25 Calmest Dog Breeds

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a dog that you can cuddle with? Someone who you can chill with on the couch while watching your favorite TV show? There are many amazing dog breeds out there that are perfectly suited for hanging out and keeping play time to a minimum. From dachshunds to great bull dogs, they come in all sizes and may surprise you when it comes to how calm they are. They are ideal for families of all ages. These canines are great social companions that will always be there for you when you need a friend or someone who will listen to you. If you are in need of a friendly face, try one of these 25 calmest dog breeds. You may be surprised.

1. Saint Bernard

The big and fluffy Saint Bernard is first on our list of calmest dog breeds. They date back to the 1000’s in the snowy alps of Italy and Switzerland. These trustworthy dogs helped hospice monks locate missing or even dead travelers. However, despite popular culture, they may have never carried an object such an a brandy barrel as depicted in so many photos.

Saints are widely known to carry a friendly smile as a result of their brows that are wrinkled. When it comes to training classes Saint Bernards benefit tremendously. While this specific breed is very large in stature, they are quite genial in disposition.

Although it is true these dogs can knock over children, they are careful in their movements and are not harmful dogs. They have big, kind hearts. Saints are quick to respond and listen to commands. These truly gentle giants would fit best with families that can give them the affection and time they need, since they love being with their owners.

2. Clumber Spaniel

For this species of dog they are known to be loyal companions and fine hunters. They are among the sporting group’s calmer breeds. Being they originated through the aid of royals, Clumbers are found to be esteemed housemates. Dogs such as these are members of the upper crest of society.

Like most any breed out there, they thrive from training, but are also affectionate. And you will find they have a strong dedication to their work. This breed is smart and thinks through all their decisions. Found to be quite reliable they make overall great pets.

3. Pekingese

This royal breed called the Pekingese is from China. According to one legend, it was created by Buddha by shrinking a lion. However this breed has been around for many centuries and was originally created for companionship to the ancient Chinese imperial family.

Pekes are so loving and have outgoing and friendly personalities. Building strong bonds with their owners this breed is perfect for living families. But they can also be very independent. Noting, it is important to understand that Pekes will do well in a house with no kids. They can adapt to children well, but may not prefer it in the long run.

For the people who end up earning the respect of this loyal breed, Pekingese are one of the most kind and calm companions around. If only you take the time to get to know them.

4. Bergamasco Sheepdog

This breed can be traced all the way to the town called Bergamo, close to Malin. In the Italian alps many centuries ago they were used to skillfully maneuver across rocky terrain in the Italian Alps.

The Bergamasco’s most admirable traits such as brightness and protectiveness was shown when they were on these mountain excursions. This rings true, for this sheepdog is among the calmer known breeds. However, it does take them some time to trust and warm up to strangers. They want to fully understand why they are instructed to perform certain tasks and are very intelligent.

These loyal dogs helped to protect their handlers from threats such as mountain lions (in their past on the rocky slopes). Surprisingly, this low maintenance breed needs very little grooming despite their “flocked” coat.

5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This small spaniel is known for its gentle demeanor and prestigious nobility, which has dated back to the renaissance period. Their kind expression and big, round eyes make them hard to resist, especially for a dog bred through generations of royals such as Charles l and his son.

Their facial expressions may even help them communicate with their owners more effectively. Cavalier’s make exceptional therapy because of their welcoming disposition. If you are to enroll them in training classes as well as socialization you may find that they are well mannered. And that they do well in variety of social situations such as human interaction.

If you are looking for a dog that does well in a home full of children this is a perfect fit. Cavs love to be lap dogs although this does not mean they don’t like to exercise every once in a while. After all, the do have a shared heritage with sporting spaniels.

6. Greyhound

Greyhounds are known to be quite lazy despite their reputation as award winning race dogs. Furthermore, marking them as one of the calmer dog breeds around. Yes, they are in the hound group. Though in truth they most definitely can be active when they feel like it.

Fact: they can run up to speeds of 45 miles per hour. But when at home they make excellent house hold pets. They are not aggressive and do great with children. There is nowhere they would rather be then on the couch, snuggling.

7. Bolognese

This fluffy dog originated in Bologna (hence the name), Italy. This was in the 11th century, where they were loved by nobility for their affectionate and calm personalities.

