8 Well-Tempered Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)
Sharing your life and home with a dog can be an amazing experience. The key to ensuring a happy and content household is to choose a breed that is suitable for your environment. If you’re looking for a dog to hunt with, for example, a Labrador or Pointer might be the right fit. If you simply want a small dog that doesn’t need much outdoor exercise, a Chihuahua or Pomeranian may be a good choice.
However, if you’re looking for a fun-loving yet well-tempered pup that can get along well with guests when they visit your home, here are awesome options to consider.
How Are Well-Tempered Dog Breeds Classified?
When people say that they’re looking for a well-tempered breed, they generally mean they want a dog that is relatively low energy, is easy to train, and will be naturally friendly and calm around strangers, especially houseguests.
The 8 Well-Tempered Dog Breeds That Are Great With Guests
1. The French Bulldog
| Origin: | Europe in the 1800s |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 12 years |
| Weight: | 16–28 pounds |
The French Bulldog might try to act tough, but they can never cover up their true soft and lovable character. They enjoy spending time with adults and children alike and are more than happy to welcome visitors to their homes, especially when food is on the itinerary. Their even-tempered personalities help them maintain patience, which comes in handy when things get social both at home and in public.
2. The Bichon Frise
| Origin: | The Canary Islands |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 12–18 pounds |
If you’re looking for an intelligent, charming pup with natural social tendencies, the Bichon Frise might be the right option for you. Their adorable appearance lends to their friendly disposition and willingness to greet visitors when they knock on the door. These dogs enjoy joining in the fun and will show off their tricks whenever possible if it means they’ll get attention.
3. The Bernese Mountain Dog
| Origin: | Switzerland, the Swiss Alps, and Bern |
| Lifespan: | 7–9 years |
| Weight: | 80–120 pounds |
These big, soft, lovable dogs happen to be excellent companions for children. They are mellow, don’t mind meeting new people, and will say hello to any guest who happens to show up. The Bernese Mountain Dog’s gentle nature makes them a joy to spend time with when cuddled up on the couch, and their curiosity and propensity for adventure also make them great companions for those who enjoy hiking and sporting.
4. The Golden Retriever
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 55–75 pounds |
As a sporty breed, the Golden Retriever is a great fit for active households and families of all backgrounds and sizes. When it comes to visitors, your Goldie would likely be the first one to the door for greetings. They were originally bred to retrieve birds for their hunting companions, but today, they are renowned for being excellent all-around pets.
5. The Border Collie
| Origin: | The Anglo-Scottish border |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 25–45 pounds |
The Border Collie is loyal, smart, and energetic, so they need a lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise and outdoor time. When they are well-exercised and properly cared for, they are great with guests and will interact as much as they’re invited to. They are also happy to hold back and observe from their bed when asked to, which is nice when you don’t want them drooling all over your visitors!
6. The Pug
| Origin: | China |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Weight: | 14–18 pounds |
Although Pugs are known for being stubborn, they are naturally social animals that when properly socialized as puppies, will sincerely enjoy meeting new people and visiting new places. As for guests visiting their house, they don’t seem to mind the company unless it interferes with their regular mealtime or daily walk. They’re always happy to join in on playtime and even conversations around the coffee table.
7. The Boxer
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Weight: | 55–70 pounds |
Boxers are mild-mannered and sociable, so they don’t tend to mind when visitors show up at their front door. These dogs are known for their goofiness, and most owners say that their Boxers act just like their kids when it comes to personality and temperament. They love playing games and typically never pass up the opportunity to cuddle up with a household companion (human or animal) on a chilly rainy day.
8. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Origin: | The United Kingdom |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Weight: | 13–18 pounds |
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel likely isn’t the first breed that you think of when it comes to well-tempered dogs. But the breed shouldn’t be overlooked as a great family pet. They are bright, eager to please, lively, and graceful, which are all qualities of a well-mannered disposition that can be relied upon, whether in the house or a public setting.
Conclusion
Well-tempered dogs come in all shapes and sizes. A couple of things that all these dog breeds have in common are their friendly temperament and ability to socialize without developing anxiety or becoming aggressive. It's a good idea to learn more about the breeds that you are interested in and meet them in person, if possible, before deciding which would be the best fit for your household.
Featured Image Credit: Prostock-studio, Shutterstock
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Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
