If you're looking for a furry friend to bring some calm into your life, you're in luck! The Bulldog is a chill dog breed that's perfect for a stress-free home. They're known for their laid-back and gentle nature, which makes them an excellent choice for families with children.
One of the reasons Bulldogs are so chill is because of their history. They were originally bred in England for bull-baiting, but after the sport was outlawed, they became popular companions instead. This calm demeanor has been passed down through generations, making them a great addition to any household.
Bulldogs are also relatively low-maintenance pets. They require regular exercise, but they don't need to run marathons to stay happy and healthy. A short walk or playtime in the yard is all they need to keep them content.
Check this out: Small Calm Dogs Breeds
Calm Breeds to Bring Home
Some breeds are naturally calm, and they're perfect for busy owners or those living in apartments with limited space.
French Bulldogs are a great example of calm dog breeds, as they tend to become laid-back after turning two or three years old.
Basset Hounds are another calm medium-sized dog breed that's known for their gentle and affectionate nature.
Pugs may seem like an unlikely calm dog breed, but they're actually quite affectionate and loving when showered with attention.
Tibetan Spaniels are also calm dog breeds that thrive on human interaction and often become attached to their owners.
Gentle Giant Breeds
The Saint Bernard is a mountain dog breed known for heroic rescues, but they're not always calm and collected - only if they're well trained, well bred, and well socialized. They're generally patient, peaceful, and gentle, and love spending time with their humans.
Saint Bernards were bred to pull, so they might enjoy jobs like pulling a cart or going for a walk with a backpack. They also love the cold, but don't handle heat well at all.
Great Danes are known as "gentle giants" with a naturally laid-back and gentle temperament. They're perfect for a relaxed lifestyle, and often just lounge around and snuggle.
Great Danes still need 1-2 hours of exercise per day, but once they're tired, they're happy to curl up on the sofa.
Check this out: Great Mixed Breed Dogs
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a loyal and intelligent breed that dates back to the mid-1600s in South Africa. Originally bred to protect homesteads, they became known for their calm disposition with children.
These protectors had to establish friend versus foe and became known for their calm disposition with children. Boerboels aren't recommended for newer dog owners, so it's essential to have experience with dogs before bringing one home.
The Boerboel is a large guard dog that was bred to stand by the side of farmers and protect their homesteads.
Bernese Mountain
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a social but laid-back breed that makes a great companion. They generally have a placid nature, but do need more exercise than some other breeds, with some needing up to 1.5-2 hours of exercise daily.
They're excellent cuddling companions and will never say no to some downtime next to their favourite humans.
Bulldog
The Bulldog is a delightful companion for families who don't want the demands of an athletic or hyperactive dog after a long day at work. They tend to be relatively calm, hanging out under the dining room table.
With their stout and stocky body, Bulldogs have a distinctive swagger that's hard to resist. Their cute smooshed-in nose is also a major charm, but it can make them more prone to heatstroke in hot weather.
Despite their 50-pound muscular physique, Bulldogs love to be lapdogs and will try to snuggle up with you whenever possible.
Clumber
The Clumber Spaniel is a great choice for those looking for a loyal companion. They're known for being great hunters, making them a reliable breed.
Their calm nature is a plus, especially in households with children. Easygoing and very loving, children are sure to enjoy spending time with a Clumber Spaniel.
Clumber Spaniels are also highly affectionate and have a strong sense of dedication to their work. Being members of the upper crest of society and originating through the aid of royals, Clumbers are esteemed housemates.
They love to think thoroughly through any decisions, making them a great breed for families who value intelligence and loyalty.
Bulld
The Bulldog is a beloved breed known for its gentle nature and affectionate personality. They are often described as "gentle giants" due to their calm and laid-back demeanor.
Bulldogs are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 40-50 pounds and standing about 10-14 inches tall.
Their short, easy-to-maintain coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Bulldogs are prone to health issues such as respiratory problems and skin fold dermatitis, which require regular veterinary care.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are surprisingly mellow, calm, and distinguished. They're not the high-energy dogs you might expect, given their sprinting abilities.
Their relaxed temperament is a direct contradiction to their athletic nature. You don't need to worry that they'll run amok in your house.
Greyhounds enjoy cuddle time and leisurely sniff-based walks. They're perfect for families who want a gentle giant as a companion.
If you want to adopt a rescued greyhound, keep in mind that they'll need extra love, training, and attention to truly feel at home.
Related reading: I Want to Breed My Female Dog
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a loyal and unflappable companion who's great with children. He's often considered one of the chill dog breeds due to his calm nature.
This gentle giant typically stands at two feet tall and weighs over 100 pounds, so early socializing and training are crucial to help him bring out his best behavior.
Small and Calm Breeds
French Bulldogs are calm dogs that become even-keeled after turning two or three, making them a great option for busy owners.
The Biewer terrier is a calm and portable breed that's perfect for city living. They're athletic and energetic, but also love to cuddle and be part of the family.
Shih Tzus are known for their love of cuddles and snuggles, and they make great companions for laid-back owners. They calm down considerably as adults and require little exercise, but still need daily walks.
Maltese are calm dog breeds that require little exercise and love to spend their time snuggled with their owner. They make impressive guard dogs despite their small size.
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Xolo, is a calm and quiet breed that's perfect for owners who want a low-maintenance pet. They have a low allergen level and long lifespan, and love daily jaunts and attention from their owners.
