Looking for a pup that’s more into power naps than power walks? You’re in the right place! The calmest and relaxed dog breeds are those sweet, snoozy companions who’d rather chill on the couch than chase squirrels all day. These canines tend to have a gentle demeanor, rarely bark unless there’s real trouble, and adapt beautifully to quiet households.
They’re the perfect match for homebodies, busy families, or anyone craving a stress-free furry sidekick. But hey, just like people, every dog has its quirks! A mellow breed doesn’t mean instant zen. Socialization and positive reinforcement go a long way in helping your pup feel comfy and confident.
So, if you dream of slow strolls, snuggle sessions, and a dog that actually appreciates your Netflix marathons, read on. We’ve rounded up calm and relaxed dog breeds that are basically the canine equivalent of a weighted blanket. Let’s meet your future chill buddy!
Most Relaxed Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the ultimate snuggle buddy with royal roots to prove it! Named after King Charles I and his lapdog-loving son, Charles II, these pups were once constant companions to British royalty, even tagging along to Parliament.
Bred to keep laps warm in drafty castles and chilly carriages, Cavaliers have mastered the art of cozy companionship. Their sweet, affectionate nature and gentle personality make them perfect for first-time pup parents, and it’s no surprise they’re a fan favorite—currently ranked 14th in popularity by the AKC.
Don’t let their dainty appearance fool you—Cavaliers may be lap dogs, but they’ve got a playful side or a splash of sporty energy in their genes. They enjoy daily walks, outdoor fun, and plenty of playtime, making them great for both active families and homebodies alike. They’re famously friendly with kids, other pets, and even strangers, but they do best with company and don’t love being left alone.
Heads up, though—off-leash adventures aren’t their thing. With a nose that loves to follow every fascinating scent, Cavaliers can get distracted and wander. A fenced yard or a trusty leash is the way to go.
Thanks to their calmness, intuitive nature, they also shine as therapy dogs, offering cuddles, comfort, and a whole lot of heart.
This breed was basically designed to be your shadow (and lap warmer). Cavaliers are happiest when they’re glued to your side—or snoozing contentedly on your legs. Sure, they love a good walk and a bit of brainy playtime, but once they’ve had their daily dose of fun, it’s straight back to couch cuddles and family hangouts.
Just a heads-up: Cavaliers have a serious case of the “Chase Reflex.” If it moves—squirrel, butterfly, car—you bet they’re off! So let’s just say they’re not known for street smarts. And as for being guard dogs? Hmm… unless your idea of home security is tail wags and kisses for intruders, they’re probably better suited as the welcome committee.
Did you know?
Our royal little friend ranks 44th on Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs list—right smack in the “average” zone for obedience smarts (out of 131 breeds, so hey, not too shabby!). But don’t be fooled—they still crush it in agility, obedience, and especially in therapy work thanks to their warm, loving hearts.
2. Basset Hound
Short, sweet, and built for snoozing—the Basset Hound is a low-riding legend of relaxation! Standing under 14 inches tall, these chill hound dog trace their roots back to France and Belgium, where monks at the Abbey of St. Hubert bred them for their excellent scent-tracking skills.
“Basset” literally means “low” in French, which is fitting for a pup who prefers life closer to the ground… and preferably on a cozy couch.
Basset Hounds were born to sniff—and once they catch a scent, good luck getting their attention back! These long-eared detectives are all nose, all the time. That laser focus makes them super alert and proudly independent… though let’s be honest, “stubborn” might be the better word when it comes to following directions.
Training a Basset can be a bit of a test in patience—they’re independent thinkers with a stubborn streak. But stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loving nap buddy who’s happy just hanging out and watching the world go by.
Known for their long, floppy ears and those famously soulful eyes, Basset Hounds are pure couch potato charm. While they’ll gladly waddle along for a slow stroll, they’re happiest when lounging and snuggling. Their mellow vibe makes them ideal for laid-back humans who prefer peace, quiet, and a loyal cuddle companion.
