Gentle, easygoing dog breeds make excellent companions for families with children and seniors. A calm dog will maintain its cool in the face of various people, situations, or stimuli. This is especially important in households with small children or other pets.
Many of the dogs on this list are also among the world’s most popular breeds. If you’re looking for a gentle, easy-going canine companion, here are 16 typically calm dog breeds to consider.
1. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever was developed in nineteenth-century Scotland. Its original mission was to retrieve downed fowl from both water and land, which required exceptional athleticism and agility. This breed is distinguished by its lush golden coat and a cheerful and friendly demeanor. Because they are one of the calmest dogs, they are ideal for search and rescue operations or as guide dogs for the blind and deaf.
2. Pug
The Pug, a very famous and lovely pet dog, is a breed known for many things, including its love of eating and napping and being the breed that knows no violence because it was left out of their genetic code. A Pug will only bark when he is extremely threatened or hungry, and his playful barking is usually replaced by heavy breathing due to his corpulent build.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, loving, and playful dogs. The typical Cavalier is always cheerful, trusting, and easygoing, and he makes friends with everyone he meets. He will sit quietly with older people or small children before becoming a rowdy playmate with older children or adults.
4. Bulldog
The Bulldog is a large but compact dog with a small but impressive and dignified build. The breed’s fierce appearance belies its kind and gentle nature. The Bulldog is a lovable and friendly dog who doesn’t realize his own strength and can knock the unprepared over with his enthusiastic greeting.
5. Basset Hound
The basset hound is a medium-sized dog with long floppy ears and an outgoing and cheerful personality. One of the most placid dogs you’ll ever meet, she may appear despondent, but she’ll perk up in your consistent presence, especially if you play to her strengths and train her in scent work, then reward her with a snooze after each “workout”
6. Saint Bernard
These big, lovable, gentle giants originated in the 11th century’s frigid, snow-covered Alps, where they assisted monks in locating missing travelers. If you have an adult Saint Bernard who has been well-trained, well-bred, well-socialized, and whose physical and emotional needs are being met, they will be much more calm and relaxed inside the house.
7. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are energetic and athletic, but also patient and easygoing. These eager-to-please pets, like goldens, make excellent service animals. Labs range in size from medium to large and can be black, yellow, or chocolate in color. They’re ideal for families with active children or anyone looking for active, patient companions.
8. Biewer Terrier
Calm dog breeds and dogs from the terrier group don’t usually go together, but this one does. This adorable little nugget, pronounced “Beaver,” resembles a Yorkie more than a beaver. The mellow pooch is ultra-portable, standing just under a foot tall and weighing around 8 pounds, and has the sweetest disposition that will melt your heart.
9. Borzoi
The legendary Russian sight-hound, an ancient breed with roots dating back to the Czars’ days of hunting with dogs. It’s one of the world’s fastest dogs. Borzoi is an excellent roommate because it is calm in the presence of strangers, the polar opposite of a guard dog. If you choose to adopt this dog, they will most likely not bother your neighbors.
10. Beagle
Because of their friendly personalities, beagles are thought to make poor guard dogs. They enjoy the company of other dogs and people because they were bred to hunt in packs. They are cheerful, rarely aggressive, and make excellent companions for children and adults of all ages, but their insatiable curiosity can sometimes lead to mischief. Most of the time, their silly antics are more entertaining than damaging.
11. Collie
This is an ancient sheep-herding breed with long or short coats. Collies are intelligent and sensitive dogs that thrive in calm environments and readily accept training. They are affectionate, loyal, and protective pets who enjoy spending time with children. Collies have a lot of energy and need somewhere to spend it, but they’re also extremely polite and trainable, which means they’ll do anything for you.
12. Newfoundland Dog
The Newfoundland Dog is another calm, massive breed known for its phlegmatic behavior. Newfoundland dogs are ideal for introverted owners who enjoy spending time with their large companions, and they are one of the quietest dog breeds available for adoption. They’re generally friendly and protective, which is why they’re one of the most popular working dog breeds, especially for rescue missions.
13. Irish Setter
The lively and playful Irish setter enjoys company. These dogs are affectionate with their families, gentle with children, smart, obedient, and, like retrievers, will happily play fetch all day without becoming irritable or tired. Irish setters are also extremely trainable and intelligent. They are full of energy but sweet and eager to please.
14. Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a strong, athletic, and lively little herder who is affectionate and companionable without being needy, making it one of the most agreeable of all small housedogs. Corgis do well in apartments if they are adequately exercised. They can be calm indoors if they get enough exercise, but they will be very active if they don’t. They’ll do fine without a yard as long as they get daily walks.
15. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees dogs are intelligent creatures with a stable temperament. The Great Pyrenees is an excellent family dog because it is patient, calm, and intelligent. They are relatively easy to train and will make excellent companions for those living in apartments due to their quiet nature and general lack of sensitivity to anything or anyone.
16. Bernese Mountain Dog
The bernese mountain dog, another gentle giant, is a calm, gentle breed with a sweet nature. These hardy and trainable dogs were bred to do farm work in the Swiss mountains. Bernese mountain dogs are self-assured, rarely shy, and affectionate. They are also well-known for their thick, gleaming tricolored coats.
Final Words
There are always exceptions to the rule, but these 16 dogs are widely regarded as among the gentlest dog breeds. Finding a dog who fits your lifestyle is critical in busy households, especially those with children. One of these calm dog breeds might be the easygoing friend you’ve been looking for. You might even fall in love at first sight with one of these dogs and keep it forever!
