Are you a dog person or a cat person? Hopefully, if you’re on this page, you’re as big a fan of dogs as we are! When deciding which pooch is best for your porch there’s a lot of factors to take into account. With how busy many of us are with work, school, family, and who knows what else, sometimes it’s good to come home to a nice, relaxed dog at the end of the day.
The Fun Sized Japanese Chin
Weighing in at a fairly small four to seven pounds, these dogs are fun sized without being too much to handle around the house.
Bolognese, But Not the Pasta
Normally when we hear "bolognese" we think of delicious pasta, but it turns out it's also the name of a breed of dog as well! The reason we probably hadn't heard of this dog until very recently was that it's still a pretty rare breed in the United States.
The Playful English Toy Spaniel
This dog is similar to its big cousin, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Like many lap dogs, they require much less time at the park or chasing the ball, and instead enjoy curling up on their owners' laps.
The Very Gentle Shih Tzu
Considered to be a very devoted companion, the Shih Tzu is one that will follow their owners around the house like they're tied to them with an invisible rope. But they won't cause a commotion doing it.
The Dog World Clown, Pugs
As the title suggests, these dogs could very well be considered the clowns of the dog world for their love of play and their confident, goofy, lovable personalities.
The Calmest Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel
This is the kind of dog that you can take with you anywhere. Whether you live in the bustling city, or a calm, rural region, these dogs do great just about anywhere. While still part of the spaniel family, these dogs don't have that same excitable energy that is common with that kind of dog.
Another Spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel
Thought that the Sussex Spaniel was the calmest Spaniel breed you were going to ever find on this list? Well, think again! The Clumber Spaniel isn't the most active of all dogs - in fact, it could adequately be described as a complete couch potato.
The Easy Going Basset Hound
These dogs have such a cute face that even marketers and advertising agencies often use them in commercials to great effect! The Basset Hound is a very easy going pet, and a natural to have at home for someone who's got a lot going on in their lives.
The Actually Happy English Bulldogs
You might not be able to tell by just looking at their faces, but the English Bulldog is quite possibly one of the happiest breeds that we have on this list. They're usually most full of joy when they're lying in a sunny spot or on their favorite place on the couch.
Not a Mop, a Bergamasco
While this dog isn't necessarily the calmest of the bunch, they are extremely independent and require minimal attention in order to be perfectly happy. What do we mean by this? Well, the Bergamasco is a herding dog, meaning it was bred to help farmers herd other animals, like sheep and goats.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Just looking at that adorable face, it's a pretty safe bet to assume that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most gentle and sweetest dogs that anyone looking for a calm breed could get.
It’s the Super Fast Greyhound
It's almost like these dogs have multiple personalities. When the Greyhound is inside, it loves nothing more than finding a comfortable spot to lay down and stretch out. But pen the front door and let it outside... well, good luck catching it.
The Very Devoted Great Pyrenees
As we said in the title, if you're looking for loyalty and devotion in a dog, then look no further than the Great Pyrenees. This dog is very friendly towards its family and very gentle with children, but will often be wary of other dogs and strangers who will likely want to pet this gentle giant.
The Big Ol’ Scottish Deerhound
Coming in as one of the biggest on this list, the Scottish Deerhound is perfect for people who love a big dog, but don't want one that's going to make a mess or demand all of their time.
The Loyal and Trustworthy Leonberger
These dogs have struck one of the best balances when it comes to being both friendly and protective.
They will generally take a cue from their owners as to how they should behave around other people, and while they are not quite as defensive as dogs bred specifically for guarding, they do make an excellent watchdog.
Newfoundland, Dog World’s Gentle Giant
Looking for a dog that's always going to be there for you no matter what? Well, the Newfoundland is that dog! Gentle, calm, and patient, these dog breeds love everything and everyone and are generally a pretty relaxed and easy going breed.
The Loyal Dogue de Bordeaux
Considered by many to be one of the most loyal of breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux loves to be as close to their owners as possible so they can make sure that nothing bad ever happens to them. That has a lot of perks, but some downsides as well.
Bullmastiffs Are Considered Very Calm
Bullmastiff might cause some people to imagine this huge, hulking animal ready to stop a burglar at a moment's notice. The reality is that the opposite probably couldn't be more true.
The Very Lovable Neapolitan Mastiff
Like many other mastiffs, the Neapolitan Mastiff was bred primarily for the purpose of guarding the family. So why would we put them on the calm dogs list you may be asking?
The Towering Great Dane
The main thing this dog is going to need is lots of indoor space! These dogs are considered to be one of the tallest breeds, and they're not shy about looking for lots of open spaces inside to stretch out those long legs.
The Large & Low Energy St. Bernard
Not only are these dogs incredibly docile and calm, but even when they're up and walking around, you might be half convinced that they're actually sleep walking. These dogs love their family and are eager to please, but they're definitely not the dog to get if you're considering finding a breed that you can actively play with.
The Intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog
Considered one of the calmest dog breeds, these dogs have the rare gift of being both very easy going while also having the intelligence of a working dog. According to the American Kennel Club, “their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.”
It’s the Sometimes Unpredictably Chihuahua
Chihuahua personalities can vary widely, but what puts this dog on the list is their capacity to learn and respond to training. That means that while these dogs do have a lot of energy, they also make excellent companions, and with a little work, can be trained to be a much more calm and obedient dog.
