Dogs can be a lot of work, especially ones that have insanely high energy levels. Between exercising and playtime, some breeds take a lot of time and patience to handle. Thankfully, some breeds are less energetic than others. While these chill dog breeds may not be for everyone, some can be ideal pets in the right environment. If you’re looking for a calmer, less hyperactive dog breed, read on about these 15 calm dog breeds: The 15 Calm Dog Breeds
- Irish Wolfhound Image Credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock
Height 30-32 inches
Weight 105–160 pounds
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the largest and most laid-back dog breeds around, standing over 6 feet tall when on their hind legs. These intelligent dogs are calm and dignified, enjoying every moment spent with their favorite person. Their quiet, laid-back demeanor is excellent for spacious homes looking for a couch potato kind of dog, but they do require daily jogging to keep them in prime condition.
- Pekingese Image Credit: No-longer-here, Pixabay
Height 6–9 inches
Weight 7–14.5 pounds
Pekingese dogs were bred solely for companionship, so they’ll spend their energy on following their favorite person around like a shadow. These small dogs can have stubborn tendencies when it comes to things they don’t want to do, especially if it involves too much exercise. Aside from that, the Pekingese is a laid-back dog breed that wants to be with their favorite person as much as possible.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Image: Pixabay
Height 12-13 inches
Weight 13-18 pounds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the larger version of King Charles Spaniels, a breed born and bred to be a companion and family dog. They crave attention daily and will get depressed without it, so it’s crucial that their owners can be home enough for them. Playful and sensitive, Cavaliers are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly as long as they’re not bullied around.
- Greyhound Image Credit: elisabettabellomi, Pixabay
Height 27-30 inches
Weight 57-75 pounds
Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world, so it may be shocking to see them on a list of mellow dog breeds! While these hounds will chase anything they see outdoors, they’re all about Netflix and couch-naps all day long. They’re sensitive dogs that need daily affection and exercise, but their calm demeanors make them excellent apartment dogs. However, once outside, they can take off in a split second.
- Great Pyrenees Image Credit: jathomas, Pixabay
Height 26-32 inches
Weight 80-120 pounds
Great Pyrenees dogs are loyal and devoted to their families, often wary but polite with strangers. Though they may have some energy, these big dogs are usually calm and relaxed. They’re sensitive and affectionate, but their independent personalities can make training a challenge. Great Pyrenees dogs are excellent family dogs that want a calmer breed, but they need daily exercise to keep them in shape.
- Clumber Spaniel Image Credit: Ksenia Izmaylova, Shutterstock
Height 17–20 inches
Weight 55–85 pounds
Clumber Spaniels are a lesser-known type of Spaniel, though they’re one of the calmest dog breeds. They made our list of the most mellow dog breeds because they’re happiest at home with their owners, relaxing and taking naps all day. Clumber Spaniels need a good deal of exercise to prevent obesity, but they don’t have high energy levels like other Spaniels. These affectionate dogs are especially sensitive, so a calmer household is the best environment.
- Bullmastiff Image Credit: Daniel Albany, Pixabay
Height 24–27 inches
Weight 99–130 pounds
Bullmastiffs are calm, even lazy, dogs that want nothing more than to sleep on the couch, floor, bed, and anywhere else they can fit. However, it is important to note that they are calm as adults and have a lot of energy when they’re puppies. Once past their energetic “teenage” years, Bullmastiffs will reserve their energy unless they need to protect their families. They still need daily walks to stay fit, however.
- Great Dane Image credit: Martin Tajmr, Pixabay
Height 28–34 inches
Weight 99–200 pounds
Great Danes are a classic Gentle Giant breed, known for being particularly great around children. Though they sometimes forget their size, Danes love nothing more than to be on the couch with their favorite people. These big dogs need a confident owner to keep them in check, but they’re otherwise relatively easygoing and affectionate. Still, they’re not great apartment dogs due to their size.
- French Bulldog Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock
Height 11–12 inches
Weight 20–28 pounds
French Bulldogs are known for their playful personalities, but they’re also laid-back and snuggly after burning off some energy. They’re somewhat stubborn and can become bossy, but French Bulldogs can make excellent family pets. These small dogs are happy to spend time with their families, so they’re great for households that have people home often.
- Basset Hound Image Credit: Sebastian Molina Bullrich, Pixabay
Height 11–15 inches
Weight 44–64 pounds
Basset Hounds rose to popularity in the 1980s, the chosen mascot of the Hush Puppies shoe company. Though they can be relentlessly stubborn and are highly prone to wanderlust outside, Basset Hounds are calm and well-mannered indoors. They tend to grow a bit lazy, so exercise is especially important to prevent obesity. Basset Hounds may be calm, but they bark and bay excessively if not trained to stop.