With their white, soft coats children will love to snuggle with this tiny breed. Though sometimes their coat does need to be cut short to reduce grooming needs. But overall, they are amazing family pets who love getting the attention of their owner and in return they will give their own.

8. Irish Wolfhound

If you have a soft spot for gentle giants such as the Irish Wolfhound, this may just be the perfect dog for you. Although they are big, shaggy, and incredibly stoic (traits that might make them seem intimidating) these dogs are kind at heart.

Extremely calm and even tempered this dog breed is great with people. In truth they have a long history with hunting wild animals such as elks, boars and even wolves. However, in today’s time they are truly lovable companions. They are amazing pets to have and to love.

9. Great Pyrenees

A great pick for you if you are willing to let a large dog into your life is the Great Pyrenees. This gorgeous dog breed is highly affectionate and are found to be quite calm. They will get along with just about anyone really, making them great family pets.

Historians believe that they evolved from mountain sheepdogs. This was in central Asia dating back thousands of years. This would explain their majestic good looks.

10. Basset Hound

Bassets have a very unique look when it comes to their cute traits. These include their floppy, big ears and stout bodies. This has made them one of the most popular hound dogs known.

You will find (if you are a fan or reading or watching films) that they are often depicted in films/books as the charming companion pets of fun-loving characters. You may find that Basset Hounds are normally mild-mannered and calm, making them excellent family pets.

11. Standard Poodle

With so many ‘oodle’ crossbreeds it’s no wonder that the standard poodle is so popular. These charming, smart, and mellow dogs have so many great personality traits. Not only are they playful but somewhat hypoallergenic.

This poodle is always eager to please and fond of learning. This breed does well with active children for they need a little more exercise then many dogs. This calm breed needs their play time to live their best life.

12. Xoloitzcuintli

If you don’t like shedding this smooth coated dog may be the one for you. One of the many advantages of the Xoloitzcuintli is that they either have no hair at all or a short, flat coat. This makes the expense of grooming non-existent. So you can save money and time.

The (Xolo) is a Mexican native that is quiet and attentive as a pup. They have a good allergen level and live long lives. Xolos love daily jaunts, lots of attention, and some fetching. They are the perfect tiny friend.

13. Newfoundland

This large dog breed is one of the calmest dog breeds out there. They are often called Newts for short and are shaggy and enormous. They can even stand three feet tall, weighing in at 200 pounds.

However, this dedicated breed is far from lazy. As laid-back working dogs they are big fans of the outdoors. Because they are even-tempered and caring they make amazing pets. Newts tolerate their family life very well.

14. Golden Retriever

This easy-going dog breed you will find is easy to love. True, they may love to play and are lively, outgoing animals. But they know when they need to be careful around children and when to calm down and listen. Their sunny, happy personalities match their coats.

Golden Retrievers seem to never have a bad day. You can always find them smiling and wanting to have a good time. They love to have fun and are sweet-nature dogs. Because of this they get along well with all sorts of other pets including bunnies and cats. But they love children most especially.

15. Pug

For those would rather have a calm and quiet breed of dog, the dog is a good choice for you. Although many wouldn’t consider the pug as one of the best calmest dog breeds since pugs can have a mischievous side.

These quick-witted pups adore their people though. And want to be showered with the very same level of love and affection. When this happens, these dogs that love to play are full of mellow appeal along with snuggles and friendliness. They do shed quite a bit though so you might want to have your grooming brush ready to go.

16. Great Dane

They do wonderful with children given they are safe, dependable and friendly. In truth their size may overwhelm smaller children so caution should be noted.

You do not have to really worry about grooming with this breed because their coat is so smooth and short. They come in all shades such as black, white, or tan. Great Danes are just about the tallest of the calmest dog breeds, but are by no means the heaviest.

17. Bullmastiff

Believe it or not these dogs are considered quiet and gentle. They are also extremely devoted to those they love. They are most definitely calm creatures for they are protective of those they love.

If an intruder ever tried to harm someone they care about, it will protect them by walking over and taking the intruders arm in its mouth. Then it will simply sit down and wait until its owner returns if they are not around at the time.

Bullmastiffs make great guardians, though they have been known to be somewhat aggressive and stubborn towards strange dogs.

18. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff has been developed primarily to protect and to guard their owners. They come in many different colors and are strong, powerful dogs yet can be quite gentle when it comes to handling children.

