Key Takeaways
Greyhounds enjoy cuddling and slow walks despite being known for their speed.
Labrador retrievers are loyal and easy to train, making them popular pet choices for families.
Some pups have energy to spare and are perfect companions for active pet parents. But if you’re searching for a calmer dog breed that’s happy to laze on the couch and nap with you, there are many fine canines to consider. These chill dog breeds come in all sizes, too, which means it is easy to find the perfect pup for your household.
Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA, a veterinary behaviorist, advises that while some breeds are calmer, each dog is an individual. ‘Don’t just assume an easygoing breed always means a calm dog,’ Sinn notes.
Fortunately, Sinn says, as a dedicated pet parent, you can help reinforce calm, quiet behavior, making it more likely to happen regardless of breed. After all, our sensitive, furry friends pick up on our moods and actions, and love to follow us everywhere! So you’ll have plenty of opportunities for teachable moments using positive reinforcement.
While every individual dog is unique, here are some breeds that tend to be on the calmer side—and are simply irresistible.
Popular Chill Hypoallergenic Dogs: Standard Poodle
Would there be as many ‘oodle’ crossbreeds if not for all the charming characteristics of the standard poodle? Intelligent, mellow, affectionate, playful, and somewhat hypoallergenic (as much as any pooch can be, anyway!), the poodle loves to learn and is often eager to please. He might need a little more exercise than other calm dog breeds to live his best life.
Chill Small Dog Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
One look into her soulful eyes and you know right away this small, gentle dog is a sweetie pie! A Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a loving cuddler with a friendly disposition. While she enjoys daily walks and games of fetch as much as the next pooch, she was bred to be a lap dog and prefers to be with you much of the time.
Chill Large Dog Breed: Irish Wolfhound
You might not need a country manor, but your family should have a bit of secured outdoor space for the serene Irish wolfhound. He ranks high on most chill dog breed lists because he’s a loyal, unflappable companion who’s great with children. However, he’s a big boy—usually two feet tall and more than 100 pounds—so early socializing and training help him bring out his best behavior.
Gentle Giant Dog Breed: Saint Bernard
Got space and kids asking for a dog? Consider the loving and patient Saint Bernard. With a calm nature and minimal exercise needs, she’s perfect for families and senior dog lovers alike.
Chill Dogs Who Don’t Shed: Xoloitzcuintli
One of the advantages of the beautiful Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced show-low-itz-QUEENT-ly or Xolo (show-low) for short, is that she’s either hairless or has a short flat coat, so you save time and money clearing away fur. This Mexican native is a quiet and attentive pup with a low allergen level and long lifespan who loves daily jaunts, a little fetch, and a lot of your attention.
RELATED: 20 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Much!)
Big Chill Dog Breed for Your Family: Newfoundland
If you hoped for more big gentle dogs on this list, then you’ll love the Newfoundland! Newfs, as they’re called, are shaggy and enormous, sometimes standing three feet tall and weighing 200 pounds! Far from lazy, these dedicated but laid-back working dogs are fond of the great outdoors. Caring and even-tempered, Newfs tolerate the hubbub of family life well.
Chill Dog Breed Who Doesn’t Bark Much: Bulldog
The English bulldog is a great pup not only because he’s a roly-poly blob of love, but also because he really doesn’t bark unless absolutely necessary. Good news for apartment residents who want a silly but chill dog breed who may or may not share the couch, ’cause it’s one of his favorite places. Uber kid-friendly, bring out his best with early training—and make sure to wash his face!
RELATED: 7 Simple Tips for Introducing a Dog to Your Family
Chill Dog Breed Who’s Easy to Love: Golden Retriever
With sunny personalities to match their lovely coats, golden retrievers never seem to have a bad day. Seriously, how many dogs do you know who would sing along with windchimes? The smart and sweet-natured golden considers herself an important part of your family, and loves cats, other dogs, bunnies, the Amazon delivery person, the neighbor two doors down …you get it.
Super Chill Dog Breed: Greyhound
Full of grace, greyhounds have a relaxed temperament that’s a direct contradiction to what we usually think of, which are his sprinting abilities. In reality, this delightful and kind, lanky pup enjoys cuddle time and leisurely sniff-based walks. If you want to adopt a rescued greyhound, keep in mind he’ll need extra love, training, and attention to truly feel at home in the slow lane.
Most Popular Chill Dog: Labrador Retriever
For 30 straight years, the good-natured Labrador retriever has topped the AKC’s most popular dog breeds list. Is it any wonder? A Lab is exceeding loyal, a devoted furever friend for people of all ages, and strikes a great balance of active curiosity and “curl up by the fire” togetherness. Easy to train and eager to please, a Lab’s calm disposition is just one of her many attractive traits.
Surprisingly Chill, Quiet Dog Breed: Pug
Since pugs can have a mischievous side, many wouldn’t consider them as one of the best calm dog breed choices. But quick-witted pugs adore their people, and expect to be showered with the same level of affection. When this happens, these playful pups are full of mellow appeal, snuggles, and friendliness. They shed a bit, though, so have your grooming brush ready.
RELATED: 13 Tips for First-Time Dog Owners
