What Are the Safest Pet Dog Breeds For First Time Owners?

Pet dogs nowadays can be found in many households worldwide and have a track record of providing warmth and companionship to its owners. Some household dogs also have the capability to be the family's playmate, guard, and can serve as an emotional support animal to other people with psycho-emotional problems. It is for this reason that dogs have been called as man's best friend.

However, the recurring theme about our relationship with dogs is not always the case. In fact, there are instances different types of dogs or dog breeds are known for attacking and injuring their owners and other members of the general public. In worst cases, our canine pets also have a record of killing humans, either through provoked or unprovoked attacks.

Animal behaviorists and other experts have pointed out that the tendency for violence also depends on a dog's breed, in addition to other factors like history of upbringing, surrounding environment, and even social skills. Yet, one defining factor that explains why dogs are wild and sometimes violent is standing out among the rest; they are descendants of wolves.

Still, the safest pet dogs nowadays can be immediately identified through their breeds, notably the well-known French bulldog, golden retriever, and Labrador retriever. In addition, there are other dog breeds on the list worthy of mentioning.

Safest Pet Dog Breeds

(Photo : Photo by LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images)
A man and his Great Dane visit the The National Museum of Contemporary Arts in Athens on April 2, 2023 during an event encouraging visitors and their dogs to visit the current exhibition' Modern love' ahead of the World Stray Animals Day. - The NMCA is the only museum pet friendly museum in Athens.

According to The Scotsman newspaper, the breed Newfoundland follows the French bulldog on the top of the list due to their famous connotation as the "nanny dog." Their intimidating look is far from their behavior of being gentle to people, especially with children. Further on the list is the cavalier king Charles spaniel, boxer, Bernese Mountain dog, and whippet.

Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club puts the Labrador retriever in the no. 1 spot of the safest pet dog breeds. It is followed by the bulldog, beagle, pug, Irish setter, Brussels griffon, Newfoundland, French bulldog, and collie, being at the bottom list but is still a safe dog.

Also Read: Dogs are More Than Just Pets - Here's the Proof

Feral Nature

Dogs are still wild animals which still has a semblance of being feral by nature following their domestication by humans thousands of years ago.

Based on previous studies, scientists used DNA and fossil evidence to estimate that such domestication occurred approximately 15,000 to 40,000 years ago, as cited by the ASPCA Pet Health Insurance on its website.

The said timeframe is evidently long since research shows that it took multiple generations for genetic mutations to take place, combined with dog mating with the same or different type of breeds. It is for this reason that experts warn that one should not be complacent that pet dogs are safe in an absolute manner.

In March 2023, a Pennsylvania woman named Kristin Potter, 38, died after her neighbor's dogs attacked her while she attempted to feed the canines while their owner was away, CBS News reported.