Right, Let’s Settle In: Finding a Dog That Won’t Climb the Curtains
The back door swings open and in barrels Fern, my whirlwind of a Spaniel, looking less like a dog and more like a mobile peat bog. She does a victory lap of the kitchen, spraying mud in a perfect 360-degree arc while Buster, the Lab, just raises an eyebrow from his bed, clearly calculating if any of the mud is edible. It’s moments like these you find yourself idly wondering… are there dogs that come with an ‘off’ switch?
Many of us dream of a canine companion who prefers a cosy spot by the fire to a frantic game of fetch in a downpour. But what does ‘calm’ really mean when it comes to a dog? It’s not about being lazy, but about having a steady, easy-going temperament. It’s a dog with a low-to-moderate energy level, who is generally placid, adaptable, and less prone to anxiety or high-strung behaviours.
Key Takeaway: A dog’s breed is a brilliant starting point for predicting temperament, but it’s only half the story. Training, socialisation, and individual personality are just as crucial in shaping a peaceful companion.
Our Top Picks for Placid Pups: 15 of the Calmest Dog Breeds
After much debate with the board of directors (Buster voted for any breed that likes biscuits, Fern abstained to chase a fly, and Margo the cat remained unimpressed on her radiator), here are 15 breeds known for their more laid-back approach to life.
1. The Basset Hound
At a Glance
- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 12-13 years
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
Temperament & Personality
Instantly recognisable by their long, droopy ears and soulful eyes, Basset Hounds are the definition of low-key. They are famously good-natured, placid, and get on well with children and other pets. Originally bred for scenting, they’re happiest when they have something to sniff.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
That incredible nose can be a double-edged sword. Once a Basset is on a scent, they can be stubbornly single-minded, so a solid recall is essential. Also, be prepared for drool and for those magnificent ears to dip into every puddle and food bowl.
2. The Greyhound
At a Glance
- Size: Large
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
This might surprise you, but these world-class sprinters are actually world-class loungers. Greyhounds are known as ’45-mph couch potatoes’ for a reason. They adore a good snooze and are remarkably gentle and quiet around the home. A short, daily burst of running is often all they need.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
They are calm indoors, but their high prey drive is hard-wired. You’ll need a securely fenced garden, as a squirrel or rabbit will trigger their inner rocket. Most retired racers have never seen stairs or glass doors, so a patient introduction to home life is key.
3. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
At a Glance
- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
Bred to be the ultimate lap dog, the Cavalier is sweet-natured, affectionate, and utterly devoted to its people. They are adaptable and just as happy in a flat in town as a house in the country, as long as they’re with you. They have a cheerful disposition and are not known for being yappy.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Their trusting nature means they’ll make friends with everyone, so they don’t make the best guard dogs. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Be aware of their potential health issues and always go to a reputable breeder or rescue.
4. The Great Dane
At a Glance
- Size: Giant
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
The quintessential ‘gentle giant’. Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are known for their sweet, patient, and dependable nature. They often seem to be unaware of their own bulk and may try to be a lap dog. They are surprisingly graceful and need less exercise than you might think once they’re out of puppyhood.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Everything is bigger: food bills, vet bills, and the sheer amount of space they take up on the sofa. A tail at table height can clear a coffee table in one happy wag. Early training and socialisation are vital to manage their size and strength.
5. The Newfoundland
At a Glance
- Size: Giant
- Lifespan: 9-10 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
The ‘nanny dog’ of Peter Pan fame, the Newfoundland is a legend for its sweet, gentle, and patient temperament. They have a natural love for children and are famously docile. These dogs are powerful swimmers and possess a calm-but-watchful demeanour.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Think of your hoover as a close personal friend, because you’ll be seeing a lot of each other. Their thick, double coat sheds profusely and can bring half the forest back with it after a walk. And the drool… well, let’s just say have cloths handy in every room.
6. The Bernese Mountain Dog
At a Glance
- Size: Large
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
Good-natured, self-assured, and placid, the Bernese is a loyal family companion. Originally all-purpose farm dogs from the Swiss Alps, they are strong and sturdy but have a famously sweet disposition. They thrive on being part of family activities but don’t demand constant attention.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
That beautiful thick coat is designed for cold mountains, not warm central heating. They can overheat easily in summer and shed heavily. Their shorter lifespan can be a source of heartbreak for their devoted families, which is an important emotional consideration.
7. The Whippet
At a Glance
- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
Temperament & Personality
Much like their larger Greyhound cousins, Whippets are quiet, gentle souls indoors who love nothing more than curling up on the softest surface they can find. They are adaptable and intelligent, but also possess that sighthound speed and prey drive when they’re outdoors.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
They are not fans of the cold or rain, so you’ll need a good collection of dog coats for winter walks. Their thin skin can be prone to nicks and scrapes. Like Greyhounds, a secure garden is a must-have.
8. The Saint Bernard
At a Glance
- Size: Giant
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
Famed for their alpine rescues, Saint Bernards are patient, watchful, and incredibly tolerant. They move slowly and deliberately, and despite their size, are very careful around family members. They are true gentle giants with a calm and loving nature.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Drool and shedding are significant. They are built for cold weather and can struggle in the heat. Their sheer size requires a lot of space and a commitment to training to ensure they are well-behaved gentle giants, not unruly ones.
