17 Gentle Dog Breeds of All Sizes That Are Basically Living Teddy Bears

Dogs have an amazing ability to capture our hearts with their loyal companionship, wagging tails, and irresistible cuddles. While every dog is special in its own way, some breeds go above and beyond when it comes to gentleness and affection. These are the pups that greet everyone with a soft gaze, prefer snuggling to chasing, and wouldn’t dream of causing trouble — the kind of dogs that feel more like living, breathing teddy bears than traditional pets.

Whether you’re curled up in a city apartment or stretching out in a suburban backyard, there’s a gentle canine companion out there perfectly suited to your lifestyle. From big, fluffy giants who think they’re lap dogs to petite pups with hearts as soft as their coats, these breeds are known for their loving natures and calm temperaments. If you’re looking for a dog that offers all the comfort of a cuddle buddy with none of the drama, this list is for you.

Here are 17 gentle dog breeds of all sizes that are basically living teddy bears — and guaranteed to melt your heart.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Royal Lap Warmers

These silky-eared aristocrats carry themselves with noble grace, but don’t let their regal appearance fool you. Cavaliers are actually total cuddle bugs who believe their main purpose in life is warming your lap.

Their soulful eyes seem to look right into your heart, making it impossible to deny them anything. Originally bred to keep nobility company, they’ve perfected the art of companionship over centuries.

Weighing just 13-18 pounds, these small pups pack tremendous affection into compact packages. Their patient temperament makes them excellent therapy dogs and perfect friends for children and seniors alike.

2. Golden Retriever: Sunshine in Fur Form

Famous for their wagging tails and permanent smiles, Golden Retrievers embody pure joy in dog form. Their patient demeanor makes them natural companions for families with children of all ages.

A Golden’s favorite pastime? Being wherever you are. These dogs form deep bonds with their humans and genuinely live to please. Their soft, fluffy coats practically beg to be hugged, and most Goldens will happily oblige your cuddle requests.

Despite their size (60-75 pounds), they’re remarkably gentle when playing with smaller pets or children. Their intelligence and trainability have made them favorites as service dogs, but their hearts are always focused on family first.

3. Bichon Frise: Cotton Ball Companions

Bouncing around like animated cotton balls, Bichon Frises bring cheerfulness wherever they go. Their powder-puff appearance isn’t just for show – their soft, hypoallergenic coats make them perfect for cuddling even if you have allergies.

Historically circus performers, these little charmers (7-12 pounds) love being the center of attention. They’ll perform their silly antics just to see you smile. Bichons rarely meet a stranger, greeting everyone as a potential new friend.

Despite their small size, they possess big personalities filled with affection and playfulness. Their merry temperament stays consistent throughout their lives, making them delightful companions for apartment dwellers and families seeking a small but spirited teddy bear dog.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog: Gentle Giants with Heart

Bernese Mountain Dogs might look imposing with their massive 70-115 pound frames, but they’re really just oversized teddy bears with paws. Their tri-colored coats frame expressive faces that seem to understand every word you say.

Historically Swiss farm dogs, Berners retain a calm, steady presence that makes them exceptional family companions. They form deep attachments to their people and show remarkable patience with children. Many owners describe their Berners as sensitive souls who seem to sense when someone needs comfort.

Despite their size, they move with surprising gentleness around the house. Their moderate exercise needs make them adaptable to various homes, though they do appreciate cool weather due to their thick coats.

5. Shih Tzu: Royalty in Miniature

Bred specifically to be companions to Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus have perfected the art of loving humans over thousands of years. Their name literally means “little lion,” but there’s nothing fierce about these 9-16 pound love bugs.

With flowing coats and expressive eyes peeking out from under fluffy bangs, they seem almost human in their understanding. Many owners swear their Shih Tzus can read their emotions. These little dogs thrive on closeness, often following their favorite people from room to room.

Unlike some small breeds, Shih Tzus typically maintain a calm, dignified demeanor while still enjoying playful moments. Their adaptability makes them perfect for various living situations – from apartments to large homes with multiple pets.

