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Top 15 Calm Dog Breeds for Relaxed Lifestyles

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fluffy black and brown dog standing in the forrest — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be calm, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

19 Dog Breeds

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Bulldog sitting looking at camera against a white background

Bulldog

A Bulldog truly will become a member of a family and does well with young children. They generally get along with other pets. They are very friendly but would defend a family member in need. This is a family dog that loves children, and will even learn to get along with other pets if introduced to them at an early age. These wrinkly wonders are peaceful, pensive, goofy, stubborn, and have a well-developed sense of humor. 

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fluffy pekingese dog breed sitting in front of a white background

Pekingese

While they are small pups, they are not timid lap dogs. Courageous and tenacious, these Chinese lion dogs can be outgoing and loving although not overly affectionate. Pekingese dogs are fiercely independent and have a stubborn streak, and some can be aloof. They can be playful around family members but might not be playful enough for children. They don’t like being roughly handled and can be injured easily by small children. 

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Standing French Bulldog breed with head slightly tilted against a white background

French Bulldog

Clowning around comes naturally to the French Bulldog, who enjoys playing and enchanting their families. They make excellent cuddle buddies and are very happy simply snoozing next to their favorite person. Amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please, they make excellent companion dogs. 

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Maltese dog breed with pony tail sitting against a white background

Maltese

One of the most ancient European toy breeds, the Maltese enjoys its position as a lap dog, although they can have a wild streak and love to romp and play. When socialized well, they are active, friendly, trusting, and a friend to all. Their innocent looks betray the fact that they can be bold and feisty, challenging dogs 10 times their size. They can be reserved around human strangers, but bond exceptionally well with their owners, following them everywhere.  

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Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog breed laying down looking at camera with white background

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Highly valued as companion pets, the Cavalier is sweet, gentle, playful, and eager to please their owners. They are affectionate and quiet, happy to go wherever their owners go, whether to the couch or on a walk. They are affable and easygoing towards other pets, family members, and strangers. They do retain spaniel instincts, so they love to explore, sniff, and chase when playing outside. 

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Shih Tzu dog breed standing with tongue out against a white background

Shih Tzu

Spunky, sweet, loyal, and vivacious, a Shih Tzu bonds closely with its owner. They are known for having a pep in their step and a personality that makes them seem like perpetual puppies. Affectionate, good with family life, and low on exercise needs, these little sweethearts make excellent companions. They can have a stubborn or tough streak. 

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Whippet dog breed sitting tall against a white background

Whippet

Quiet and devoted, Whippets are the most outgoing and amenable of the sighthounds and have a reputation for being gentle with children. They are calm and quiet indoors but love a good romp outside to get the zoomies out. They can be sensitive mentally and physically and need to be handled gently and with love. 

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Newfoundland dog breed sitting tall with tongue out against a white background

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland's most defining characteristic—besides their large physical size— is their gentle and affectionate temperament. These calm, easygoing, and patient pups are known for their friendly demeanor, making them wonderful companions for everyone they meet. Their loyalty extends to their family, where they act as caring protectors.

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Basset Hound dog breed sitting against a white background

Basset Hound

While they might look serious on the surface, the Basset Hound is a social butterfly with the manners of an English gentleman. They are affectionate with their families and can be reserved with strangers, albeit always polite. They love children and get along with other dogs and animals. They crave companionship and cannot be left alone.

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Bullmastiff dog breed standing tall looking at camera against a white background

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff's personality is a mix of loyalty, protectiveness, and surprising gentleness given their size. These devoted companions are fiercely dedicated to their families, acting as watchful guardians without intense barking. New visitors are typically greeted with suspicion, and only those introduced by a trusted family member might be accepted. Despite their tough appearance, Bullmastiffs are known for their calmness and quiet demeanor. They are not easily fazed, but their bravery is undeniable when threatened. 