You may very well wonder if they truly belong to the calmest dog breeds list but you hopefully will not be disappointed. Because they are lovable dogs to have around. For dogs that are loyal and devoted to their families and suspicious of strangers, they make great guards. Although they do tend to drool they are lovable all the same.

19. Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is also commonly known as the French Mastiff. These particular dogs are loyal and extremely devoted to their people. They prefer to be as close as possible to their family members whenever they can. You may find that they like to sit on your feet or even lean against your legs.

French Mastiffs love to relax and are most confident at home. Since they have an independent nature it is difficult to train them. But if they are in fact trained they should do well with children and other pets. But note that the males can get aggressive with other males. Grooming is easy and they do tend to drool but this makes them no less sweet.

20. Leonberger

Here is a very affectionate and devoted dog breed with a good temper. Leonbergers are relatively easy to train. As a breed that lives to please, they are easy going when it comes to being around strangers. But at the same time very protective towards their owners. Though they may not be as protective as some of the other breeds developed mainly for guard duty, Leonbergers make good watch dogs.

These canines are agile and athletic. They enjoy frolicking around yards and regular walks around the neighborhood. Grooming requirements do include brushing them weekly or when shedding occurs. This is a big dog, sometimes weighing up to 200 pounds.

21. Scottish Deerhound

Tall and calm, the Scottish Deerhound is a loved dog breed. Anything that moves they love to chase. Though when indoors they are mellow and are very easy-going. Being extremely sensitive and a little independent, they love to please.

Good with most pets, children, and other dogs they are most likely to be able to differentiate prey from a tiny pocket pet. Expect to provide a large amount of playing or exercising time into their schedules. You can brush or comb them once or two times a week. A little stripping or trimming to keep their stray hairs neat is a good idea.

22. Bichon Frises

Cute and fluffy, the Bichon Frise is an easy going pup with a pretty gentle demeanor. What they lack in size, they certainly make up for in their personality. The love being around people and have a wonderful temperament.

They do require a lot of companionship and dislike being left by themselves for long periods of time. Bichons will bark to get your attention, protect their food or warn of potential threats.

Overall they make great family pets because of their friendly nature and ability to adapt to being around children. They are very affectionate and will enjoy a nice cuddle.

23. Sussex Spaniel

The Sussex is most likely the calmest member out of all the dog breeds, while still a spaniel at heart. Suburban and rural areas are really great for these pups because they do great in the city. Since it is known that they are more vocal then a lot of spaniels, hunters rarely use them on their hunts. They could howl or bark, making them far less desirable as a apartment dog.

But on the inside they are really quite mellow and calm. They do need daily exercise in the form of either a sort of romp around the yard or a walk. Brushing their coat is important to do at least once a week. This is significant not only for this breed of spaniel but all spaniel breeds.

24. Shih Tzu

One of the smallest known dog breeds, the Shih is a kind, gentle lap dog. And an entirely devoted companion, who prefer to stay beside their owners whenever they can. They are very playful pups and completely glued to their favorite person. A regular sized Tzu is surprisingly robust and muscular with large bones. This size is more safe around kids.

The ones smaller then the standard breed do fine around adults, but possibly not around smaller children. Coat care is quite extensive and therefore needs to be brushed every week. Not much exercise is needed because they tend to follow their owners around the house. Overall warm weather is a problem for this breed, but they do well in the cold.

25. English Toy Spaniel

And last but certainly not least of the calmest dog breeds is the super cute English Toy Spaniel. Smaller then their cousin called the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, this particular breed enjoys exercise. But the hallmark of the breed is their ability to fulfill the lapdog requirement.

They may be somewhat quiet and are gentle but this does not mean they can’t also be playful. These little dogs are very devoted to the ones they love. Though they need their coat brushed about twice a week, they are otherwise low maintenance dogs. So it might require a little bit of time if you have your heart set on the English Toy Spaniel.

Conclusion

If you have ever thought about getting a calm dog for your family as opposed to a loud, rough dog, this list of the calmest dog breeds should help. They all have good hearts in the end and an array of personality traits that are suitable for families of all ages and sizes. You just have to know where to look.

If you have children and are looking for a dog breed that will mesh well with your family, check out our article 25 Good Dog Breeds For Kids! It should provide you with some good insight and some exciting choices for you and your pack!

Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think!

What is the calmest dog breed in your opinion? Do you have any experience with calm dogs and what made their personality so laid back? We would love to hear about your personal stories!