They wouldn't hurt a fly: 5 of the kindest dog breeds

When choosing a dog, people often focus on the animal's personality and ability to get along with children and strangers. In this article, we'll tell you about the five kindest breeds that make excellent companions.

Golden Retriever

Retrievers are known for their sociability and affection for people. Due to their stable nature, these dogs are often used in animal therapy. They help children with autism and become guide dogs for the blind.

Advantages:

• friendly character;
• stable psyche;
• easy to train;
• high intelligence.

Flaws:

• not suitable for busy people;
• unsuitable as guard dogs;
• high cost of puppies.

St. Bernard

Saint Bernards are considered ideal search and rescue dogs, making them suitable companions and guard dogs. Statistics show that Saint Bernards have rescued many people lost in the mountains. They get along well with children and thrive in the company of other animals. They have a somewhat phlegmatic and calm nature. Thanks to their sensitivity, they are sensitive to their owner's mood swings and are capable of empathy.

Advantages:

• mental stability;
• lack of aggression;
• affection for the owner;
• high security qualities;
• friendly to other animals.

Flaws:

• not suitable for busy people, without the owner’s attention it becomes depressed;
• not suitable for keeping in a small apartment;
• profuse salivation, especially in the summer season;
• constant shedding of fur.

Newfoundland

The "Diver" is at home in the water and is used as a rescue dog. It has a calm disposition, but is ready to defend its owners if necessary. It loves to play with children and stoically tolerates their pranks. It can cover long distances if its owner is nearby. It is not jealous, and when a small child arrives in the family, it becomes a nanny.

Advantages:

• good character;
• affection and responsiveness to the owner;
• love for children;
• excellent swimmer;
• good guard skills.

Flaws:

• stubborn character;
• heavy grooming – sheds all year round;
• increased salivation;
• without the owner's attention he can do mischief;
• large size of the pet.

Collie

Brought from Iceland to Scotland, the breed got its name from its role as guardian of flocks of sheep, known as "collies." In the modern world, it becomes a family companion and loyal friend. It makes an excellent guide dog for people with disabilities.

Collies are devoted to their owners and more wary of strangers. They are easy to train and will cuddle small children as if they were their own puppies. They are suitable for both experienced and novice dog owners looking for a companion. They accept cats and other animals without aggression.

Advantages:

• loyalty to people and a cheerful disposition;
• It is trainable - even children can handle it;
• does not show aggression.

Flaws:

• wary of strangers;
• requires regular walking and active play.

Basset Hound

This dog has an exceptional sense of smell and is often used by hunters to track small game. While it's not particularly good as a guard dog, it's active and requires exercise. Thanks to its sense of smell, it can detect odors from miles away, but is often distracted by digging. Despite its sad expression, the dog is very cheerful and active, and loves to play with children. It makes a loyal companion and jogging buddy.

Advantages:

• cheerful disposition;
• calm character;
• feels great in a small apartment;
• has an exceptional sense of smell;
• sociable, gets along well with children and other animals.

Flaws:

• there is a risk of obesity with little physical activity;
• stubborn character.

When choosing a loyal canine companion, you need to weigh the pros and cons. These breeds don't like being alone—it can cause them to become very sick and misbehave. Only attentiveness, patience, and love can guarantee a true friendship between owner and dog.