10 Calm Dog Breeds

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Calm dog breeds are less reactive and will remain composed in most situations. They are often adaptable, quiet, and well-behaved. These relaxed dogs tend to be quite low maintenance and make wonderful companions for laid-back owners, owners with busy schedules, families with younger children, and elderly people.

However, calm does not mean inactive and these dogs still need daily exercise to keep them happy. With that said, these breeds are more than happy to chill out at home and enjoy a cuddle or an afternoon nap after some interactive play or a short walk. Below are 10 calm dog breeds of all sizes.

1. Basset Hound

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Instantly recognisable, the Basset Hound is a loyal, charming and mild-mannered dog that is often happy relaxing on the sofa with its owners. Basset Hounds get along with everyone, they are affectionate and are a great breed choice for elderly people and families with children too.

Height: 28-38cm
Size: Medium
Character: Gentle, patient, charming
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Shedding: Moderate

2. St Bernard

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One of the largest breeds in the world, St Bernards are well known for their role in mountain rescue in Switzerland. St Bernards are gentle, patient, and kind. These impressive dogs are laid-back, adaptable and get along with people of all ages. Although very calm and quiet at home, St Bernards do need a long walk each day to keep them happy.

Height: 65-80cm
Size: Huge
Character: Loving, intelligent, adaptable
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Shedding: High

3. Newfoundland

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Another large calm breed that is known for their sweet nature are Newfoundlands. Known as a “nanny dog” for children, the Newfoundland is a patient, trusted and trainable dog. These enormous dogs are caring, laid-back, and friendly. Newfies need a lot of living space and enjoy time exploring in the garden and on walks.

Height: 66-71cm
Size: Huge
Character: Quiet, sensitive, patient
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Shedding: High

4. French Bulldog

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If you would like a small calm dog breed, the French Bulldog is one of the most popular. French Bulldogs can be described as easy-going best friends, they are very adaptable, even-tempered, and love to entertain. These compact dogs are happy to nap all day and only need short walks so Frenchies can suit almost any lifestyle.

Height: 27-30cm
Size: Small
Character: Adaptable, playful, intelligent
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Shedding: Low

5. Irish Wolfhound

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The Irish Wolfhound is a huge dog with a relaxed demeanour, a true gentle giant. As long as the Irish Wolfhound has enough living space and goes for a daily walk they are calm and agreeable companions. Wolfhounds are loyal, even-tempered, and intelligent but they do best with experienced owners who are able to handle and train a dog of this size.

Height: 71-90cm
Size: Huge
Character: Intelligent, social, gentle
Life Expectancy: 6-8 years
Shedding: Low

6. Greyhound

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Although athletic and incredibly fast, the Greyhound is very content with a quiet lifestyle. These graceful dogs are affectionate, calm, and love to relax. Greyhounds are well-mannered, easy to train and make excellent companions.

Height: 68-76cm
Size: Large
Character: Loyal, intelligent, quiet
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Shedding: Low

7. Pug

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Pugs are playful, quick-witted, and entertaining but they are surprisingly relaxed too. Pugs are social dogs that love to be around people, they can often be found snoozing nearby or cuddling up to their favourite people. Pugs offer a good balance between playtime and quiet time making them great family dogs.

Height: 25-36cm
Size: Small
Character: Playful, loyal, affectionate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Shedding: High

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a laid-back, loyal, and people-orientated breed. Known for their sweet natures, Cavaliers are undemanding and adapt well to most lifestyles. These affectionate little dogs are fantastic companions that are more than happy to cuddle on the sofa after a walk around the park.

Height: 30-33cm
Size: Small
Character: Affectionate, social, easy-going
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Shedding: Medium

9. Pekingese

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The Pekingese breed is known for being relaxed and calm at home. These affectionate little dogs are confident, and charming without being overly demanding. They enjoy short walks and love to entertain their owners but Pekingese are equally happy to lay on the sofa. The Pekingese is one of the calmest toy breeds.

Height: 15-23cm
Size: Very Small
Character: Loving, intelligent, social
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Shedding: Medium

10. English Bulldog

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Finally, if you are looking for a medium-sized calm dog breed you may want to consider the English Bulldog. Even more chilled than the easy-going French Bulldog, the English Bulldog is social, goofy, and quiet. Be warned though, this pup may take up all the space on the sofa as it is often their favourite spot in the house.