When it comes to the world of dogs you can find breeds with varying natures, temperaments and personalities. Indeed these qualities we discover in our canine friends make us fall in love with them as they become a part of our family.
Certain breeds come with a reputation and it might be fierce, affectionate, energetic, loyal, fussy, curious or spirited. The list could go on and on but you probably already have enough experience with dogs to know different breeds display different qualities.
So before you make the big commitment of welcoming a furry pawed creature into your home it is a good idea to consider what kind of dog you want.
16 Friendly and Calm Dog Breeds
For soon-to-be pet owners a quality many are looking for is friendliness and calmness. Those breeds are happy to chill and even take a nap!
So let’s look at some dog breeds that are both friendly and calm-natured. You will see some breeds tick both boxes and might be a perfect match for you.
Calmest Dog Breeds – Docile Dogs That Make Great Pets
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are large dogs that prefer to live in a calm environment to match their personalities. It is one of the most calm dog breeds we know. As puppies they can exert some excitement but there’s probably no such thing as a calm puppy. Once they grow into adults they ease into a beautiful calmness that they are known and loved for.
- Life span: 10-14 years
- Weight: Male: 60–88 lbs; Female: 57–75 lbs
- Colors: Black, Brindle, White, Fawn, Blue, Red
2. Golden Retriever
You will find our beloved Golden Retriever in both categories. Friendly and calm this gorgeous dog is an amazing creature that really is a wonderful pet and companion. If you enjoy the company of a calm dog with a solid, zen nature then you will find yourself drawn to the Golden Retriever.
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Weight: Male: 65–75 lbs; Female: 55–71 lbs
- Colors: Dark Golden, Light Golden, Cream, Golden
3. Great Dane
This big, elegant dog is a gentle giant. Just one look at the expression on its face and you can sense the calm nature that is within. A Great Dane is classed as a calm dog and it is also tolerant and patient. Around children Great Danes are angels. As a companion it is loyal and composed. Great Danes make great pets for the elderly or sick and love being indoors. If you are looking at calm large dog breeds the Great Dane is an excellent choice.
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Weight: Male: 120–200 lbs; Female: 99–130 lbs
- Colors: Black, Brindle, Fawn, Mantle, Harlequin, Blue
4. Irish Wolfhound
This breed of dog is very calm-natured and devoted. Eager to please it’s owner the Irish Wolfhound needs to be trained well as a puppy to reach its full potential as the calm pet you are looking for. It is also a rather sensitive soul so responds best to positive praise and rewards rather than a telling off. You might find you get the silent treatment if you are too harsh with your calm Irish Wolfhound.
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Weight: Male: 105–120 lbs; Female: 90–120 lbs
- Colors: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Grey, Red
5. Labrador Retriever
This dog is famous for its calm and peaceful nature and can even be known to become a little lazy. This gentle-natured is easy to train and fits in well with people including children and the elderly. As a family dog it is perfect. It is a big dog that needs regular exercise. A beautiful dog if you are looking for a calm pet.
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Weight: Male: 64–79 lbs; Female: 55–71 lbs
- Colors: Black, Chocolate, Yellow
6. Newfoundland
Another big dog breed with a cool and calm nature. Combined with its intelligent brain and loyal heart this large dog is social, loving and never high-tempered. If you have children in the house the Newfoundland will gravitate towards them to play or hang out without being loud or frisky. It’s calmness is a trait that is certain to draw in many pet owners, not to mention it’s cute appearance.
- Life span: 9-10 years
- Weight: Male: 130–150 lbs; Female: 100–120 lbs
- Colors: Black, Brown, Gray, White & Black
7. Pug
Pugs are calmest when they reach the maturity of adulthood. As puppies they tend to be a little more energetic, but that is the very nature of puppies and young dogs. As they get older they calm down a lot and often can be lazy. A relaxed little canine that is also in our category of most friendly dog you could hope to meet. As calm small dog breeds go this could be the number one choice.
