Calm Dog Breeds: 15 Laid‑Back, Low‑Barking Picks for Real Life
Looking for a calm dog breeds because the neighbor already hates your doorbell… and your dog thinks it’s a duet? Same.
I’ve lived with a very opinionated Westie (hi, Monty 👑), so I’ve learned sometimes the hard way that calm comes from good genetics + good routines.
The list below spotlights breeds with a chilled default, and the training tweaks that keep the peace.
TL;DR: Calm ≠ couch potato. Calm dogs still need walks, sniffing, and a job (even if that job is “chew this stuffed moose while I zoom”).
Calm ≠ Couch Potato (Quick‑Ref)
• Daily movement (30–60 minutes scaled to size) • Enrichment (lick mats, puzzle feeders, snuffle boxes) • Decompression time (quiet naps, predictable routine)
What “Calm” Really Means (and what it doesn’t)
“Calm” is that steady, easy‑to‑settle temperament you notice after a short walk—dog exhales, flops, vibes.
It’s low arousal, not no exercise.
Genetics sets the baseline (some breeds trend mellow), but socialization, routine, and enrichment keep the needle there.
FYI, you can absolutely teach “settle” and reduce barking triggers with management. (We’ll do that below.)
15 Calm Dog Breeds (grouped by size)
Each section includes quick facts you can skim in, like, 10 seconds flat.
Small & Apartment‑Friendly (6)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At a glance: Small | Low–moderate energy | Usually quiet | 30–45 min/day | High grooming (pro trims) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Soft, people‑pleasing, easy to settle after a stroll.
Keep them content: Nose‑work games + gentle fetch. Try: Lick mat on Amazon.
Health note: Ask breeders about mitral valve disease screening.
Bichon Frise
At a glance: Small | Moderate energy | Typically moderate‑quiet | 30–45 min/day | High grooming (pro every 6–8 weeks) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Companion‑bred; happiest as a house shadow.
Keep them content: Short training bursts + snuffle mat.
Shih Tzu
At a glance: Small | Low–moderate energy | Usually quiet at home | 30–40 min/day | High grooming (pro) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Lap‑leaning, adaptable, apartment‑savvy.
Keep them content: Food‑stuffed chew + window watching (with a perch).
Havanese
At a glance: Small | Moderate energy | Moderate‑quiet | 30–45 min/day | High grooming (pro) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Cheerful companion dog that settles fast with company.
Keep them content: Trick training + flirt‑pole micro sprints (indoor).
Whippet
At a glance: Small–medium | Low–moderate energy (zoomies, then nap) | Quiet indoors | 40–50 min/day | Low grooming | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Sprinter, not a marathoner; world‑class couch artist.
Keep them content: Sprint + sunbeam. Add: snug house coat for AC chills.
Maltese
At a glance: Small | Low–moderate energy | Moderate‑quiet | 30–40 min/day | High grooming (pro) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Classic lap dog with a sweet, easygoing vibe.
Keep them content: Soft toy rotation + short sniffy walks.
Medium & Mellow (4)
Clumber Spaniel
At a glance: Medium | Low–moderate energy | Usually quiet | 40–50 min/day | Moderate grooming | First‑time friendly (with guidance)
Why calm: Big softie with a “slow‑roll” lifestyle.
Keep them content: Food puzzles + easy fetch in the yard.
Basset Hound
At a glance: Medium | Low–moderate energy | House‑quiet; may bay outdoors | 40–50 min/day | Moderate grooming | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Chill homebody; scent work scratches the itch.
Keep them content: Sniff walks + sturdy chew (they’re jawy).
Standard Poodle
At a glance: Medium–large | Moderate energy | Generally polite/quiet | 45–60 min/day | High grooming (pro) | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Brainy + biddable; channels energy into training.
Keep them content: 5‑minute trick sessions, twice daily; food toys.
Cocker Spaniel (English or American)
At a glance: Medium | Moderate energy | Moderate‑quiet with outlets | 45–55 min/day | Moderate grooming | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: Sweet‑natured when needs get met; thrives on routine.
Keep them content: Scent games + easy retrieve.
Gentle Giants (5)
Great Dane
At a glance: Giant | Low–moderate energy | Indoor quiet | 45–60 min/day (split) | Low grooming | First‑time friendly (space needed)
Why calm: Big body, bigger lap‑dog energy; settles nicely inside.
Keep them content: Two short walks + chew rotation. Budget for giant‑breed costs.
Newfoundland
At a glance: Giant | Low–moderate energy | Generally quiet | 45–60 min/day | High shedding | First‑time friendly (with space)
Why calm: Sweet‑tempered “nanny dog” vibes.
Keep them content: Water play + cooling mat for warm climates.
Bernese Mountain Dog
At a glance: Large | Moderate energy | Usually polite/quiet | 45–60 min/day | Heavy shedding | First‑time friendly (guided)
Why calm: Gentle, people‑oriented; heat can be tough.
Keep them content: Early AM/PM walks + grooming routine.
