NewfoundlandDubbed the nanny dog, you won’t find a more devoted and empathetic fan of your kids. This is great because as a parent, there are times when you’re certainly not a fan of your kid’s behavior. “Newfies are 100-plus pounds of fur and drool, but people who are fans of the breed love the affectionate and good-natured temperament of these dogs. They love kids and are
Great Pyrenees”The Great Pyrenees is indeed great. They are a massive (about 100 pounds) but gentle dog,” says Dr. Greer. Its zen-like manner and lush coat are better than any teddy bear, so don’t be surprised if the kids fight over whose room it sleeps in. Dr. Greer says they can be a bit stubborn at times, but we’ll give them a pass on that. After all, they are a devoted guardian of the family. “They tend to be a laid-back dog that is quiet and not very active when in the home. They are great with kids but due to their size, need to be closely supervised to prevent their sheer mass from overwhelming children,” says Dr. Greer. If you’re looking for more calm pets to add to your family, these are the best
Calm Dog Breed Who Doesn’t Bark Much: Bulldog
The English bulldog is a great pup not only because hes a roly-poly blob of love, but also because he really doesnt bark unless absolutely necessary. Good news for apartment residents who want a silly but chill dog breed who may or may not share the couch, cause its one of his favorite places. Uber kid-friendly, bring out his best with early training—and make sure to wash his face!
Credit: Mikkel Bigandt / Adobe Stock
Top 10 Calmest Dog Breeds – Gentle and Easy Going Breeds
Whether you’re a novice dog owner or a true dog expert, you want to make sure that you choose a dog who will adapt well to your lifestyle. Some dog breeds love tons of exercise, while others naturally become couch potatoes. Similarly, some dog breeds like having time to themselves, while others prefer your constant companionship. But if you really want a dog who will be happy and calm in most situations, you might want to choose one of the most easygoing dog breeds.
The AKC characterizes the Bernese mountain dog as one of the most calm dog breeds you can own. These dogs have “calm, confident temperaments” that make them successful working dogs. But today, as the AKC reports, “their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.”
The group explains that these intelligent dogs love playing sports. And while they have no problem getting along with the entire family, they often choose one lucky human to whom they’ll become a little more attached. Plus, their calm and good-natured personalities ensure that the entire family will love them.
Animal Planet puts the bulldog on its list of the most laid-back dog breeds — and for good reason. This breed is a little big to qualify as a traditional lapdog. But don’t tell him that! According to the AKC, bulldogs have lovable and gentle personalities. They show great affection and devotion for their owners. And they make great family pets because they’re patient and easygoing enough to form strong bonds with children.
The AKC also notes that the bulldog numbers among the most popular breeds “due to their lovable and gentle dispositions and adorable wrinkles.” These dogs won’t beg you to go on a walk. But they do benefit from regular exercise and active play.
Animal Planet also counts the bullmastiff as one of the most laid-back and easygoing dog breeds. This breed hails from England, where these solid dogs originally served as both guardians and companions. While the bullmastiff looks intimidating, Animal Planet promises, “this dog is a lover, not a biter.”
Similarly, the AKC characterizes the Bullmastiff as affectionate, brave, and loyal. These dogs don’t need a ton of exercise. So they’re happy living either in a house or in an apartment. But the AKC refers to basic obedience training as “a must for all Bullmastiffs.” The group goes on to add, “The key to a successful relationship with an adult Bullmastiff is control and leadership.”
Animal Planet also puts the Chihuahua on the list of the most laid-back dog breeds. The network reports that these dogs are high energy, but easy to groom. They also “make constant companions for the person willing to train them.” But it’s worth noting that not everybody would agree with Animal Planet that the Chihuahua qualifies as an easygoing dog — at least in part because Chihuahuas’ personalities can vary widely.
The AKC characterizes Chihuahuas as ” alert dogs with terrier-like qualities.” They can get along with families, so long as the children learn to be gentle and patient. And while these dogs are very intelligent, the AKC warns that you should put yours through obedience training “to ensure he becomes a well-behaved companion.”
Next on the list? The Chinese crested dog, which Animal Planet characterizes as a laid-back breed. These dogs remain small in size, and have a medium energy level. In fact, they use a lot of their energy trying to please and entertain their humans.
As the AKC explains, “They are funny little dogs that like to please their owners, and upon finding something that amuses you, are likely to do it again to get your attention.” Some people compare them to cats because of the breed’s propensity for sitting in high places. Regardless, this dog is loyal and entertaining, and enjoys quiet time as much as playful episodes.
Another of our favorite easygoing dog breeds is the Clumber spaniel. As the AKC reports, the Clumber is “calmer and more dignified” than many other sporting dog breeds. This dog gets along easily with children and with other animals. According to Animal Planet, “These somewhat rare dogs are big both in body and in personality.”
The AKC reports that these dogs have mellow, amiable, and amusing personalities. The group notes that these dogs enjoy many different activities, including tracking, agility, and obedience. They also love daily walks. But you shouldn’t expect this dog to run long distances with you, or to go jogging with you everyday.
