Any dog can be sensitive or emotional from time to time. It’s often more common for rescue dogs with an unfortunate past, but any dog can have a sensitive soul.
Dogs are sensitive for different reasons, whether it’s due to fears or just a part of their personality. In fact, there are a few breeds that are more likely to be emotional than others no matter what they’ve been through.
“Sensitive” definitely isn’t a bad thing, though. It really just means that they’re more in-tune with their parents’ emotions, which makes them very loving companions. So, if you’re looking for a caring dog with a sensitive soul, one of these breeds could be for you!
#1 – American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is an often misunderstood breed. They’re one of the bully breeds that’s labeled as a ‘Pit Bull’. While some people might consider them aggressive or scary, they’re actually one of the sweetest and emotional dogs out there.
While this breed is often used for fighting by unscrupulous owners, they’re not mean in any way. All they want is to show their love for their human family members. They respond strongly to human emotions and they love to snuggle! Sadly, this breed is often overlooked due to their false stereotypes, but anyone that has lived with a Pit Bull knows how loving they truly are.
There are so many American Pit Bull Terriers just waiting at shelters and rescues for their forever homes. When you adopt one of these sweet dogs, they will likely be the most sensitive pups you’ll ever meet, and they’ll constantly shower you with love as a thank you for rescuing them.
#2 – Border Collie
It’s common knowledge that Border Collies are one of the smartest dog breeds, but they also have a lesser-known sensitive side to them. They were initially bred to work long hours in tough conditions, but that makes them extremely loyal and emotionally sensitive toward their humans.
Since Border Collies are so intelligent, they constantly try to please their parents. They can easily be trained, but if they get punished for doing something wrong, they’ll take it very personally. Their feelings get hurt very easily, which can cause them to pout for long periods of time afterward.
These dogs are also very good at picking up on human emotions. They understand certain tones, so if they see that their parents are angry or sad, they will get sad too. Because of this, they can easily tell when they’re in trouble. Of course, they always know exactly how to cheer their loved ones up too!
#3 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most popular lap dogs. They are likely the most sensitive small dog breed because of how gentle and affectionate they are toward their humans. They love to see their family members happy no matter what.
This breed loves to spend time with their humans as much as possible. When training, they can be extra sensitive when they get in trouble, but they respond very well to positive reinforcements. They pay close attention to their parents’ emotions to cheer them up if needed. They typically enjoy a regular routine that consists of spending quality time with their loved ones.
#4 – Australian Shepherd
Like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds, but also one of the most sensitive. They’re a herding breed, which makes them very protective over the ones they love. They are always willing to learn new things and spend time with their humans as much as possible.
Australian Shepherds are very sensitive toward their humans. They’re very social dogs, which means that they enjoy spending quality time with people and other dogs as much as possible. They have strong feelings, so if they don’t get the attention they desire, they’ll likely pout and seek more love from their family members.
#5 – Golden Retriever
As one of the best breeds for a therapy dog or an emotional support dog, Golden Retrievers are also one of the most sensitive breeds. They’re great at picking up on human emotions, and they know exactly how to cheer you up whether it’s snuggling, playing, or giving kisses.
Golden Retrievers are a more sensitive breed because they need lots of positive reinforcements to know they’re doing a good job. They really want to please their families, so they often desire as much attention and love as they can get.
This breed can often experience separation anxiety because of their close bond with their humans. They care about people very much, so they want to be with them as much as possible.
#6 – Rottweiler
Rottweilers are another breed that typically has a bad reputation, but they are just as caring as any of the other dogs on this list. They’re often fearful of strangers, but once they get to know someone, they can’t help but fall in love.
Traditionally, these dogs have typically had important roles such as herding animals and pulling carts. Even though Rottweilers are capable of stronger, more serious jobs that other dogs might not be able to handle, they have such a big heart. They form close bonds with their loved ones, making them extra sensitive to people’s feelings.
Rottweilers are also prone to separation anxiety much like some of the other sensitive breeds. They might look tough at first glance, but they’re incredibly gentle. They’re great at learning new things, so they’re always eager to try new activities with their family members.
#7 – Labrador Retriever
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Like the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retrievers are caring dogs that are great at reading human emotions. Not only are they one of the most popular dog breeds, but they’re one of the most sensitive and emotional breeds too.
Labs are gentle dogs that are easy to train. They’re extra sensitive when it comes to training though. Humans need to be careful and loving around them to keep them content. If a human is patient and gentle with a Lab, this sweet dog will gladly be loyal and sensitive to their humans in return. They are faithful companions that will always be there for you.
#8 – Doberman Pinscher
While Dobermans are often known to be great protectors due to their strong appearance, they also have a soft side. They’re very sensitive, so their feelings get hurt easily. They are great at communicating with their humans, but they often crave excessive amounts of love and support from their family members.
This breed proves that sensitivity is not a weakness though. Because of their strong bond with their loved ones, they are always loyal and willing to protect their families at all costs. They’ll quickly learn to pick up on your emotions and stand by your side through every stage of life.
#9 – Dogue de Bordeaux
Also known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is a gentle giant. These large dogs might look intimidating to some, but they’re really just sweet dogs looking for some love. They are extremely loyal to anyone that they’re close to.
The Dogue de Bordeaux is not always happy around other dogs, but they love spending time with people, especially the ones they’re very close to. They take criticism very seriously, so when training them, you need to be extra gentle and caring with them. They just want to be loved, and in return they’ll give you endless amounts of affection.
#10 – Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is another breed that typically falls under the ‘Pit Bull’ category. Because of this, many people fear them instead of giving them the love they deserve. In fact, these dogs are so sensitive and caring that they received the nickname “Nanny Dog” due to their gentle behavior toward children.
These dogs are naturally sensitive and caring around people. They react based on the feelings of their family members. This makes them the ideal dogs for families because they’re always willing to support all their loved ones.
If the Staffordshire Bull Terrier or any of the other breeds mentioned in this list sounds like the perfect companion for you, then it might be time to welcome a sensitive soul into your home. There are lots of these breeds in shelters and rescues, just waiting for a forever family to come along and rescue them. By bringing one of these amazing breeds into your home, not only will you change their life for the better, but they’ll change yours too!
H/T: dogvills.com
Featured Image: Noël Zia Lee via Flickr
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