Cool Dog Breeds: What Dog Breeds Are Calm?

Pet ownership plays a significant role in many people’s lives. According to a 2021 survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 83% of pet owners say they spend a significant amount of time with their pets. So, it’s not surprising that they continue to be a considerable part of every family.

In the United States alone, 70% of households own a pet. Dominating this statistic are dogs, with about 69 million families having at least one canine companion. But while several pieces of research recognize the therapeutic benefits of owning a dog, finding one that fits your lifestyle is still important.

A calm dog breed is ideal if you seek a companion that won’t disrupt your daily life with excessive barking or energy. Here’s your dog adoption guide to some of the most docile pooches in the animal kingdom:

Calmest Dog Breeds You Can Bring Home

The American Kennel Club recognizes calm breed dogs that make excellent companions in virtually any home setting. Here’s a complete list of some excellent companion dogs that will bring joy to your family life:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These therapy dogs are renowned for their gentle demeanor and self-assuredness. King Charles Spaniels are perfect couch potatoes – they love relaxing at home while simultaneously being eager to please. Their coat is silky and long, so you can enjoy lots of cuddle time with them.

Irish Wolfhound

The gentle nature of Irish wolfhounds is why they’ve become the go-to breed of every dog lover. They are peaceful and quiet, rarely barking without cause – the perfect family dog.

Their long legs, soft coat, and impressive size make them an imposing sight to behold. And even though they are the largest breed on the list, this gentle giant love snuggles. With proper exercise and socialization, your wolfhound will be a loyal companion.

Basset Hound

This short and stout breed has been a popular choice for family households since the 15th century. Basset hounds are known for their short-legged stature, long ears, and droopy eyes.

But don’t let their sad-looking face fool you – they are incredibly smart and cuddly. Basset hounds have heightened scent abilities, so they might only be interested in short walks. And unlike other breeds, they only require minimal exercise.

Saint Bernard

Although a giant breed, Saint Bernards are incredibly calm and gentle. They have soft fur and loving eyes that will melt your heart; they are a perfect teddy bear for adults.

However, due to their immense size, they can be tough to train and require a significant amount of food. But if you have the energy and resources to provide, you will be rewarded with an incredibly loyal companion.

French Bulldog

French bulldogs are known to be a popular dog breed, especially in urban areas. They are small, energetic, and incredibly cute – making them a great addition to any family.

Frenchies are quite the lap dog and love cuddling, which makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a calm companion. But remember that they are still a breed of dog, and proper training and exercise are necessary for them to be well-mannered at all times.

Leonberger

A Leonberger is the largest calm dog breeds you can bring home. They are the perfect combination of size and grace, a majestic breed that loves to please those around them.

Leonbergers are incredibly intelligent, patient, and loyal, but they require considerable exercise. If you have the time and energy to commit to this kind of breed, they are sure to make an unforgettable companion.

Tibetan Spaniel

Tibetan spaniels are small, friendly dogs with thick fur coats and long ears. Although they are slightly more energetic than other breeds, they are still considered calm and gentle around those they know.

They love being around people and need plenty of cuddles to stay happy and content. If you are looking for small dogs with a prominent personality, this is the perfect breed for you.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Another breed that joins the list of gentle giants is the Bernese Mountain Dog. They are a friendly and loyal breed that loves to please their owners.

With thick fur, an easygoing nature, and a strong work ethic, Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect for larger households. They might cause some drool, but other than that, they are an excellent option for those looking for a calm and gentle companion.

Pug

A pug might be your best companion if you live an apartment life. With their squared face and curly tail, pugs are a unique breed that loves people’s attention.

Even though they are pretty active, pugs prefer to stay close to their owners and won’t bother you with excessive barking. And if you’re looking for a pup that won’t need too much grooming – pugs are a great choice, as they have a silky coat that requires minimal brushing.

Great Dane

Great Danes are considered gentle giants, as they are incredibly tall but still a very peaceful breed. Despite their size, they don’t need a lot of exercises and prefer to stay indoors with their owners.

These gentle pooches do well with other dogs and animals, making them an ideal choice for a family pet. Just make sure you don’t let them off the leash in public – they can be easily startled and scared by loud noises.

Pekingese

This toy-like breed is known for its courageous and proud nature. It might surprise you how much energy these little ones can have – but they are still a calm breed.

Pekingese are small and fluffy, but they still need proper exercise. They can also be challenging to train, so good luck with that! But in the end, they are loving and loyal companions that will bring joy to your life.

