8 Calm Dog Breeds

By
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy, Cat and Dog Expert for The Spruce Pets
Lauren Murphy
Lauren Murphy is a cat and dog expert and writer who is also a dedicated Humane Society volunteer. She has also been trained in animal behavior and is an experienced dog walker and pet sitter.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 08/18/22
Reviewed by Nancy Turner
Tan-colored Pekingese with fluffy ears laying on light gray couch

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

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. Today, let’s focus on the latter: the calm dogs. Here are 12 great, calm dog breeds of all sizes.

  • 01 of 08

    Great Dane

    A grey Great Dane laying on the deck in front of the railing.

    Bradley Olson / EyeEm / Getty Images

    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

  • 02 of 08

    Newfoundland

    A big, black Newfoundland dog laying on a couch.

    rzoze19 / Getty Images

    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

  • 03 of 08

    Greyhound

    greyhound sleeping on couch

    Alex Walker / Getty Images

    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 be 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

  • 04 of 08

    Basset Hound

    Brown and white basset hound dog walking on water on beach

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    With big, floppy ears and short, stout bodies, Basset Hounds have a 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 pets.

    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

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

    A small Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standing in the flower garden.

    studiohoto / Getty Images

    Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are popular for a reason—they are affectionate, adorable, and family-friendly dogs with gentle dispositions. While their exercise needs are relatively low, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should still get regular walks, even if they’re slow.

    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

  • 06 of 08

    Great Pyrenees

    Great Pyrenees dog with white fluffy fur laying on grass lawn

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    If you’re ready to welcome a (very) big dog into your life, the Great Pyrenees is a great pick. They’re large, calm dogs that are highly affectionate, and will get along with just about anyone, including kids and other pets. Historians believe they evolved from mountain sheepdogs in Central Asia that date back thousands of years, which would explain their majestic good looks.

    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

  • 07 of 08

    Irish Wolfhound

    Irish wolfhound with light gray shaggy hair standing in shady park

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    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 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

  • 08 of 08

    Pekingese

    Tan and white colored Pekingese dog sitting on light gray couch

    The Spruce / Kristie Lee

    The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese dog breed bred to be the pets of royalty. They’re loyal and attentive lap dogs 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