6. Newfoundland: Babysitters of the Dog World

Nicknamed “Nanny Dogs,” Newfoundlands have earned their reputation as natural protectors of children. Weighing between 100-150 pounds, these massive dogs move with surprising gentleness around little ones, as if they understand their own size.

Their waterproof coats and webbed feet reveal their history as water rescue dogs – Newfies have been known to instinctively save drowning people without any training. This protective nature extends to their families, whom they guard with quiet devotion rather than aggression.

Despite their imposing size, Newfoundlands are famously sweet-tempered and patient. They’re known for their “soft mouths” – able to carry eggs without breaking them – and their deep, soulful eyes seem to convey wisdom beyond the canine world.

7. Havanese: Velcro Dogs with Personality

Cuba’s only native breed brings tropical warmth to any home with their sunny dispositions and silky coats. Havanese dogs (7-13 pounds) earned the nickname “velcro dogs” because they stick so closely to their humans, rarely wanting to be more than a few feet away.

Their expressive eyes and cocked heads give them an almost comical inquisitiveness. Havanese aren’t just cute – they’re surprisingly intelligent and excel at learning tricks to entertain their families. Many owners discover their Havanese have a knack for knowing exactly when someone needs cheering up.

Despite their attachment to people, they’re not typically high-strung or yappy. Their moderate energy levels make them adaptable to various lifestyles, from active families to seniors seeking affectionate companionship.

8. Irish Setter: Flame-Haired Sweethearts

With flowing mahogany coats that seem to ripple in the breeze, Irish Setters bring dramatic beauty and boundless affection to their families. These medium-large dogs (60-70 pounds) never seem to outgrow their puppy-like enthusiasm for life.

Behind their striking appearance lies a sweet-natured soul that forms deep bonds with family members. Irish Setters approach life with a joyful spirit, greeting each day as a new adventure to share with their humans. Their playful nature extends well into adulthood, keeping families entertained with their sometimes clownish antics.

Though energetic outdoors, they typically settle down indoors, content to be near their people. Their sensitivity makes them responsive to gentle training methods and especially attuned to children’s emotions.

9. Pug: Comical Companions with Soulful Eyes

Those wrinkled faces and bulging eyes might not fit traditional beauty standards, but pugs have charmed their way into hearts for centuries with their clownish personalities. These compact dogs (14-18 pounds) were bred specifically to be companions, and they take this job very seriously.

Pugs approach life with a charming blend of dignity and silliness that’s entirely their own. Their expressive faces seem capable of almost human emotions, from profound joy to comical confusion. Unlike many small breeds, they typically maintain an even temperament without excessive barking.

Though not the most athletic dogs, pugs excel at cuddling and keeping laps warm. Their adaptability makes them excellent apartment dwellers and companions for families of all types, including those with other pets.

10. Great Dane: Apartment-Sized Horses with Tender Hearts

Standing nearly three feet tall at the shoulder, Great Danes might seem intimidating until you witness their legendary gentleness. These “Apollo of Dogs” (weighing 100-175 pounds) move through the world with remarkable awareness of their size, carefully navigating around small children and delicate objects.

Great Danes have earned a reputation as “gentle giants” through their patient, loving nature with family members. Many owners describe them as surprisingly sensitive, sometimes even thinking they’re lap dogs despite their massive size! Their short coats and relatively low energy levels indoors make them easier to care for than many smaller breeds.

Despite their imposing appearance, they rarely show aggression, instead protecting their families through their commanding presence rather than aggressive behavior.

11. Cocker Spaniel: Silky-Eared Charmers

With those soulful eyes framed by long, silky ears, Cocker Spaniels seem designed to melt hearts. These medium-sized dogs (20-30 pounds) combine the playfulness of sporting dogs with the affection of companion breeds.

Cockers form strong bonds with their families, often developing special attachments to particular members. Their expressive faces seem to register every emotion, making communication with them feel almost like talking with another person. Lady from “Lady and the Tramp” perfectly captured their elegant yet approachable nature.

While they enjoy outdoor activities, Cockers are equally content curling up beside you on the couch. Their moderate exercise needs make them adaptable to various lifestyles, from active families to seniors seeking warm companionship.