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Weight: Male: 14–18 lbs; Female: 14–18 lbs
- Colors: Black, Fawn, Apricot, Silver Fawn
8. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a Pekingese breed and it’s name translates from Chinese into “lion dog”. Lions are not exactly calm, but don’t worry. The Shih Tzu is a totally chilled-out pooch. This small, shaggy dog is very adaptable to different situations and can live happily in large homes or small spaces. As long as you are nearby this cute dog will be content, and of course calm. Out of all of the small calm dog breeds this is a popular favourite.
- Life span: 10-16 years
- Weight: Male: 9–16 lbs; Female: 9–16lbs
- Colors: Black, White, Brindle, Liver, Liver & White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Black & White, Blue, Gold
There are many calm dog breeds. Now you know our list of best calm dog breeds. What else do you need to think about?
As well as considering the nature of dog best for you and your family you should also consider other factors including:
- Living space – do you have a big property with a lot of space or are you living in an apartment?
- Lifestyle – how much time do you have to devote to your dog every day for love and attention, training, grooming and exercise?
Surprisingly big dog breeds with calm natures can fit in well if your abode is an apartment or small house. If you are renting be sure to check if you are allowed pets and perhaps let your landlord know if you plan on buying or adopting a Great Dane.
Friendliest Dog Breeds – You Will Have a Friend For Life the Moment You Meet
1. Beagle
Beagles make friends easily and make friends for life. The reason is they are one of the friendliest breeds of dog on the planet. The Beagle is a social creature who is friendly towards humans (family and strangers alike) and other animals including dogs. They are rarely aggressive or boisterous.
So, if you are looking for a friendly dog that has a sunny, positive attitude you might be looking at a little Beagle face.
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Weight: Male: 22–24 lbs; Female: 20–22lbs
- Colors: Lemon & White, Chocolate Tri, Tri-color, Orange & White, White & Tan, White & Chocolate, Red & White
2. Bearded Collie
If the Bearded Collie was a person, it might be your bestie. In fact your pet Bearded Collie will become your best friend (with fur) because it is known to be one of the friendliest dog breeds around. Even if you try to take its bone away you won’t be faced with an angry snarl.
With a nature that is not serious, rather playful and silly, you will find a Bearded Collie is a popular choice if you want a friendly pooch at your feet for life.
- Life span: 14-15 years
- Weight: Male: 40–60 lbs; Female: 40–60lbs
- Colors: Black, Fawn, Black & Brown, Tri-color, Blue, Brown
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
As well as being Mr Friendly, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel also comes with a super sweet nature. They love company and are always up for a cuddle, play or time exploring the great outdoors. They are rarely fierce or noisy. It’s just not their style.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels absolutely adore children and make the most wonderful pets. If this is the first time your family has had a pet then the CKCS is an ideal option.
- Life span: 9-14 years
- Weight: Male: 13–18 lbs; Female: 13–18lbs
- Colors: Blenheim, Black & Tan, Tri-color, Ruby
4. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs come with a reputation as being grumpy and sometimes aggressive. We beg to differ and say this breed is actually one of the friendliest dogs on the block. They are really big softies with a gentle personality and kind heart.
They do need a lot of training, socialization and attention so if you are aware and willing to give the English Bulldog all it needs you will find yourself with the friendliest dog ever.
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Weight: Male: 51–55 lbs; Female: 40–51lbs
- Colors: White, Fawn, Piebald, Brindle & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, Red, Red Brindle
5. Golden Retriever
Those big puppy dog eyes say it all. Will you be my friend? Golden Retrievers are totally lovable and friendly. Given half a chance your Golden Retriever will be by your side every second of the day. They love all people including kids and will happily join in any activity you are doing just to be nearby you.