Fun Fact:
Purina states that when it comes to sniffing out scents, the Basset Hound is second only to the legendary Bloodhound—and it’s not just their nose doing all the heavy lifting. Those fabulous floppy ears? They’re actually mini scent-stirrers, sweeping smells right up to their nose. And that adorably droopy face? It traps all the good sniffs for maximum sniff-ability!
Thanks to this super sniffer setup, Bassets totally rock at AKC Scent Work and Tracking events—and let’s not forget Basset Hound Field Trials, where their noses really get to shine. Basically, if there’s a scent to follow, your Basset is already on the case (with ears flapping in the wind, of course).
3. Great Dane
Say hello to the Great Dane—a colossal cuddlebug with movie-star looks and a heart of gold. Sure, they’re built like superheroes, but their favorite superpower? Mastering the art of the nap. These mellow giants are total softies who’d rather sprawl across the couch than sprint around the yard.
They don’t need intense training sessions either—just a bit of patience and consistency. They’re eager to please, even if they take a moment to process commands. And with that massive frame, they don’t need to say much to be taken seriously—they make excellent deterrents just by standing there!
Just keep in mind, their sheer size can be a handful. They’re loving, not clumsy on purpose—but one enthusiastic tail wag could clear a coffee table. So, if you’ve got room in your home (and on your sofa), the Great Dane might just be your perfect, giant-sized soulmate.
As noted by Britannica, despite their intimidating size, Danes are all about love and loyalty. They’re famously gentle with kids, friendly with other pets, and have a calm presence that makes them ideal family companions. Barking? Only when it actually matters. Drama? Not their style.
While they do enjoy a daily stroll, they’re low-energy loungers at heart. Playtime is fun… for a little while. Then it’s back to being your oversized shadow, stretched out at your feet.
Fun Fact:
Despite the name, the Great Dane has no real ties to Denmark! In France, they were once called Grand Danois (“Big Danish”), but in Germany, they’re known more accurately as Deutsche Dogge—the “German Mastiff.” Either way, we just call them giant goofballs with a heart of gold.
4. Irish Wolfhound
With the heart of a poet and the body of a small horse, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the gentlest giants you’ll ever meet. Towering in size but soft in spirit, these dogs were once fierce hunters of wolves in 18th-century Ireland. Today? They’re more interested in sprawling across your couch and nudging your hand for one more scratch behind the ear.
Dating back as far as 391 AD (yes, you read that right!), this ancient breed was crafted by blending British native dogs with sleek Middle Eastern hounds.
Their job was once chasing wolves and warding off intruders, but don’t let that tough résumé fool you. These days, they’re all about peaceful vibes, big cuddles, and slow, leisurely walks.
They’re not barkers, nor are they fans of being left alone for too long. These sensitive sweethearts thrive on connection and a calm environment. Just remember, exercise is key—daily romps keep their big bodies and bigger hearts healthy. If you’re the kind of person who can offer love, space, and the occasional deer-proof fence, an Irish Wolfhound might just become your noble best friend.
Despite their massive frames—often tipping the scales at over 100 pounds—Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly mellow. They get along well with kids, other dogs, and just about anyone who gives them a kind word and a comfy spot to snooze.
However, those long legs come with a bit of wanderlust. If something small and furry darts by (hello, squirrel!), don’t be surprised if they give chase—old hunting instincts die hard!
5. Pekingese
In the world of small dogs with big attitudes, the Pekingese is a breath of fresh air. Calm, composed, and oh-so-regal, this little lion dog was bred to be royalty’s right-hand fluff back in ancient China—and it shows!
With their serene energy and graceful presence, Pekingese prefer lounging on velvet cushions (or your lap) over bouncing off the walls. If you’re craving a peaceful pup with poise, this breed might be your perfect match.
One of the most lovable things about Pekingese? Their unshakable loyalty. These pint-sized protectors form strong bonds with their humans and are always on alert in the most dignified way.
They’re not barky without reason, but if a stranger dares approach, you’ll hear about it—with surprising volume for such a small package. Still, they’re not noisy by nature—just selectively vocal when it counts.
