Folks in the market for a calm dog breed need not look further than this comprehensive list. But first, let’s define “calm.” The American Kennel Club classifies a calm breed as one that doesn’t have big, distressed reactions to stimuli. Meaning things like thunder, strangers, weird scents and new furniture probably won’t send them into a frenzy. Breeds like Newfoundlands, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Basset Hounds know how to play it cool in almost any situation. Of course, all dogs are individuals and breed alone cannot predict how they’ll react to people, environments or other animals. That being said, breeds known to be calm make ideal companions for families with kids and senior citizens. They’re also excellent emotional support dogs.
Keep in mind, any dog, no matter the breed, can deviate from its breed standard. Trauma as a puppy (and even later in life!) can also change a dog’s disposition. So, if a mellow pet is a must, don’t focus solely on breed. Fostering a dog before officially adopting is a great way to get to know an animal’s disposition and compatibility with your household.