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Weight: Male: 65–75 lbs; Female: 55–71 lbs
- Colors: Dark Golden, Light Golden, Cream, Golden
6. Irish Setter
A very friendly one indeed. The adorable Irish Setter will shower you with love, admiration and friendship. This dog has a lot of energy so we can’t put them in the calm category but certainly they are really friendly pups. The natural temperament of the Irish Setter is amicable and engaging and it will make every effort to display friendly behavior which comes easily and naturally.
- Life span: 11-12 years
- Weight: Male: 65–75 lbs; Female: 55–65 lbs
- Colors: Mahogany, Chestnut, Red
7. Poodle
Poodles are so friendly that it can be hard to get away from them. You can’t help but fall hopelessly in love with the friendly poodle which will follow you even to the bathroom if there is even a hint of an invite. Charming, friendly and totally devoted. The Poodle is your friend and anyone else’s that is willing to join the friend tribe.
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Weight: Male: 60–70 lbs; Female: 40–50 lbs
- Colors: Black, Brown, White, Blue, Silver, Silver Beige, Café and Lait, Sable, Cream, Red, Apricot
8. Pug
A pug will literally be begging for your hand in friendship the moment he gets his furry paw onto you. Pugs are well-known for their friendly and well-disposed natures. If you pass a pug in the street you will surely see it pause to see if it can have a social moment with you through a pat, chat or some affection.
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Weight: Male: 14–18 lbs; Female: 14–18 lbs
- Colors: Black, Apricot, Fawn, Silver Fawn
Which dog in this list is the friendliest of them all? It would be impossible to say. Every dog is different and they all have their days when friendly should be their middle name. We even know of a dog named Mr Friendly. You guessed it – Mr Friendly is a Pug. A very apt name for a very friendly dog.
There are many friendly dog breeds, more falling into the friendly category than the calm category. When choosing a dog breed as well as doing your own independent research it’s also a great idea to talk to other pet owners, a veterinarian and a dog breeder. They will always give valuable insight into what kind of dog might be the one for you.
Of course dog owners tend to be biased towards the dog breed they own themselves. It’s natural. So take their advice onboard but don’t let it influence too much.
Friendly + Calm Dog Breeds
As you will notice some dog breeds fall into both categories. So if you are looking for the dog that is both friendly and calm you will probably fall in love with a Pug or Golden Retriever. Both of these dogs are wonderful pets, but very distinctively different.
Life with a Pug and Golden Retriever will be quite different. While both dogs are sure to bring you joy and happiness with the Golden Retriever you might find yourself at the park chasing a ball a little more often. This bigger dog does need more exercise and stimulation than the little Pug.
There can be some difference that is quite notable from puppyhood to adulthood.
A calm-natured breed of dog will still produce puppies that have the natural traits of a puppy. You can expect a puppy to be engaging, curious and excitable. That is an adorable stage that doesn’t last long so you should enjoy it while it lasts. You will see a change as your puppy gets older. As the months pass by your puppy will mature and the hyped up activity will be replaced with a more relaxed dog.
Also training plays a big part in the calmness of a dog. If a dog isn’t trained well it will tend to jump up on people, get excited when strangers approach and search out things it shouldn’t be into like exploring the neighbors garden and getting into trash. But if you invest time into training your dog properly as any dog owner must do, then you will have a calm dog to deal with.
Conclusion
There are so many dog breeds in the world. Many dogs are friendly, in fact most dog breeds are friendly when they are raised in a positive and healthy environment.
So this list is not a definitive guide. It’s our list of top friendliest and calmness dogs. We realize there might be a Saint Bernard owner out there who is reading this and thinking his pet should have made the list.
Remember dog’s personalities can be as unique as humans. A normally calm-natured dog breed can turn out to have a hypo personality and a normally friendly dog breed might be a bit of a moody pooch. There are no guarantees. So you need to accept your dog for the good and bad qualities that might come as part of the furry package.
Whichever dog breed you are drawn to we know you will find a much-loved pet to look after and you will be paid back in loyal affection and sloppy dog licks when you least expect it. Enjoy the journey as you search for your new pet. We know you will be the best pet owner ever!