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What is the Calmest Dog Breed? (8 Best Choices)

If you’re an aspiring dog owner looking for your first pet, you’d likely want a calm pooch. These doggos are more comfortable to raise and won’t be too overwhelming for beginners. So what is the calmest dog breed? Some of the best choices are Basset Hounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Tibetan Spaniel, and Saint Bernard, among others.

What is the calmest dog breed? Top 8

1. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known to be affectionate and calm dogs. They are the classic couch potatoes who only want to relax around the house. As the calmest dog breed, this hound is very adaptable and can live in an apartment despite its bigger size.

what is the calmest dog breed

Basset Hound

Also, Basset Hounds are very friendly, even to kids and strangers. They also don’t mind living with other pets at home. Despite being a calm breed, Bassets are notorious for drooling, shedding, and being smelly. If you wish to get this breed, you must have the extra patience to groom and maintain this pooch. If you are getting a basset hound, use the best dog shampoo for odor and shedding.

When it comes to energy level, Basset Hounds are at the lowest range. They don’t like or need too much exercise, but you have to watch over their diet as they are prone to obesity. 

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Another calm dog breed is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They are athletic and sporting canines, but they also have a lap dog side. They love belly rubs and cuddling with their owners when they are not chasing birds outdoors.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is very affectionate. They don’t mind being around kids, other dogs, and even strangers. This calm dog breed is also suitable for first-time owners and those living in apartments.

Another good thing about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is they have a manageable energy level.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Still, you must give the pooch enough exercise and playtime to keep it happy. Remember that this breed has a dependent personality and doesn’t like being left alone for long. Also, since this dog is a spaniel by nature, it loves romping in the yard and chasing stray animals. 

3. Tibetan Spaniel

Another calm spaniel dog breed is the Tibetan Spaniel. This dog is very adaptable and can live in an apartment or a house with a large yard. Tibetan Spaniels are very intelligent canines that love to watch over their families.

They used to be companion dogs in the mountains of Tibet, which explains why they have such a calm demeanor. They also love being with their humans, even older kids, and dogs. However, they tend to be aloof with strangers since they were bred to be watchdogs, too.

Tibetan Spaniels have a manageable energy level. They can be playful, but they know how to relax and cuddle with their owners from time to time.

However, Tibetan Spaniels can be strong-willed, so you should remain patient when training them. Also, dogs from this breed love barking when they are bored, so see to it that you keep them busy and tired.

4. Saint Bernard

Dubbed the ‘Gentle Giants,’ Saint Bernards are bred to be guard dogs for the Hospice of Saint Bernard in Switzerland. Although they are intended to be watchdogs, this breed has a calm and affectionate disposition. They can tolerate roughhousing of young kids. They are famous ‘dog nannies’ because of their caring and patient attitude.

Saint Bernard

However, since Saint Bernards are large, they are suitable for homes with spacious yards. They also drool and shed a lot, which is another thing an aspiring owner should consider. With that being said, this calm dog breed isn’t suitable for first-time handlers.

Despite their large size, Saint Bernard dogs are not rambunctious. They love cozying in your yard or being a pillow for your toddler. Still, this breed can be playful, too, which can topple a kid. But Saint Bernards don’t mean it because they tend to lose sight of their actual size.

5. Boerboel

The Boerboel has an intimidating and imposing look, but don’t let its appearance fool you. It’s one of the calmest dog breeds with a very affectionate and friendly attitude. If you want a guard dog that will remain laid back with your family, Boerboels are a good option.

As much as this breed is calm, they don’t do well with strangers and other dogs. Still, this is an intelligent breed that can be trained to be more social.

Boerboels are playful dogs, so make sure that you give them enough exercise each day. They tend to drool a lot, as well, which can be a deal-breaker for those who are planning to get this calm dog breed.

Also, Boerboels are not apartment pets, and they require an experienced owner to become a well-rounded doggo. They can’t tolerate being alone for long, so make sure that you keep them company or busy while you’re away.

6. Bergamasco Sheepdog

Although the Bermagasco Sheepdog isn’t a popular breed, it’s still one of the calmest dogs you can find. They are intelligent and quite notable due to their unique coat that resembles a matted mop. Despite that, they remain easy to groom and do not require frequent bathing.

Moreover, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is very social. They love being with their families, and they don’t mind playing with kids and strangers. You can also raise this dog breed with another canine.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Being children friendly and their openness to other pets makes them a good option for those who have kids at home or are thinking about adding a dog to their existing pet family. 

Although this calm dog breed suits newbie owners, it’s best to have prior knowledge about canine grooming. This pooch doesn’t shed a lot, but its naturally matted fur may need extra attention at times. 

This breed is energetic, but it has a very mild intensity. With a little playtime and walks, this pooch will be lounging in your home. They are low-maintenance dogs with a calm and laidback disposition.

7. Newfoundland

Another gentle giant to grace our list is Newfoundland. This large dog breed is known for its calm and laidback personality. Despite its size, this dog breed is very affectionate and can tolerate roughhousing of pinchy toddlers. Also, they don’t mind being with another dog or a stranger.

The only downside to the Newfoundland dog breed is their intense drooling and shedding. As high-maintenance dogs, they require a patient owner who has a large yard. Some people don’t want their dog drooling around, if you are among those, Newfoundlands are probably not for you. 

Another fun fact about Newfoundlands is that they are chicken-hearted. They can’t tolerate being alone and would prefer cuddling with their families. Also, they love barking and chasing after moving objects when bored.

newfoundland dog

Remember that this dog breed is playful, but it doesn’t require a lot of exercise. Due to their large and heavy body type, it’s not healthy to keep them engaged in very rigorous activities.

8. Pug

Pugs are small dogs that can be demanding attention. Still, they are usually harmless and would prefer being couch potatoes. Their sense of humor makes Pugs popular among dog owners. It’s also the same reason why they are good options for newbie owners who are looking for a calm dog breed.

Moreover, Pugs are very welcoming canines. They can be raised with other dogs and don’t mind having a stranger around. However, they tend to shed a lot, which will require added attention. The consolation here is that Pugs don’t drool a lot like their other deep-chested cousins.

Pugs can thrive in apartment living, but they can get very whiny if left alone and not given attention.

You should always watch out for the diet of your Pug because this dog breed has a hefty appetite. Pugs can get obese fast, which isn’t healthy, and it will increase their risk of developing various diseases.

 

Conclusion

What is the calmest dog breed? Basset Hound is probably one of the most laidback dogs. Other calm breeds are Pugs, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and more. If you’re looking for another addition to your family, these calm breeds might be a perfect choice. 

I have talked about the pros and cons and temperaments of all these breeds above. I hope this article will help you choose the most suitable pet for you.

Thank you for reading and enjoy your time with your lovely dog.

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