Calm, quiet dog breeds
Low-energy breeds that bark little, ideal where neighbours are close.
A calm dog is not an apathetic dog: it is a dog whose baseline arousal is low and that doesn't need to burn off energy constantly. For anyone living in a block of flats, or simply after a peaceful household, this matters more than size.
The list combines low energy, low intensity and little barking. Remember that most boredom barking is fixed with stimulation and exercise, not with breed choice.
Top 24 breeds
- 1. Chow Chow 67%
- 2. Clumber Spaniel 67%
- 3. Irish Wolfhound 67%
- 4. Neapolitan Mastiff 67%
- 5. Azawakh 60%
- 6. Borzoi 60%
- 7. Bull-Pei 60%
- 8. Chinese Crested 60%
- 9. Dogue de Bordeaux 60%
- 10. Dorkie 60%
- 11. Japanese Chin 60%
- 12. Saint Bernard 60%
- 13. Shih-Poo 60%
- 14. Spanish Mastiff 60%
- 15. Akbash 53%
- 16. Basenji 53%
- 17. BoShih 53%
- 18. Bordoodle 53%
- 19. Cavapoo 53%
- 20. Coton de Tulear 53%
- 21. Doberman Pinscher 53%
- 22. Eurasier 53%
- 23. Havanese 53%
- 24. Labradane 53%
The percentage shows how well each breed matches the criteria of this guide, not how "good" the breed is.
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- Best dog breeds for apartment living Breeds that cope well with a flat: moderate size, moderate energy and little barking.
- Best dog breeds for families with children Breeds that are affectionate with the family, tolerant with children and sociable with other dogs.
- Best dog breeds for first-time owners Breeds suited to people who have never had a dog: easy to train and forgiving of mistakes.
- Dog breeds that shed very little Breeds with minimal shedding and little drooling, for people who don't want hair everywhere.
- Dog breeds that tolerate being left alone More independent breeds, for people who are out of the house during the day.
- Best dog breeds for older people Manageable size, low energy and a docile temperament for easy day-to-day living.
- Best dog breeds for runners and active people Breeds with the energy and stamina for running, hiking or dog sports.
- Easiest dog breeds to train Breeds that learn quickly and respond well to training.
- Dog breeds that handle hot weather well Breeds adapted to hard summers.
- Best guard dog breeds Territorial, protective breeds suited to guarding with an experienced owner.
- Dog breeds that get on well with other dogs Sociable breeds, for homes that already have a dog or for regular dog-park visitors.