If you’re someone who prefers a peaceful, sleepy companion, you might want to look elsewhere — because the dogs we’re about to introduce are pure, unstoppable energy!
Low-calmness dog breeds live life at full throttle, turning every room into a playground and every walk into an adventure. These spirited pups aren’t the type to snooze all afternoon; they’re ready for action, excitement, and maybe a little mischief at a moment’s notice.
While their energy might be overwhelming for some, it’s pure joy for the right owner who loves a lively, always-up-for-fun companion.
We’ll meet the breeds that think “calm” is a word for other dogs. Whether you’re an active soul yourself or just love the idea of a dog that matches your high-energy lifestyle, this list is your ticket to a whirlwind of love, laughter, and endless fetch sessions!
Low Calmness Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
First off, let’s talk about the Border Collie. This dog is like the kid who finishes all their homework in five minutes and still has energy to burn. Border Collies were originally bred to herd sheep, so naturally, they’re the kind of dog who wants to herd everything. The mailman? Herded. The cat? Herded. That empty soda can you forgot to throw away? Yep, herded.
According to Petplan, Border Collies were developed to be outstanding shepherd dogs and thrive on opportunities to learn and burn off energy.
And don’t even get me started on their stamina. If you’re thinking of a peaceful day at the park, forget it. Your Border Collie will be doing laps around you, wondering why you’re not keeping up.
Need an assistant? Get a Border Collie.
Need a personal trainer? Still, get a Border Collie.
They’re the most active “I work harder than you” coworker, and they have zero chill about it.
Border Collies are so smart that they make you feel like you’re not even trying hard enough in life. They can learn tricks in about 3 seconds, so don’t be surprised if your Border Collie can teach you how to do yoga—or at least show you how to balance a treat on your nose.
2. Australian Shepherd
Now, let’s talk about the Australian Shepherd—aka, the dog that’s constantly plotting something. Want a dog who’s more excited about your hike than you are? The Aussies’ got you. This breed is the true embodiment of “always on.”
With that beautiful coat and those piercing blue eyes, they look like they could take on a mountain… and then come back and climb it again, just because they can.
Australian Shepherds thrive on mental stimulation, so if you think tossing a ball around for five minutes will tire them out, think again. These dogs have a brain that works at lightning speed—so fast that they can probably figure out how to unlock the fridge and steal your sandwich before you even realize it’s missing.
According to VCA, they can become frustrated and destructive if they don’t receive enough mental stimulation. They need a job to do, and if you don’t give them one, they’ll invent their own. And trust me, their version of “playtime” might involve rearranging your house while you’re out. They’re that clever.
But here’s the thing: If you’re an active person who loves a challenge, an Aussie will be your best friend. They’ll help you stay in shape (because they’ll make sure you never sit still) and keep you entertained with their quirky antics.
And who knows? You might even find yourself trying to keep up with their insane agility. Spoiler alert: You won’t.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the “Blue Heeler” (or “Red Heeler,” depending on their color), is not your average pup. This is the dog who would excel in a triathlon while herding a flock of sheep at the same time.
Originally bred to work in the harsh conditions of the Australian outback, these medium-sized dogs have one mission: to herd everything in sight. You could try to ignore it, but the ACD has other ideas. The neighbor’s cat? Herded. That fallen leaf on the sidewalk? Yep, it’s being “herded” too.
These dogs are built for endurance and are famous for their athleticism. They might look compact, having pointy ears, but don’t be fooled—they have the energy of a professional athlete and the work ethic of someone who just won the lottery.
Want to take a jog? The Australian Cattle Dog will be your personal pace setter.
Want to go hiking? Your Heeler will show you the fastest route.
Want to stay at home? Nah, your ACD’s already figured out 10 ways to break your heart by refusing to sit still.
They’re incredibly intelligent, so much so that they could probably run your business for you if you let them. They love having a task, and if they don’t get one, they’ll invent their own (usually involving running circles around you).
They need a lot of stimulation—mental and physical—so a game of fetch isn’t going to cut it. These dogs thrive when they have a job to do, whether it’s agility training, obedience work, or keeping you busy chasing after them as they zip around the yard.
4. Belgian Malinois
If there were an award for “most likely to become a working dog in the military or police force,” the Belgian Malinois would win it—and they’d probably do it in record time. The Malinois is the dog who can leap over fences, run at top speed, and do it all while maintaining a level of focus that would make a Zen master proud.
They’re intelligent, athletic, and more energetic than your morning cup of coffee. This breed is built for action, and they do it with a level of precision that might make you question your reflexes.
Belgian Malinois are known for their loyalty and drive. They want to work with you, and they thrive on a close partnership with their owner. If you’re active, they will be your shadow, always at your side, ready to go on any adventure you can dream up.
