Sometimes we just want to sit around and relax. Lounging around and spending time with your dog can be one of the best ways to spend the day. However, it’s a bit hard to do that when your four-legged friend has springs for legs and the energy of ten dogs!
Energetic dogs aren’t for everyone. If you’d rather have a companion that can enjoy lazy afternoons and slow strolls through the park, then any of the following breeds are your best bet.
These are the calmest dogs out there:
Why Would I Want a Calm Dog Breed?
Calm dogs are ideal for a few different groups of people. For the most part, calmer dogs are necessary when it comes to families with young children, as well as senior citizens. When a dog is relaxed, it leads to a more relaxed lifestyle for the owner, as well. All of that comes down to the dog’s temperament.
What Is Temperament?
The American Kennel Club defines a dog’s temperament as “an animal’s personality, makeup, disposition, or nature.” When it comes to dogs, some breeds are more likely to have a specific set of behaviors associated with their personality. As such, a general temperament can be given to entire breeds of dogs.
It’s important to remember, though, that this is a generalization. Just because you have a Jack Russell Terrier doesn’t mean that they’re going to be energetic and lively. It may be a relaxed pup. It all comes down to individual personalities, but the breed is a good indicator most of the time.
Do Mixed Breeds Take on Personality Traits From Both Parents?
With most mixed breed puppies, you’ll find that it’s difficult to determine what physical traits they’ll take from their parents. Temperament, on the other hand, is a lot more predictable. When a puppy has a parent that’s energetic and a parent that’s calm, you’re more likely to find that the natural temperament of the puppy is in between.
Of course, the most important part of a dog’s personality is its environment and how they’re treated and trained. Dogs, like people, are individuals and will develop in a way that’s unique to them. While the parents of a puppy might be a good place to start with temperament predictions, it won’t always be 100% accurate.
The 6 Calmest Dog Breeds Available
If you need a relaxed pup, the six dog breeds below are the calmest you can find. When you’re looking to rescue your next pup, these are the best place to start for a calm best friend.
1. Basset Hound
One of the calmest dog breeds available is the Basset Hound. This relaxed pup stands no more than 14 inches tall at the shoulder and is the best example of a low dog. The breed originated in France and Belgium. Basset Hounds may be difficult to train, but they don’t have a whole lot of energy to get into too much trouble on their own. This is a huge plus since they’re a very independent breed.
When a Basset Hound finds the scent it’s looking for, they almost never lose its cool. They have a relaxed demeanor while it’s on the trail, and many hunters love that. However, it can be hard to get the hound off the trail, whether you want it to be hunting or not. Regardless, with a bit of patience and training, Basset Hounds can become lifelong friends that love to lounge around with their owners.
2. Saint Bernard
One of the largest breeds on our list, Saint Bernards, loves to loaf around. Originally, Saint Bernards were bred to find lost travelers in the Alps as far back as the 11th century. These large canines are friendly but in a relaxing way.
They’re not known for jumping on their owners as much as lying on them, leaving behind a pool of drool. They will need to be trained, however, as they don’t know their own size.
Because of their large stature and calm demeanor, Saint Bernards are great around kids once they’ve been taught how big they are. They can withstand young ones cuddling all around them and love the attention. Then, when it’s time to head to bed, they’re happy to curl up on the floor and snooze with the rest of the family.
3. Pekingese
The Pekingese is the smallest breed on our list of calm dogs. These dogs are the opposite of what you’d expect from a small dog, being that they are generally very relaxed. Most small dogs can’t say the same. Pekes have been around for centuries and have earned a reputation for being outgoing, friendly, and affectionate.
Generally speaking, Pekes aren’t known for being the best with children, but as always, this is a generalization and may not be true. These dogs are known for creating very strong bonds with their owners but maintain a level of independence that prevents them from being too clingy.
4. Irish Wolfhound
Another big dog on the list, the Irish Wolfhound, is known for being a calm companion in the world of canines. These dogs are enormous, being bigger at the shoulder than a previous pup on our list, the Saint Bernard. The breed came about by breeding larger dogs of Britain with Middle Eastern hounds. They get their name from their role in hunting wolves in Ireland in the 15th century, nearly to the point of wolf extinction.
Today, however, these pups are calm, cool, and collected, making them wonderful dogs for people that desire companionship. They’re known for being calm and sensitive to humans’ emotions and have been used in therapy quite a bit. If you’re adopting an Irish Wolfhound or a dog mixed with an Irish Wolfhound, chances are they’ll be cool as a cucumber.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As the name implies, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for their gentle demeanor and regal nobility. The dog gets their name from its prestigious breeders, King Charles I and Charles II. They have big, beautiful round eyes that add to their sweet expressions. They’re so expressive, in fact, that they can communicate with their owners almost exactly how they’re feeling.
So long as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is socialized, it’ll be a welcoming, social pup in your household. They need that socialization to take place when they’re younger, however, so that they know how to be well-mannered in every situation. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful therapy dog. They’re also great with children, making them fantastic for a family of any size. While they like to be lap dogs, they also enjoy being taken on long strolls since they have roots in the sporting spaniels.
6. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Another mountain breed, the Bergamasco Sheepdog, was originally used to help navigate across rocky terrain in the Italian Alps. They made excellent companions in the mountains because of their intelligence and loyalty. They are very protective of their companions.
These are still accurate statements about the breed, which is why they are so sought after. These dogs are very calm with their owners but may take some warming up when guests are introduced since they are so protective.
When being trained, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is known for being inquisitive about why they’re being told to do something. They’ll investigate all sides of a new task before committing to it. Additionally, as they are a sheepdog, they enjoy herding and wandering. They have a flocked coat, but surprisingly it needs very little grooming. They’re a relaxing, low-maintenance breed that’s a great addition to any family in need of a calm canine.
Dogs Are Individuals
It’s important to stress that all dogs are individuals. As such, even though they are of a specific breed or are mixed with a specific breed, they may exhibit traits different from what is expected. Even though a dog breed may be calm generally, individuals within the breed may be hyperactive or inquisitive. As such, it’s important to get to know the pup that you plan on adopting.
If you’re looking to bring in a calm pup into your home, it’s important to get them off on the right paw. Be sure to give them all the comforts they need, like a relaxing dog bed, delicious treats, and toys for when they feel like being active. Every dog is different and will have a unique personality. While we can assume what a puppy will end up like as an adult, it really comes down to their environment and how they’re treated.
Sources
What is Temperament? | American Kennel Club
Do Genetics Determine a Dog's Personality?
9 Calm Dog Breeds: Easygoing & Even-Tempered Canine Companions