Finding a dog that fits with your lifestyle is important, especially when you want a dog with a relaxed temperament who is more likely to nap by your side than bounce off the walls.
In this article, we will talk about the top 20 calm dog breeds, considering breed standards, expert opinions, and breed-specific traits known for their mellow personalities.
Among these, you’ll find breeds like the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the dignified Greyhound, and the ever-patient Bulldog, each bringing its unique brand of calm to the canine world.
Top 10 Calmest Dog Breeds
These exceptional breeds are known for their relaxed temperaments and make excellent companions for families seeking tranquility. Here is a list of the 10 chillest dog breeds.
| No. | Breed Name | From Country | Approximate Weight | Life expectancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Dane | Germany | 100-175 lbs | 7-10 years |
| 2 | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | United Kingdom | 13-18 lbs | 9-14 years |
| 3 | Basset Hound | France | 40-65 lbs | 10-12 years |
| 4 | Bulldog | England | 40-50 lbs | 8-10 years |
| 5 | Newfoundland | Canada | 100-150 lbs | 9-10 years |
| 6 | Greyhound | Egypt/Middle East | 60-70 lbs | 10-14 years |
| 7 | Saint Bernard | Switzerland | 120-180 lbs | 8-10 years |
| 8 | French Bulldog | France | 16-28 lbs | 10-12 years |
| 9 | Irish Wolfhound | Ireland | 105-120 lbs | 6-8 years |
| 10 | Pug | China | 14-18 lbs | 12-15 years |
Top 20 Calm Dog Breeds
Now, let’s get deeper into these most calm dog breeds, discussing their unique characteristics and why they are such wonderful pets for families looking for a peaceful pet experience.
1. Great Dane
Despite their big size, Great Danes are gentle and chillest dogs. These loyal dogs are patient with children and can sit at home peacefully, making them perfect apartment dogs despite their large stature.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These superb companions combine the gentle temperament of a toy breed with the athleticism of a sporting dog. Cavaliers are adaptable, affectionate, and are great at simply being present with their families, whether during activity or relaxation.
3. Basset Hound
With their droopy ears and soulful eyes, Basset Hounds are as laid-back as they appear. These scent hounds move at their own pace and prefer sniffing and lounging to excessive activity.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs prioritize relaxation with their easygoing nature and love of naps. Their minimal exercise needs and affectionate personality make them ideal companions for families seeking a dog with a mellow attitude.
5. Newfoundland
Known as “nature’s babysitter,” Newfoundlands combine gentleness with protective instincts. These water-loving giants are patient, sweet-tempered, and remarkably one of the calmest dog breeds around children despite their impressive size.
6. Greyhound
Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds are actually “40-mph couch potatoes.” These elegant sighthounds enjoy brief bursts of activity followed by extended periods of rest, making them surprisingly low-energy house pets.
7. Saint Bernard
These rescue dogs are known for their patient, gentle nature. Saint Bernards move with deliberate calm and form deep bonds with family members, though their size requires thoughtful home management.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are adaptable, playful companions who mature into remarkably calm adult dogs. Their minimal exercise needs and affectionate nature make them perfect apartment dwellers and family dogs.
9. Irish Wolfhound
These ancient sighthounds have a great nature and gentle spirit. Irish Wolfhounds are known for their patient temperament with children and their content. These are the best relaxed dogs to have at home.
10. Pug
These charming companions are known for their mellow personalities and love of leisure. Pugs prefer snuggling to strenuous activity and maintain an even temperament that makes them excellent family companions.
11. Bichon Frise
These fluffy white dogs combine playfulness with an easygoing nature. Bichons are adaptable companions who are content to match their energy level to their owner’s, making them suitable for various lifestyles.
12. Clumber Spaniel
The heaviest of the spaniels, Clumbers move with deliberate patience. These thoughtful hunters are dignified indoors, affectionate with family, and possess a remarkably mellow temperament despite their sporting heritage.
13. Shih Tzu
Bred specifically for companionship, Shih Tzus excels at their intended purpose. These ancient lapdogs are content to follow their owners around the home and settle in for extended cuddle sessions.
14. Bernese Mountain Dog
These working dogs combine strength with gentleness. Berners move with calm purpose, show remarkable patience with children and maintain a steady temperament despite their history as farm workers.
15. English Mastiff
The definition of a gentle giant is that English Mastiffs are docile companions who conserve their energy. These massive guardians are remarkably gentle with family members and prefer lounging to excessive activity.
16. Pekingese
These ancient Chinese companions move with regal dignity. Pekingese are independent yet affectionate, requiring minimal exercise and preferring to maintain their status as dignified lapdogs.
17. Whippet
Often called “the poor man’s racehorse,” Whippets combine athletic ability with a calm home presence. These sighthounds require brief exercise periods but spend most of their time relaxing contentedly indoors.
18. Standard Poodle
Beyond their elegant appearance, Standard Poodles possess dignified temperaments. These intelligent dogs are attentive to their owner’s needs and can adjust their energy levels to match household activity.
19. Bolognese
These rare Italian lapdogs are devoted, quiet companions. Bolognese dogs form strong bonds with owners and maintain a peaceful presence in the home with minimal barking or excessive activity.
20. Labrador Retriever
While energetic in youth, adult Labradors develop remarkably stable temperaments. These versatile companions are medium dog breeds that are calm, and they become increasingly calm with maturity while maintaining their friendliness and adaptability.
Benefits Of Having Chill Dog Breeds
Calm dogs offer numerous advantages that make daily life more peaceful and enjoyable for their owners. Here are some standout benefits of owning a chill dog breed:
- Improves family bonding with gentle companionship.
- Encourages active lifestyles with calm energy.
- Provides emotional support in stressful times.
- Creates a peaceful home environment naturally.
Which Calm Dog Is Meant For You?
Finding your perfect calm companion depends on many factors. Consider your living space – larger, calm breeds like Great Danes need room despite their relaxed nature.
Also, consider grooming requirements, as some calm breeds, like the Newfoundland, need a lot of maintenance.
Finally, match energy levels, as even calm dogs differ in their exercise needs and interaction styles.
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Final Verdict: Great Dane Is The Most Calm Dog Breed
Great Danes are the calmest dog breed, taking into consideration temperament, adaptability, and family compatibility. Their gentle nature is completely opposite of their big size, making them exceptionally patient companions.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also similar but in a smaller package, while Basset Hounds provide laid-back charm with minimal exercise requirements. Whichever calm breed you choose, expect a fun and peaceful home environment and a devoted companion who prioritizes connection over chaos.
Ready to welcome serenity into your home? Consider adopting one of these remarkably calm canine companions today.
FAQs
Bulldogs require minimal grooming and exercise while offering maximum affection. Their short coat, modest activity needs, and adaptable nature make them exceptionally easy to maintain in various living situations.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel consistently demonstrates remarkable gentleness. These dogs approach everyone—from children to strangers to other animals—with the same sweet temperament and eagerness to connect.
Standard Poodles combine a dignified temperament with hypoallergenic coats. Their curly, non-shedding fur requires regular grooming but eliminates constant household hair while their composed nature keeps the home peaceful.
French Bulldogs perfectly complement relaxed lifestyles. Their minimal exercise requirements, adaptable nature, and natural inclination toward lounging make them ideal for owners who prefer less active routines.
Newfoundlands earn their reputation as “nature’s nannies” through exceptional gentleness. Their natural protective instincts manifest as patient supervision rather than aggression, particularly with children and smaller animals.
