13 Calm Dog Breeds That Keep Things Chill

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Not all dogs are wired for wild chases or nonstop excitement. For those who enjoy quiet mornings, cozy nights, and a low-stress lifestyle, calm dog breeds are ideal companions. These mellow pups bring a peaceful presence and are happiest during naps, slow walks, or simply sharing silent company. Whether they’re curled up by your feet or quietly observing the world from a window, these dogs offer calm, comforting energy. If your vibe is more “relax and recharge,” these chill breeds are right there with you, probably already asleep.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds practically invented the slow-motion lifestyle. With their long ears, sad eyes, and unhurried trot, they move at a pace that would make a sloth seem impatient. These dogs are famously mellow and love to lounge for hours at a time, preferably somewhere soft and slightly inconvenient, like the middle of your hallway. While they enjoy daily walks, they’re not overly energetic and rarely get worked up over anything—unless it’s snack time. Bassets are perfect for anyone who values nap partners over jogging buddies.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are big softies with calm, gentle natures. They’re incredibly affectionate and thrive in peaceful environments where they can relax alongside their people. Berners are patient, tolerant, and great with kids, often acting more like giant stuffed animals than high-energy pets. Their loyalty runs deep, and while they do enjoy outdoor time, they’re just as happy lying quietly by your side for hours. If you want a dog that’s equal parts fluffy and chill, the Bernese is your laid-back hero.

Great Dane

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Nicknamed “gentle giants” for good reason, Great Danes are impressively calm despite their towering size. These dogs are surprisingly easygoing and well-mannered, content to lean gently on your leg or nap in whatever space they’ve claimed as their own (usually most of the couch). Great Danes don’t bark much and typically reserve their energy for brief, majestic zoomies followed by a solid recovery nap. They’re ideal for people who love a low-maintenance, peaceful companion that also doubles as an oversized cuddle pillow.

Clumber Spaniel

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Clumber Spaniels are like the introverts of the dog world—quiet, polite, and happiest in chill surroundings. These low-key dogs aren’t in a rush to do anything and excel at lounging gracefully. Clumbers are affectionate without being clingy, and they have a calm, stable temperament that makes them wonderful for relaxed households. They’re not demanding when it comes to exercise, but they’ll gladly join you for a slow walk or an afternoon of porch sitting. Their chill vibes are contagious—and honestly, highly underrated.

Greyhound

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Known for their speed on the racetrack, Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy once they retire from the sprinting life. These long-legged beauties are often called “45-mph couch potatoes” because they excel at lounging with elegance. They enjoy short walks and bursts of play, but most of the time, they’re happy to snooze on the comfiest surface they can find. Greyhounds are quiet, gentle, and sensitive, making them ideal for calm homes where relaxation is a way of life. Plus, their low-maintenance grooming needs are a win for the chill lifestyle.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs are the heavyweight champions of calm. With their chunky frames and smooshy faces, they’re all about slow strolls, frequent naps, and judging you from the couch. Bulldogs love affection but don’t demand constant activity—they’re content to be by your side without requiring a trip to the agility course. Their laid-back demeanor makes them great companions for apartment dwellers or anyone who doesn’t want a high-energy dog bouncing off the walls. If your pace is more “let’s chill” than “let’s chase,” the Bulldog will match it perfectly.

Newfoundland

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Newfoundlands may look like bears in disguise, but their hearts are pure marshmallow. These dogs are gentle, incredibly patient, and love being near their people. They’re excellent with kids and have a calming presence that can mellow out even the most chaotic household. Newfies prefer cool weather and cozy spots to rest, and while they enjoy outdoor time, they rarely act hyper or unpredictable. They are, quite literally, the canine version of a weighted blanket that also drools a little.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are royal-level loungers. Originally bred for life in Chinese palaces, they’re perfectly happy sitting on your lap, lying at your feet, or being gently carried from one nap spot to another. These small dogs are affectionate, mild-mannered, and wonderfully content with a quiet routine. They’re not overly barky or energetic and are ideal for apartment life or cozy homes. A Shih Tzu’s idea of a wild day is maybe getting brushed while you binge-watch your favorite show.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards may be known for their size and heroics in snowy mountains, but at home, they’re big softies who prefer mellow vibes. They’re affectionate, gentle with children, and incredibly calm indoors. While they need space due to their size, their energy levels are surprisingly moderate. Most of the time, they’ll just lie around looking majestic and possibly snoring a little. If you want a dog that’s both enormous and serene, the Saint Bernard delivers peaceful companionship in XL form.

Tibetan Spaniel

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Tibetan Spaniels are small, quiet, and known for their composed demeanor. These dogs are independent but affectionate, and they don’t need a ton of exercise or stimulation to stay content. They enjoy lounging in sunny spots, observing the world from their perch like little Zen monks. Tibbies are sensitive and intuitive, making them wonderful companions for calm households. They don’t bark much, and when they do, it’s usually because they’ve actually seen something worth mentioning, like the mail.

Irish Wolfhound

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Despite being one of the tallest dog breeds, Irish Wolfhounds are incredibly mellow and sweet. These gentle giants are affectionate, calm, and move with surprising grace. They bond deeply with their families and are very tolerant, making them great with kids and other pets. Wolfhounds enjoy relaxed walks and ample nap time, and they don’t typically exhibit hyper or anxious behaviors. They’re the kind of dog that fills a room without taking over the mood—unless the mood is “let’s all take a nap together.”

French Bulldog

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French Bulldogs are charming little loafs who love lounging as much as they love companionship. They’re playful in short bursts but settle quickly into a calm, cuddly rhythm. Frenchies are excellent city dogs thanks to their low energy, quiet nature, and small size. They thrive in close quarters and prefer people-watching to high-speed zooming. If your lifestyle includes lots of Netflix and chill, a Frenchie will not only support it—they’ll demand to join you under the blanket.

Whippet

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Whippets are elegant, calm, and surprisingly low-maintenance. Like Greyhounds, they enjoy quick play sessions or sprints, but spend the majority of their day resting peacefully. These dogs are affectionate without being clingy and are especially well-suited to quiet homes. Whippets rarely bark, don’t get overly excited, and are content with a comfy bed and a gentle routine. They’re graceful, chill, and genuinely happy doing nothing with you, which is, of course, the dream.

The Do-Nothing All-Stars

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These calm dogs may not fetch your slippers or race to the door every time a leaf blows by, but they’ll happily lie beside you while you enjoy the peace and quiet. They bring a steady heartbeat to hectic days, offer snuggles without strings, and prove that sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is the best way to bond. If your speed is set to “low and lovely,” these breeds are the fuzzy Zen masters you never knew you needed. Just don’t expect them to fetch your remote—they’re already too comfortable.