- Bichon Frise Image Credit: Antranias, Pixabay
Height 9–12 inches
Weight 6.6–11 pounds
Bichon Frise dogs are playful and can be energetic at times, but they’re usually calm and relaxed when inside. Bichons are cheerful dogs that don’t need much to be happy, but they need a lot of human interaction to prevent boredom. These small dogs are great lapdogs and are perfect for apartment living, so they can be happy in a wide variety of environments.
- Maltese Image Credit: Monikaa Wisniewska, Shutterstock
Height 8–10 inches
Weight 6.6–9 pounds
Maltese dogs are happy-go-lucky dogs that were bred for companionship, so they love to be around the family at all times. These dogs are the type that can have fun at family gatherings, but they’re also great for individuals that live in the city. Maltese dogs are highly intelligent and can learn a long list of tricks, so it’s important that their brains get exercise as well as their bodies.
- Dogue de Bordeaux Image Credit: 947051, Pixabay
Height 23–26 inches
Weight 120–145 pounds
Similar to Bullmastiffs, Dogue de Bordeauxs are calm as adults. As puppies and young adults, these Molossor-type dogs can be boisterous and destructive if left unattended for too long. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs can be overprotective if they’re not socialized around people, so it’s crucial that they’re taught boundaries. However, once they’re adults, they turn into 120-pound couch potatoes.
- Pug Image credit: Bobby Bradley, Shutterstock
Height 10–14 inches
Weight 14–18 pounds
Pugs are a huge favorite in the dog world, a happy and sociable companion that can be great for city dwellers. They tend to get small, pug-sized bits of energy, but their tiny bodies tend to tire easily. Pugs are known for being quirky and clownish, but they are much smarter than their brachycephalic faces make them look. Pugs are super cuddly and enjoy being lapdogs, but they tend to be barkers.
- Tibetan Mastiff Image Credit: Tatyana Kuznetsova, Shutterstock
Height 24–30 inches
Weight 75–160 pounds
Wary of strangers and alert of their surroundings, Tibetan Mastiffs are dignified and composed. These huge dogs can be playful with their families, especially as puppies. Tibetan Mastiffs are a rare breed that can be extremely expensive and need an experienced dog owner, so they’re not a great fit for the average home. They’re affectionate and cuddly but also independent in nature.
Final Thoughts There are quite a few chill dog breeds that can be calmer, quieter pets, especially breeds that carry themselves with some aristocracy. Calm, laid-back dog breeds still need space to roam, especially large and giant breeds like English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. Stubbornness and independence are often traits that calmer breeds have in common, so it’s important to consider these factors as well. Check out a few other popular dog breed lists:
14 Black and White Dog Breeds (with Pictures) 17 Long-Haired Dog Breeds (with Pictures) 12 Police Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Bill Anastasiou, Shutterstock
Dogs can be a lot of work, especially ones that have insanely high energy levels. Between exercising and playtime, some breeds take a lot of time and patience to handle. Thankfully, some breeds are less energetic than others. While these chill dog breeds may not be for everyone, some can be ideal pets in the right environment. If you’re looking for a calmer, less hyperactive dog breed, read on about these 15 calm dog breeds:
The 15 Calm Dog Breeds
1. Irish Wolfhound
Height 30-32 inches
Weight 105–160 pounds
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the largest and most laid-back dog breeds around, standing over 6 feet tall when on their hind legs. These intelligent dogs are calm and dignified, enjoying every moment spent with their favorite person. Their quiet, laid-back demeanor is excellent for spacious homes looking for a couch potato kind of dog, but they do require daily jogging to keep them in prime condition.
2. Pekingese
Height 6–9 inches
Weight 7–14.5 pounds
Pekingese dogs were bred solely for companionship, so they’ll spend their energy on following their favorite person around like a shadow. These small dogs can have stubborn tendencies when it comes to things they don’t want to do, especially if it involves too much exercise. Aside from that, the Pekingese is a laid-back dog breed that wants to be with their favorite person as much as possible.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Height 12-13 inches
Weight 13-18 pounds
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the larger version of King Charles Spaniels, a breed born and bred to be a companion and family dog. They crave attention daily and will get depressed without it, so it’s crucial that their owners can be home enough for them. Playful and sensitive, Cavaliers are intelligent dogs that can learn quickly as long as they’re not bullied around.
4. Greyhound
Height 27-30 inches
Weight 57-75 pounds
Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world, so it may be shocking to see them on a list of mellow dog breeds! While these hounds will chase anything they see outdoors, they’re all about Netflix and couch-naps all day long. They’re sensitive dogs that need daily affection and exercise, but their calm demeanors make them excellent apartment dogs. However, once outside, they can take off in a split second.
5. Great Pyrenees
Height 26-32 inches
Weight 80-120 pounds
Great Pyrenees dogs are loyal and devoted to their families, often wary but polite with strangers. Though they may have some energy, these big dogs are usually calm and relaxed. They’re sensitive and affectionate, but their independent personalities can make training a challenge. Great Pyrenees dogs are excellent family dogs that want a calmer breed, but they need daily exercise to keep them in shape.