Laid Back Chinese Crested Dog
Many have described them as being a bit odd and funny looking, but these dogs can be the perfect companion to those who love small dogs with only a medium amount of energy.
The Equally Relaxed French Bulldog
Much like their English companions, the French bulldog is an equally relaxed breed that makes for both a wonderful and entertaining companion. That could be for many reasons, ranging from that adorably wrinkled face and perky ears to their hilarious personalities, which they use to try and please their family by providing constant entertainment.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier
Both scruffy and filled with personality, these dogs are considered by both Animal Planet and the American Kennel Club as one of the calmest of all terriers. But of course, that description is relative, since terriers are by nature a pretty energetic type of dog.
Calm and Dignified Irish Wolfhound
Like many other dogs on this list, the Irish Wolfhound is a big fan of the outdoors, using its long lean body to run at remarkable speeds. Take them inside though, and you've got a total couch potato of a dog, one that's not going to go tearing up your house.
The Very Fluffy Japanese Chin
Both very laid back and very entertaining to have around the house, the Japanese Chin is arguably one of the best dogs for people who love having a very calm dog around.
The Accomplished Pekingese
These dogs are so calm and trainable that many institutions actually use them for various forms of work. One of the most common uses for these dogs' remarkable personalities is therapy work such as visiting hospitals, nursing homes, or other locations where people could use a cute canine companion to help calm them down in stressful situations.
Xoloitzcuintli AKA “Xolo”
Talk about a tough name for a breed! These dogs actually originate in Mexico, and in the United States they've been given the nickname "Xolo" since most people (us included) are intimidated by a name that not only starts with "x" but is also fourteen letters long!
The Postcard-Worthy Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is voted the most popular dog breed in the US, based on its friendly, intelligent, and gentle personality. This Lab can be found in black, yellow, or a chocolate color and each one is just as cute as the next.
The Curious Yet Cute Beagle
Many have described Beagles as good-natured rebels who enjoy entertaining their owners. Beagles are bred to hunt in packs so they thoroughly enjoy companionship and are loyal pets as well.
The Russian Borzoi
This dog is also referred to as a Russian Hunting Sighthound because they are descendants of working dogs from people who migrated to Russia before the 17th century. The Borzoi hound’s temperament is known to be quiet, respectful, and independent, which is all the makings of a perfect pet.
The Touchy-Feely Vizsla
This golden rust-colored dog is also known as a Hungarian Pointer and was bred to be a hunting dog who can provide manual labor. Due to this, the Vizsla is very obedient, easily trained, and is respectful to its owner.
Toilet Paper Model, the Golden Retriever
The people-pleasing Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs. In addition to their love and affection, Retrievers also have model looks which have scored them the coveted spot on many toilet paper adverts.
The Golden Retriever is no doubt a golden breed. They are known to be helpful in a variety of activities from search and rescue work to being great ball-catches when it comes to playing time.
The Meme-Worthy Shiba Inu
Like Shiba Inu is recognized as one of the most popular dogs due to their likeness used in online memes. They are a Japanese breed of hunting dog and are known to be small and alert dogs that despite their petite package, have a strong-willed nature.
Warm Greetings From the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
This pure-breed terrier is originally from Ireland and is known for its different coat types, American or Irish. Generally-speaking, the Irish coat is wavier and lighter than the American. They are celebrated for their “wheaten greeting” which is their kind bark when meeting people.
The Originally American, Australian Shepherd
Despite their Aussie name, this breed developed mostly in the US. The Australian Shepherd is renowned for its good-natured, protective, and intelligent temperament, which makes them well-rounded to families with children or other dogs.
The Film Star, Collie
The Collie family consists of bearded collies, border collies, and the rough collie from the classic movie, Lassie. All the Collie breeds share the same sweet and gentle natures. They are so easy to train due to their smart and sensitive temperament, but because they are a stubborn dog, training is advised.
The Gracious Saluki
This long-distance running dog is a member of the sighthound family, and while known for speed, the Saluki is as quiet as they come. Their gentle, reserved yet intelligent nature, makes them a great pet option. However, they are known for not being the easiest to train due to their need for independence.
The Strong-Willed Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great because not only do they tend not to bark, but they hardly even snore either. They are known for being very loyal and intelligent, which can sometimes cause them to avoid interacting with strangers.
Extra Friendly Irish Setter
Don't get the Irish Setter if you're looking for a guard dog. Not only do these dogs rarely bark, but they're quick to bond with strangers and are in general just extremely lovable.
A Great Guard, Shar Pei
While the Irish Setter might not be the best for guarding, the Shar Pei would more than make up for it. These dogs are super quiet, but watch out when they do bark.
Sleek and Shiny Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is typically defined by its long, fine, and silky coat, which helped it to survive the harsh and cold mountains of Afghanistan. These dogs have evolved in those mountains and as a result they are extremely athletic, able to run fast and turn on a dime.
Chinook Is Great for Sledding
Yes you read that right, this kind of dog was developed in New Hampshire as a sled dog. The Chinook is actually quite rare outside of the state, but in New Hampshire, they're so loved that they have become the state's official dog.
