The Golden Retriever is one of three friendly dog breeds recommended by Will Atherton (stock) (Image: FatCamera via Getty Images)
If you’re contemplating welcoming a four-legged friend into your family home, a canine behavioural expert has identified three breeds he considers the “best behaved” around all household members.
Will Atherton, founder of his own dog training academy, shared his insights on TikTok for prospective pet owners. “People often ask me which breeds are the worst behaved, but here’s a more interesting question,” he began in a video.
“Which breeds do I almost never get called out to help with?” According to Will, three breeds distinctly stand apart from the others and are consequently “really popular”.
He continued: “As a clinical canine behaviourist, I see lots of the same breeds with problematic behaviour and it is always interesting – is that because that breed is more popular and therefore I see a lot of it, or is it due to it being prone to behaviour problems?”
Will explained that his reasoning for categorising these three breeds as the best behaved stems from how infrequently he needs to work with them. Whilst acknowledging two choices are predictable, he suggested the third might prove unexpected.
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“They’re super popular and it’s no secret why I think they’re the best dog breed on the planet,” Will said of Labrador Retrievers. He added jokingly that it’s a “shame”, though, that they “don’t go wrong more” as he’d relish working with them.
Regarding the Golden Retriever, Will noted it’s essentially the “same story”. Whilst the breed possesses many of the “same amazing qualities” as the Labrador, he remarked he considers this breed a “little more fun, playful and goofy”, whereas Labradors tend to be somewhat more serious.
“Golden Retrievers are also friendly, cooperative and usually very responsive to training,” Will said.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The breed that might prove unexpected, however, is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. “When they’re raised with the right structure and leadership, they’re often incredibly affectionate, loyal and stable dogs,” Will advised.
He elaborated: “Of course, any breed can develop behaviour problems if the foundations aren’t there. But these three tend to be naturally cooperative and eager to work with people, which makes training much easier.”
Expressing their admiration of the breed, one TikTok user commented: “I have a six-month old Staffy, my second dog ever, and she’s incredibly easy to get along with. She picks up commands very quickly. The only issue is that she’s a bit too friendly with every dog and person we meet on our walks.”
Another second person oncurred: “We’ve had Labradors, Retrievers, amongst other breeds and the Staffy is the best for me. I’m on my second one and he’s just amazing.” And a third declared: “I have never loved a dog as much as our Staffy! Wonderful breed! 10-years old and going strong!”