If this is your first time owning a dog and you value a calm temperament, you've come to the right place. In the following lines you will find a A complete guide to the calmest breeds and easy to use, tips for choosing well and care guidelines to ensure your experience is positive from day one. The goal is to help you find a balanced partner that fits your lifestyle, whether you live in an apartment, have small children, or are looking for a dog for an elderly person.
First of all, it is important to clarify something: genetics influences temperament, but does not completely define it. Early socialization, education, and environment They shape behavior as much as, or even more than, physical characteristics. You should also know that size is not a predictor of temperament: there are very relaxed enormous dogs and incredibly calm little ones. Even the most tranquil dogs need regular walks and mental stimulation to be stable and healthy.
What do we mean by a calm dog?
We talked about dogs with low reactivityThey are not prone to overexcitement and have a good tolerance for novelty and reasonable solitude. They tend to prefer indoor life, enjoy short bursts of activity, and relax easily at home. This doesn't mean they are "couch potatoes": they all require regular exercise, quiet play (such as scent games), and a predictable routine to be happy.
The breed provides a starting tendency, but the key lies in how they are raised and managed. Socialization in the first monthsGentle and consistent training, along with calmly exposing them to different stimuli (sounds, people, other dogs), makes all the difference. If you have any doubts, seek guidance from animal shelters, your veterinarian, or a professional. behavioral professional: Making the right choice avoids future problems.
Don't be swayed solely by fashion or appearance. Consider your space, available time, activity level, and care budget. Some calm breeds are brachycephalic. (short snouts) and require special care in hot weather and during strenuous exercise; others will happily drool all over your sofa. The important thing is to know what comes in the "package" to take good care of it.
A little tip for well-being: there are simple resources to promote calm at home. Relaxing music, chew toys And scent games help relieve stress. In specific cases, and always with professional advice, they can be considered. calming natural supplements.
Calm breeds ideal for beginners
The following breeds stand out for their calm temperament and ease of coexistence. You'll find options in all sizesFrom tiny roommates to gentle giants. Remember: within each breed there are more active or reserved individuals; take the time to get to know the specific dog.
Pug or Pug
Compact, affectionate, and with an irresistible sense of humor. He's the quintessential indoor dog and doesn't require strenuous exercise. Pay attention to your breathing and the heatShort walks, weight management, and avoiding strenuous activity during peak hours. Perfect for apartments, families, and seniors seeking affection and tranquility.
English bulldog
Perhaps the king of "couch addicts". Of noble and predictable temperament, he is very family-oriented and usually gets along well with children and other pets. It needs wrinkle removal and heat control. and weight monitoring. Short daily walks and that's it: it's an excellent companion for quiet homes.
French bulldog
Livelier than the English, but with the soul of a siesta lover. Ideal for an apartment due to its size and affectionate nature. They tolerate moderate walks and enjoy long naps.Well socialized, they are usually friendly with people and dogs.
Galgo
He's fast outdoors; indoors, a true "couch athlete." He needs occasional short runs and daily walks, but then he collapses by your side. Sensitive, loyal, and discreet characterThe Italian Greyhound shares that reserved temperament, albeit in a smaller format.
Basset hound
A good-natured hound with very long ears and a leisurely gait. At home, he's calm, with a touch of laziness that delights those who enjoy snuggling up with a blanket. It requires daily walks and scent games to exercise body and mind without requiring marathons.
Great dane
A gentle giant who impresses with his size and wins you over with his temperament. He's neither nervous nor a habitual barker. He needs space to move around, a good bed, and regular walks.But living with them is surprisingly easy for their size.
St. Bernard
Another gentle giant. Patient, protective, and affectionate, ideal with children if his size is managed well. It requires moderate exercise and socialization.and it's advisable to watch out for drool and coat care.
Newfoundland
Kind and serene like few others. He appreciates constant but measured activity, and afterwards he's a teddy bear in the living room. Excellent for families provided you don't mind its size and its "water dog" nature (and the occasional dampness).
Spanish Mastiff and Pyrenean Mastiff
Keep them calm, self-assured, and very stable at home. Their energy is low indoors, although they need walks and space. Early socialization is key to channel their vigilance instinct without excess.
bullmastiff
Imposing on the outside, calm on the inside. He prefers naps to long trots and is quite quiet. It tends to drool and gain weight If the diet is not regulated, then it's necessary to measure portions and maintain routines.
Shar pei
Reserved, loyal, and with a distinctive look thanks to his wrinkles. He needs calm and consistent guidance, without harshness. He is not very active at home and is content with moderate walks and a serene coexistence.
chow chow
Elegant, clean, and with a dignified bearing. He tends to be independent and somewhat distant with strangers. It requires good daily walks. and a patient upbringing; with that balance, he can be an exemplary companion for quiet homes.
cavalier king charles spaniel
Affectionate, sociable, and easy to train. He doesn't usually bark and loves to cuddle with you. A great companion dog for apartmentswith moderate exercise needs and a very manageable temperament for beginners.
Pekines
Small but with personality. He is calm indoors, affectionate with his family, and doesn't require long walks. It's important to take care of their coat and monitor the heat. due to its morphology.
Samoyed
Known for its "smile," it is sociable and well-balanced. Despite its energy outdoors, it can be calm at home if it gets walks, playtime, and mental stimulation. Its coat requires maintenance.
Bloodhound
A hound with a legendary sense of smell and a gentle soul. He is affectionate, slow-moving, and quite relaxed at home. He loves nose games and needs unhurried routines.
Bergamasco Shepherd Dog
Of a calm and steady temperament, he is very attached to his family. Although he is a shepherd, he behaves calmly at home if his needs are met. Special coat that requires careand consistent daily walks.
