Calmest Dog Breeds: 20 World’s Calmest Dogs

Written by:

Nicole McCray
Nicole McCray

Author: Nicole McCray

Nicole worked mainly with dogs and cats on her family's facility and in her time as a technician. However, she's also worked with and treated a plethora of other animals, like horses, birds, guinea pigs, bunnies, goats, and even the occasional hedgehog.

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Updated on: 04/25/2023

While many people, particularly those with children, enjoy energetic, fun, and playful dogs, some prefer a different dog breed. For example, maybe you live a quiet lifestyle, and although you want to bring a dog into your home, you’d like to bring home the calmest dog breeds.

calmest dog breedsPhoto by Elsa Tonkinwise on Unsplash

Calm dog breeds are not dull; they are more relaxed but still very affectionate with their owners. The calmest dog breeds are also some of the friendliest dog breeds. You may just want a pet that will take a nap with you or chill on the couch with you while watching television. 

When thinking about calm breeds, these kinds of dogs can also deal with changes since they are adaptable and can handle crazier or hectic situations. However, it is still up to you as the owner to reinforce that calm demeanor in your pet since its environment can influence it. Training your pet to obey commands, even just basic ones, will be excellent for enforcing that calmness.

Every dog is unique in its own personality, but here are some of the top pics for the more established calmest dog breeds. 

1. Poodles

standard poodleAKC

The standard poodle has become a popular breed for mixing with other breeds, like a Saint Berdoodle, since poodles are known for being hypoallergenic, and it helps keep the pet hair to a minimum. But a standard poodle’s typical characteristics are intelligence, mellowness, and affection, which make it a perfect pooch for anyone wanting a calm breed. Poodles also love to learn and are eager to please their owners, so you can train yours to be as quiet or playful as possible.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

cavalier king charles spanielPhoto by Austin Kirk on Unsplash

Another breed of dog that has become popular is the Cavelier King Charles Spaniel. These calm breeds are very well known for their gentle nature, and they love to cuddle. They enjoy spending as much time with you as they can, and most of the time are referred to as lap dogs. They can be playful and enjoy daily walks but typically are calm and relaxed in your company.

3. French Bulldog

french bulldogPhoto by Dan Blackburn on Unsplash

The french bulldog has become the second most popular breed in the United States as of 2020. They are well known for being easygoing, snuggly, and sweet pets recommended for seniors and people who live in apartments. They enjoy getting lots of attention from their humans and are very smart, so their kind nature makes it simple to train them to maintain their calm personalities, making them a great option to consider among the calm breeds.

4. Greyhound

greyhoundPhoto by Deann DaSilva from Pexels

Greyhounds are known for being sleek in build and graceful dogs. But, they also have a very relaxed temperament, which challenges the idea that greyhounds are bred as sprinters. They love attention and calm walks, so they will be a tremendous calm breed for you to train.

5. Pug

pugPhoto by Indi Palmer on Unsplash

Pugs used to be bred to serve nobles and emperors and are great breeds for adapting to changes and their consistent jovial nature. It may surprise you to see a Pug listed among the calm breeds. However, while some pugs can be mischievous, they are quick-witted and genuinely devoted to their owners, so training them is essential to keep their calm nature intact. They will enjoy lots of snuggles and being mellow with you.

6. Shih Tzu

how to choose best food for shih tzuPhoto by Dieny Portinanni on Unsplash

Much like Pugs, Shih Tzus were another breed made for emperors’ laps in Ancient China. Shih Tzu gets along with many types of people and is loving and playful, but they don’t need a lot of exercises, so they are happy, and content just to be chill, relaxed, and are the calmest dogs. 

RELATED: Best Dog Food for Shih Tzu

7. English Bulldog

english bulldogPhoto by Juan Manuel Martinez on Unsplash

English bulldogs are great for people wanting a calm breed. With their short legs and rolly stature, they are easy to love, too. The best thing about having an English bulldog is that they don’t bark much; hardly at all. So if you’re looking for a calmer breed that you don’t have to worry about hearing from too much, this is the breed for you. These bulldogs will love attention and cuddle time with you and will be more than happy to enjoy time on the couch with you. They are also known for being kid-friendly!

8. Newfoundland

newfoundlandnoemie – stock.adobe.com

Maybe you’re not into the smaller breed, but you still want a calmer dog. Newfoundland is a perfect choice breed since they are known for being massive in height, sometimes as large as 3 feet tall, and weighing in at 200+ pounds. Newfoundlands are dedicated and devoted to their owners, very laid-back in personality, and fond of the outside. They were known as the “nanny dog” since they exercise such patience and provide a nurturing demeanor. They keep an even temper to deal with complex and hectic home situations, such as small children running around.

9. Irish Wolfhound

irish wolfhound

Irish Wolfhound is another mid-size to the large dog breed that ranks high on the chill list. They are loyal and easy to train and another wonderful dog for a house with children. Irish Wolfhounds are similar to Newfoundlands since they require to be outdoors, and they require early socializing and training to help bring out their calm behavior best.

10. Saint Bernard

saint bernard dogPhoto by Beth Desrosiers on Unsplash

Yet another breed that is significantly larger, Saint Bernard, is another excellent option for big, relaxed dogs as a family dog or companion. They are known for being one of the more calm breeds of dogs because they are even-keeled, curious, patient, and great dogs to be around young children. In addition, Saint Bernards don’t require a lot of exercise, so slower walks will suit them just fine. 

