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We’ve all met dogs that have boundless energy and want to be the center of attention at all times. But not all dogs are the type that need constant exercise and entertainment, and that’s good news for laid-back pet parents! In fact, calm dog breeds are favored by many pet lovers because they’re low maintenance pups that know how to go with the flow.
Chill dogs are the ones that won’t bat an eye when the children are running around the house. They’re also the ones that welcome your house guests with wagging tails and goofy dog grins. With so many reasons to love these precious pooches, it’s no surprise that gentle, calm dogs are in high demand!
Today, we’ll discuss what makes some dogs more lowkey than others and introduce you to a list of the most easy-going dog breeds out there!
Understanding Dog Temperament
What makes some dogs hyperactive and others more lackadaisical? The difference comes down to a combination of science and socialization. For one, selective breeding over the generations has helped give different dog breeds their personalities. In other words, humans have intentionally bred dogs that demonstrate certain types of personalities, leading to the cute pups we know today.
How early on dogs are introduced to others can also play a pivotal role in how dogs behave. According to one study, when dogs are socialized as puppies, they are less likely to be aggressive or demonstrate insecurity around other dogs.
Characteristics of Calm Dog Breeds
The calmest dog breeds are often the ones that make fantastic family dogs. These are pups that are good around children and seniors, and you don’t typically have to worry about them being too rambunctious around the house.
What else do calm dogs have that the more active ones typically don’t?
Adaptability: The calmest dog breeds are often adaptable to schedule changes or family changes. They’re more likely to welcome a new member of the family or be okay with a slight change in their walking schedule.
Gentle demeanor: If you want a dog that would rather be lying in your lap than starting fights with the household cat, a calmer dog will be more your speed.
Low reactivity: The dogs breeds we discuss in this post are less likely to become defensive or feel threatened when around other dogs. Many families find these dogs demonstrate low reactivity and are more likely to see other dogs as friends rather than competition.
Benefits of Owning a Mellow Dog Breed
Are you more likely to enjoy a lazy Sunday with breakfast in bed rather than a weekend hike? A highly energetic canine that wants to play fetch at six in the morning isn’t going to be a welcome presence in your life. When your dog has a personality that complements your own, you will both be much happier.
For example, if you adopt a dog and find it difficult to get them enough exercise, you can be certain your pup is going to find a way to release that pent-up energy. Often, that means you’ll end up with a dog getting the zoomies at midnight, barking excessively, and chewing up everything in sight.
Chill dog breeds are less likely to bother your neighbors because they won’t be barking at everyone they see walking down the sidewalk in front of your house. They’re also less likely to get incredibly excited and wound up throughout the day, which makes for a quieter house in general.
Top Calm Dog Breeds
What is the calmest dog breed? There’s no one answer, but there are plenty of contenders for the title! Below, we present the top five calm dog breeds. Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail!
1. The Basset Hound
Absolutely everything about the Basset Hound’s appearance suggests that this dog is king of the gentle dog breeds. With mournful eyes, impossibly long, floppy ears, and short legs, this pup just looks like they were designed for napping. The Basset Hound is widely considered the right dog breed for first-time dog owners not only for their incredibly docile demeanor but their minimal grooming needs as well. Basset Hounds are also known for being less-than-energetic, although they do still need daily walks. They make wonderful companions for children (as long as kids understand the Basset Hound’s long frame is not designed for roughhousing).
2. The Bulldog
The beloved Bulldog is another good choice for dog lovers who are looking for a mellow pet. Famed for being exceptionally loyal to their owners, Bulldogs are easy to train and have low-to-moderate energy needs. This means you won’t need to take them on strenuous hikes or runs to keep them in shape. In fact, Bulldogs shouldn’t be overexerted since they can quickly become overheated.
Weighing between 40 and 70 pounds, this dog is known for being one of the quintessential calm medium dog breeds, although some individuals are on the larger side. Still, most Bulldogs won’t need a ton of space to get all the exercise they need.
3. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Few dogs exude charm in the same way as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Gentle and affectionate, these pups have long, silky coats that come in Blenheim, tan and black, white and black, and ruby. Touted as a perfect example of a laid-back dog breed, Cavaliers do very well with young children and are typically friendly around other dogs.
These non-aggressive canines often fit right in with not only other dogs but cats, too! Just be sure to socialize your Cavalier as early as possible, although it’s rare that these little ones are mischief-makers.
4. The Great Dane
At first sight, a Great Dane might make you nervous, as their giant frames can certainly be imposing. Rest assured that these beautiful pups are one of the most mellow dog breeds around! Commonly referred to as a “gentle giant,” the Great Dane’s lovable personality is as big as its body.