9. The Clumber Spaniel
At a Glance
- Size: Medium to Large
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
The largest of the spaniel breeds, the Clumber is a more sedate and slow-moving character than his cousin, our Fern. They are dignified, mellow, and amusingly stoic. They are loyal companions who enjoy a steady walk but are equally happy with a good long nap.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
They can be heavy shedders and are known to be prodigious snorers. Like the Basset, they can be a bit stubborn when their nose takes over. They’re a rare breed, so finding one may take time and research.
10. The Bichon Frise
At a Glance
- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
These little white powder puffs are cheerful, playful, and charming. While they have bursts of energy, they are generally considered a calm and happy-go-lucky breed. They are intelligent and relatively easy to train, making them great companions.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
That non-shedding coat is a huge plus, but it comes at a price: it requires constant professional grooming to prevent matting. They can also be prone to separation anxiety, as they bond very closely with their families.
11. The English Bulldog
At a Glance
- Size: Medium
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
Don’t let the grumpy face fool you; the Bulldog is an affectionate and gentle soul. They are incredibly laid-back and are happiest when snoozing at their owner’s feet. They are courageous and loyal but have very low endurance.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Be prepared for a symphony of snoring, snorting, and other… gaseous emissions. They overheat very easily and are not suited for long walks. Those adorable wrinkles need regular cleaning to prevent skin infections.
12. The Irish Wolfhound
At a Glance
- Size: Giant
- Lifespan: 6-8 years
- Exercise Needs: Moderate
Temperament & Personality
The tallest of all dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is a picture of serene dignity. They are remarkably calm, gentle, and introverted. They are patient with children and possess a quiet wisdom. Despite their historic role as fierce hunters, they are now famously tranquil companions.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Like other giant breeds, they need a lot of space. The biggest challenge for many is their heartbreakingly short lifespan. The cost of their care, from food to potential vet bills, is also a significant consideration.
13. The Pug
At a Glance
- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
Pugs live to love and be loved. They are charming, mischievous, and have a steady, even temperament. They are not built for running marathons; their idea of a good time is following you from room to room before settling down for a nap. Their motto is ‘a lot of dog in a small space’.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Like Bulldogs, they are brachycephalic (flat-faced) and struggle with breathing, especially in the heat. They are also prone to overeating—that pleading look is hard to resist! That curly tail is cute, but the wrinkles need cleaning.
14. The Tibetan Spaniel
At a Glance
- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
Not a true spaniel, these little dogs were bred in Tibetan monasteries to be companions and watchdogs. They are intelligent, independent, and serene. They enjoy perching on high places (like the back of the sofa) to keep watch, a trait Margo the cat would surely approve of.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
Their independent streak can sometimes be mistaken for stubbornness. They are sensitive dogs that don’t respond well to harsh training methods. They will bark to alert you to strangers, fulfilling their ancient watchdog duties.
15. The Shih Tzu
At a Glance
- Size: Small
- Lifespan: 10-18 years
- Exercise Needs: Low
Temperament & Personality
Bred for centuries to be a pampered companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu has perfected the art of being an affectionate lap dog. They are outgoing, trusting, and have a surprisingly sturdy build for a small dog. Their main purpose in life is to love their owners.
The Mud Test: Peak District Practicality
That glorious coat requires daily grooming or needs to be kept in a shorter ‘puppy cut’. They can be notoriously difficult to house-train, so patience is a virtue. Like other flat-faced breeds, they can be sensitive to high temperatures.
Finding the Right Fit: Calm Dogs by Size
Sometimes, the size of the dog is just as important as their temperament. Here’s a quick breakdown of our list to help you narrow it down.
- The Gentle Giants (Large & Giant Breeds): Greyhound, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound.
- The Mellow Midsizers (Medium Breeds): Basset Hound, Whippet, Clumber Spaniel, English Bulldog.
- The Laid-Back Little ‘uns (Small Breeds): Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Pug, Tibetan Spaniel, Shih Tzu.
Hold Your Horses: It’s Not Just About the Breed
Picking a breed known for its calm nature is a great start, but it’s no guarantee. Remember these crucial points:
- Training & Socialisation: A well-trained and well-socialised dog is a confident dog, and a confident dog is a calm dog. Early exposure to different sights, sounds, and people is vital.
- Exercise & Mental Stimulation: A bored dog is a destructive dog. Even the calmest breeds need appropriate outlets for their energy, whether it’s a gentle stroll, a good sniff in the woods, or a puzzle toy to keep their brain ticking over.
- Talk to the Experts: Don’t overlook your local rescue centre. The staff there know the individual personalities of their dogs inside and out. They can match you with a specific dog—be it a crossbreed or a purebred—whose calm temperament is a known quantity, not just a breed stereotype.
The Final Word from the Fireside
Finding the right dog is about matching their needs and temperament to your lifestyle. A ‘calm’ dog isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; the placid Basset Hound and the serene Great Dane offer very different experiences. Do your research, be honest about what you can provide, and remember that every dog is an individual. With a bit of thought, you can find the perfect, peaceful companion to share your sofa with—one who might even sleep through the chaos of a muddy spaniel’s return.
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