Thinking of getting a dog anytime soon? There are a wide variety of doggy personalities and it can be tough choosing the right one for you. If you will be a first-time dog owner I would suggest looking into calm dog breeds. They will tend to be more docile, laid back and require less time to expend their energy. They are perfect for families with children, seniors or people who have no or limited experience with dogs.
To help with your search for the perfect dog, here is a list of 12 calm dog breeds that can be a great addition to your family.
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane originated in Germany over 400 years ago. They are a very easy-going breed and are known to be very patient with children and highly devoted to their families, making them a wonderful family companion.
Great Danes are quite a large breed so their size can be overwhelming to small children, but they are very friendly and well-mannered. Due to their large size, they need plenty of room to stretch their legs and daily exercise.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, or ‘Newfie’ is another large dog on this list of calm dog breeds. Their sweet temperament is probably the most important characteristic of the breed. They tend to love everyone and are pretty easy doing dogs.
These gentle giants adapt easily to life with other pets as well and they are especially wonderful with children. The only thing you may have to worry about is that they drool a lot and tend to also shed quite a bit.
3. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a muscular hound built along the lines of a Greyhound and is capable of galloping at great speeds. They are very serene dogs and also quite intelligent, so they are able to learn quickly. One of their top characteristics is how patient they are with kids, making them a great family dog. They are calm natured and will be happy to lie down and nap all day. So if you’re looking for a great calm dog, this one might be the one for you.
4. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are calm and gentle and can be a perfect family guardian. They can be a little standoffish towards strangers, but when it comes to their family, they are extremely loving and devoted. They are also good with children if raised with them.
Their grooming care is fairly minimal since they have short coats, but do expect some drooling from this breed.
5. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels, known for being loyal companions, are another among the calm dog breeds. They are characterized by a large head, dark eyes, and a medium length coat with lemon or orange markings. This breed is very easygoing, affectionate and friendly with everyone, including children and other dogs. They are a pretty lazy dog, and love nothing more than laying down on something comfortable and napping. This is the perfect breed for new dog owners.
6. Sussex Spaniel
Characteristic of their unique golden color, the Sussex spaniel was developed in Sussex county, England. They are known for being slow and calm dogs. With the proper training, they can be an excellent companion, and fit well into a family home. They are a sensitive breed, so they do crave attention and affection often, and as a result, do not like being left alone for long periods of time.
7. French Bulldog
The French bulldog, originating from the mid-1800s have a great temperament and are calm dogs. They get along with other dogs easily and don’t bark too much. They are very loyal dogs and are extremely devoted to their families. If you train them right, they also do well with children and strangers. Most of the time they are pretty relaxed and love to lay and relax next to you.
8. Basset Hound
Basset hounds stand no more than 14 inches in length, making them quite short for a dog. They are a very independent breed of dogs, therefore, can be a little tricky to train but overall they prove to be very adaptable, affectionate and relaxed dogs who can be perfect for those who are new to the dog owner world. They tend to stay close to your side and will happily nap on the sofa. Their long backs do make them susceptible to back injury so children should be careful when playing with them to not put strain or injure their backs.
9. Pekingese
The Pekingese dog, also known as ‘Peke” originates from China. Today, they’re known as great family companions and have an extremely loving personality. They adapt well to new environments so are great for new pet owners. Pekes can form strong bonds with their owners and can also do well with children if they are brought up with them. For those in search of the perfect calm dog breeds, the Pekingese is one that is definitely calm, affectionate and won’t want to leave your side.
10. Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Spaniels also known as ‘Tibbies’ were known to be historic companions of Buddhist monks that served as watchdogs for monasteries. Today, they are known for being easy to please, intelligent and independent. They are playful dogs and enjoy playing games and outings with their family. They are typically friendly with other dogs as well, and are definitely an enjoyable breed to own.
11. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco sheepdog is a very unique dog best known for their felted coat. They are a very calm, gentle and intelligent breed. In the past, they were often used as part of a herding group to help farmers guard their sheep and goats. As a result, they have developed independent problem solving capabilities.
The Bergamasco is a great, fun and loving family companion as they are good with people and other dogs. They are also perfect for people with allergies or people who don’t want to deal with a lot of shedding.
12. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards can be quite large in stature, but they are very friendly dogs. These gentle giants blend well with families who are willing to give them a lot of time and love and are usually pretty easy to please. They are known to excel in activities such as obedience trials, or pulling weights/wagons. They also don’t bark much, but their bark can be quite loud, which can be something to consider if you prefer to live in a quiet environment.
Also Read: 12 Interesting Ways to Entertain Your Dog