Pekingese are famously mellow, gentle with children, and polite (if a bit aloof) with guests. They don’t need intense exercise or high-energy activities to stay happy—just a comfy spot to observe the world and someone they trust by their side. Think of them as the elegant, fluffy friend who prefers quality time and quiet companionship over chaos and commotion.
Fun fact:
These miniature monarchs once served as pint-sized palace watchdogs! Their tiny frames hid some big bark energy when it came to protecting their royal humans. A true blend of grace and grit, the Pekingese proves you don’t have to be loud or hyper to rule the room.
6. Saint Bernard
With their colossal heads, soulful eyes, and thick coats built for the snow, Saint Bernards may look like gentle giants—and that’s exactly what they are. These fluffy mountain dogs might seem intimidating at first glance, but under all that fur is a loving, laid-back companion who just wants a cozy corner and loves spending time with their favourite human.
Originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards were the ultimate rescue team, braving freezing temperatures, sniffing out buried travelers, and literally saving lives. One dog would stay behind to keep the person warm, while the other ran back to raise the alarm.
Despite their heroic past, these dogs are total couch potatoes at heart. Calm, affectionate, and surprisingly sensitive, they get along well with kids and pets, but they can be a bit too much dog for smaller folks to handle.
They’re not barky or overly energetic—just massive lovebugs who thrive in cool climates (and aren’t fans of hot summer strolls). If you’re dreaming of a snow-loving cuddle monster with a heart of gold, a Saint Bernard might just be your perfect match.
Did you know?
Thanks to their sharp senses and knack for navigation, Saint Bernards are credited with rescuing over 2,000 lost travelers in the Alps. They’d sniff out victims, dig through snow, and keep them warm until help arrived. One stayed behind for comfort, while the other ran back to raise the alarm.
Today? They’ve traded snowstorms for snuggles—but the hero spirit is still there, just under a few layers of fluff!
7. Newfoundland
With paws as big as saucers and hearts even bigger, Newfoundland dogs—or “Newfies” to those who know and adore them—are the ultimate gentle giants. Originally bred in chilly Newfoundland, Canada, these fluffy swimmers helped fishermen haul nets and rescue people from icy waters. So yes, they’re not just cuddle bugs—they’re lifeguard cuddle bugs.
Though they may look like sleepy bears, Newfies do need regular walks and playtime, especially if there’s a chance to splash around in water. Once they’ve burned off their energy, they’re more than happy to settle in for a good cuddle session.
While they aren’t exactly fast on the draw when it comes to training, they do learn well with a little patience and kindness—and let’s be honest, it’s hard to stay mad at that face.
They’re not the type to bark without reason, but if someone unfamiliar comes knocking, they’ll let you know with a booming woof. Still, they warm up quickly if you give the all-clear. Between their mellow attitude, loving nature, and deep devotion, it’s no wonder Newfies are considered one of the most lovable family dogs out there.
What really sets a Newfie apart, though, is their sweet temperament and soulful personality. As noted by WebMD, they are often nicknamed “nanny dogs” for being incredibly gentle with children and are patient enough to tolerate all the hugs, pokes, and tail-tugs little humans can throw at them.
Newfies are loyal to the core, eager to please, and an affectionate breed with just about everyone—including other dogs and family pets in a multipet house.
Fun fact:
Ever watched Peter Pan? That loyal dog “Nana,” looking after the Darling children, was inspired by a real Newfie—proof that these dogs really do have magical nanny vibes!
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a calm dog breed that fits seamlessly into family life, there are plenty of lovable dogs with a gentle temperament and calm demeanor to choose from. Breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Clumber Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and even smaller companions like Shih Tzus and Pugs are known for being great family pets that get along well with kids, other animals, and even cats.
These calm dogs generally require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their easygoing traits make them ideal for a relaxed household. Whether you’re considering large dogs or smaller breeds, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes temperament during the puppy years.
A calm temperament doesn’t happen by chance—it’s nurtured through good breeding, proper training, and a stable environment. While we’ve highlighted some top choices, many other breeds also share these wonderful qualities. With the right match, you’ll find a dog that’s not just easy to live with but becomes a true part of the family.