Irish Wolfhound
At a glance: Giant | Low–moderate energy | Quiet indoors | 40–50 min/day | Low grooming | First‑time friendly (experienced trainer helps)
Why calm: Sensitive, dignified, sofa philosopher.
Keep them content: Gentle strolls + soft bed for long limbs.
Greyhound
At a glance: Large | Low–moderate energy (sprints) | Quiet indoors | 40–50 min/day | Low grooming | First‑time friendly ✅
Why calm: “45‑mph couch potato.” Retired racers make stellar companions.
Keep them content: Short zoomies + cozy jammies if your AC blasts.
Curveball: the Basenji (the “barkless” dog)
Reality check: Basenjis yodel instead of bark, and they’re clever, athletic, cat‑clean.
Calm? Not by default.
If you love them, cool, just plan for brain games and secure fencing.
Calm Small Breeds for Apartments (cheat sheet)
From the list above, these shine in small spaces: Cavalier, Bichon, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, Whippet.
Add: white‑noise machine, window‑film on trigger windows, and a polite elevator routine (sit + treat while doors open).
Calm & (More) Allergen‑Friendly Picks
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic (sorry).
Some coats shed less dander: Bichon Frise, Poodles (all sizes), Portuguese Water Dog, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo.
Budget time/money for regular grooming.
How to Make Any Dog Calmer (and quieter)
Why dogs vocalize: alerting, boredom, frustration, separation, fear. Tackle the why first.
Your game plan:
- Management: Frosted window film on barky windows; white noise near thin walls; baby gate “quiet zone.”
- Enrichment: Daily food puzzles, scatter feeding, snuffle boxes, stuffed Kongs.
- Training: Teach a “settle on a mat” cue; reinforce quiet moments. Reward like you mean it.
- Decompression: Sniffy walks > miles. Short, frequent outings beat one long chaos march in summer.
Starter gear picks (US‑available): snuffle mat, puzzle feeder, window privacy film, white‑noise machine.
Therapy‑Dog Naturals (calm, people‑loving)
Calm helps, but therapy work is about the team (you + your dog) and real‑world evaluations.
Breeds often seen in therapy programs: Cavalier, Standard Poodle, Golden Retriever, Labrador, Greyhound, Whippet, Bichon but any solid temperament can qualify with training and testing.
Start here: AKC Therapy Dog titles, Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
Before You Choose (ethics & safety)
- Flat‑faced breeds: Cute, yes. Also prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, heat risk, anesthesia concerns. Research, meet breeders who health‑test, and plan for climate control.
- Health‑heavy breeds: Cavaliers (heart), many giants (orthopedic costs, shorter lifespans). Ask about health screening; consider pet insurance.
- Hypoallergenic truth: Marketing oversells it. Manage via grooming, HEPA filters, and cleaning routines.
- Quiet ≠ suppressed: Don’t punish communication. Meet needs, then train.
Signed, Sealed, De-Woofed
You want peace, not a silent statue. Totally doable.
Pick a breed with a mellow baseline, set up smart routines, and your evenings start sounding like…. well, Netflix and a gentle snore.
If you’re curious about other dog breeds (small, sporty, or “help‑my‑kids‑want‑a‑puppy”), I’ve got more guides coming. Stay tuned! 😊
Sources & Further Reading
- AKC Staff & Breed Experts • Calm/Apartment lists + individual breed profiles: https://www.akc.org
- PetMD (Vet‑Reviewed) • Low‑energy dogs & apartment picks: https://www.petmd.com
- ASPCA • Why Dogs Bark (behavior types/training): https://www.aspca.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals • Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: https://vcahospitals.com
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine • BOAS & breathing issues: https://www.vet.cornell.edu
- AKC Therapy Dog Titles • Program overview: https://www.akc.org/sports/titles/therapy-dog-titles/
- Pet Partners • Therapy animal team standards: https://petpartners.org/
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs • Testing & registration: https://www.therapydogs.com/
FAQ’s About Calm Dog Breeds
1. What are the calmest small dog breeds?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Maltese, and (surprise!)Whippet. They settle fast after short outings and love a tidy routine.
2. Are calm dog breeds also quiet?
Usually, yes, because a steady temperament keeps arousal low. But environment matters: block window triggers, add enrichment, and train a “settle” cue to lock in the quiet.
3. Can I make a high‑energy breed calmer?
Absolutely. You’ll stack the deck with decompression walks, brain games, and consistent sleep/wake times. Think more structure, less chaos, especially during hot afternoons.
4. Which big dogs are calm indoors?
Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Irish Wolfhounds, and Greyhounds often snooze like champs after modest exercise. Space and budget still matter.
5. Is any breed truly barkless?
The Basenji doesn’t bark, but it yodels. Charming! Also mischievous. Plan for training and secure fencing, not a hush‑by‑default unicorn.
PS: Monty approves this message. He also suggests we rename “zoomies” to “executive sprints,” purely for branding. 🙃
About The Author