Shih Tzu
Quiet, affectionate, and a fan of naps. Perfect for indoor living. Its coat requires regular brushingBut in return, he is a friendly and easy-to-carry companion.
Maltese bichon
Sweet and very affectionate, ideal for apartment living due to its size and temperament. It sheds very little and adapts well to routines. It needs brushing and moderate walksas well as quiet games.
Toy poodle
Extremely intelligent, learns quickly and hardly sheds any hair. At home he's calm if he gets his dose of mental stimulation. Excellent for beginners who enjoy positive reinforcement training.
Chihuahua
Tiny, brave, and very loyal. Well-socialized, it's not particularly vocal. With light exercise and stable routines It becomes a serene companion for sofas and short walks.
Miniature schnauzer
Ready, protective, and easy to handle. It sheds very little, making it comfortable for indoor use. It requires active but not endless walks and games with a purpose to enjoy comfortably at home.
Yorkshire Terrier
Little explorer who can switch off and sleep soundly on the sofa. Long hair that requires maintenance and has a brave character which, when properly channeled, makes it a great roommate.
Pomeranian
Bright and affectionate, with a lively streak. If socialized and raised with love, He appears calm at home and it adapts to small spaces without any problem.
Bichon frize
Playful and balanced, perfect for apartments due to its size and moderate energy level. Good candidate for allergy sufferers because of its fur, as long as it is well cared for.
Cocker spaniel
Sociable and very affectionate. Enjoys playing, but if his routine is covered, He relaxes easily at homePatient with children and excellent as a family dog.
Border Collie
One of the most intelligent. Although he's known for being very active, with mental stimulation and planned exercise, He knows how to be calm at home.It's not the "easiest" option, but with the right guidance it can work.
American Eskimo (medium size)
Loyal and versatile: he plays when he needs to and rests at home. He needs regular activity and companionship. to show his more serene side.
Shiba Inu
Independent and clean, with a balanced character. He can be reserved with strangers, but At home it is quiet and calm if their space is respected.
Beagle
Curious and good-natured. With enough walks and daily use of his sense of smell, It's surprisingly quiet indoorsThe key is to "tire out his nose".
Corgi (Pembroke and Cardigan)
Loyal and very family-oriented. Despite their lively nature, they manage their rest well. Moderate exercise and short games enough to have them in sofa mode.
Spanish Water Dog
Intelligent, adaptable, and very close to his people. If you protect his mind and body, Easily disconnect at homeIdeal for active families who then enjoy peace and quiet.
Living in a small apartment (and with kids at home)
In apartments, people primarily look for dogs of a manageable size and a stable temperament. Common choices include: Small mixed breed, Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, Pug, Pomeranian, Poodle, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and French BulldogShih Tzus, Maltese Bichons, and Cocker Spaniels can also do well, provided they have a regular routine of walks and playtime.
Tips for getting along: define a quiet rest area Keep it away from hallways; maintain regular schedules; and limit stimuli when you want to promote calm (low lights, soft music). With children, teach basic rules of mutual respect: Don't pull ears, don't disturb while sleeping and always supervision.
Regarding feeding, feeds for small breeds usually concentrate more energy in a smaller quantity and adapt the kibble size to their jaw. Consult your veterinarian about the most suitable diet. Adjust the amount of food according to your dog's age and activity level; and for breeds prone to weight gain, control portions and treats.
Exercise, health, and calming routines
Even low-energy dogs need exercise. For reference, the following may suffice: 20–30 minutes of daily walking and a couple of short sessions of scent games or easy skills. Consistency is more important than intensity.
Health: Calm dogs tend to gain weight if you pamper them too much. Keep an eye on them. obesity, joints and heartAnd in brachycephalic breeds (Pug, Bulldog), be careful with the heat. Regular veterinary checkups and portion control are essential.
Can they be left alone? Some breeds can tolerate it for a few hours (for example, Pug and Shih TzuIf they have a routine and have gradually learned to be without you, even so, provide them with enough company and daily activity to prevent boredom.
Frequently asked questions from prospective owners
Which breeds are the calmest? The English Bulldog, Basset Hound, Greyhound, Saint Bernard and Pug are often cited; Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu and some mastiffs also stand out for their serenity.
Which dogs are best suited to small apartments? Bichon Frise or Maltese, French Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pug and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are a great fit because size and energy level contents.
How much exercise does a calm dog need? In general, with 20–30 minutes daily and gentle scent games may be sufficient, adapting it to age and health.
What special care do they require? Some need Wrinkle hygiene, demanding coats or weight monitoring. Other Nordic breeds shed seasonally and need brushing.
Are there any small breeds that shed very little hair? Yes: Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, and Yorkshire Terriers usually losing less hairBichon Frise and Maltese also help if they are well cared for.
Quick list of calm breeds (for review)
Small and flat: Pug, Shih Tzu, Maltese Bichon, Bichon Frize, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, Miniature Schnauzer, Yorkshire, Cavalier, Pekingese, Pomeranian, French Bulldog.
Medium and family-sized: Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Shar Pei, Greyhound (and Italian), Corgi, American Eskimo (medium), Spanish Water Dog, Shiba Inu, Samoyed.
Large and gentle giants: English Bulldog, Basset Hound, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Spanish Mastiff, Pyrenean Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Bloodhound, Bergamasco Shepherd Dog.
If you aspire to a peaceful coexistence, the key lies in combining a good breed choice With early socialization, regular but moderate walks, scent games, and a stable routine, truly calm dogs emerge, whether it's a Pug in your lap, a Greyhound curled up on the sofa, or a Mastiff watching over your home with infinite calm.
