10 Dog Breeds That Are Less Likely to Bite

Do beagles have minds of their own? Why, yes, they do. But for all their willfulness and tendency to be vocal, this hunting breed has a calm temperament and is unlikely to sink teeth into you or your nearest and dearest.

Generally, beagles don't have a mean bone in their bodies, although they are prone to chasing. They are curious, energetic, loyal, love company and cuddles, and play nice with kiddos and other doggies.

Although they cut imposing figures at an average of 125 pounds, Newfoundlands embody the image of the gentle giant. They're sweet as sugar and known as so-called "nanny dogs" for their ability to save lives. Newfoundlands are protective of children, can swim like pros, possess a keen intelligence, and have vigilant dispositions.

The most aggressive behavior you can expect from this breed is over-enthusiastic licking and drooling. They're also highly trainable, so you can easily train them away from undesirable behaviors.

These large dogs (they weigh an impressive 140 pounds when fully grown) are people-pleasers. They're smart and trainable, and they're real softies that love kids. Bernese mountain dogs make fantastic watchdogs and good guardians. They're affectionate, faithful companions who'll become canine family members in no time.

You can also expect your Bernese mountain dog to take relatively well to new pets. The only downside is their short lifespan compared to other breeds.

This breed is good-natured and cute as a button. Cavalier King Charles spaniels have one MO, and that's to make their owners happy. So even if the occasional nip or scratch does take place, if you communicate your displeasure in a firm but kind manner, you shouldn't get too many repeat performances.

There's a solid chance your Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a social butterfly and Mr. Popular at the dog park.

Labradors and their cousins, golden retrievers, are among the most common guide dog breeds for the visually impaired, which tells you a lot about their temperament. They're popular in America and have served as important movie characters—for example, in 2008's Marley and Me—because they grasp training concepts without too much difficulty and are just beautiful with their sandy coats.

Although not impossible, the chances of being bitten by a lab or golden retriever are pretty slim.

The Irish setter is as ginger as its human compatriots. It's a happy-go-lucky breed that, like many others on this list, gets on well with other members of its household, including the felines, as well as unfamiliar folks. Irish setters shouldn't trouble you too much unless you aren't exercising them enough, so be sure to find outlets for their copious amounts of energy.

The honor of being number one on the American Kennel Club's annual Most Popular list often ends up being a tussle between the French bulldog and the Labrador retriever, and it's easy to see why. We've touched on the lab's advantages, but what about the Frenchie?

French bulldogs are quiet barkers, so they're less scary when encountered behind a fence or gate. If you live in an urban apartment, your Frenchie will do just fine there too.

Collies are one of the safest dog breeds to choose if you're concerned about dog bites. After all, Lassie knew what was up. Collies are super intelligent, and they're devoted to boot. Once they develop a bond with you and your kids, they will do their utmost to protect your little crew.

As a bonus, if you're interested in competitive dog sports, your odds of success are pretty high with a collie.

Poodles come in all sizes and haircuts. But one thing doesn't change—they're an easygoing breed with a high level of intelligence. Your poodle will learn party tricks to wow guests and do pretty much everything but inspire fear. You could also take it to the Canine Olympics after additional training.

You don't need a purebred to prevent dog bites. Mutts are the underrated stars of the doggy world, and they often combine the best aspects of their unique parentage. Mixed breeds can be loving, patient, and family-friendly. The next time you question whether you'll be able to get a safe dog at the rescue shelter, ask the folks who work there which pup is showing the most positive behavior.