Top Breed of Dog for Laid-Back People

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It’s hard to imagine wanting more chaos, so if you want to add a puppy to your family, a calm breed has never seemed like a better choice. Yes, the excitement of a lively breed can make you happy. He broke the vase with his tail because it was too active. Certainly not as much.

“Dog breeds are hard-wired to have the temperament of the breed,” says Mary Burch, Ph.D., who helped create the Canine Temperament Test for the American Kennel Club. Dr. Burch is an animal behaviorist who is certified by the American Kennel Club. You might be able to work with a trainer to change some of the things your dog does that you don’t like, but you can’t change a dog’s whole personality.

Of course, dogs, like humans, are individuals. So, even though some breeds are known for being active, Marissa Sunny, a certified professional dog trainer with Best Friends Animal Society, which runs a large shelter in Atlanta, says that there may be some exceptions within that breed. “If you want a dog with a certain personality, the best thing to do is to talk to the people who know that dog best,” she says.

If you want a calm dog, Sunny says to stay away from working breeds or mixes that come from working breeds, like huskies and sheepdogs. If a dog was bred to work, it probably won’t be happy spending all day sleeping on your couch.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that while breeding can have a big effect on a dog’s personality, so can age. “It’s a win-win to adopt an older dog,” says Sunny. “Older dogs are often overlooked in shelters, but they tend to be calmer, have good manners, and adjust to a new family faster.”

Find one of these super chill breeds if you want a dog who mostly wants to sleep, cuddle, and go for a slow walk once in a while.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

This small, cute breed is known for being easy to train. If its owner is active, it will happily go on walks or fetch things. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are happy to chill out if that’s what their family likes to do. Dr. Burch says that these puppies are “friendly, affectionate, sweet, and gentle,” which makes them the perfect dog for a family.

Basset Hound

When you look at this dog’s short legs and big body, it’s easy to see that it wasn’t made to break speed records. Bassets seem to be aware of this. They are happy to take slow walks or just lie in the sun. The only time you’ll see them run full speed is if a hot dog falls on the floor. Dr. Burch also says that they are known for being very patient and loyal. Who on earth could say no to those ears?

Greyhound

Don’t be fooled by their sleek bodies and history of racing. Dr. Burch says that even though greyhounds used to run fast, they are now a very lazy breed. She also says that greyhounds are known for being calm, friendly, and loving, which makes them perfect family dogs. The American Kennel Club, on the other hand, says that greyhounds can need more dog food than many other breeds their size, so be prepared to buy kibble in bulk.1

French Bulldog

The American Kennel Club says that French bulldogs don’t bark much, but they do snort a lot.2 Dr. Burch says that French bulldogs are short, sweet, and full of luscious rolls that you can smoosh your face into. They are also known for their even temperaments and low energy levels.

Clumber Spaniel

You’re not the only one who has never heard of this breed. Even in England, where the breed probably came from, the Clumber Spaniel is considered “very rare” by the AKC. Low to the ground but strong, these dogs used to be hunters. Now, though, they are mostly happy to look for food in the kitchen. Dr. Burch says that the Clumber Spaniel is a “sporting dog that is kind, friendly, and wants to please.”

The Irish Wolfdog

A dog with the word “wolf” in its name doesn’t seem like a good choice for a list of the calmest dogs. In fact, the breed was known in the past for being able to hunt big game. But over time, careful breeding has led to a creature that is calmer and less dangerous. In fact, the American Kennel Club doesn’t even recommend Irish wolfhounds as guard dogs.4 Their size may scare people away, but if someone breaks into your property, they may just get a pat instead of a brutal attack.

Pug

Is there any animal that is more happy-go-lucky than a pug? Pugs tend to be calm, even though they wiggle, snort, and cuddle a lot. Even though pugs can get excited and want to play, this doesn’t happen very often, and when it does, they go back to sleep. Dr. Burch says that pugs are the best combination of calm, playful, and loving. They make great family dogs and are perfect for living in an apartment.

Bulldog

Most of the time, these fat puppies just want to lie around all day. If you want a calm dog, this is a trait to look for. But you shouldn’t give in to a bulldog’s natural desire to be lazy. DogTime says that bulldogs can quickly gain weight if they aren’t active, so you’ll need to keep yours moving.5 However, Dr. Burch says that bulldogs have calm and friendly personalities, which makes them great family pets.

Saint Bernard

This breed goes against the idea that working breeds are usually not calm. In theory, Saint Bernards were made to find and save lost people in the snowy Alps. But they were also known for being kind to children. This is especially true now that we have snowmobiles and rescue teams to do what they used to do. Saint Bernards can be quite big, so they need to be watched around children. (like any dog). But they are sweet and loveable and, surprisingly, don’t get upset when kids make a mess.

2 thoughts on “Top Breed of Dog for Laid-Back People”

  3. Very informative article! I’m almost 80, just lost my beloved Nala and want to rescue another dog, while I can. This article has been very helpful. I wish you would address exorbitant cost of veterinary care! More animals would be saved if us seniors on fixed incomes, weren’t presented with veterinary bills of thousands of dollars to keep our furry companions healthy & happy.

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