Calmest Dog Breeds — our top picks
English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel)
Flat-faced toy spaniel with domed head and gentle demeanor. Quieter and more reserved than Cavalier.
French Bulldog
Muscular flat-faced breed with bat ears and adaptable personality. Excellent apartment companion.
Mi-Ki
American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Ancient Italian guardian with distinctive wrinkled appearance. Massive, protective, and devoted to family.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Unique Scottish terrier with long body and distinctive topknot. Calm, dignified, and devoted companion.
English Bulldog
Iconic British breed with distinctive wrinkled face and muscular build. Gentle, courageous companion despite breathing challenges.
Galgo Español
Spanish sighthound with gentle, calm temperament. Similar to Greyhound but more reserved.
Japanese Chin
Oriental toy breed with distinctive flat face and cat-like personality. Elegant and dignified companion.
King Charles Spaniel
English toy spaniel with domed head and short nose. Gentle, quiet, and devoted lap dog with regal bearing.
Sealyham Terrier
Small Welsh terrier with distinctive white coat. Calm, charming, and less aggressive than most terriers.
Basset Hound
Low-slung French scenthound with excellent nose and gentle nature. Calm, patient family companion.
Bolognese
Italian toy breed with fluffy white coat and calm demeanor. Related to Bichon Frise but smaller and quieter.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 343 breeds is scored on the traits that matter most for this lifestyle — energy, size, temperament, grooming and trainability — using our vet-reviewed breed database. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking personalised to you.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the calmest dog breed?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel) ranks as the top choice for calm households, followed by the French Bulldog and Mi-Ki.
- How was this list of dogs for calm households chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for calm households — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.