Can you name the most sensitive dog breeds you’ve ever seen?
Just think about all those pictures of guilty-looking dogs you’ve seen on the Internet and give it a try.
Then keep on reading to discover 7 dog breeds with the most vulnerable natures and gentle souls.
You may also like: 9 Dog Breeds That Are Extra Clingy With Their Owners
7 Most Sensitive Dog Breeds
By default, all dogs are sensitive and emotional creatures that are ready to shower their owners with love and affection.
However, some breeds won’t bat an eye if you scold them or call them out on their “bad” behavior.
And then there are those dogs that take even one disapproving glance from you to the heart and feel utterly devastated when they think they’ve done something wrong.
All dogs deserve to be treated well and with a gentle hand (negative training methods don’t even work, after all).
However, since these dogs are so gentle and vulnerable, they have to be treated with extra tenderness to avoid future behavior problems.
#1 Labrador Retriever
Are you surprised that the Labrador Retriever is amongst the most emotional dog breeds? You shouldn’t.
Labrador Retrievers are compassionate, empathetic, and gentle.
Their high sensitivity to human emotions and cheerful nature makes them excellent service dogs, therapy companions, assistants for the disabled, or friends for scared children.
Since Labradors are so sensitive, these dogs can be extra clingy to their owners and don’t do well with reserved or withdrawn owner.
They’re most happy when they’re engaged in some activity with their human, which explains why Labs are so easy to train.
However, if you leave your Lab alone or neglect to meet their emotional needs, this beautiful pooch will be miserable and might turn destructive.
#2 Pit Bull Terrier
When we talk about emotionally needy dog breeds, Pit Bull Terriers won’t be among the first dogs to come to your mind.
You’ve probably heard how aggressive Pit Bulls are and that they can do a lot of damage with their powerful jaws.
Despite their unearned bad reputation, Pit Bull Terriers are sensitive dogs, and they love to be around people.
A well-socialized and trained Pit Bull rarely makes a good watchdog because they’re eager to greet all strangers with a wagging tail.
In addition to this, Pit Bulls are gentle, sweet, and get one well with children. They’re also brilliant and learn commands with few repetitions.
However, these dogs tend to be bossy and stubborn. That’s why they need a confident owner and a lot of socialization to avoid aggression in adulthood.
#3 Australian Shepherd
It’s no wonder that Australian Shepherd makes the list of the most sensitive dog breeds.
These herding dogs have always worked closely with their shepherds. As a result, they’ve learned to be sensitive to their owner’s emotions and body cues.
Aussies are also easy to motivate and eager to please, which makes them one of the most obedient dog breeds.
Besides being sensitive, Australian Shepherds are full of energy and require a job that will stimulate them both physically and mentally.
Otherwise, these cuties will take matters into their paws and find something to herd or destroy.
Their sensitivity and tendency to bond strongly with a human also makes Australian Shepherds one of the breeds prone to separation anxiety.
#4 Border Collie
The Border Collie is the next breed in our list of most emotional dogs and with good reasons.
For one, these adorable dogs are so in sync with their owners, that they seem to predict what you want them to do from the barest hint.
Besides their high sensitivity, Border Collies are sweet, affectionate, and empathetic. They’re also eager to please, which makes them highly trainable.
Moreover, these pooches get along well with cats and adore children.
Since Border Collies are herding dogs, they tend to form a tight bond with their humans and require an owner able to meet their emotional and physical needs.
They are full of energy and aren’t a good match for people with a sedentary lifestyle.
Left alone and without enough mental and physical stimulations, a Border Collie is bound to find a job. This breed won’t hesitate to herd your children, chase squirrels, or tear the house apart.
#5 Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds and capture our hearts with their sleek, elegant bodies, silky coats, and exotic features.
These majestic dogs often bond to a single person and require a lot of grooming to keep their appearance.
While Afghan Hounds are considered one of the least affectionate breeds, they’re still very sensitive dogs.
They don’t react well to harsh treatment and have such a low pain tolerance that even minor discomfort makes them whine. Being rough with these breeds results in a shy dog or antagonistic one.
Unfortunately, Afghan Hounds are one of the few breeds not motivated by food and lack eagerness to please their owner. That fact and their high sensitivity make them one of the worst dog breeds to train.
#6 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
It’s a good thing that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are such cute small dogs that you don’t have the heart to scold them when they’re naughty.
These dogs have a sensitive nature, mellow temperament, and moderate exercise needs, which makes them good companion dogs.
They’re also eager to meet strangers and do a poor job as watchdogs.
Usually, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels bond so closely with their owner that the worst thing you can do to them is to ban them for your lap or leave them alone for long.
In addition to being sensitive, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are intelligent and easy to train with treats and positive reinforcement. Yelling at them during training is very counterproductive because it makes them sulky.
#7 Rottweiler
The strong and brave Rottweiler is the last but not least in our list of the most sensitive dog breeds. This dog used to drive cattle to the market and pull heavy carts. Now it’s one of the most affectionate family dogs and an excellent choice for police work.
The Rottweiler might have the reputation of being ferocious, but you have to understand that this dog is very loyal and protective of his family.
Unfortunately, without the right socialization and training, some Rottweilers become overly protective and aggressive.
However, when you bring your Rottweiler the right way, you have one sensitive dog that enjoys your company and listens to your commands.
“My dog is emotionally sensitive,” is something a lot of owners think about their pet.
Since dogs are born to be companions, it’s not surprising that they’re emotionally connected to us and want to be part of the family.
Just remember to use only positive reinforcement with them, and you will have a loyal companion for life.