6. Clumber Spaniel
Height 17–20 inches
Weight 55–85 pounds
Clumber Spaniels are a lesser-known type of Spaniel, though they’re one of the calmest dog breeds. They made our list of the most mellow dog breeds because they’re happiest at home with their owners, relaxing and taking naps all day. Clumber Spaniels need a good deal of exercise to prevent obesity, but they don’t have high energy levels like other Spaniels. These affectionate dogs are especially sensitive, so a calmer household is the best environment.
7. Bullmastiff
Height 24–27 inches
Weight 99–130 pounds
Bullmastiffs are calm, even lazy, dogs that want nothing more than to sleep on the couch, floor, bed, and anywhere else they can fit. However, it is important to note that they are calm as adults and have a lot of energy when they’re puppies. Once past their energetic “teenage” years, Bullmastiffs will reserve their energy unless they need to protect their families. They still need daily walks to stay fit, however.
8. Great Dane
Height 28–34 inches
Weight 99–200 pounds
Great Danes are a classic Gentle Giant breed, known for being particularly great around children. Though they sometimes forget their size, Danes love nothing more than to be on the couch with their favorite people. These big dogs need a confident owner to keep them in check, but they’re otherwise relatively easygoing and affectionate. Still, they’re not great apartment dogs due to their size.
9. French Bulldog
Height 11–12 inches
Weight 20–28 pounds
French Bulldogs are known for their playful personalities, but they’re also laid-back and snuggly after burning off some energy. They’re somewhat stubborn and can become bossy, but French Bulldogs can make excellent family pets. These small dogs are happy to spend time with their families, so they’re great for households that have people home often.
10. Basset Hound
Height 11–15 inches
Weight 44–64 pounds
Basset Hounds rose to popularity in the 1980s, the chosen mascot of the Hush Puppies shoe company. Though they can be relentlessly stubborn and are highly prone to wanderlust outside, Basset Hounds are calm and well-mannered indoors. They tend to grow a bit lazy, so exercise is especially important to prevent obesity. Basset Hounds may be calm, but they bark and bay excessively if not trained to stop.
11. Bichon Frise
Height 9–12 inches
Weight 6.6–11 pounds
Bichon Frise dogs are playful and can be energetic at times, but they’re usually calm and relaxed when inside. Bichons are cheerful dogs that don’t need much to be happy, but they need a lot of human interaction to prevent boredom. These small dogs are great lapdogs and are perfect for apartment living, so they can be happy in a wide variety of environments.
12. Maltese
Height 8–10 inches
Weight 6.6–9 pounds
Maltese dogs are happy-go-lucky dogs that were bred for companionship, so they love to be around the family at all times. These dogs are the type that can have fun at family gatherings, but they’re also great for individuals that live in the city. Maltese dogs are highly intelligent and can learn a long list of tricks, so it’s important that their brains get exercise as well as their bodies.
13. Dogue de Bordeaux
Height 23–26 inches
Weight 120–145 pounds
Similar to Bullmastiffs, Dogue de Bordeauxs are calm as adults. As puppies and young adults, these Molossor-type dogs can be boisterous and destructive if left unattended for too long. Dogue de Bordeaux dogs can be overprotective if they’re not socialized around people, so it’s crucial that they’re taught boundaries. However, once they’re adults, they turn into 120-pound couch potatoes.
14. Pug
Height 10–14 inches
Weight 14–18 pounds
Pugs are a huge favorite in the dog world, a happy and sociable companion that can be great for city dwellers. They tend to get small, pug-sized bits of energy, but their tiny bodies tend to tire easily. Pugs are known for being quirky and clownish, but they are much smarter than their brachycephalic faces make them look. Pugs are super cuddly and enjoy being lapdogs, but they tend to be barkers.
15. Tibetan Mastiff
Height 24–30 inches
Weight 75–160 pounds
Wary of strangers and alert of their surroundings, Tibetan Mastiffs are dignified and composed. These huge dogs can be playful with their families, especially as puppies. Tibetan Mastiffs are a rare breed that can be extremely expensive and need an experienced dog owner, so they’re not a great fit for the average home. They’re affectionate and cuddly but also independent in nature.
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few chill dog breeds that can be calmer, quieter pets, especially breeds that carry themselves with some aristocracy. Calm, laid-back dog breeds still need space to roam, especially large and giant breeds like English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds. Stubbornness and independence are often traits that calmer breeds have in common, so it’s important to consider these factors as well.
Check out a few other popular dog breed lists:
- 14 Black and White Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
- 17 Long-Haired Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
- 12 Police Dog Breeds (with Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Bill Anastasiou, Shutterstock