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

bernese mountain dogPhoto by Dagmar Klauzová on Unsplash

Giant but gentle, the Bernese Mountain Dogs stem from farm laborers in Switzerland, and while their size seems quite large, they are extremely friendly, trainable, and make excellent family pets. Just be sure you give these dogs a lot of room for exercise outdoors.

12. Great Pyrenees

great pyrenees dogPhoto by @cynoclub from Freepik

These extremely big in size (up to 100 lbs!) mountain dogs are very well-known for their calm nature. Great Pyrenees are a protective breed and require some training, but they are great social dogs and bode well with young children. 

13. Bichon Frise

most popular fluffy dog breeds bichon frisePhoto by Viktor Talashuk on Unsplash

Tiny but mighty, the Bichon Frises are friendly and good-natured, loving everyone they meet and enjoying companionship with their owner and family. They have a happy and positive temperament and are content just to receive praise from you, making them great companions.

14. Bassett Hound

bassett houndPhoto by Maximiliano Pinilla from Pexels

The basset hound is known for its tracking instincts, that sweet woeful-but-lovable face, and floppy ears. But this sweet dog often will be found napping in the house more often than not; they make great family pets and are known for being very relaxed and sweet-natured. Basset hounds enjoy being trained and will work hard but then take a long, cozy nap and be very relaxed.

15. Xoloitzcuintli

xoloitzcuintli

The hairless or short, flat-coated dog breed Xoloitzcuintli is very quiet and attentive. These dogs have long lifespans and enjoy just a little bit of walking and some playtime outside, but mostly just want attention from their owners and are content to be relaxed and low-energy.

16. Boerboel

boerboel

Boerboel breeds are known to be really great around children and are fiercely protective of their families. They love to find soft, cozy spots in the house that smell like you, so don’t be surprised if you find it laying on your favorite blanket, couch, or even your bed! 

17. Great Dane

what are the best foods to feed my senior dogPhoto by Shea Rouda on Unsplash

Surprisingly another enormous breed, Great Danes, does not require much exercise. However, they are one of the more lazy breeds and enjoy laying around most of the time. Just be sure that you give them plenty of room so that they can stretch their long legs. They won’t beidealdogsgs for long car trips since it will be most challenging to find alarge crate

RELATED: Best Dog Food For Large Breed, According to Veterinarian

18. Clumber Spaniel

clumber spaniel

This is a furry giant and very cuddly – the Clumber Spaniel is a very friendly dog and will greet people with excitement. It is a very non-aggressive type and loves to lounge on the couch, making it an excellent calm companion. All it needs is a good brushing a little bit of exercise.

19. Bolognese

bolognese dog portraitPhoto by Marco Molena from Pixabay

One of the more rarer breeds in the United States, the Bolognese is very calm and laid-back. It does need some daily exercise but really just likes to nap in the warm sun. This breed of dog is also known for being less of a barker than other dogs of its type, like the Bichon Frise.

20. Japanese Chin

japanese chinPhoto by Goran Horvat from Pixabay

A small dog breed of Japenese Chin is very calm and willing to please. The Chin is sensitive and sweet, and is just comfortable gaining all of its attention from you. Just take note that this breed is very much in need of you being around, so if you have a busy schedule or aren’t home very much, this may not be the right calm breed for you.

There are plenty of other lazy dog breeds that enjoy lots of naptime and cuddles with you. Take your time to do plenty of research on what sort of temperament you’re looking for and what dog breeds fit into that criteria, and ensure that you can provide your new furry friend with the time and attention it needs. Training and socializing are equally essential steps to ensuring that you bring out the best in your dog’s true calm and genuine nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What breed of dog is calm and quiet?

There are multiple breeds of quiet dogs, but the best ones that are both calm AND quiet include the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Pyrenees, and Cavelier King Charles Spaniel. While the other breeds are all calm, these ones, in particular, will be less likely to do a lot of barking.

What is the most low-maintenance dog?

Low maintenance in terms of not needing a lot of grooming care and less attention include the Greyhound, Basset Hound, French Bulldog, Pug, Brussels Griffon, and Bullmastiff. The Xoloitzcuintli is also an excellent dog that doesn’t shed since it’s hairless!

What is the #1 dog breed?

Dogs are loved more in the United States than any other but it is challenging to pinpoint the most popular breed. Some of the more popular breeds as of late are the Labrador Retriever and the Chihuahua, but French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Beagles and Golden Retrievers are also very admired and enjoyed by owners.

What is the rarest dog breed?

Rare breeds are low in population, which typically creates interest for people and families to acquire. Rare breeds vary depending on the region that they are located in, so you can do some digging in your location. Some of the most rare breeds globally include the Otterhound, Mudi, Cesky Terrier, Tibetan Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound.

What is the fluffiest dog breed?

The Bichon Frises is probably labeled as the most fluffy and softest dog, but a Great Pyrenees make a great large fluffy dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bearded Collies and American Eskimos are also pretty fluffy dog breeds that are out there, too.

What dog breeds should be avoided?

If you’re looking for a calm dog, then you don’t want one with high energy. Be sure to avoid high-energy dogs such as Huskies, Jack Russell Terriers, and Pit Bullls if you will not provide them with enough exercise and stimulation. 

Without proper attention, they might develop behavioral issues. Instead, choose a dog with a little less energy, like any that have been listed above. Also, smarter, high-energy dog breeds, like a Border Collie or Australian shepherd, will become bored if they do not get enough training and stimulation. Bored dogs can become depressed or frustrated and also sprout problematic behavioral issues.