English Cocker
English cocker spaniels have a happy, wagging tail that rarely stops. They love to love, and are a calm dog breed that's eager to please and easy to train.
They're bred to flush and retrieve game birds, but they're just as happy to curl up next to the family indoors.
English cocker spaniels are natural companions, and will often nuzzle you or lick your face as a gentle reminder to keep going.
Biewer Terrier
The Biewer Terrier is a calm and adorable breed that's perfect for those who want a small but energetic companion. They're pronounced "Beaver", but trust me, they don't look anything like a rodent!
They stand at just under a foot tall and weigh around eight pounds, making them ultra-portable. They're also surprisingly athletic and love to walk, hike, or compete in agility rings.
Their sweet disposition melts hearts, and they're always willing to please, making them very trainable. They're a loyal part of your family, with a life expectancy of around 16 years.
Broaden your view: Best All around Dog Breed
Welsh Corgi
The Welsh Corgi is a calm dog breed that loves people and is happiest when spending time with them.
They're known for their unique physique, which some people have described as looking like they were put together by a committee in the dark.
Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgi are great family pets that like to chill and play inside the house.
They'll play hide-and-seek with the kids, but don't be surprised if the corgi sneaks up on the seeker first.
The Pembroke and Cardigan look very similar, but the Cardigan is bigger boned and has a long bushy tail, larger ears, and comes in more colors.
The Pembroke is often remembered as "the one without a tail", but both kinds of corgis are cute!
Havanese
The Havanese is a wonderful breed that's often used as therapy dogs due to their happy and delightful nature. They're outgoing and affectionate, but not too much for a typical family.
They bestow a healthy balance of mellow and playful, making them a great fit for those looking for a calm dog breed. You'll find that they're wonderful and playful, but not too much for a typical family.
To keep them happy and healthy, they need some form of physical activity every day, which can be as simple as a leisurely walk or playtime inside.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a medium-sized dog with a calm and gentle nature. They're known for their long floppy ears and bright personality.
Basset Hounds are often described as laid-back and peaceful, with a tendency to lounge around the house and snooze on the sofa. They're up for an adventure, but they love to take things easy.
This breed originated in France and Belgium, where they were bred to follow scents without distraction. They're independent and can be tricky to train, but with patience and persistence, they can develop a loyal partnership with their owners.
Basset Hounds are prone to obesity, so regular exercise and a monitored diet are essential to keep them healthy. They're happy to engage their natural instincts and sniff out a trail on a walk.
With their calm nature and loving personality, Basset Hounds make wonderful family pets. They're patient, loyal, and low-key, making them a great fit for families who appreciate a laid-back companion.
Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a great choice for families who want a small but energetic companion. They're known for their bouncy energy, which is still relatively mellow compared to some of their terrier relatives.
Border Terriers are not as stubborn or independent as some other terriers, making them a great fit for families who want a more affectionate pet. They're also relatively easy to train and socialize, which is essential for any family dog.
In the right environment, Border Terriers can be wonderful playmates for kids, but be prepared for them to turn their attention to hunting if they spot a squirrel or other small animal.
Cavalier King Charles
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a breed that's hard to resist, with their sweet expression and round eyes. They're known for their gentle demeanor and have been bred through generations of royals like King Charles I and his son Charles II.
This breed is highly adaptable to various environments and lifestyles, making them a great choice for many families. They're perfectly content with lounging around the house or going on leisurely walks, as long as they're spending time with you.
Their friendly disposition and affectionate nature make them a great therapy dog, and enrolling them in socialization and training classes will allow for a well-mannered companion that does well in a variety of social situations. Cavaliers love being lap dogs, but they do enjoy exercise, owing in part to their shared heritage with Sporting spaniels.
One look into their soulful eyes and you know right away this small, gentle dog is a sweetie pie! They were bred to be a lap dog and prefer to be with you much of the time.
Cavaliers are often described as "Velcro dogs" because of their strong desire to be near their humans, and they're perfectly content with lounging around the house or going on leisurely walks, as long as they're spending time with you.
Bergamasco
The Bergamasco is a calm breed that may take some warming up around strangers, but once you've earned their trust, they're loyal and protective.
They're extremely intelligent, often wanting to understand the reasoning behind a task.
Their unique "flocked" coat requires surprisingly little grooming, making them a good low-maintenance breed.
With their calm nature, they're a great fit for those who want a relaxed companion.
Their intelligence and protective instincts make them a great breed for those who enjoy outdoor activities, like hiking or exploring rocky terrain.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli is a Mexican native that's either hairless or has a short flat coat, saving you time and money on grooming.
This breed is quiet and attentive, making them a great companion for those who value a calm atmosphere.
The Xoloitzcuintli has a low allergen level, which is a plus for people with allergies.
They're built for daily jaunts and love a little fetch, so they're perfect for active owners who want a furry friend to join them on adventures.
They thrive on attention, so be prepared to spend quality time with your Xoloitzcuintli.
Sources
- https://www.rd.com/article/calm-dog-breeds/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/calm-dog-breeds/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/g43124682/calmest-dog-breeds/
- https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-compatibility/calm-dog-breeds
- https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/articles/dog-types/breed-guides/calm-and-lazy-dog-breeds
Featured Images: pexels.com