But here’s the catch: if you’re not engaging them enough, they’ll turn their energy inward, and that’s where trouble begins. They might decide your favorite pair of shoes looks like a fun chew toy, or they could rearrange your furniture because they’re bored and need something to do. So, the key to happiness with a Belgian Malinois is: keep them busy, and they’ll be your most dedicated companion.
They are excellent at obedience training, so much so that you’ll find yourself amazed at how quickly they can master new tricks. If you think you’re up for the challenge, they’ll reward you with unshakable loyalty and a bond like no other.
5. Siberian Husky
Ah, the Siberian Husky: the wolf-dog breed that looks like it was designed for a life of snow, ice, and endless running. The only problem is, unless you live at the North Pole, they’ll want to bring that level of energy into your living room.
These dogs are essentially walking (or running) engines of joy and chaos, and they have no chill when it comes to activity. If you think your Husky will happily lounge around while you sip your coffee and scroll through Instagram, think again. They’re probably too busy plotting how to escape your backyard to notice you.
Huskies were bred to pull sleds across frozen landscapes, which means they’ve got the stamina of a marathon runner—and they’d love for you to be their running buddy.
A leisurely walk? That’s a suggestion.
A jog? Now you’re talking.
These dogs are natural escape artists, so if you’ve got a fence, you might want to check its height—and your Husky’s plot for world domination.
But here’s the thing: despite all that energy, they’re super friendly and affectionate. Huskies are known for their playful personalities and love for people, so don’t expect them to act like serious guard dogs. They’d rather make friends with the burglar than chase him off. Just be sure to keep the snow shovels handy, because they’ll be dragging you all over the place.
6. Dalmatian
If you’ve ever seen a Dalmatian, you know they’re famous for those distinct black (or liver) spots. But what’s less famous, though, is their incredible energy. If you’re looking for a dog who’s as fast as lightning and just as unpredictable, look no further than the Dalmatian.
In the past, Dalmatians served as carriage dogs, trotting beside horse-drawn carriages to help clear the path and guard the horses. They needed to be athletic, quick, and packed with endurance — traits they still possess in abundance today.
Purina says that although Dalmatians are a Non-Sporting breed, they are muscular, high-endurance athletes with strong hindquarters that allow them to move effortlessly.
A Dalmatian will probably try to run a marathon the first time you take them out, so prepare to get your steps in. Want to play fetch? They’ll bring the ball back faster than you can throw it. Ready for a long walk?
Dalmatians are always ready. They are intelligent, loyal, and fiercely active, which means they need more than just a quick stroll around the block. They need to be mentally and physically challenged, or they’ll take matters into their own paws. And by “taking matters into their paws,” I mean they might chew up your shoes, knock over your furniture, or run in circles just to keep themselves entertained.
But don’t let that fool you—Dalmatians are also known for being affectionate and forming strong bonds with their families. They’ll make great companions for active individuals or families who love the outdoors.
7. Irish Setter
If energy had a color, it would probably be red. Specifically, the Irish Setter’s shiny, reddish-brown coat. This breed is practically a bundle of speed on four legs, always ready to sprint, leap, or run with the wind.
They’re the type of dog who might run laps in the yard for no reason, just because they can. Known for their high energy and boundless enthusiasm, Irish Setters are the life of the party in dog form.
Irish Setters were originally bred for hunting, so they’ve got the stamina and drive to keep going for hours. Their sleek bodies and long legs make them built for speed, and they’re incredibly fast. If you’ve ever tried to take one on a walk, you probably found yourself jogging just to keep up.
If you’re not an active person, an Irish Setter might have you questioning your own fitness routine—but hey, that’s a good thing, right?
These dogs are extremely friendly and playful, making them wonderful companions for families or anyone looking for a dog who’s always in the mood for fun. But don’t be fooled by their happy-go-lucky nature—Irish Setters need to run and exercise regularly to burn off all that energy.
Without enough activity, they can become a bit… let’s just say, creative with their “playtime,” which may involve chewing on furniture or digging up your garden.
Conclusion
When considering low-calmness dog breeds, it’s important to recognize that every individual dog has its own temperament and traits, even within calm breeds. Gentle giants like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Great Danes are known for being calm dogs, especially around children and other animals, making them wonderful pets for a peaceful house. Smaller breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and Basset Hound also tend to be low energy and enjoy spending time cuddling with humans rather than being overly active.
While training and socialization with strangers are still important, many of these breeds are naturally quiet, highly trainable, and shed moderately. Their calm nature means they tend to bark less and are a good fit for families looking for a healthy, loving companion. Whether choosing a puppy or an adult dog, focusing on calm, affectionate traits will ensure a loyal, low-stress furry friend for years to come.
