There’s nothing better than coming home from a long day and being greeted by a wagging tail. Dogs truly are a human’s best friend. Depending on your own personality, you may prefer certain breeds over others. That can be because of a variety of things, including their size and temperament. Some people want a hiking buddy, while others want a TV-watching buddy. Both options are wonderful. While their exercise needs are relatively low, Cavalier calm dog breeds King Charles Spaniels should still get regular walks, even if they’re slow. Here are 12 great, calm dog breeds of all sizes.
1. Great Dane
As one of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes can be intimidating. In reality, they’re very friendly, affectionate, and loyal canines. They make great family pets, as they bond closely with their owners. They’re calm dogs with even temperaments, and they love to lounge on the couch with their people.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 28 To 34 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 100 To 200 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short Hair In Brindle, Fawn, Blue, Black, Harlequin (White With Black Patches), Or Mantle (Black And White) LIFE EXPECTANCY: 6 To 8 Years |
2. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are another intimidating dog breed. They’re large-boned and muscular working dogs. Behind their tough exterior, they are affectionate, playful, family-friendly dogs. They are protectors and excellent guard dogs, but they’re also gentle with kids and friends. If you’re looking for a calm, friendly watchdog to protect your family, definitely consider a Bullmastiff.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 24 To 27 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 100 To 130 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short Coat In Fawn, Red, Or Brindle LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8 To 10 Years |
3. Pug
If smaller dogs are more your thing, you’ll love pugs. Their adorable wrinkly head, short nose, and often plump bodies will instantly bring a smile to your face. They have big personalities, but they are quite even-tempered. They are calm, but still like to play. Pugs are ideal pets for people who are mildly active, not sedentary.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 10 To 13 Inches WEIGHT: 14 To 18 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Smooth, Short Double Coat In Fawn Or Black LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 To 15 Years |
4. French Bulldog
Otherwise known as Frenchies, French bulldogs are lovable, lively pets with charming features. With small, compact bodies and large, bat-like ears, Frenchies ebecauseily steal the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. If their adorable looks weren’t enough, their temperament is top-notch, too. French bullcanines are affectionate and friendly, but relatively calm and suitable for owners living in small spaces.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Non-Sporting HEIGHT: 11 To 13 Inches WEIGHT: 19 To 28 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short, Smooth Coat In Brindle, Fawn, White, Or Combination Of Brindle And White Or Fawn And White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 12 Years |
5. Newfoundland
A giant dog, the Newfoundland is a working dog breed. Newfoundlands, or Newfies, have a friendly personality and a gentle disposition. While they make magnificent, strong workers, they’re also calm and affectionate companion pets. They make great service dogs as well, as they have a natural instinct to protect.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 26 To 28 Inches Tall At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 100 To 150 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Thick Double Coat In Brown, Black, Gray, Or Black And White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 9 To 10 Years |
6. Greyhound
Despite their reputation as award-winning racing dogs, Greyhounds are absolute couch potatoes. But don’t get us wrong, they’ll be active when they want to-they can run at speeds upwards of 45 miles per hour. But at home, they make excellent companions. They aren’t aggressive, and they’re great with kids. And there’s nowhere they’d rather become than snuggled up in a blanket on the couch.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hound Group HEIGHT: 28 To 30 Inches (Male); 27-28 Inches (Female) WEIGHT: 65 To 70 Pounds (Male); 60-65 Pounds (Female) COAT AND COLOR: Short Coat In Black, Blue, Red, White, And Combinations Of Those Colors, Plus The Occasional Addition Of Brindle Patterns LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10-13 Years |
7. Basset Hound
With big, floppy ears and short, stout bodies, Basset Hounds have an unique look that has made them one of the most popular hound dogs. They’re often depicted in books or films as the charming companion pets of fun-loving characters in all scenarios. Basset Hounds are typically calm and mild-mannered, making them excellent family house animals.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: Up To 15 Inches WEIGHT: 40 To 65 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Short Coat With Color Combinations Of Black, Mahogany, White, Brown, Red, And Lemon LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 13 Years |
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular for a reason-they are affectionate, adorable, and family-friendly dogs with gentle dispositions. Today, let’s focus on the latter: the calm dogs.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 12 To 13 Inches (To The Withers) WEIGHT: Around 13 To 18 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Sleek, And Silky Coat With Feathering Around Ears, Feet, Chest, And Tail. There Are Four Color Varieties: Tricolor, Blenheim, Ruby, And Black And Tan. LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
9. Bolognese
The Bolognese dog originated in Bologna, Italy, in the 11th century, where they were well loved by nobility for their calm, affectionate personalities. White and fluffy little canines, Bolognese dogs can be wonderful family pets. Historians believe they evolved from mountain sheepdogs in Central Asia that date back thousands of years, which would explain their majestic good looks. They’re large, calm dogs that are highly affectionate, and will get along with just about anyone, including kids and other pets.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Foundation Stock Service HEIGHT: 10 To 12 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 5.5 To 9 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Cotton-Like Coat, Sometimes Cut Short To Reduce Grooming Needs; All White LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |
10. Great Pyrenees
If you’re ready to welcome a (very) big dog into your life, the Great Pyrenees is a great pick.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 25 To 32 Inches At The Shoulder WEIGHT: 100 To 150 Pounds (Males); 85 To 110 Pounds (Females) COAT AND COLOR: Thick Double Coat In White (May Have Markings Of Gray, Tan, Badger, Or Reddish-Brown) LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 To 12 Years |
11. Irish Wolfhound
Do you have a soft spot for gentle giants? This is the dog breed for you. Irish Wolfhounds are big, shaggy, and stoic-three traits that make them look intimidating. But in reality, these dogs are usually extremely calm and even-tempered. Irish Wolfhounds have a long history of hunting wild animals, including elk, boar, and even wolves. Today, however, they earn their keep as lovable companion pets.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Hound HEIGHT: 30 To 32 Inches WEIGHT: 120+ Pounds (Males), 100+ Pounds (Females) COAT AND COLOR: Double Coat With A Wiry Appearance. Gray, Brindle, Red, Black, Pure White, Fawn LIFE EXPECTANCY: 6 To 8 Years |
12. Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese dog breed bred to be the pets of royalty. They’re loyal and attentive lap canines with long, beautiful coats and adorable little bodies.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Toy HEIGHT: 6 To 9 Inches WEIGHT: Up To 14 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Long, Thick Double Coat In Variations Of Gold, Red, Or Sable And Occasionally Black, Tan, White, Cream, And Gray LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 14 Years |