Safe Dogs 2023: These are the 10 breeds of adorable dog that are least likely to bite humans - including the loving Labrador Retriever 🐕

David Hepburn
·4-min read
Some dog breeds are more likely to give somebody a nip - or worse - than others. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Some dog breeds are more likely to give somebody a nip - or worse - than others. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

If you’ve been thinking about getting a new dog then you’re not alone – Kennel Club figures show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged since the start of the global pandemic.

But with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or crossbreed.

There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.

The Bulldog's smaller continental cousin is just as easygoing, if not quite as lazy. The French Bulldog generally doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body and, even if they can occasionally be somewhat stubbon, they are highly unlikely to snap. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Bulldog's smaller continental cousin is just as easygoing, if not quite as lazy. The French Bulldog generally doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body and, even if they can occasionally be somewhat stubbon, they are highly unlikely to snap. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

For all the latest dog news, pictures, advice and information, join our Scotsdog Facebook group here

Different breeds of dog also tend to have very different personalities – with some more likely to lash out with nips, nibbles and even bites.

There's a good reason that the enormous Newfoundland breed is known as a 'nanny dog'. They may look intimidating but they are incredibly gentle, particularly with children, and the only problem you should have is stopping them from affectionately licking strangers. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
There's a good reason that the enormous Newfoundland breed is known as a 'nanny dog'. They may look intimidating but they are incredibly gentle, particularly with children, and the only problem you should have is stopping them from affectionately licking strangers. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

Of course any dog is capable of delivering a damaging bite, while most dogs of any breed are unlikely to do any damage unless seriously provoked, but there are certain breeds who have temperaments making them less likely to be aggressive than other.

So, here are the 10 breeds of dog that are least likely to bite.

Read more:

Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed eager to please its owners - meaning it's simple to train them out of any nibbling habit they may have as puppies. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Another gentle giant, the Bernese Mountain Dog is an intelligent breed eager to please its owners - meaning it's simple to train them out of any nibbling habit they may have as puppies. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)

Here are the 10 most expensive breeds of adorable dog since lockdown sent prices soaring

These are 10 of the best breeds for the more elderly dog owner

These are the 10 of the most popular poodle crossbreed designer dogs

Here are 10 adorable native breeds of dog most at risk of extinction in the UK according to the Kennel Club

Sticks tend to have the most to fear from the teeth of the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their friendly and loving nature, it's massively unusual for a Lab to bite - one of many reasons why they are the world's most popular dog breed. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Sticks tend to have the most to fear from the teeth of the Labrador Retriever. Renowned for their friendly and loving nature, it's massively unusual for a Lab to bite - one of many reasons why they are the world's most popular dog breed. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Known to be particularly good and safe around children, the Boxer is one of the most patient of all dog breeds - meaning they are unlikely to lash out from frustration. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Known to be particularly good and safe around children, the Boxer is one of the most patient of all dog breeds - meaning they are unlikely to lash out from frustration. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and sociable breed. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
What's true for the Labrador Retriever tends to also be true of its close cousin the Golden Retriever - including the risk of biting. An affectionate nibble is the worst you tend to expect from this loving and sociable breed. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
When it comes to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the main motivation is an overriding eagerness to please its owners. Even if one of these beautiful dogs does have a wee nip, when it realises it has displeased its owners, it's unlikely to do it again. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
When it comes to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the main motivation is an overriding eagerness to please its owners. Even if one of these beautiful dogs does have a wee nip, when it realises it has displeased its owners, it's unlikely to do it again. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Studies into how aggressive certain breeds of dog are regularly find that the Whippet is one of the most passive pups - and one of the laziest. They need to be vigorously exercised once a day but otherwise will be unlikely to bother lifting their head off the couch, never mind attempting to bite somebody. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
Studies into how aggressive certain breeds of dog are regularly find that the Whippet is one of the most passive pups - and one of the laziest. They need to be vigorously exercised once a day but otherwise will be unlikely to bother lifting their head off the couch, never mind attempting to bite somebody. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Bulldog may look a bit grumpy with that adorable wrinkly face, but a mixture of gentleness and general laziness means that it's a dog whose bark is worse than its bite - and it doesn't even bark very much. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Bulldog may look a bit grumpy with that adorable wrinkly face, but a mixture of gentleness and general laziness means that it's a dog whose bark is worse than its bite - and it doesn't even bark very much. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Beagle is a classic example of a dog breed that isn't necessarily the most obedient of breeds but is still unlikely to bite. These mischievous hounds can be a nightmare to train, often try to escape and may get into numerous scrapes and adventures. They have an utter lack of malice though, meaning your favourite pair of shoes are at more risk than any person they meet. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)
The Beagle is a classic example of a dog breed that isn't necessarily the most obedient of breeds but is still unlikely to bite. These mischievous hounds can be a nightmare to train, often try to escape and may get into numerous scrapes and adventures. They have an utter lack of malice though, meaning your favourite pair of shoes are at more risk than any person they meet. (Photo: Canva/Getty Images)