Every dog has a natural predisposition to react to certain stimuli such as sounds, smells, and objects. The steady-tempered dog breeds are gentle, calm, and don’t get annoyed easily.
They maintain their composure in certain situations and respond to the stimuli in a measured way without growling, lunging, or showing any other signs of stress.
Steady, tempered dogs love lounging and are not too vocal. However, they bark to inform you about the potential dangers. Most calm dog breeds are low maintenance and require less exercise and less attention as compared to other dogs.
Such dog breeds might like to play a game of fetch with the kids or would rather prefer to let someone else fetch something, like a sweet treat. Have a look at the top 9 dog breeds with a calm demeanor that will win hearts.
Steady Temperament Dog Breeds
1. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
One of the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers have friendly and loyal personalities. They have a calm, affectionate, and playful nature, making them an excellent choice for families seeking a steady temperament canine companion.
Due to their easygoing personalities and eagerness to please, they serve as great therapy dogs. They have a natural tendency to stay calm and loyal to their owners in various situations. Despite having a stable temperament, Goldens are high-energy dogs who excel at retrieving.
They channel their energy in positive directions through games of fetch, obedience, and agility. Golden Retrievers get along well with children due to their steady temperament.
2. Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
These wrinkly-faced canines are often underestimated for their gentle and loyal nature, but they are incredibly steady and faithful to their owners. They have a stout and stocky body and a smooshed-in nose that emits delightful snoring.
If you are looking for a gentle buddy to accompany you at the end of a long day, a bulldog might be a good fit for you. These good-natured and easygoing fellows can often be found hanging out under the dining room table.
According to PetMD, bulldogs are muscular dogs weighing around 50 pounds. But they think of themselves as lap dogs. Their flat faces look adorable, but they increase their risk of getting heatstroke in hot weather.
3. Basset Hound
Breed Profile
Height: Under 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 13 years
Basset hounds are a low-energy dog that originated in France and Belgium. These slow and laid-back pups are incredibly loyal to their owners. It is a calm dog breed having a stable temperament that makes it the most affectionate companion.
The word “basset” in their name means “low,” referring to their short legs and low-lying bodies. Despite having a gentle nature, Basset hounds have an independent streak, which makes training a bit challenging.
They thrive in homes with children and other pets. Basset hounds need moderate daily exercise of one hour for physical and mental stimulation.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are small dogs known for their prestigious nobility and gentle nature. Bred by the royals like King Charles I and Charles II, their round eyes and sweet temperament make them irresistible.
They are friendly and affectionate dogs with an eagerness to please. They form strong bonds with their owners and are easy to handle due to their steady nature. Their expressive faces let them communicate with their owners.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels possess the ability to attune themselves to human emotions, which is why they make great therapy dogs. They do well in homes with children and multiple family members. They are also well-suited for apartment living.
5. Boerboel
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 150 to 200 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 11 years
Boerboel, also known as the South African mastiff or the “farmer’s dog, was originally bred to protect homesteads alongside large guard dogs like bull and mastiffs. According to the American Kennel Club, this imposing dog is devoted to protecting their favorite humans and property.
Boerboels are the true gentle giants known for their calm personalities. These loyal and highly intelligent fur buddies love being an integral part of their human family. Boerboels are protective by nature and require two hours of exercise to stay fit.
They are well-suited for homes with older kids and adults. Proper socialization and consistent training, along with positive reinforcement, are important for Boerboels, as they are a bit skeptical of new faces and pets at first.
6. Tibetan Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: Around 10 inches
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Popular for their small size, playful nature, and happy attitude, Tibetan spaniels make the best apartment dogs. These devoted companions love their humans but are standoffish towards strangers. Therefore, it is important to socialize them from an early age.
Tibetan spaniels worked as watchdogs in Tibetan monasteries and companions for Buddhist monks. They are intelligent, eager to please, and independent dogs. These alert and active dogs like human attention but are not clingy.
Tibetan spaniels love outings, playing games with their family, and dozing on the couch. They need 30 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise, including walks, play sessions, and opportunities to explore.
7. Irish Wolfhounds
Breed Profile
Height: Over 30 inches
Weight: 105 to 120 pounds
Lifespan: 6 to 8 years
One of the tallest dog breeds, the Irish wolfhound is a gentle and calm dog breed. These are the big dogs, having a height of 35 inches and weighing around 130 pounds. Despite their large size, they have a steady and gentle demeanor. This highly intelligent dog breed can learn commands very easily.
It is better to supervise an Irish wolfhound, especially around children, because they can accidentally knock them over. They are sensitive to human emotions and, therefore, are well-suited for therapy work. These medium-energy dogs require moderate exercise of 1 to 2 hours daily.
Irish wolfhounds are the sweet-tempered dogs who are typically very affectionate with their family. They are also known for being noble and sensitive.
8. Clumber Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 55 to 85 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
A calm and steady temperament does not always mean being a couch potato! Clumber spaniels are hunting dogs who require a lot of playtime and exercise, including long walks. These loyal canines are among the calm dog breeds in the sporting group.
Clumbers are the reliable dogs who love to think thoroughly before making a decision. They are affectionate, having a strong sense of dedication to their work. These large and strong dogs are good-natured, amiable, and dignified, says Purina.
They are as happy on a sofa as they are while following a scent. These amusing fellows are willing to perform any task that you teach them.
9. Pekingese
Breed Profile
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 14 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
These pint-sized pooches are the real definition of lap dogs. Having history as the emperors’ companion in China, they love being pampered by the people. Pekingese are the laid-back dogs having a friendly, outgoing, and stable temperament.
These extremely loving dogs form strong bonds with their owners but can also be very independent. However, they thrive in homes without children. Although they can adapt to homes with children, they do not prefer them.
Pekingese have relatively low exercise needs. Around 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity will suffice. Exercise can include short walks, gentle activities, and indoor play time to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
Conclusion
Steady and even-tempered dogs have a playful and gentle demeanor and develop firm connections with their humans. No matter what dog breed you adopt, it is important to take care of them and shower them with love and attention!
