Ever accidentally stepped on your dog’s paw and watched them look at you like you committed the ultimate betrayal? Or maybe you’ve scolded them for chewing your favorite shoes, only to have them curl up in your lap minutes later as if nothing happened. Dogs experience the world differently than we do, and their capacity for forgiveness can vary wildly depending on their breed, personality, and what life has taught them.
Dogs are incredibly resilient and forgiving animals, and many are quick to return to their normal loving behavior once they feel safe again. However, some breeds wear their hearts on their paws and bounce back instantly from any misstep, while others might give you the cold shoulder for hours or even days. It’s not that they’re plotting revenge or holding onto resentment like humans do. Dogs can form negative associations with specific people based on past experiences, and if your dog seems uncomfortable or avoidant around someone, they may be experiencing stress or anxiety. Let’s explore which breeds are the quick forgivers and which ones have longer memories when it comes to emotional bumps in the road.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are always eager to please and have a calm temperament, which means they will be happy to socialise with everyone. They’re the poster children for unconditional love and forgiveness. You could accidentally shut the door on their tail, and they’d still greet you with that goofy grin and a wagging tail moments later.
Their forgiving nature stems from their breeding as cooperative hunting companions who needed to work closely with humans. They simply don’t have the emotional bandwidth to hold onto negative feelings. Their temperament often makes them great service and therapy dogs, and while they can be playful and have a lot of energy in their youth, a four year old golden retriever that’s emotionally and physically satisfied is most likely going to be calmer. This breed truly believes every moment is a fresh start.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are famous for their easygoing personalities and their ability to let things roll off their backs like water off a duck. They’re the friend who never stays mad at you. Honestly, you’d have to work pretty hard to make a Lab hold anything against you.
Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family dogs who adapt to chaos, mistakes, and the occasional forgotten mealtime without batting an eye. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, known for their friendly and outgoing personality, intelligence, and versatility, excelling as family pets, working dogs, and service animals. They’re hardwired to forgive and move forward.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These little lap dogs were literally bred to be companions, and it shows in every interaction. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are sweet natured and loyal dogs, bred specifically to be a great companion, and are a friendly and social dog will be happy to meet and play with all whom it comes in contact with. They’re not built for grudge holding.
Their entire purpose in life revolves around being near you and making you happy. If you scold them or accidentally hurt them, they might look sad for a moment, but they’ll be back seeking your affection within minutes. Their forgiving nature is almost limitless, which is why they struggle so much with separation anxiety. They just can’t imagine being upset with their favorite person for long.
Boxer
The Boxer is a playful dog with a spring in her step, known for having an excitable personality, which commonly manifests as a tendency to jump up for attention. They’re basically eternal puppies who live in the moment. Boxers don’t have time for holding grudges because they’re too busy being goofy and affectionate.
Their enthusiasm for life means they bounce back from corrections or accidents almost immediately. You might raise your voice at them for counter surfing, and they’ll look momentarily confused, but give it five minutes and they’ll be right back trying to climb into your lap. Their emotional resilience is remarkable, and they genuinely seem incapable of staying upset.
Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is dubbed the nanny dog, and Newfies are over a hundred pounds of fur and drool, but people who are fans of the breed love the affectionate and good natured temperament of these dogs, as they love kids and are easy to train. They’re gentle giants with hearts to match their size.
These dogs are so emotionally stable and forgiving that they’re often used in therapy work. Their calm demeanor means they don’t get rattled easily, and they certainly don’t hold onto negative emotions. Even if you accidentally bump into them or forget their walk, they’ll simply lumber over and rest their massive head on your knee as if to say, “It’s okay, I still love you.”
Beagle
While the Beagle has hunting dog roots, this pup has a happy go lucky personality that instantly soothes the people around it. They’re too busy following their noses and looking for snacks to waste energy on holding grudges. Beagles are remarkably forgiving, probably because their focus is always on the next adventure or meal.
Their pack mentality means they value harmony and togetherness over conflict. If you scold them for getting into the trash, they might give you those sad hound eyes, but offer them a treat and all is forgiven. Their emotional memory seems to reset with remarkable speed, especially when food is involved.
Irish Setter
Affectionate and energetic, the Irish Setter is a very friendly dog that loves people and isn’t shy about it, though pet parents who have small children should be careful that their Irish Setter doesn’t knock a child over in her enthusiasm to say hello. They’re so full of joy and energy that they simply don’t have room for negative feelings.
These dogs are enthusiastic about everything, including forgiving you. Their happy go lucky nature means they live fully in the present moment. They might look confused if you get frustrated with them, but their tail never stops wagging for long. It’s hard to stay upset around a dog that treats every interaction like it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to them.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are friendly and affectionate dogs with lots of love and energy to give, and given the right training and socialisation skills, cocker spaniels are the ideal choice for active families. They’re sensitive souls who wear their hearts on their sleeves, but they’re also incredibly forgiving.
