Looking for a peaceful pup that won’t turn your apartment into a barking arena? You’re in the right place!
Calm dog breeds are perfect for apartment living, not just because they’re less likely to wake the neighbors, but also because they adapt better to smaller spaces and low-activity households.
According to Southgate Apartments, calm dogs are quieter, happier, and way less stressed indoors. Whether you’re a first-time owner, a chill homebody, or someone craving canine companionship without the chaos, these mellow mutts are the ultimate furry roommates.
Let’s meet the most zen dogs on the planet!
Most Calmest Dog Breeds in the World
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
According to PDSA, once adored by English royalty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brings elegance and warmth in a small, fuzzy package.
Known for its gentle temperament, this breed is among the calmer dogs, perfect for apartment life. Cavaliers are soft-spoken and affectionate—ideal lap dogs for someone who enjoys a slower pace.
Their quiet nature makes them excellent therapy dogs, offering comfort without chaos. They’re easy to maintain with moderate brushing and don’t bark unless they have something meaningful to say.
They thrive in calm environments and adore snuggling beside their humans. Though friendly, they won’t bounce off the walls. Their charm lies in their loving gaze and soft touch. While not overly active, they do enjoy short walks and heartfelt cuddles.
Fun Fact
Despite their royal roots, Cavaliers are often called “comfort spaniels” because they were once used to warm laps and even attract fleas away from their owners in historic European courts.
2. Basset Hound
With those long, droopy ears and soulful eyes, the Basset Hound is impossible not to love. This low-slung hound has a sweet temperament and a nose that could out-sniff just about any dog.
But when it comes to home life, they’re surprisingly laid-back. Bassets have a gentle demeanor and rarely get worked up—ideal for folks craving a peaceful companion. Their low-key dogs’ behavior and deep, soft bark make them perfect for quiet households.
They do shed a bit and need occasional cleaning around the ears, but their low-energy nature makes up for it. Bassets are affectionate, loyal, and one of the most lovable dogs around. They’re happiest when lounging near their humans or ambling around the yard.
Fun Fact
Basset Hounds have such powerful noses that they can track a scent even days later—and their sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound!
3. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound may look like a giant from a fairy tale, but it was originally bred to hunt wolves and protect homes. Don’t let the size fool you—these towering dogs are famously calm and patient.
They carry a noble, almost serene air and are content lounging peacefully beside their owner. Their deep bark is rare, making them surprisingly quiet for their size.
Though they need regular exercise and enjoy long walks, Irish Wolfhounds are not overly energetic indoors. They’re highly trainable, gentle with kids, and polite around other pets. Maintenance is easy—occasional brushing and a spacious napping spot are all they ask, as per PetMD.
Fun Fact
In ancient Ireland, owning an Irish Wolfhound was a privilege reserved for kings and nobles, and gifting one was considered the highest honor among warriors and chieftains.
4. Saint Bernard
With its towering size and warm eyes, the Saint Bernard is a true gentle soul. These gentle giants are surprisingly calm and quiet, making them perfect for homes that can handle a bit more fur and love.
Their peaceful nature and deep love make them excellent indoor companions, even if they do take up most of the couch! Often called couch potatoes, they’re happy to lounge and snuggle, though they do need walks to stay healthy.
Saint Bernards rarely bark unless needed, and their mellow, affectionate spirit is a delight for families. They’re great with small children and other pets, as long as you’re okay with a little drool and brushing. Their big hearts match their size—and they’re as loyal as dogs come.
Fun Fact
Despite their mountain rescue reputation, Saint Bernards don’t actually carry barrels of brandy on their necks—that’s a myth popularized by paintings and movies!
5. Great Dane
With legs that seem to stretch for days, the Great Dane looks more like a horse than a dog, but this breed once guarded estates and hunted wild boars, according to WebMD.
Today, they’re known for being easygoing and quiet, perfect for families who want a calm yet impressive companion. They rarely bark, and their soft-spoken personality wins over guests in seconds.
These gentle giants are the definition of loyalty, always watching over their family with gentle eyes. They’re friendly with children and tend to be polite with strangers, though their size can be intimidating to some. Surprisingly low-maintenance for their size, a daily walk and lots of love are all they need.
