10 most calm dogs | AZ Animals

Dogs are wonderful animals for their genetic flexibility; they can be chosen for almost any body size, fur color and personality you desire. Depending on the type of dog you are looking for, calmness is arguably one of the most important attributes in breeding. A calm dog will maintain composure in response to different people, circumstances, or stimuli. This is an especially important attribute in homes with small children or other pets. Unsurprisingly, many of the dogs on this list are also some of the most popular breeds in the world. Let’s find out more about the calmest dogs!

A calm dog comes in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and appearances; there are calm hunting dogs, calm working dogs and calm lapdogs. This trait is not exclusive to any particular breed type. However, a calm dog is not necessarily the same as an inactive or lazy dog. Some of the dogs on this list are incredibly energetic, but they know how to control their behavior and calm down when they finish training. This does not mean that you should neglect learning and socialization. Even with a naturally balanced temperament, these dogs still benefit from good training to prevent bad or antisocial behavior. Crate training can also help reduce anxiety.

With that said, the 10 calmest dog breeds on this list will brighten up your day and help you relax.

# 10: Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever originated in 19th century Scotland. Its original goal was to get the downed bird out of both water and land, which required a lot of athleticism and dexterity. Characterized by a lush golden coat, this breed also has an upbeat and friendly disposition. As one of the calmest dogs, they are well suited for search and rescue operations or as guide dogs for the blind and deaf. They are also considered by many to be typical family dogs and social butterflies.

No wonder they rank among three to five of the most popular dog breeds in the entire United States. If you are interested in other breeds with these characteristics, you can also try the Labrador Retriever.

# 9: Bulldog

Both the French Bulldog and the English Bulldog are incredibly popular breeds. They are ranked in the top five by the American Kennel Club every year. What unites them, in addition to their small stature, short muzzle and wrinkled face, is their calm, cold and friendly demeanor, slightly seasoned with stupidity. However, they differ in one important respect: body size.

The English Bulldog has a larger and more muscular build; the smaller size of the French Bulldog was the result of interbreeding with toy and rat dogs. However, both breeds belong to the non-sporting group; they make excellent companions and pets regardless of living conditions.

# 8: greyhound

The Greyhound is considered the fastest dog breed in the world, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, making it a popular breed on the racetrack. With all this speed and energy, you may be surprised to learn that this breed is also considered one of the calmest dog breeds in the world. People have a very common misconception that this is a hyperactive dog breed. In fact, as long as they get enough exercise (usually about an hour a day), they spend most of the day resting and sleeping with little to no concern, sometimes up to 6 pm. This makes them surprisingly good pets, even better than some of the smaller breeds that are half their size.

# 7: St. Bernard

These large, sweet and gentle giants originated in the icy, snowy Alps of the 11th century, where they helped monks find missing travelers. With such a kind attitude and high tolerance for adversity, this breed has a large heart to match its large size. However, don’t let his cute personality fool you into neglecting socializing and training this dog as a puppy. With its large body, the St. Bernard must understand the correct boundaries and limits of its social and physical environment. Due to their tendency to accidentally knock down young children, close supervision is necessary.

# 6: Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a hunting dog that came from the French and Belgian regions many centuries ago. He has an exceptionally strong sense of smell to chase a hare over long distances. This is combined with a surprisingly distinctive appearance thanks to its short legs, wrinkled face, and large drooping ears. These dogs were originally bred to keep calm on the hunt and develop a very strong relationship with their owner.

While they are a bit independent and can be a challenge to train, there are very few things that will make this dog angry, which is why it is considered one of the calmest dog breeds. In fact, they are very well known for their aristocratic attitude towards babies and toddlers. They tolerate rough play and loud noises well.

# 5: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A favorite breed of the British nobility and upper class, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has round eyes and an expressive face that should be sympathetic to a wide variety of people. Their small stature also makes them great lapdogs with a cuddling tendency. They rarely want to leave their master. While they have really strong hunting and chasing instincts (so strong that letting them off their leashes in the open air is not a good idea), the American Kennel Club actually classifies them as a toy group, not a hunting group. Historically, they were kept as companions or lapdogs.

# 4: Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound has a long and fascinating history spanning several centuries. An earlier version of this dog probably existed in the British Isles during the Roman Empire, but it was not until the Middle Ages that a true Irish wolfhound appeared. The original purpose of this breed was to protect against wolves and even to hunt them. Their prowess and dedication earned them a place in an Irish tale called Gelert, the Faithful Dog.

There is also a famous story (possibly made up) of a wolfhound rescuing the son of a Welsh prince. However, they were so successful in their task that wolves had already disappeared from Ireland by the end of the 18th century, and subsequently the number of wolfhounds diminished, perhaps almost to extinction. It took several decades before someone tried to recreate the old Irish wolfhound by crossing several breeds, including the Great Dane.

You probably wouldn’t expect these extremely large and shaggy dogs, up to 34 inches tall and weighing over 90 pounds, to have such a calm disposition. But the Irish wolfhound is reserved, quiet, calm, loyal and friendly in his own unique manner. While they do display some hunting instincts and independent behavior, they are actually friendly and affectionate.

# 3: Pekingese

These small dogs with a royal coat of long, loose fur and a flat muzzle have been extremely popular companions of the Chinese nobility for many centuries. Pekingese are loving, outgoing and friendly dogs that are practically bred to be loved and cared for by people. This is reflected in the strong bond they can form with their owners. But there is one catch: they will not necessarily prefer to live in a home with younger children. With their small, fragile bodies, they do not tolerate knocks or grabs and can get a little aggressive during rough play. Keep this in mind if you decide to bring a Pekingese home.

# 2: Tibetan Spaniel

This breed originated many centuries ago as very capable watchdogs and companions of Buddhist monks in the distant Tibetan monasteries of the inhospitable Himalayas. Perhaps unsurprisingly, their calm, serene demeanor is perfect for their place of origin. With their silky double coat, domed head and curled tail, small Tibetan spaniels are not true spaniels because they were not bred to hunt. On the contrary, their playful demeanor and loving nature make them ideal social companions. They thrive on regular contact with humans and understand their owner’s emotions well, making them one of the most calm dog breeds in the world.

# 1: boerboel

This large mastiff-like pet was originally bred by Dutch and German settlers in South Africa in the 17th century. The name itself is a combination of terms drill (meaning farmers who have settled in the region) and bolt (abbreviated term for bulldog). They served the purpose of protecting the estate from both animals and intruders. While they are not necessarily the perfect companion for inexperienced dog owners, they provide a soothing and loving presence, especially among the younger children in the family, for those who can learn their nuances. They are dominant and confident dogs that exhibit protective and territorial behavior. They definitely need an experienced owner to thrive.

Next: 10 Biggest Eels in the World