Their desire to please and be close to their humans means they can’t hold onto negative feelings for long. They might look wounded if you raise your voice, but they’re quick to seek reassurance and reconnection. Their forgiving nature is tied to their deep need for emotional security with their family.
Pug
Pugs are known for their playful yet easygoing nature, and while they may not be the calmest dog breed overall, Pugs make affectionate and charming companions who enjoy many long hours napping, rarely hyperactive and prefer companionship over vigorous playtime. They’re little clowns who just want to be near you.
Pugs are so food and attention motivated that forgiveness comes naturally. You could step on their tail, and as long as you follow it up with some cuddles or a treat, they’re back to their snorty, happy selves. Their entire existence revolves around being your shadow, and they’re simply not interested in emotional distance.
Akita
Now we’re entering different territory. Akitas are deeply loyal, but they also have a strong sense of pride and emotional awareness, and if you raise your voice, ignore them, or embarrass them in front of guests, they’ll take it very personally, though they won’t lash out, but you’ll get the cold stare, a refusal to come when called, and an unmistakable vibe. These dogs don’t forget slights easily.
Akitas bond intensely with their families, but they’re also independent and dignified. They expect respect, and if they feel disrespected or unfairly treated, they’ll withdraw emotionally. They might not be aggressive about it, but you’ll definitely know you’re in the doghouse. Rebuilding trust with an Akita takes time, patience, and consistent positive interactions.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may not look intimidating, but emotionally they’re full blown grudge holders, and if you ignore their barking, scold them for being yappy, or make the mistake of leaving them alone too long, they’ll give you the death stare of the century and might even snub your cuddles for hours or days if they’re really offended. These tiny dogs have enormous personalities and even bigger memories.
Their fierce loyalty comes with a price. Chihuahuas are sensitive and easily offended, and they don’t mind letting you know when you’ve messed up. They might refuse to sit on your lap, turn their back to you, or even growl if you try to make amends too quickly. Let’s be real, they’re drama queens in four pound packages.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are clever and slightly stubborn, a combo that makes them excellent at remembering both commands and offences, and if they feel slighted, especially if you leave them alone for too long, they’ll take it personally and instead of exploding, they’ll withdraw, act a little stubborn, or even passive aggressively misbehave. These little hotdogs are masters of the silent treatment.
Their hunting background means they’re independent thinkers with strong wills. If they decide you’ve wronged them, they’ll make sure you know it. They might refuse commands they normally follow, have an accident inside even though they’re house trained, or simply ignore you. It’s their way of saying, “I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed.”
Pekingese
With a long history of palace life in ancient China, Pekingese dogs expect a certain level of reverence, and if you scold them harshly, skip their usual cuddle time, or forget their routine, they’ll absolutely act like you’ve committed treason, holding grudges like tiny royalty and won’t snap, but will withhold affection until you’ve grovelled enough.
These dogs were bred to be companions to Chinese royalty, and they haven’t forgotten their heritage. They expect to be treated with dignity and respect. If you violate that unspoken agreement, you’ll face the consequences. They’re not aggressive about their displeasure, just coldly regal. You’ll need to earn your way back into their good graces with patience and proper deference.
Basenji
Basenjis are already aloof and cat like in their behaviour, but when they hold a grudge, it’s next level shade, as you won’t get barking or tantrums, just a total lack of engagement, where they’ll sit across the room, avoid eye contact, and pretend you’re not even there in passive aggressive perfection.
These barkless dogs are incredibly independent and don’t need constant human interaction like other breeds. When they decide you’ve crossed a line, they simply remove themselves emotionally. It’s the canine equivalent of ghosting. They’re perfectly content ignoring you until they decide on their own terms that the relationship can resume. You can’t force reconciliation with a Basenji.
Lhasa Apso
These little lions were bred to guard Tibetan monasteries, so they’ve got a regal streak, and if you cross them, like trimming their fur too short or not inviting them onto the sofa, they’ll get moody, as Lhasas can be incredibly stubborn when slighted, choosing to ignore you completely until they decide you’re forgiven.
Their guardian background means they take themselves very seriously. They’re watchful, independent, and don’t suffer fools gladly. If you upset a Lhasa Apso, you’ll know it because they’ll simply remove their presence from your life until they’re good and ready to forgive. They hold the power in the relationship, and they know it.
Understanding your dog’s temperament isn’t about labeling them as good or bad. It’s about recognizing how they process emotions and what they need from us as their guardians. The forgivers teach us about unconditional love and living in the moment. The plus side to this live in the moment world our dogs seem to inhabit is that they are wonderfully forgiving, as past wrongs are quickly forgotten and relationships are almost instantly restored.
The grudge holders remind us that respect, consistency, and emotional intelligence matter in our relationships with our pets. Factors that influence how long a dog holds a grudge include short term memory versus long term memory, previous experiences, instinct and temperament, as breed, socialization, and personality affect how fears develop and persist. Whether your dog forgives instantly or needs time to process, the key is understanding their unique emotional language and responding with patience and love. What’s your dog’s forgiveness style? Does it match their breed, or are they full of surprises?
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
