Peacefulness means more than having a quiet house. It also means you have a sense of emotional balance, a feeling of comfort, and a slow-paced way of life. If you seek peace, it would be wise to acknowledge that your dog can be a very big factor in your need for quietness.
All dogs eventually bring their own special quality of love and warmth to a household. Among them, some kinds of dogs that are calm by nature and are friendly can be considered excellent companions, especially those with a calm disposition.
No matter what your living situation is, single, working from home, or just liking the slow and steady lifestyle, the following breeds will be your pick for the calm temperament, quiet furry friends that many pet owners love.
Below are the top nine companion dogs known to be calm and to easily blend into a peaceful, slow-pacing lifestyle.
Dog Breeds for a Peaceful and Relaxed Lifestyle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If there were a breed developed specifically for emotional support and comfort, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be it. According to PetMD, this breed is known for its incredibly gentle demeanor and easygoing nature.
This breed fits well into any owner’s schedule and lifestyle. Owners can choose to spend hours cuddling with their Cavalier or take a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood; whatever the owner chooses to do, the Cavalier will adapt to it.
This breed is ideal for anyone who wants a dog that will provide emotional support and companionship to seniors, families, and/or individuals. Their calm and friendly nature, along with their loving demeanor, creates a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Their large brown eyes and soft coats only add to their comfortable presence, making them feel like a warm, living stress relief blanket. Even though this breed has a rich and regal history, they are humble and simply love to be close to their owners.
2. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a large, powerful dog that has an affectionate nature and a low energy level. While their imposing size may seem intimidating, the AKC reports that Boerboels are confident, calm, and very loyal dogs.
Boerboels were originally used as quiet guardians of homes and farms. Since they were never intended to bark excessively or move quickly while performing their duties, their calm nature is a result of their original purpose and breeding.
Boerboels enjoy routine and structure in their daily lives and thrive in a peaceful, non-stressful environment, making them compatible with other pets. With proper training, they become excellent, gentle protectors who are unlikely to react to noise or stress.
Having a Boerboel lying quietly at your feet is one of the most reassuring things you will ever see – a large dog with a massive heart contentedly existing alongside you.
3. Bergamasco Sheepdog
While the Bergamasco Sheepdog has a unique, dramatic coat due to its special “fleece” texture, its actual temperament is very calm and easy-going, making it a gentle soul.
Originally used as shepherds’ companions, Bergamascos were trained to think quietly and to perform their duties without emotion – characteristics that are still evident today.
Generally good with children and other animals, the low-maintenance and healthy Bergamasco is far more than its striking coat. These dogs are eager to please, intelligent, and deeply devoted to their work, staying patient yet protective.
Bergamascos are gentle and affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family. They are not overly energetic or demanding and maintain a consistent level of energy throughout the day. Bergamascos are perfect for those who want a peaceful and observant dog that quietly goes through life with confidence.
4. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog that exudes a serene presence. Originally bred as temple watchdogs, these dogs spent years observing the world from high temple walls.
Purina points to their gentle disposition, elegance, and devotion, qualities that make them excellent therapy dogs. Like cats, Tibbies (as they’re often called) love to lounge in the sun, snuggle up with a soft blanket, and generally enjoy a peaceful existence.
Tibbies love to show affection but won’t overwhelm you, making them ideal for people who want love in moderation. Their peaceful demeanor and large, lion-like mane only add to their appeal as the perfect home companions that thrive on human companionship.
These small dogs have a calm, observant nature and make excellent watchdogs, quickly alerting their owners to unusual sounds or visitors. Tibetan Spaniels are intelligent, though that sharp mind can sometimes come with a bit of stubbornness.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are known globally as “gentle giants” because, despite their enormity, they are among the most laid-back breeds in the world. An Irish Wolfhound’s presence can give any home a sense of grounding and stability.
Irish Wolfhounds do not need to run constantly to stay happy and are fine with short walks followed by long naps. Their movements are slow and deliberate, and their eyes are soft and sensitive.
Despite their history as hunting dogs, Irish Wolfhounds today are much more relaxed and laid-back than their ancestors. They are perfect for owners who want a large dog with an equally large heart and who can provide enough mental stimulation.
6. Basset Hound
There are few breeds that capture “the slower you go, the faster you get there” better than the Basset Hound. Basset Hounds are known for being laid back and generally prefer the company of others to running around and playing.
Basset Hounds’ long ears, sad eyes, and droopy face all reflect their calm demeanor. Basset Hounds are content to take leisurely strolls and spend hours lounging.
Even when they do bark, their barks are deep and low. Basset Hounds also need to be able to live in a household that will allow them to sleep near their owners without being disturbed.
Despite their laid-back nature, Basset Hounds are independent thinkers. Their strong sense of smell and hunting instincts can tempt them to wander, so it’s important to keep them in a secure area or on a lead during walks.
7. Clumber Spaniel
Many people refer to the Clumber Spaniel as the most docile of the spaniels. While they may appear to be large, the Clumber Spaniel is a slow-moving breed with a calm demeanor that is characterized by a sweet disposition and consistent energy levels.
It is considered to be one of the most popular breeds of dogs for those looking for a calm pet, particularly for those who require a companion that is relatively low maintenance and does not require constant stimulation.
While Clumber Spaniels enjoy taking long walks and lying down for extended periods of time, they are very much a go-slow breed and therefore would suit many quiet households. As well as enjoying walking and relaxing, Spaniels have a tendency to roll slowly across the floor, which reflects the calming effect they tend to produce wherever they go.
They form strong bonds with their owners, and while they are loyal and devoted, they are very much understated and subtle in their expressions of affection.
8. Pekingese
Pekingese have had a history of royalty, and like royalty, they are typically tranquil rather than active. Pekingese dogs are typically independent, quiet, and emotionally well-adjusted.
Pekingese dogs generally observe things happening rather than actively participate in activities, and therefore, they are suitable for those owners who are seeking an independent breed known for their independent nature that is relatively low-maintenance in terms of activity levels.
As Pekingese have the physical attributes of a lion, a soft coat, and a regal expression, they tend to provide a peaceful environment and are known for their quiet companionship. They are capable of forming deep bonds with their owner and have big hearts, but they are generally composed and not easily excited.
These lap dogs are confident in their ability to relax and enjoy their lives, and therefore, are suitable for apartment dwellers or anyone else seeking a calm companion.
9. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is widely regarded as one of the calmest and gentle dog breeds, often having fewer health issues compared to other large breeds available today, and they have a strong desire to please. While their massive size could potentially lead someone to believe that Saint Bernards would possess high levels of intensity, nothing could be further from the truth.
Saint Bernards are slow-moving, and while they are highly affectionate, they are also highly bonded to their owner. Therefore, Saint Bernards are best suited to households that value relaxation and routine.
In addition to providing a calming presence in a busy household, Saint Bernards have historically been used as Alpine rescue dogs and therefore, are steady, reliable, and extremely kind.
Conclusion
A peaceful life with a dog is not about changing the personality of a high-energy dog through training – rather, it involves picking a dog whose nature and energy level are similar to yours. The breeds described here are all good family dogs and loyal companions, tranquil and emotionally stable by nature. , tranquil and emotionally stable by nature, thus, they are ideal for those leading a slow, comfy lifestyle without constant stimulation.
No matter whether it is the gentle expressiveness of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the regal serenity of a Saint Bernard, or the silent assurance of a Tibetan Spaniel, all the dog breeds mentioned above, known to be excellent family pets, contribute to the peace and harmony of a home. These canines were not trained to be calm like most other breeds; they are calm because that is their true nature, which is appreciated by dog owners.
