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The 15 Most Patient Dog Breeds On The Planet

By: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| September 8, 2024

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When choosing the right dog breed for your family or lifestyle, patience is essential. Dogs with patient temperaments are particularly suited for homes with children, elderly owners, or first-time pet parents. Their forgiving nature and calm demeanor make them ideal companions capable of gracefully handling unexpected situations and stressful moments. These dogs are more tolerant, showing restraint in hectic environments or during training. Their ability to adapt and remain composed helps create a harmonious, stress-free experience, making them beautiful additions to any household looking for a steady, reliable companion.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers top this list due to their renowned patience and gentle nature, making them one of the most popular family dogs worldwide. Labs are particularly good with children, displaying a tolerant attitude that helps them cope with unpredictable behavior. Their intelligence and eagerness to make training straightforward demonstrate their patient demeanor. Labrador Retrievers are versatile, adapting to many living situations while consistently offering kindness and companionship.

Golden Retriever

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Similar to their Labrador cousins, Golden Retrievers are epitomes of patience. Known for their friendly and tolerant behavior, Goldens excel in environments where gentle interaction is valued, such as in therapy and assistance roles. Their patient nature is complemented by an intelligence that makes them highly trainable. Golden Retrievers thrive on human companionship and are patient enough to handle the boisterous activities of growing children.

Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands are gentle giants renowned for their patience, especially around children. Their large size belies a docile nature that is perfect for families. Known historically as “nanny dogs,” Newfoundlands have a protective instinct that pairs with inherent patience, making them trustworthy around even the smallest family members. Their calmness and stoic nature help them handle chaotic household situations gracefully.

Collie

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Collies are famous for their role on television as Lassie and their patient and protective characteristics. They are particularly patient when trained and interact well with children, often taking a gentle, guiding role. Collies are sensitive to their owners’ needs and will patiently work to please them, whether through performing tasks or providing companionship.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are known for their laid-back personality and patient temperament. Their slow pace and tolerant nature suit families who prefer a less active dog. Bassets are patient with grooming and handling, and their calm demeanor makes them good companions for children. However, their size and strength require supervision during play to ensure they do not accidentally topple a small child.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards are the epitome of patience and endurance, originally bred for rescue in the Swiss Alps. Their size and strength are matched by a calm and patient demeanor, suitable for families with children. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle and patient, even in chaotic environments, making them excellent family pets.

Irish Wolfhound

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The Irish Wolfhound, known for being the tallest of dog breeds, also carries a reputation for patience. These gentle giants are known for their calm and composed demeanor and patience with family members during training. Their size requires early training to ensure they can be managed properly, but their natural patience makes them a joy to work with.

Great Dane

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Great Danes are another giant breed that showcases a significant amount of patience. Despite their imposing appearance, they are known as gentle giants who are patient with children and other animals. They take a calm and measured approach to life, which helps in situations that require a gentle touch.

English Bulldog

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English Bulldogs may look gruff but are among the most patient and loving breeds. They typically enjoy lounging around the house and are patient enough to tolerate poking and prodding from young children. Bulldogs are known for their loving, nonchalant attitude towards life and make excellent pets for less active households.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs known for their patience and love of companionship. They are particularly good with families and the elderly because they prefer a relaxed lifestyle and are patient with handling and grooming. Their friendly disposition makes them ideal for households looking for a calm, affectionate pet.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that exudes patience, often described as the perfect lap dog. Their small size and affectionate nature make them ideal for families and elderly individuals alike. Cavaliers are patient with grooming and handling, and their calm demeanor makes them excellent companions for relaxed home environments. They bond deeply with their owners and show remarkable patience for sitting quietly by their side.

Boxer

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Boxers are known for their energetic personality but are incredibly patient, especially with children. They are playful and protective, often using their energy positively to engage with family members. Boxers are patient during training and enjoy learning new things, making them excellent family pets.

Pug

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Pugs are well-loved for their sociable and gentle personalities, and their patience makes them excellent companions for owners of all ages. They are particularly tolerant of children and enjoy being part of a family. Pugs are patient with their health issues, often enduring without complaint, which is important for owners to monitor closely.

American Staffordshire Terrier

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American Staffordshire Terriers are often misunderstood but incredibly patient, especially with children. They are affectionate and protective, willing to participate in family activities enthusiastically and patiently. Proper training and socialization are crucial for this breed to ensure they express their patience positively.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their calm and patient nature. They are excellent with children and pets, showing a slow and deliberate approach to life. Their patience makes them great for families looking for a steady, loving companion.

The Calm Canines

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These dog breeds exemplify patience, making them ideal for various family environments. Their calm demeanor, tolerance during training, and gentle interactions with children show that a patient dog is an invaluable companion. These traits not only help them bond deeply with their human families but also allow them to thrive in diverse living situations. Whether adapting to busy households or more serene settings, these breeds demonstrate that patience enhances their ability to connect with humans, making them exceptional companions in any home, offering love and loyalty through their steady nature.