Some dogs bring endless energy and excitement. Others bring calm, focus, and quiet companionship. And the dog lovers can choose one, keeping in mind their personalities and preferences.
If you want to do your homework on the calmest and obedient dog breeds, those who listen well, stay composed, and fit beautifully into peaceful family life or service roles, this piece is for you!
These dogs have the sweet nature, intelligence, and gentle demeanor that make training a joy and obedience second nature. If you want a loving therapy dog, a perfect pet for small children, or simply a calm companion to share your quiet moments, these breeds stand out.
Most Calm And Obedient Dog Breeds
We have compiled nine such dog breeds that are perfect for peaceful and loving homes.
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. And for good reason! Not only are Labs friendly and outgoing, but they also have a calm demeanor and are incredibly obedient. However, the American Kennel Club (AKC) states that you need to train them properly in their puppyhood, to be specific.
Originally bred as working dogs, Labradors have natural athleticism, and they love dog sports. But with proper training sessions and early socialization, they adapt wonderfully to family life and service dog roles, which could be either guide dogs or therapy dogs.
Key traits:
Highly trainable and eager to please
Great family pets and get along well with other dogs
Need regular exercise to balance their boundless energy
Labradors’ high intelligence and gentle nature make them one of the best dog breeds for anyone who wants a calm and obedient friend. A bonus here is that this doggo is an energetic playmate as well.
2. Golden Retriever
Much like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever is a classic example of an obedient dog breed with a sweet and gentle nature. They are widely known for their loving temperament, and that is why a Golden is a calm, intelligent dog that is JUST perfect for families with small children or those looking for a therapy dog.
They respond so good to positive reinforcement training and are highly adaptable. The best thing about them is that they thrive in active lifestyles and quieter environments alike.
Key Traits:
Excellent for obedience training and therapy dog work
Strong bonds with family and children
Gentle and affectionate companions
Golden Retrievers offer a playful nature with a calm demeanor, and this one quality makes them a perfect dog for both adventure and relaxation.
3. Standard Poodle
You have to agree; these dogs have an elegant appreciation of their own kind. Standard Poodles are an incredibly intelligent breed and one of the most obedient breeds out there. As per PetMD, they were/are water dogs bred to hunt waterfowl.
Today, they excel in dog sports, obedience training, and mental stimulation. Part of the reason behind their being such a show-off is that they love to learn and excel at whatever you teach them, as mentioned by Purina.
They have a hypoallergenic coat and calm personality; 2 reasons why they are ideal companions for families/individuals who want a trainable, gentle dog with a refined and groomed presence.
Key Traits:
Quick learners who enjoy training sessions
Thrive with mental enrichment and positive reinforcement
Perfect for those with allergies or who want a calm pet
They blend brains, beauty, and obedience like few other animals. A completely ideal choice for a calm and attentive pet.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
If you want a gentle giant with a calm demeanor, this dog is hard to beat. Known for their sweet nature and incredible loyalty, Berners are calm, obedient, and perfect for families who want a big and loving pet. Despite being a large breed, they are surprisingly calm with children and other pets.
You need to keep your training sessions short with them and try to keep them challenged. All part of their obedience training program.
Key Traits:
Naturally calm and patient
Great with small dogs, children, and other animals
Needs moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy
Bernese Mountain dogs bring warmth, calm, and dependable companionship to any family that’s lucky enough to have one.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, AKA “newfies,” are famous for their sweet and calm disposition and obedient nature. Often called “gentle giants”, these dogs are perfect for therapy work and families because they are affectionate, patient, and docile.
They are also outgoing and intelligent, and never get aggressive, that’s why AKC suggests starting their training early on, so they can be groomed into well-mannered and well-settled house pets.
Key Traits:
Gentle nature, strong-willed, forming strong bonds with family
Perfect for active lifestyles that include water and outdoor play (Yes, they love swimming).
High energy, easy to train, and eager to please attitude.
If you want a loving and calm dog who’s also sweet and dependable (Plus, a big one), the Newfoundland has to be your guy!!
6. Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees are known for their calm and patient temperament, especially with children and other animals. Originally bred as guard dogs for livestock, they are intelligent and obedient but also affectionate and gentle.
However, a bummer! Your favorite dog is an intelligent thinker and might not understand the point of all that sitting, standing, fetching, and ordering around you’d do in obedience training. So, you need to be very mindful of positive reinforcement.
Key Traits:
Calm personality with natural protective instincts
Obedient, but only with consistent and gentle guidance
Ideal for families who want a peaceful and attentive dog.
The Great Pyrenees offers both calmness and confidence, which makes them a unique and loving pet.
7. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a bit more energetic breed, but still ranks higher among obedient dogs due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Purina mentions that they bond so closely with their owners because of a sensitive nature, and therefore, are highly obedient. They are gentle, trainable, and calm when given proper exercise and mental stimulation.
They excel in dog sports and obedience training.
Key traits:
Incredibly intelligent breed, quick to learn some complex tricks
Need regular exercise to channel their energy positively
Known for a sweet nature
They combine energy with obedience. Great companions for families who want an active but well-mannered dog.
8. Whippet
Whippets might surprise you as one of the calmest and obedient dog breeds. Though they are known for their speed and natural athleticism, Whippets have a gentle and quiet nature at home. As per AKC, they are known as “Poor Man’s Racehorse” because they are lightning fast.
Originally bred as hunting dogs, Whippets are intelligent and respond well to obedience training, enjoying gentle guidance and mental stimulation. They are affectionate lap dogs who love cuddling after their bursts of play.
Key traits:
Calm and gentle demeanor indoors
Highly trainable with positive reinforcement
Perfect for families or those living in apartments due to their quiet nature
Whippets offer the energy of a hunting dog with a surprisingly calm disposition. A wonderful choice for anyone seeking an obedient yet gentle pet.
9. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are beloved for their affectionate nature and obedient attitude. They are intelligent, highly trainable, and thrive on companionship. They are also ideal for families and therapy work. Plus, their calm demeanor and playful nature make them perfect for homes looking for a dog that’s easy to train but still lively and loving.
Key Traits:
Excellent for obedience training and dog sports
Gentle and sweet nature, good with children and other dogs
Need mental stimulation and regular exercise
Springers are a balanced blend of calm and playful. Ideal for anyone looking for a well-behaved and affectionate dog.
Final Thoughts
For the calmest and obedient dogs, these breeds stand out for their sweet nature, intelligence, and trainability. They are perfect for families, therapy work, or anyone looking for a gentle companion who listens well and fits into a peaceful home. Australian Cattle Dog, Miniature Schnauzer, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some more breeds that offer calm energy and dependable companionship.
With proper training, early socialization, and regular mental and physical exercise, these dogs will become beloved members of your family and bring years of joy.