Animal Planet also places the French bulldog on the list of the most laid-back and easygoing dog breeds. We probably aren’t the first to tell you that these small dogs make entertaining companions. And not only because of their wrinkly faces, bat-like ears, and playful expressions.
The AKC reports that these affectionate dogs are a great fit for everyone from single pet owners to families with young children. They don’t need a lot of exercise or grooming. (But they do require a little bit of patience during training!) The French bulldog epitomizes the easygoing dog, with a desire to please and entertain their humans.
Next on Animal Planet’s list of the most laid-back breeds is the Glen of Imaal terrier. This scruffy little dog has a lot of personality. But his easygoing temperament makes him an ideal choice as a family pet or a companion.
The AKC characterizes this breed as “less excitable than most terriers, but still bold and spirited.” Similarly, the group refers to these dogs as somewhat active, but notes that they “by no means” qualify as “a frantic dog.” The Glen of Imaal does like intense play, digging, and exploring, so he can find plenty of ways to keep himself occupied.
The AKC also puts the Irish wolfhound on the list of the calmest dog breeds. These dogs love to run around outside. But when they’re at home, they’re calm and easygoing. The organization notes, “They are primarily a family companion now, but historically, they hunted with their masters, played with their children, and lay quietly by the fire as family friends.”
These dogs have calm, dignified, and “kindly” personalities, according to the AKC. While they qualify as “somewhat active,” the AKC also refers to Irish wolfhounds as mellow and docile. Similarly, the organization reports that Irish wolfhounds are “too serene to be fierce guard dogs, but just the sight of an Irish Wolfhound is enough to deter intruders.”
Animal Planet characterizes the Japanese chin as one of the most laid-back dogs. According to Animal Planet, “They’re a very dignified breed with two major exceptions. Those short snouts mean they make a distinctive ‘snizzle’ sound, which sounds something like a backwards sneeze. And there’s nothing dignified about the ‘Chin spin,’ when this playful pup stands on back legs and twirls.”
The AKC adds that the Japanese chin has proven itself a sensitive and intelligent breed. They charm and love the members of their family. And when strangers stop by, they act “nobly reserved.” These dogs can learn new things quickly, and often don’t make a lot of noise around the house.
Next on Animal Planet’s list of the most laid-back breeds comes the mastiff, a huge dog with a surprisingly sweet disposition. Animal Planet characterizes this dog breed as “dignified and powerful.” But these dogs also have calm, gentle natures that make them lovable additions to their households.
The AKC describes this breed as “courageous and dignified, but good-natured and docile.” Plus, the organization points out that many generations have passed “since Mastiffs have been employed as warriors or hunters. Modern Mastiffs are steady, sweet-tempered, patient family companions and guardians who take best to gentle training.”
The Pekingese also appears on Animal Planet’s list of the most laid-back dogs. The network characterizes this breed as “a popular choice for canine companions.” Animal Planet notes that these dogs also excel in therapy work, and often visit nursing homes and hospitals. How’s that for an easygoing dog?
According to the AKC, the Pekingese grows affectionate and loyal. They also adopt a regal bearing appropriate to their revered history in ancient China. Properly trained, these dogs have “a regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance, making them good natured, opinionated and affectionate family companions.”
Animal Planet also considers the pug one of the most laid-back and easygoing dog breeds. These dogs have become popular because of their lovable personalities. People also love their even tempers. And those wrinkly faces and energetic little legs certainly don’t hurt!
According to the AKC, the typical pug has a playful personality and an outgoing disposition. They can easily adapt to any living situation. And the AKC notes that “The Pug’s reason for living is to be near their people and to please them, and their sturdiness makes them a family favorite. ”
The Scottish deerhound also makes the AKC’s list of the calmest, most easygoing dog breeds. This dog has a “quiet and dignified personality” when he spends time at home. (The breed also has a reputation for its polite and perceptive bearing.) But outside, he loves to chase small animals.
The AKC characterizes the Scottish deerhound as “a nuzzler and napper indoors” but “a world-class galloper on the straightway.” They have such gentle personalities that they make only “indifferent” watchdogs. But the same trait makes them a trustworthy companion for children, despite their large size.
Animal Planet also recommends the Shih Tzu for potential dog owners who want a laid-back, cuddly, and friendly companion. In fact, the AKC describes a properly-trained Shih Tzu as “lively, alert, friendly, and trusting.”
These small dogs aren’t the most low-maintenance dogs. (Fortunately, they don’t count as one of the most high-maintenance dogs, either.) In fact, the AKC recommends weekly grooming and regular baths. But the group notes that particularly with the Shih Tzu, “Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your pet.”
The AKC puts the Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the “Xolo,” on the list of the calmest dog breeds. This ancient breed from Mexico comes in three sizes — toy, miniature, and standard — and in both hairless and coated varieties. But regardless of size or coat, the “typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive.”
According to the AKC, the Xoloitzcuintli numbers among the world’s oldest and rarest dog breeds. They have calm but alert temperaments. And the AKC reports that “Xolos like long walks and upbeat play but are famously tranquil around the house.”