Golden Retriever

Famous for their friendly demeanor and intelligence, Golden Retrievers are a great pet. This breed loves to be around people and other animals, like most retrievers. Although playful and energetic, they have a calm and quiet attitude.

They do need exercise to stay healthy and behave properly, but other than that, they are the perfect pooch for a peaceful house.

Labrador Retriever

Among the most popular dog breeds, Labradors are one of the most loyal and gentle pups you can find. They love to be around people, but they can also stay content indoors without causing too much of a stir.

Labradors are highly intelligent and easy to train, so they make an excellent choice for novice owners. But, like most dogs, they need to be taken for regular walks and given plenty of exercises.

Boerboel

This quiet dog breed is a very loyal and protective companion. Boerboels are large, which means they don’t need much exercise but still require training to stay well-mannered.

Boerboels are gentle and patient; they love cuddles and being around their family. However, they can be suspicious of strangers and prone to barking – so proper socialization is key.

English Bulldog

With its short legs and smooshed face, the English Bulldog is an adorable dog breed. These pups have a dignified yet gentle attitude and make excellent family pets.

They might seem lazy, but English Bulldogs still require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are also known for their snoring and snorting, so make sure you can handle that before bringing one home.

Irish Setter

Another excellent breed for those looking for a calm companion is the Irish setter. These pups are good-natured, energetic, and loyal – with a gentle and even-tempered attitude. Irish setters are perfect for active households with plenty of room to explore.

Greyhound

Greyhounds are one of the calmest breeds you can find. They have a composed attitude and don’t bark without reason, making them an ideal furry family member. The only downside to this breed is that they howl when sad or bored, so you need to train them to adjust when necessary.

Newfoundland

The lush coat and gentle nature of the Newfoundland breed make them a popular choice for pet owners. This gentle dog loves to stay close to its family and is well-known for being good with children. Newfoundland dogs are also great swimmers, so if you live near a body of water, this breed is just for you.

Clumber Spaniel

Although they are hunting dogs, Clumbers are known to be one of the calmest dogs out there. Their stocky body and thick coat make them look like a toy, but they are still quite powerful and great for running around.

Great Pyrenees

These giant black and white dogs are known to be gentle with children, making them excellent family pets. They don’t bark often, so they won’t disturb your peace and quiet.

Great Pyrenees require a lot of exercise and space to roam, so if you can provide that, they will be an excellent companion.

Tibetan Terrier

Tibetan Terriers are small but incredibly courageous dogs. They make great guard dogs, but they still have a calm demeanor around their owners. However, they might be uncomfortable in hot weather, so they could be better for places with high temperatures.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Known for its fluffy coat, this herding breed is incredibly gentle and patient. Bergamasco sheepdogs are the perfect dogs for novice owners due to their low energy and need for minimal exercise. They are also very loyal and protective of their owners, so they make excellent guard dogs.

Whippet

Whippets are a great option for those looking for an active companion. They are relatively low-maintenance and have a calm disposition, so they make excellent pets.

They are also quite agile and need a lot of exercises, so they aren’t suitable for small spaces. But if you have the space and energy to commit, they will make you a wonderful companion.

Border Terrier

This small terrier is an excellent choice for families looking for an alert yet gentle pup. Border Terriers are loyal, active, and eager to please, so they make excellent companions. They also get along well with other pets and children.

These are just some of the calmest dog breeds you can bring home. Remember, all dogs require proper training and exercise for them to stay well-mannered and content. With the right amount of attention and care, you can find a great companion to join your family for years to come.

Dog Beed – Frequently Asked Questions 

Which dog breed is best for mental health?

Dogs are known to provide emotional support, making them ideal companions for those dealing with mental health issues. The best dog breed for mental health depends on your lifestyle and preferences, but several breeds are known to provide comfort with their calm demeanor. Some top choices include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and French Bulldogs.

What breed of dog is quiet and calm?

Among the most calm dog breeds are Bichon Frise, Bulldog, and Greyhound. These breeds are known for their laid-back demeanor and are less likely to bark without reason. They are perfect for apartment living, as they won’t disturb the neighbors with loud barking. Of course, this applies to proper obedience training and socialization.

How do you keep a dog calm?

Canine companions need proper training and exercise to stay even-tempered and well-mannered. If you teach your pup obedience commands, they will learn to respond quickly and calmly when prompted.

For newer dog owners, learning about dog anxiety causes and symptoms will be a great starting point in understanding how to keep your pup calm. Additionally, daily walks, regular playtime, and a healthy diet will help them stay content and relaxed.