While most Great Danes are sweet and sociable, it’s still important to train your dog, no matter their size. Even a Great Dane that’s simply playing can accidentally knock over a little child or lamp if their behavior gets out of hand! Training a dog’s behavior is a must for your and your dog’s safety – not to mention that of your household objects!
5. The Irish Wolfhound
Another calm and friendly giant is the Irish Wolfhound. While most of these dogs will weigh around 120 pounds as adults, some outliers tip the scale at nearly 200 pounds. Fortunately, this breed is set on using its gargantuan size for good! They’re known for greeting strangers with friendliness rather than defensiveness, and while they love going for walks like any other dog, they’re not especially active.
Beware that this breed does occasionally have one enemy: cats. Some Irish Wolfhounds can get along swimmingly with felines, but the breed’s high prey drive can push many to chase after small animals, including the family cat.
Selecting the Right Dog Breed for You
If you’re sure you want one of the most chill dog breeds out there but aren’t sure exactly which breed is a good fit, take some time to consider a few factors. Never adopt a dog without first ensuring you’re a fitting match for each other. A bored or unhappy dog (even a gentle one) can quickly become destructive, and that’s a recipe for disaster.
Match your dog’s temperament to your lifestyle. An owner that loves having loud parties every weekend should make sure their dog can handle the amount of social interaction that lifestyle involves. A dog that likes their peace and quiet will become agitated if their home environment isn’t to their liking.
Consider your household dynamics. Are you a single pet owner? You’ll need a breed that’s okay with being left on their own every now and then while you’re out and about. If you have children or a large family, the dog you adopt should be suitable for busy households with little ones running around.
Choose a breed that complements your activity levels. A future pet parent that is looking forward to going on long-distance runs with their dog shouldn’t get a Cavalier, for instance. Similarly, you won’t want to bring a high-energy dog home if you can’t find the motivation to go on long walks and play fetch multiple times a day.
Think about the size and layout of your home. Little dogs usually do fine in apartments and smaller homes, but many bigger breeds need extra space to move around and get enough exercise. Additionally, some dogs, such as the Basset Hound, may not be able to climb stairs very well, which can create health problems over time.
Consider your neighbors. Because of their massive size, a Great Dane’s bark or howl is quite loud. While this trait is fine when it comes to country-living, you’ll want to think about whether the breed will be a good fit if you live in multi-family housing. Additionally, although a dog might be the quietest and calmest dog around, some housing communities have restrictions on dog sizes.
The Role of Pet Insurance in Ensuring Pet Well-being
It’s not a pleasant image to think of your sweet dog needing an emergency trip to the vet, but unfortunately, it’s a reality of pet ownership. Even if your dog remains in perfect health, they’ll need to see a veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.
To keep costs low, invest in pet insurance. Embrace Pet Insurance offers comprehensive plans tailored to your needs and budget, providing reimbursement for eligible veterinary expenses due to accidents, illnesses, and even breed-specific conditions. This financial safety net allows you to prioritize your calm companion's health.
Even laid-back dogs can face unforeseen emergencies. Imagine your gentle Bulldog quietly chewing on a dropped sock when you're not looking. If it causes a gastrointestinal blockage, emergency surgery could easily cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance can help alleviate this financial burden.
It’s important to remember that all breeds, including the calm ones, can develop health issues. Irish Wolfhounds are prone to cardiomyopathy, Bulldogs to breathing problems, and Cavaliers to eye conditions. Don’t let finances dictate your pet's care.
Embrace also offers an optional wellness plan that can help you budget for routine care. This is not insurance but a separate plan that reimburses you for predictable expenses like annual check-ups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental cleanings, supporting your calm dog's ongoing health.
Choosing Embrace Pet Insurance means partnering with a compassionate organization focused on your pet's well-being, offering peace of mind so you can fully enjoy your gentle companion.
A Final Word on Calm Dog Breeds
There are plenty of calm dog breeds to choose from when you’re looking for a pet that’s low-maintenance and less active than most. These dogs are likely to get along with just about anyone, human or animal. Socializing your dog with others from as young an age as possible can increase the chances of everyone in the home living in harmony.
Keep in mind that even the smallest and gentlest dog should be well-trained from a young age. Even dogs of the same breed (or even the same litter) can have vastly different temperaments. Genetics play just one part in your dog’s overall personality, and the environment in which they are raised can play a big part, too.
Once you’ve found a dog that’s perfect for your home, be sure to keep them up to date on their vet appointments. A healthy dog is a happy one, and their wellbeing can directly influence their temperament.
With a little preparation, soon you and your pup will form your own special bond!