12 Calmest Dogs for First-Time Owners — our top picks
Mi-Ki
American toy breed with calm, friendly temperament. Hypoallergenic companion developed for optimal family pet characteristics.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle toy spaniel with silky coat and sweet expression. Perfect family companion with sporting dog heritage.
French Bulldog
Muscular flat-faced breed with bat ears and adaptable personality. Excellent apartment companion.
Golden Retriever
Beautiful, gentle retriever with flowing coat. Outstanding family companion with high intelligence and eagerness to please.
Cavapoo
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle cross. Gentle and friendly with reduced shedding.
Labrador Retriever
Most popular family dog worldwide. Excellent retriever with gentle mouth, high intelligence, and outstanding temperament.
Boston Terrier
American Gentleman with tuxedo markings and friendly disposition. Intelligent and easy-going companion.
Havanese
Cuban toy breed with silky coat and cheerful disposition. Adaptable and social companion dog.
Newfoundland
Canadian water rescue dog with sweet temperament. Gentle, patient, and excellent swimmer.
Whippet
Medium-sized sighthound, gentle and quiet indoors. Perfect balance of athleticism and calm companionship.
Goldendoodle
Golden Retriever and Poodle cross combining best traits of both breeds. Popular family companion.
Cockapoo
Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross, one of the first designer dogs. Friendly and adaptable family companion.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 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 for a first-time owner?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Mi-Ki ranks as the top choice for beginners who want an easy-going dog, followed by the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and French Bulldog.
- How was this list of dogs for beginners who want an easy-going dog chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for beginners who want an easy-going dog — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.