deep companionship and obedience with their owners. Their distinct, erect ears and tight, brindled coats give them a noble appearance. For families seeking a dog that forms a strong bond and is highly disciplined, the Jindo is an excellent choice. However, they may be reserved with unfamiliar people or situations and thrive in homes where socialization is prioritized.
Key Traits
- Devoted loyalty to family
- Intelligent and eager to please
- Watchful and brave
- Can be reserved with strangers
Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario is a powerful, dignified breed from the Canary Islands. Originally bred for working livestock, this dog is self-confident, calm, and highly trainable. Despite their strong appearance, Presa Canarios with the right upbringing are well-mannered and steady. Early socialization and ongoing training are important, especially due to their protective instincts with family and property. They form firm bonds and are deeply loyal, thriving in households that are experienced with robust working breeds.
Key Traits
- Calm and observant demeanor
- Loyal to family, reserved with strangers
- Intelligent and highly trainable
- Protective instincts
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are renowned for composure, courage, and a gentle nature around family. Recognized by the signature ridge down their back, these muscular dogs were bred in Africa for big-game tracking. They are quiet, rarely bark unnecessarily, and are known for being clean and low-odor. Patience and independence characterize this breed, making them great for experienced owners who provide structure. They mesh well with other dogs and children when properly introduced and can become deeply attached to their families.
Key Traits
- Composed and loyal
- Quiet, low-maintenance coat
- Vigilant but not aggressive
- Gentle with training and proper socialization
Black Mouth Cur
The Black Mouth Cur is an all-American working dog, well-known for their utility as hunters and herders. This breed offers boundless energy and courage, yet is unfailingly loyal and adaptable. Cur dogs can be highly affectionate with their families, are motivated to work, and respond enthusiastically to consistent, fair training. Their adaptability makes them suitable for homes with children or other pets when they receive ample mental and physical stimulation.
Key Traits
- Energetic and intelligent
- Affectionate with family
- Loyal and protective
- Requires daily exercise and stimulation
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are agile, fun-loving, and eager to please. Originally bred as fisherman’s helpers, they’re biddable and excel at water-based activities and canine sports. Their hypoallergenic, curly coats suit families with allergies, while their high intelligence and sociability make them adaptable to various living environments. They respond best to training through play and mental challenges.
Key Traits
- Playful and loving
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Adaptable and highly trainable
- Loves water and activity
Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are ancient livestock guardians from Turkey. Massive yet gentle, they display calmness and patience while being incredibly protective. They require early socialization to balance their strong guarding instincts. Once bonded, they are gentle giants and exceptionally intuitive around children. Their independent mindset makes them best for experienced owners and larger properties.
Key Traits
- Calm and steady temperament
- Vigilant and protective
- Independent but affectionate with owners
- Thrives with structure and space
Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are energetic, intelligent, and known for their relentless curiosity. Though sometimes stubborn, they delight in activity and make excellent companions for interactive households. This breed thrives with mental games, agility training, and family inclusion. They tend to form strong bonds and can be quite affectionate, especially with children.
Key Traits
- Highly energetic and playful
- Loyal and affectionate
- Quick learners, love puzzle games
- Alert and brave
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is celebrated globally for their intelligence and zeal for work. Commonly employed in police and security roles, this breed is eager to learn and excels with structured exercise and mental stimulation. Though intense, they are supremely obedient and bond closely with dedicated handlers or families. This is an ideal choice for people who want an energetic, disciplined, and responsive four-legged partner.
Key Traits
- Highly intelligent and hardworking
- Intensely loyal
- Requires experienced handling
- Quick-witted, excels in sports and obedience
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is lively, intelligent, and spirited. Their assertive presence belies their small size, and while they’re often called “the king of the toy dogs,” they’re known for good behavior given proper training. Alert and brave, they can be excellent watchdogs and affectionate family pets, thriving in busy homes where their minds are engaged.