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Black and white Greyhound dog breed standing against a white background

Greyhound

Known as “the world’s fastest couch potato,” the Greyhound breed is quiet, calm, and extremely well-mannered indoors. They are good with other dogs, other pets, and children if raised with them. They still have hunting instincts and might chase things outdoors. They are reserved with strangers, very sensitive, and sometimes timid. Despite their independent nature, they are eager to please those they trust.

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Saint Bernard dog breed sitting down and looking forward with tongue out against a white background

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards have an impressively calm demeanor for a dog of such stature. They are affectionate, easygoing, and good-humored dogs who are happiest when with their human companions. It would be hard-pressed to find a dog more devoted to their family.Saint Bernards are a relatively quiet breed, but when they bark you will hear it—especially if they are defending owners or property. They are a trustworthy and very loyal breed that will love to follow their owners around, snuggle, and jump up on your lap, unaware or uncaring of their size. 

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Dark Great Dane dog breed with white chest sitting with head slightly ajar against white background

Great Dane

Great Danes are deeply affectionate and incredibly loyal. While their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, this instinct can sometimes lead to territorial behavior towards unfamiliar dogs. Early socialization in Great Dane puppies and obedience training are essential for shaping a well-adjusted dog.

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Golden Retriever dog breed sitting tall with tongue out against a white background

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have never met a stranger, making friends with everyone they encounter. Sunshine embodied, they are known for their devoted and obedient nature as a family companion. Ignoring a Golden’s active nature and powerful physique can lead to behavior problems, though, so they need to have their physical and mental needs met every day. Some Goldens may be overly exuberant and boisterous, but most are eager to please and enjoy learning. Well-trained and exercised Goldens are calm and mannerly at home, and enthusiastic when invited to play. The Golden Retriever breed’s achievements in competitive obedience are remarkable. This dog especially enjoys games that involve retrieving and loves to carry items in his mouth—it’s preferable that it’s a toy, though, and not a gift from outside. 

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Bernese Mountain dog breed sitting with tongue out against a white background

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred to work. They have a playful enthusiasm for tasks and love to be given a job, whether pulling a cart, carrying a backpack, or simply fetching the newspaper. They are easygoing and calm family companions who are sensitive, loyal, devoted, and gentle with children. 

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Bernadoodle dog breed facing camera from shoulder up with tongue out and a brick background

Bernedoodle

Bernedoodles draw the best characteristics from Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known as gentle giants for their calm, easy-going manner and affectionate nature, which can mean lots of potentially drooly kisses. Poodles are known to be intelligent, playful, and adaptable with lots of energy. It might surprise you that Poodles were originally bred to be water retrievers, so don’t be too shocked if your Bernedoodle is excellent at fetch. 

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Fluffy Cavapoo dog breed laying down looking at camera with white background

Cavapoo

Their adorable button eyes and teddy bear fur just skim the surface of what makes Cavapoo dogs precious bundles of fluff. They are a delightful mix of affection and intelligence. While their small stature might suggest a laid-back lifestyle, the Poodle influence shines through. These "canine Einsteins" require regular training sessions and daily exercise to keep their minds and bodies stimulated. The Cavapoo breed craves human connection and involvement. Their easygoing nature extends to other furry friends, so they are fantastic additions to multi-pet households.

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Maltipoo dog breed sitting with head cocked to the side against a white background

Maltipoo

The Maltese and the Poodle are affectionate companion dogs who bond closely and deeply with their owners and Maltese Poodle mixes have the same characteristics. Maltipoos tend to be lively, loyal, and very loving pets ready for playtime at any moment’s notice. They love to run, chase and bat toys, and play with their owners. They are true companion dogs, happy to stay by an owner’s side. 

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Curly coated Goldendoodle dog breed sitting tall with mouth open against a white background

Goldendoodle

Overall, Goldendoodles are friendly, energetic, loyal, and loveable. They do well in family life when socialized despite being high-energy dogs. They love to please and are enthusiastic about training. Intelligent and affectionate, they love going on family adventures. 

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