Calm Dog Breeds

Guide overview

Browse dog breeds that are often described as steadier or more relaxed, with notes on livability, noise, and day-to-day energy.

This guide favors breeds with lower day-to-day energy or lower vocalness, while still accounting for livability and breed reputation.

Who this guide helps

Use this page when these are the tradeoffs you care about most.

What to compare before you choose

• Calm does not mean inactive; some laid-back breeds are still large, strong, or physically demanding in other ways.
• Compare indoor settle time with exercise needs, because some calm-seeming breeds still need structured daily outings.
• A calmer breed usually works best when the rest of its care profile also fits your home, handling, and tolerance for grooming.

Featured breeds

English Bulldog

Non-Sporting • England • Medium size

40–55 lbs • 8–10 years

Greyhound

hound • Egypt • Large size

60–70 lbs • 10–13 years

Great Dane

Working • Germany • Giant size

110–175 lbs • 7–10 years

Newfoundland

Working • Canada • Giant size

100–150 lbs • 8–10 years

Bernese Mountain Dog

Working • Switzerland • Giant size

70–115 lbs • 7–10 years

Clumber Spaniel

sporting • England • Large size

55–85 lbs • 10–12 years

Basset Hound

hound • France • Medium size

40–65 lbs • 10–12 years

Borzoi

hound • Russia • Giant size

60–105 lbs • 10–13 years

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

toy • England • Small size

13–18 lbs • 9–14 years

Whippet

Hound • England • Medium size

25–40 lbs • 12–15 years

Neapolitan Mastiff

working • Italy • Giant size

110–150 lbs • 7–9 years

Newfypoo

United States • Giant size

70–150 lbs • 8–12 years

Saint Berdoodle

designer • United States • Giant size

70–160 lbs • 8–12 years

Saint Bernard

Working • Switzerland • Giant size

120–180 lbs • 8–10 years

Blenheim Spaniel

toy • England • Toy size

13–18 lbs • 9–14 years

Bull Mastiff

Working • England • Giant size

100–130 lbs • 8–10 years

English Mastiff

working • England • Giant size

120–230 lbs • 6–10 years

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting • France • Small size

20–28 lbs • 10–12 years

References

Reference links below include the breed pages featured here, along with kennel-club directories and standards where available.

1. American Kennel Club breed directory
   American Kennel Club
2. Royal Kennel Club breeds A-Z
   The Royal Kennel Club
3. Royal Kennel Club breed standards
   The Royal Kennel Club
4. English Bulldog — American Kennel Club breed profile
   American Kennel Club
5. English Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
   The Royal Kennel Club
6. English Bulldog — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
   The Royal Kennel Club
7. Greyhound — American Kennel Club breed profile
   American Kennel Club
8. Greyhound — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
   The Royal Kennel Club
9. Greyhound — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
   The Royal Kennel Club
10. Great Dane — American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club
11. Great Dane — Royal Kennel Club breed profile
    The Royal Kennel Club
12. Great Dane — Royal Kennel Club breed standard
    The Royal Kennel Club
13. Newfoundland — American Kennel Club breed profile
    American Kennel Club

Frequently asked questions