Sensory overload is the most draining thing in this fast-paced world, where sound pollution is the constant BGM. It’s no wonder someone wants to hide under a blanket while cuddling their favourite dog breed to relieve stress and anxiety that has become a part of our lives like an uninvited, overstaying guest!
Not all of us are fans of Zoomies and loud howling, some people admire silence and a dog that matches their calm, zen vibes!
According to a study by the AHA, some dog breeds help lower cortisol levels, a.k.a. the stress hormone! So, your furry family member can be your unpaid therapist and can help you stay happy with a healthy mind.
Let’s see which affectionate, calm companions have made it to this list of side-hustling as great therapy dogs!
7 Calm and Collected Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, stays true to its name, as calm and collected as a wise king on its throne- that means your lap! Their gentle temperament and calm demeanor show their royal roots.
So, the question is, what are the pros and cons of having this dog in your home?
First, let’s talk about the pros! This small dog has a longer life expectancy, which means it’s not going to leave you soon. It is generally very healthy, so you don’t have to worry about the vet bills or huge maintenance charges!
Whenever you come home, it will greet you with its happy face and mesmerizing big eyes. They are great with children and even the mischievous cats.
However, things can take a drastic turn if you don’t socialize them and give them the space they need. They also need their time to chill and cool, says Blisscavaliar Rescue.
2. Boerboel
This scary-looking dog is a sweetheart that not only loves a relaxed lifestyle but can also act as a strong, independent, and loyal guard dog.
These dogs are perfect for a quiet home; they are peaceful and don’t like to be vocal, unless it is absolutely necessary!
If you love being active and going on long walks or hikes, this pup loves spending time with their humans. Just make sure not to over-sweat them, as it’s hard for them to clean because of their wrinkles!
Perfect for owners who are looking for a low-maintenance but high-energy protective dog that can be their guard dog as well as their bud, who can sense their anxiety!
3. Bichon Frise
Now, it’s time to talk about this cuddle monster and the most intelligent breed, which is highly trainable and can make you smile instantly. When I saw this breed on BGT, I was blown away by how genius it is.
This video has always astounded me, and I love to share it with you guys, so we can admire this dog together!
This delicate and energetic dog is just too adorable. They love kids and adults. They don’t bark much, don’t need exercise much, plus they eat minimally, the only major expense is their grooming cost, which is the happy price you can pay for all the qualities of this good boy.
This cute toy breed, a teddy bear look-alike, can surely calm your soul. Their sass and smile are just top tier!
4. Irish Wolfhound
Whoever is looking for a gentle giant, this tallest breed can be your next friend. This breed looks like an alien with its long, wiry coat. However, they are the sweetest cuddle buddies, who can be extremely playful.
They are laid-back observers and tend to stay around their owners. They love to help around the house with anything you train them for.
They are always fun at dog parks and can be great conversation starters if you have social anxiety.
However, you must keep in mind that they might chase small animals because of their higher prey drive. They are not aggressive and are very adaptable, which is always a good indicator of a calm canine.
5. Bergamasco Sheepdog
This breed is all about partnership! Bregamasco Sheepdog loves working, they will follow your every command, so they are a perfect match for farm land owners looking for a co-worker who is sweet, intelligent, and one of the calmest dogs.
Their long hair and twisted ropes are perfect for colder climates. When you can’t imagine stepping out, they will guard your state happily and stay protected in their fur. Just make sure you don’t let their coat get matted, otherwise it’s chaos that you won’t be able to handle on your own.
They have a happy presence and a calming personality. They not only provide a sense of security to you but other animals and pets. They love herding as they were originally bred to herd sheep.
This breed can help take off a lot of the burden off your shoulders and will make sure your lifestyle stays relaxed.
6. Saint Bernard
So, you want a big lap dog who acts like a pressure blanket and calms you down in any stressful situation. Saint Bernards are notoriously good in high-pressure rescue situations.
Just imagine you are stranded on a snowy peak, contemplating all of your life choices, and suddenly you see a big dog appearing out of nowhere, and its smiling expression calms your nerves and signals that it is here to help.
It’s not just a dog but a hero and a legend. Their gentle demeanor and beloved personality are greatly admired by AKC. Just be prepared to sweep fur balls because they shed a lot, and be ready to receive sloppy kisses from this extraordinary, powerful puppy.
As massive, high-energy dogs, their food consumption is higher, so be prepared when they are back home from all the rescuing, they eat, nap, and will not give up the couch! Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that this lazy dog is so chivalrous.
7. Basset hounds
Finally, I have a Basset hound for you. The most laid back and lazy dog with puppy dog eyes that can guilt trap you in giving them all the treats they want.
Every dog has their own personality, but this specific breed is a scent hound. It’s the ultimate snack seekers. You can’t hide their favourite food from them. Only food’s smell and aroma keep them motivated.
This cartoon-like breed with its droopy ears and wrinkles can make you forget all your worries. They love to sit and stay cool. They are extremely friendly with other pets and kids.
For anyone who wants endless entertainment should own this comical dog who is the inspiration behind Droopy.
Final Thoughts
Some dog breeds are naturally calmer than other dog breeds. The recent research by Broad Institute on dogs’ temperament suggests that their personality is influenced by a combination of genetics, the environment they live in, observe around, and the training they go through from puppyhood.
These breeds have been bred for centuries to possess these gentleness and calming traits. As descendants of the wolves, we can’t expect all of the dogs to be peace-loving. But these breeds are a different story. They are loyal, relaxed , reduce stress and anxiety, give all the emotion support you need from them.
These calming dogs also encourage you to participate in dog-friendly activities that not only can be soothing but are rewarding for the companionship between you and your dog. Just remember, owning a dog is not a privilege but a responsibility, claims the American Kennel Club (AKC).
So, it is always in your best interest to socialize and train your dog and be a responsible owner. They can bring joy, comfort, and entertainment to your life.
