35+ Of The Most Peaceful Dog Breeds

These dogs are fun sized without being too much to handle. That being said, they are a very friendly and social dog breed, known for often following their owners around the house, earning them the nickname of the “velcro dog.”

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. It’s too bad that’s the case because they are a very calm small dog that’s great to have for people who love lap dogs, but want something that’s much less yappy.

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 English Toy Spaniel does require some maintenance though – some people recommend that you brush them twice a week at least. Other than that, they don’t need a whole lot more. Being a rare breed, it may take some time and effort to find one.

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 Shih Tzu’s teddy bear-like appearance is complemented by a surprisingly big boned structure, meaning that if you have rough little ones at home, they’re unlikely to do any harm to this cute little guy. Their long hair makes them suited to cold weather.

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. They are dogs that love to show off to their owners, so having one could likely mean that you’ll have a dog who could perform lots of neat tricks. While they’re still pretty low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, they do need a short walk at least once during the day.

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. Outside, these dogs love to show off their howl and bark, but inside they tend to remain a very calm and docile breed.

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. Don’t get this dog if you’re looking for a guard dog either. The Clumber Spaniel is so friendly and so calm, that any burglar who breaks in will be greeted with a tail wag and a lick.

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. Their exercise requirements are pretty minimal – a light stroll around the block should do the trick – and they don’t need much grooming either. Their backs are pretty fragile though, so play gently.

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. The English Bulldog also has a very friendly personality and is often very happy to see your friends come over so they can introduce themselves. They’re great with kids, too.

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. Because of this, the Bergamasco has developed the ability to work independently and enjoys problem-solving without having their owners standing over them barking directions at them. Plus, they look super cute!

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. Whether you’re looking for a companion to share a daily walk with you, or a dog that’s going to snuggle up next to you on the couch, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the breed for you. Not only that, but they’re also great around kids!

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 Greyhound was built for speed, and it can run seemingly non-stop through wide-open spaces, which it loves to do. As a house dog they have a shy and timid personality and won’t get in the way.

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. That being said, we’ve gotta warn you to watch out for that fur. They tend to shed, so a good brushing will often help keep it under control.

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. Much like the Greyhound, these dogs are very calm when indoors, but let them outside and watch them move! They are also great to have if you’re a social person, as they love being around people, children, and even other dogs.

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. They do require a bit of exercise though, usually nothing more than a daily walk or just letting them run around and enjoy themselves when outdoors.

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. These dogs do require both exercise and breeding, and they also love to go for a swim every now and again, so try and take them with you next time you go visit your favorite lake or river.

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. They’re not going to be so relaxed when people they don’t know stop by the house, and they’re generally a bit wary of other dogs they might meet at the park.

Rottweilers 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. While these guys can get pretty big, the Rottweiler is one of the calmest dogs that any prospective owner will likely ever encounter. In fact, their way of stopping someone from breaking in would most likely be to walk over and just put the person’s arm in their mouth.

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? Well, they are totally calm when they’re around their family. They absolutely love kids and have no problem being around them all day. That being said, they’re a big dog, so be sure to keep your eye on them when they’re playing with the precious little ones.

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. Those legs will be needing some exercise though, but thankfully not too much. A quick walk about once a day should do the trick. Other than that, they’re very low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

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. Thankfully, that means that they don’t need too much in the way of exercise either, usually finding satisfaction with a short walk or run. The ret of the time, they’ll be happy to be your giant teddy bear.

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.” That actually could be why these dogs love games and sports, anything to get their hearts pumping and their minds racing. They’re definitely a family-friendly dog.

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. They are considered to have “terrier like qualities,” meaning they love to chase and can sometimes be a little bit aggressive if you’re not careful.

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. We say medium because, while these dogs do make wonderful lap sitting companions, they will devote a large percentage of their energy to making sure that their owners are happy with them. You’ll get the best of both worlds here, a dog that loves to relax and play with you.

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. Various animal organizations recommend this dog to anyone, from the person who’s working hard and living on their own, to a family with several small children.

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. While considered to be “somewhat active,” they are definitely not as excitable as other terriers. That being said, they’re best for people who have a yard, as they love activities like digging and exploring.

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. This is great for the athletic person who might have a job that takes them out of the house most of the day. Together, you and your dog can enjoy a morning run.

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. According to Animal Planet, “They’re a very dignified breed with two major exceptions. Those short snouts mean they make a distinctive ‘snizzle’ sound, which sounds something like a backwards sneeze. And there’s nothing dignified about the ‘Chin spin,’ when this playful pup stands on back legs and twirls.”

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. These dogs usually also grow to be affectionate and loyal, and are considered to be a dignified animal.

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! These dogs come in three different sizes, starting at toy and then getting progressively bigger in miniature and standard size. These dogs are hairless, meaning the grooming is low maintenance, and are considered to be “calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive.”

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.

Labs are also great at playing and fetching balls because of their link to the sporting dog group. So, not only are those furry friends great for companionship but they are the perfect pet for families with kids.

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.

Due to their smooth coats, this dog is low maintenance to physically take care of and full of inquisitiveness. Their curious yet soft nature makes them a great fit for a family dog. So, if you want a warmhearted dog with some spunk, opt for the sweet-faced Beagle.

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.

Plus, they come in all colors so you can choose which hue suits your preference. The Borzoi is also from an aristocratic breed so they are good-natured, laid-back, and very peaceful.

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.

Their temperament is said to be sensitive yet self-assured, which aids in their ability to form close relations with people. The Vizsla is nicknamed a “Velcro” hound because of its tactile nature. In addition to their rare coloring, their soft coat requires little maintenance.

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.

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.

This makes them well-suited to hike long trails or even mountains. Their colors range from red to cream and even black sesame. Additionally, their temperament is known to be warm, gentle, and confident.

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.

Due to their devoted, intelligent, and affectionate nature, they make great family additions. Wheatens are also known to be hypoallergenic which makes them a fit for owners who have allergy issues.

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.

Aussies are also one of the smartest dog breeds, with their climate flexibility and easy-to-train nature. However, they require physical maintenance due to their eye issues and shedding fur. In addition, they cannot be left alone for long due to their strong bond with their owners.

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.

Another great attribute of a Collie is their ability to predict their owner’s needs. This instinctual gift is what makes them such good watchdogs.

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 Saluki’s greatest qualities lie in its devoted loyalty to its owner and its aristocratic grace. Who doesn’t want a dog with more grace than most humans?

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. That being said, if you’ve never owned a dog before, this breed isn’t generally recommended. Having both a strong will and a lot of confidence, these dogs need some serious training in order to do some basic traits.

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. While not being the best patrol dog for your house, their calm and friendly personalities make them a great dog to have for families or people who love entertaining. They are a hunting dog though, so you might want to think twice if you have small animals.

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. These dogs will only make noise when something is off, so if you hear them, then you can usually be sure that something is really wrong. Their downside might be socialization – get them young and introduce them to children if you plan on getting a Shar Pei.

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. These dogs do require quite a bit of grooming, but other than that they don’t need much in the way of exercise, nor do they make a whole lot of noise.

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. While they’re a pretty quiet and loyal pup, they are active once you get them outside. One of their habits that can drive owners crazy is their penchant for digging up lawns and other areas.