Introduction
Every dog lover dreams of having a kind, calm, and loving pet. But what is the world's nicest dog? Is there a single breed that wins the title, or is “niceness” more about training, environment, and the dog’s unique personality?
In this blog post, we explore what makes a dog “nice,” spotlight the top contenders for the world’s nicest dog breeds, and offer tips to raise a gentle and well-mannered canine. Plus, we’ll show you how Calmshops can help you support your dog’s behaviour with gentle, humane training tools.
What Does “Nicest Dog” Really Mean?
Before we crown the winner, we need to define what makes a dog nice. Typically, a “nice” dog:
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Gets along with people, kids, and other animals
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Responds well to training
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Is affectionate and enjoys cuddles
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Doesn’t display aggression or fear-based behaviour
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Is calm in new situations
While breed genetics play a part, socialisation, environment, and training are just as important.
Top 10 Contenders for the World’s Nicest Dog
1. Golden Retriever
Ask any vet or dog trainer what is the world's nicest dog, and you’ll hear “Golden Retriever” more often than not. These affectionate, people-loving dogs are famous for their loyalty and patience, especially with children.
✅ Pros:
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Easy to train
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Great with kids and strangers
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Rarely aggressive
❌ Cons:
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Needs lots of exercise
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Sheds heavily
2. Labrador Retriever
Another classic “nice dog,” the Labrador is cheerful, easygoing, and incredibly eager to please. It’s no wonder they’re the most popular breed in the UK and US.
✅ Pros:
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Friendly with everyone
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High trainability
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Great service dogs
❌ Cons:
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High energy
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Can get destructive if bored
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This small breed is a true sweetheart. Gentle, loyal, and great for families or elderly owners, they adore human contact and are famously easy to live with.
✅ Pros:
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Compact and cuddly
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Minimal behavioural issues
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Good in flats or small homes
❌ Cons:
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Prone to heart conditions
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Needs lots of companionship
4. Beagle
Beagles are curious, fun-loving dogs with gentle personalities. Though they can be a bit stubborn, their good-natured charm makes them perfect companions.
✅ Pros:
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Great with other dogs
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Fun and adventurous
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Not aggressive
❌ Cons:
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Strong prey drive
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Needs consistent training
5. Border Collie
While they’re best known for intelligence and energy, Border Collies are also deeply loyal and kind when well-socialised.
✅ Pros:
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Extremely trainable
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Devoted to their owner
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Great at canine sports
❌ Cons:
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Needs a job or task
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Can become anxious if bored
6. Shih Tzu
A little dog with a big heart. The Shih Tzu is an ancient breed bred solely for companionship — making them naturally affectionate and calm.
✅ Pros:
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Low prey drive
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Ideal lap dogs
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Rarely aggressive
❌ Cons:
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Needs regular grooming
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Can be a little stubborn
7. Newfoundland
Sometimes called the “gentle giant,” the Newfoundland is as sweet as it is big. These dogs are famously good with children and have saved lives through water rescues.
✅ Pros:
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Calm and patient
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Protective without being aggressive
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Excellent with kids
❌ Cons:
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Very large size
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Heavy drooling and shedding
8. Irish Setter
Irish Setters are sociable and merry by nature. They love people and are generally very cooperative and gentle.
✅ Pros:
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Stunning appearance
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Friendly toward everyone
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Easygoing temperament
❌ Cons:
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Needs regular brushing
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High energy level
9. Poodle (Standard or Miniature)
Not just clever, but calm and charming too. Poodles are loyal and loving, and they rarely misbehave if well trained.
✅ Pros:
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Hypoallergenic coat
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Easy to train
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Very social
❌ Cons:
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Needs mental stimulation
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Requires frequent grooming
10. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
This might surprise some, but Staffies are among the nicest dogs when raised in a loving home. They’re incredibly affectionate and gentle with children — hence their nickname, “Nanny Dog.”
✅ Pros:
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Loyal and loving
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Strong bonds with family
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Good with kids
❌ Cons:
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Misunderstood breed
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Needs socialisation and training
Is There Really One Nicest Dog in the World?
If we had to name a winner, many experts would vote for the Golden Retriever. But truthfully, “the world’s nicest dog” varies based on your family, lifestyle, and how much effort you put into your dog’s upbringing.
You might find a rescue mutt that’s more loving and gentle than any purebred pup. What matters most is how you raise your dog.
How to Raise the Nicest Dog in the World
Even the kindest breeds need guidance to become well-rounded dogs. Here’s how you can nurture a calm, well-behaved companion:
1. Early Socialisation
Expose your dog to different people, dogs, and environments from an early age to build confidence and reduce fear-based behaviours.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Train using treats, praise, or toys. Avoid shouting or punishment — it only creates stress and fear.
3. Consistent Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Feed, walk, and play with them at the same times each day to reduce anxiety.
4. Gentle Training Aids
If your dog struggles with barking or excitability, consider positive behaviour tools like the Calmshops Deluxe Dog Training Spray Collar. This humane collar uses a harmless citronella spray to redirect attention and discourage barking — without pain or stress.
5. Daily Physical and Mental Stimulation
Walks are essential, but don’t forget games like fetch, puzzles, or learning new tricks. Try an Automatic Ball Launcher for active dogs that love chasing — great for burning energy and encouraging positive behaviour.
Are Mixed Breeds Nicer?
Yes — in many cases, mixed-breed dogs have wonderfully balanced temperaments. Shelters are full of loving, calm dogs that just need a chance.
If you're thinking about adopting, talk to the staff about the dog's behaviour and temperament rather than fixating on breed.
Reader Q&A: Nicest Dog Behaviours
Q: My dog barks too much — does that mean he’s not “nice”?
No — barking is natural, but it can be trained. Consider positive distraction tools like treat puzzles or spray collars.
Q: Are nice dogs born or made?
Both! Genetics help, but training, socialisation, and love matter most.
Q: Can older dogs become nicer with training?
Absolutely. It’s never too late to guide your dog into better behaviour with patience and consistency.
Conclusion: The World’s Nicest Dog Might Be in Your Home
So, what is the world’s nicest dog? It could be a Golden Retriever, a gentle mutt from the local shelter, or the pup curled up beside you now. “Niceness” isn’t always about breed — it’s about how we raise and relate to our dogs.
At Calmshops, we believe in kind training, calm behaviour, and happy dogs. Explore our range of training collars, ball launchers, and calming treats to help your dog become the best version of themselves.