Key Traits
- Confident and bold
- Bright and quick to learn
- Energetic, playful for their size
- Benefits from early, consistent training
Dutch Shepherd
The rare Dutch Shepherd stands out for its versatility and quick-learning ability. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, these herding dogs can adapt to many tasks, from companion animal to competitive sports. They require a lot of activity to prevent boredom but reward owners with outstanding obedience and deep devotion.
Key Traits
- Versatile and intelligent
- Loyal, eager to work
- Adaptable but needs stimulation
- Good with active families
Comparison Table: Traits of the Best Behaved Dog Breeds
| Breed | Temperament | Best For | Trainability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korean Jindo Dog | Loyal, alert, obedient | Single-dog homes, experienced owners | High |
| Perro de Presa Canario | Calm, confident, protective | Experienced owners, protective roles | Medium-High |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Composed, quiet, independent | Families, houses with yards | Medium |
| Black Mouth Cur | Energetic, adaptable | Active families, rural homes | High |
| Portuguese Water Dog | Playful, intelligent | Families, active households | High |
| Anatolian Shepherd | Calm, guardians | Farms, experienced owners | Medium |
| Rat Terrier | Spirited, playful | Active homes, agility | High |
| Belgian Malinois | Energetic, intelligent | Working roles, sports | Very High |
| Miniature Pinscher | Bold, sharp | Small spaces, devoted owners | Medium-High |
| Dutch Shepherd | Versatile, loyal | Active, working homes | High |
Fun Fact: The Naughtiest Dog Breeds
While the focus here is on the best behaved breeds, the Protect My Paws study also revealed the Japanese Spitz as the naughtiest dog breed, with over 86% of Instagram posts referencing bad behavior. It’s a reminder that every dog is an individual, and “naughtiness” is often a byproduct of boredom, lack of training, or mismatched owner habits.
Geography of Good Dogs: Countries With the Best and Worst Behaved Breeds
- Ukraine is home to the best-behaved dogs according to the survey, with positive behavioral posts dominating social media.
- South Africa scored as the country with the naughtiest pups, likely reflecting a combination of breed popularity and lifestyle factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are these breeds guaranteed to be well behaved?
No dog is guaranteed to be perfectly behaved; temperament is shaped through training, socialization, and environment as much as genetics. These breeds are known for tendencies toward positive behavior, but individual personality and upbringing count just as much.
Which of these breeds is best for families with children?
Portuguese Water Dogs, Black Mouth Curs, and Rat Terriers are frequently excellent with children due to their affectionate, playful, and adaptive natures. However, early socialization and supervision are always essential.
What breeds are most suitable for apartment living?
The Miniature Pinscher suits small living spaces provided they get enough exercise and attention. Portuguese Water Dogs, with proper walks and play, can also adapt to apartment life.
Are these dogs suitable for first-time owners?
Breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog and Rat Terrier can be suitable for dedicated first-time owners, but others such as the Belgian Malinois or Anatolian Shepherd generally require more experience due to their drive, intelligence, and exercise needs.
How can I ensure my dog is well behaved?
- Start training and socialization early, using positive reinforcement.
- Provide ample mental and physical enrichment to reduce boredom.
- Be consistent and patient in your approach.
- Seek help from a trainer or behaviorist when needed.
- Remember, every dog has a unique personality and set of needs!
Related Resources
- 5 Adorable Dog Breeds with Beards
- 6 of the Quietest Dog Breeds
- Top 6 Hardiest and Healthiest Dog Breeds
- 3 Dog Breeds More Prone to Separation Anxiety
All dogs, regardless of breed, flourish with love, attention, and the right environment. Selecting a breed in line with your lifestyle — then investing in companionship and training — results in the best behaved family member, every time.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a63239614/best-behaved-dog-breeds/
- https://www.countryliving.com/uk/wildlife/pets/a63684980/graeme-hall-best-worst-goofiest-dogs/
- https://fotp.com/learn/dog-lifestyle/top-10-dog-breeds-for-country-living
- https://worldanimalfoundation.org/dogs/worst-behaved-dog-breeds-you-should-know/
- https://www.chewy.com/education/dog/general/behavior-breeds-10-dog-breeds-perfect-for-the-country
- https://www.upworthy.com/dog-breeds
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