Fun Fact
Scooby-Doo was inspired by a Great Dane! Though the cartoon pup was goofy and nervous, real Great Danes are calm, confident, and brave protectors.
6. Newfoundland
Covered in thick, water-resistant fur, the Newfoundland looks like a giant teddy bear—and kind of acts like one, too. Known for their gentle demeanor, these dogs are calm, devoted, and amazing with children.
Though their size is impressive, they are among the quietest giant breeds around, rarely barking and always watching over the home like a furry guardian.
They do require high-maintenance grooming thanks to their dense coats, and they need consistent exercise to stay healthy.
Their loving nature makes them ideal service animals, and they’re often used in water rescues due to their strength and swimming skills. Be ready for drool—but also for endless love.
Fun Fact
Newfoundlands have webbed feet! This unique trait helps them swim with incredible strength, making them natural-born lifeguards.
7. Clumber Spaniel
With a soft, wrinkly face and sleepy eyes, the Clumber Spaniel looks like he just woke up from the world’s best nap—and he probably did.
This breed is calm, friendly, and slow to bark, making them ideal for quieter households. Though they were once prized as a hunting dog, today they’re known for being one of the most relaxed spaniels around.
Clumbers are a bit of a lazy dog, happy to loaf around but secretly great at dog sports when motivated. Their thick coats need brushing, and while they’re not big barkers, they may snore like an old grandpa. Friendly and easy to love, they enjoy socializing but never demand attention.
Fun Fact
Clumber Spaniels were named after Clumber Park in England, where the breed was developed for quiet, slow-paced hunting in heavy brush. Moreover, they are the largest flushing spaniels according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
8. Pekingese
The Pekingese may be small, but it carries itself like royalty—because it once was! These fluffy little pups are known for their calm, confident, and sometimes cat-like demeanor.
Their quiet presence and low-energy nature make them wonderful indoor companions. Perfect for apartment life, their gentle temperament means they’re not likely to bark much unless provoked.
While they don’t require much exercise, they do love a good stroll and enjoy mental stimulation through toys or play.
Pekingese are best suited for calm households and may prefer adults or older children. Socializing them early helps with interactions with other animals. Their coats need regular grooming, but their loyalty is well worth it.
Fun Fact
Pekingese puppies were once carried in the sleeves of Chinese nobles as “sleeve dogs,” meant to protect the royals if danger ever appeared!
9. Greyhound
Often mistaken for being high-energy, the Greyhound is actually one of the most easygoing and calm breeds once retired from the track.
Known for their graceful stride and slender frame, these dogs are surprisingly lazy indoors and enjoy long naps more than long runs. Their calm temperament makes them amazing pets for peaceful homes.
Though they need a daily walk, they’re content with a soft bed and your companionship. Greyhounds are easily trained and bond deeply with their owners.
They are loving, quiet, and get along well with children and other pets. They’re shy at first, but become fast friends once trust is built. Grooming is a breeze with their short coat.
Fun Fact
Greyhounds have a unique “double-suspension gallop,” meaning all four feet leave the ground twice in one stride—the same way a cheetah runs!
10. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a city dweller’s dream—compact, charming, and one of the calmest canines around. With their signature bat ears and big eyes, they capture hearts quickly.
These dogs have a kind temperament and rarely bark, making them ideal for apartment living or homes with noise-sensitive neighbors.
Frenchies don’t require much exercise, and their short coats need little grooming. They’re playful yet mellow and love curling up with their humans.
Known as good family dogs, they’re affectionate with children and polite around guests. Social by nature, they thrive on companionship and shouldn’t be left alone too long.
Fun Fact
French Bulldogs can’t swim! Their short legs and heavy heads make them sink quickly, so always keep them away from deep water, even in a pool.
Conclusion
Calm dog breeds bring peace, love, and a touch of joy into any home. Whether you’re drawn to a lazy dog who enjoys long naps or one that thrives on leisurely walks, there’s a perfect pup out there for you.
From once working dogs to playful, easy-going companions, these breeds prove that quiet doesn’t mean boring—it means balanced, affectionate, and beautifully in tune with a relaxed lifestyle.
