10 Most Popular Calm Dog Breeds In The World

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There are over 400 internationally recognized dog breeds, and they come in different sizes and temperaments. Working dogs are usually very active and eager to please, while lap dogs tend to be calmer and mellower. Guard dog breeds need to be alert, while watchdogs should tend to bark.

An experienced dog owner can handle different breeds without a problem. New owners or families with kids will most likely be interested in getting a calm dog breed with a docile temperament. If you are looking for a calm dog, this is the right place.

Here is a list of ten of our favorite calm dog breeds.

1. Greyhound

Although Greyhounds are the fastest in the whole canine kingdom, they are certainly not the most active. These fairly large dogs love nothing better than to have a fluffy pillow or bed that they can lay in. They were used for hunting for various game, so we can be sure that they can be active; they just don’t want to be.

Greyhounds come from the sighthound family and are slim and muscular, allowing them to run extremely fast for long distances. These dogs make great pets but keep in mind that they require a fair amount of space due to their size.

2. Newfoundland 

Newfoundlands are absolute giants. These dogs came from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and were used as fishermen’s dogs. They helped to drag heavy equipment and fishing nets. These dogs are immensely strong, and can be active if they have to be. When given a choice, these dogs will choose a cozy place next to a fireplace where they can lie down and take a nap. 

The Newfoundland is excellent with kids, extremely gentle and patient, but not playful. These dogs have a philosophy that nothing has to be done quickly. But don’t make a mistake and stand between a Newfoundland and their family - they are fierce protectors and will stop at nothing to protect all family members.

3. Bulldog 

The Bulldog, or English Bulldog, as some call them, is a small, stubborn dog breed that has a very calm temperament and demeanor. These dogs don’t take life too seriously, and everything they do, they do slowly. These dogs are great for first-time owners and don’t require an active life to be happy and healthy. 

They love spending time with their owners, and they prefer that time to be on a couch in front of the television. If you are the kind of person that likes that type of lifestyle, the Bulldog will be a great companion for you.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small dog breed with a calm and peaceful character. They might have a hunting pedigree, but they are far from their hunting heritage. These dogs might have served a hunting purpose like flushing birds in the old days, but they are the perfect lap dog these days. They thrive on having company and hate being left alone. 

If they get neglected, they can develop behavioral disorders and separation anxiety. But, if you are looking for a small calm dog, look no further than the elegant little Cavalier.

5. Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is a Tibetan dog breed that makes a perfectly calm companion. These dogs have beautiful coats that will require some attention and grooming, but when it comes to their preferred activities, they choose to sleep. The lovely Shih Tzu is a relatively small dog that can adapt to apartment living and the city lifestyle. 

They don’t require too much activity and exercise; a walk or two a day will be more than enough to keep these charming little dogs happy and healthy. They also have one of the best characters and are known to be great family companions.

6. Scottish Deerhound

The impressive and rather large Scottish Deerhound is one of the calmest dog breeds in the world. They have an unusual appearance and stature, and some might think these dogs are not suitable for new owners, but they would be mistaken. The calm nature of these dogs allows them to live a peaceful life with inexperienced owners. 

The biggest problem is that these dogs require a lot of space to move around because they can reach a height of 32 inches. They are one of the largest dog breeds out there and one of the calmest.

7. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a hunting breed that has one of the most sensitive noses of all dogs. These small dogs can be put to a hunting purposes, but they prefer tracking food and a place to sleep. Basset Hounds are known for having short legs and long bodies. They are also known for their long ears and eyes that have a sad expression when you look at them. 

The famous cartoon character Snoopy was a Basset Hound, and Snoopy loved to relax and sleep. Bassets should always be walked on a leash because they will follow a scent no matter where it takes them.

8. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard is a dog breed that was used for search and rescue in the Swiss Alps. They were named after Saint Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps which they used to patrol. They are huge dogs that make great house pets if you have enough room for them. They can be pretty active; it’s just that they prefer not to. They might be fearless mountain rescuers, but they are mostly calm giants.

Saint Bernards are great with kids; just like Newfoundland, they are not playful. They are incredibly patient and gentle, but if you are looking for a playing partner for your kids, think about a more active breed with more energy.

9. Pug

The Pug is a Chinese dog breed whose primary goal is to be the best companion dog. They are a lot of fun and love the not-so-active lifestyle. Pugs are calm by nature, and they will not do anything that requires physical activity if they don’t have to. They are also enthusiastic eaters, so their inactive lifestyle can lead to obesity rather quickly. 

Make sure to keep their diet healthy and balanced so they don’t develop health problems that could be avoided. Pugs have a friendly character and don’t mind being left alone if they have a cozy bed or a pillow they can sleep on.

10. Maltese 

The Maltese is the ultimate lap dog who was bred for the sole purpose of being a companion. These dogs don’t require any special exercise or activity to be happy; they only want their owners’ company. They love spending time on their owner’s laps and peacefully nodding off. Their calm nature makes them ideal for any living conditions and makes them safe for kids. 

These dogs will do whatever you want, and they won’t bother you with too many requests or bad behavior. If you are looking for a small, calm companion, then the Maltese is the ideal dog for you.

World Dog Finder team