Knowing a dog’s temperament is key if you’re looking for a calm dog breed. A calm and quiet dog is generally composed, even-tempered, and not prone to hyperactivity or reactivity, making them ideal companions for families, those with reduced mobility, the elderly, those living in flats or anyone searching for a peaceful pet. While individual personality and upbringing play a significant role in a dog’s temperament, certain breeds are known for their relaxed and gentle nature. Let’s explore the calmest dog breeds to choose and why!
Why Choose A Calm Dog?
There are many reasons you would opt for a calmer breed of dog that involve personal lifestyle factors or preferences. Some benefits include:
- Creating A Low-Stress Environment: Calm dogs tend to create a more relaxed home atmosphere. They are less likely to become overly excited, bark excessively, or be disruptive, making them ideal for a range of household situations.
- Easier to Train: Calmer dogs are typically easier to train. Their relaxed temperament allows them to focus better during training sessions, and they are less prone to stubborn, distracted or disruptive behaviours.
- Suitable Small Spaces or Flats/Apartments: If you live in a smaller space, a calm dog is more suited to living in this environment. A lot of barking won’t disrupt the neighbours, and they are content with moderate physical activity that can be fulfilled with daily walks.
- Great for Families or Seniors: Calm dogs are usually gentle and patient, making them excellent companions for families with small children or older adults. They’re less likely to get overstimulated with toddler behaviour, or equally be too hyperactive for young children.
- Better for Busy Lifestyles: Calmer dogs tend to be flexible in their personality to work around you and your lifestyle. If you have a more demanding schedule, they’re generally happy to get exercise and fit their routine into yours.
- Ideal for Therapy or Emotional Support: Calm dogs can provide emotional comfort and are often used as therapy animals. They offer great companionship without being demanding.
- First-Time Owners: Calm dogs are great for first-time dog owners due to their relaxed temperament. These dog breeds will settle into the home quicker and those who haven’t owned a dog before can ease into the lifestyle more.
13 Calm Dog Breeds
When searching for the right breed, there are some similar characteristics, but generally not a one-size-fits-all. Some dogs are large but are very gentle, and some small dogs thrive in chaos with their high-energy levels. Here are some options to choose from below:
- Basset Hound: Known for their laid-back and easygoing attitude, Basset Hounds are content with lounging around and require little exercise. Their mild temperament makes them great for low-energy households.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These gentle dogs love to cuddle and be affectionate towards their owner. A great choice for households with elderly members or young children as they adapt well to calm environments, being quiet and patient.
- Greyhounds: Commonly known for their speed, Greyhounds often have a misunderstood temperament and are calm indoors. They are low-energy and generally love to relax.
- Newfoundland: You’ll often hear the phrase “gentle giants.” Newfoundlands are patient and nurturing, making them a great option with children. They are highly loyal and enjoy calm environments.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: Though larger, a Bernese Mountain dog is typically calm and affectionate. They are great with families and children and have a relaxed attitude inside and out of the house.
- Shih Tzu: Known for being loving towards their owner, these lapdogs are calm and gentle. Perfect for small spaces too as they don’t require much exercise.
- Clumber Spaniel: Known for being quiet and calm, Clumber Spaniels are easygoing and bond well with their families. They enjoy leisurely walks but are happy to spend much of the day relaxing.
- Bulldog (English or French): Bulldogs are low-energy, relaxed dogs that are content with short walks and lots of naps. Their calm and friendly personality makes them great for homes with lower activity.
- Whippet: Similar to Greyhounds, Whippets are calm indoors and love to relax after short bursts of exercise. They are quiet and generally a low-maintenance option.
- Saint Bernard: Known for their patience and affectionate nature. They love being around children and adapt well to peaceful home environments.
- Irish Wolfhound: This dog breed is calm, friendly, and quiet. Despite their large size, they have a relaxed temperament and enjoy being around their owners in a quiet space.
- Lhasa Apso: Lhasa Apsos are calm, independent dogs that enjoy being with their families. They are affectionate, but not overly energetic.
- Pug: They are known for being content with short walks and lots of relaxation, making them a great choice for flats or less active homes.
What To Look Out For When Choosing A Dog
When searching for certain characteristics, asking the current guardian is generally better to get a good idea of personality types. Though some breeds are deemed calmer than others, previous upbringing, training, and individualism are factors that can make a dog not fit their stereotype. Each dog has a unique personality and temperament. Consider the following:
- What type of dog training have they had previously?
- Is the dog well socialised?
- Have there been experiences of reactive behaviour before?
- How old is the dog?
- What is their current health status?
- What is their personality like?
- How much exercise do they need, and what are their daily energy levels like?
- Do they have a history of living with children and/or other pets?
Here at A&T Trained Dogs, we have fully trained or part-trained dogs that go through a full vetting process (including temperament tests) to ensure every dog has a base level of obedience.
Find Your Perfect Breed With A&T Trained Dogs
Our experts can help you find the perfect dog and breed for your lifestyle. Get in touch with our team or call us on 01524 587 315.
Already have a reactive dog? See our top tips on how to calm a dog down.