12. Whippet: Sleek Snugglers in Racing Form

Don’t let their athletic build fool you – Whippets transform from speed demons outdoors to professional couch potatoes indoors. These sleek, medium-sized dogs (25-40 pounds) possess a unique combination of grace and surprising softness.

Often described as “45-mph couch potatoes,” Whippets conserve their energy when at home, preferring to curl up in tight balls against their humans. Their short coats feel like velvet, and their lean bodies produce remarkable warmth. Many owners are surprised by how affectionate these elegant dogs can be.

Unlike some high-energy breeds, Whippets are typically quiet and undemanding around the house. Their sensitive nature makes them especially responsive to gentle handling, and they form deep bonds with family members while remaining polite with strangers.

13. Labrador Retriever: America’s Favorite for Good Reason

Consistently ranking as America’s most popular dog breed, Labradors earn their top spot through their exceptional combination of playfulness and gentleness. These medium-large dogs (55-80 pounds) seem perpetually good-natured, approaching life with wagging tails and hopeful expressions.

Labs excel at reading human emotions and adjusting their behavior accordingly – boisterous when it’s playtime, calm when comfort is needed. Their soft mouths, developed for retrieving waterfowl without damage, make them naturally gentle when taking treats or carrying objects.

Their legendary patience with children has made them ideal family dogs for generations. While energetic outdoors, most Labs quickly settle down indoors, content to be near their people. Their adaptability and trainability have made them the go-to breed for everything from family pets to service dogs.

14. French Bulldog: Bat-Eared Snorting Sweethearts

Those distinctive bat ears and smushed faces give Frenchies an appearance that’s simultaneously adorable and comical. Despite their bulldog heritage, French Bulldogs (under 28 pounds) were bred specifically as companions, not fighters.

Frenchies typically form intense bonds with their humans, often selecting one family member as their special person. Their minimal barking and moderate exercise needs make them ideal apartment dwellers. Many owners describe their Frenchies as having almost cat-like personalities – affectionate but with an independent streak.

While not overly demonstrative with strangers, they show tremendous loyalty to their families. Their compact size makes them portable companions, and their adaptability allows them to thrive in various households, from singles to families with well-behaved children.

15. Shetland Sheepdog: Miniature Lassies with Big Hearts

Often mistaken for miniature Collies, “Shelties” pack all the intelligence and loyalty of their larger cousins into a more compact package. Weighing just 15-25 pounds, these fluffy herders combine working dog smarts with companion dog affection.

Shelties form deep bonds with their families while maintaining a slight reserve with strangers – not from fear but from natural dignity. Their expressive almond-shaped eyes seem to follow your every move with adoration. Though they have herding instincts, they typically express this gently, especially when properly trained.

Despite their luxurious double coats, many Shelties are surprisingly content as indoor companions, happy to curl up beside you after moderate exercise. Their intuitive nature helps them sense when family members need extra comfort or space.

16. Collie: Devoted Guardians with Famous Heritage

Before Lassie made them famous, Collies were already beloved for their exceptional combination of intelligence and tender-heartedness. These elegant dogs (50-75 pounds) carry themselves with a dignity that’s balanced by their genuine warmth toward family members.

A Collie’s expressive eyes seem capable of understanding complex human emotions, making communication with them feel almost telepathic at times. Their legendary devotion to children isn’t just Hollywood fiction – Collies naturally adopt a protective yet gentle stance toward the youngest family members.

Despite their working heritage, they adapt well to family life, content with moderate exercise followed by quality time with their people. Their intuitive understanding of human emotions makes them especially responsive to positive training methods and household routines.

17. Japanese Chin: Feline-Like Canine Royalty

Once the treasured companions of Japanese and Chinese nobility, these distinctive little dogs (7-11 pounds) combine regal bearing with playful charm. Japanese Chins have a unique facial expression created by their wide-set eyes and flat faces that gives them an almost human-like appearance.

Often described as “cat-like” in their fastidious nature and occasional independence, Chins nonetheless form deep bonds with their chosen people. They’re known for their delicate, almost dancing gait and their ability to climb like cats to reach favorite perches. Many owners discover their Chins develop adorable habits like using their paws to wash their faces.

Their small size and relatively low exercise needs make them ideal for apartment living and seniors seeking gentle companionship.