Choosing the right pet is crucial for anyone looking to add a furry member to their family. Selecting a dog breed that mirrors these qualities is essential if you value peace and tranquility. Are you searching for an easy going dog breed? This article dives into the top 10 easy going dog breeds known for their calm and friendly nature. Whether you live in an apartment list or a house with a backyard, there’s a perfect breed for every setting.
In addition to temperament, it’s essential to consider other factors such as size, exercise needs, and grooming requirements when choosing your ideal dog. An easygoing breed doesn’t necessarily mean a low-maintenance breed. Some may require regular exercise to maintain calm strips, while others need frequent grooming. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview, helping you find a breed that fits your lifestyle and enriches it with its calm and loving presence.
Labrador Retriever (Yellow Lab)
- Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada to retrieve fish and birds while hunting and fishing, Labs make excellent sporting dogs.
- Known for their friendly, eager-to-please personalities and moderate energy levels, Labs also make wonderful family pets and service dogs.
- The Labrador breed comes in three color variations: yellow, black, and chocolate brown.
- Yellow Labradors range from light cream to fox-red in color with noses/eyes ranging from amber sceats to brown.
- Labs have weather resistant double-layer coats designed for spending long hours in water retrieving downed prey.
- Requires daily exercise and mental stimulation – easy to train and responsive to positive reinforcement.
- Prone to obesity if not exercised sufficiently – need 30-60 minutes of brisk daily activity.
- Sociable, gentle nature makes them poor guard dogs but excellent playmates for children.
- Size ranges from 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall at shoulder; females 55-70 lbs, males 65-80 lbs.
- Life expectancy is 10-12 years on average.
- Labs shed moderately year-round; weekly brushing helps remove loose hair.
The yellow Labrador Retriever is not just popular in the United States; it’s adored worldwide for its friendly nature and intelligent disposition. This popularity often leads many prospective pet owners to search for Yellow Labrador puppies for sale, hoping to bring home a Lab known for its versatility and adaptability. Labs are equally comfortable lounging on the couch as they are playing fetch in the park. Their trainability and gentle temperament make them excellent service animals and family pets. Yellow Labs are mainly known for their patience with children and their ability to get along with other pets, making them a sought-after breed for families.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Bred as a companion dog and lapdog for royalty in the 17th century, the Cavalier maintains its sweet and gentle temperament today.
- The breed sports a smooth, silky coat that comes in four color variations: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor, black and tan, and ruby.
- Cavaliers grow to between 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 13 to 18 pounds on average.
- Known for its friendly, playful personality, the Cavalier thrives on being with people and closely bonded with its family.
- While energetic and active outdoors, the Cavalier is content to be a house dog, adaptinging well to apartment living.
- The breed is an excellent choice for novice dog owners, as Cavaliers are eager to please, trainable, and fast learners.
- Cavaliers need daily moderate exercise but do not require intense physical activity.
- Health issues to watch for include mitral valve heart disease, syringomyelia, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation.
- Grooming requires weekly brushing to control shedding and keep the coat knot-free.
- With its sweet expression and affectionate ways, the Cavalier makes for a loving companion dog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the epitome of a companion dog. They possess a regal elegance but are far from aloof. These dogs crave human interaction and bond deeply with their family members. Despite their small size, they have a hearty constitution and enjoy playful activities and relaxing by your side. Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for various lifestyle, from the active to the more passive.
Basset Hound
- Originally bred in France to hunt rabbits and hare, the Basset Hound is known for its keen sense of smell and tracking abilities.
- Bassets have short legs, loose skin, and extremely long, droopy ears – features that aid their ability to pick up scents on ground trails.
- The Basset coat comes in a variety of colors like tri-color, red and white, and lemon and white.
- A friendly, patient breed that gets along well with children, Bassets make good family companions.
- Bassets require daily moderate walks and lots of playtime to meet exercise needs and prevent obesity.
- Training a Basset calls for creativity and positive reinforcement as they can be stubborn yet also eager to please.
- The breed is notorious for its loud, resonating howl which served its original hunting purpose.
- Health considerations include eye issues, bloat, elbow dysplasia, thrombopathia, and intervertebral disc issues.
- Weekly brushing and occasional bathing maintain the Basset coat keeping it sleek and shiny.
- While slower moving at home, the Basset enjoys brisk walks and lots of sniffing time exploring the outdoors.
The Basset Hound, with its distinctive long ears and sad eyes, is a breed that exudes calmness. These dogs are incredibly laid-back and have a sweet, gentle nature. They are not the most energetic breed, preferring leisurely walks and lounging around the house. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent pets for families with children and older individuals looking for a low-maintenance companion.
Bulldog
- Originally used for bull baiting in England, Bulldog breeds eventually transitioned into beloved companions.
- Despite their stern, frowning look, Bulldogs have friendly and gentle dispositions and don’t require much exercise.
- Bulldogs are a short yet wide breed, with thickset bodies, large heads, and trademark engine undershot jaws.
- Their coats come in various color combinations but are fine, straight, and short in length.
- Prone to overheating, Bulldogs shouldn’t be overexerted and need access to shade and water.
- Susceptible to numerous health issues like hip dysplasia, cherry eye, and respiratory problems.
- Bulldog puppies can be delivered by caesarean section due to their large heads.
- Because of facial fold issues, Bulldogs require regular cleaning of their face and nose wrinkles.
- Bulldogs tend to snore loudly and are messy drinkers due to their shortened muzzles.
- Despite some Stubborn tendencies, Bulldogs aim to please their owners making them fairly trainable.
Contrary to their tough exterior, Bulldogs are known for their one gentle and affectionate nature. They are particularly well-suited for families with children due to their patience and sturdy build, which can withstand the playful antics of kids. Bulldogs are not high-energy dogs; they enjoy short walks and lots of nap time. They are ideal for apartment dwellers or those without a big backyard.
Shih Tzu
- Bred to be companion dogs and house pets for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus are affectionate, playful, and loyal.
- The long, dense coat of a Shih Tzu requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent tangles and matting.
- Ideally the Shih Tzu coat is kept long and flowing, tied up in a topknot on top of the head.
- Shih Tzus grow to between 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 9 to 16 pounds fully grown.
- While lively and energetic in short bursts, Shih Tzus are equally happy napping or cuddling in laps.
- Intelligent and eager to please, Shih Tzus learn quickly with positive reinforcement training methods.
- Common health issues seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, eye infections, and respiratory problems.
- Due to their small size, Shih Tzus should be supervised around very young children.
- The Shih Tzu needs daily short walks and some active indoor play sessions.
- With minimal shedding and their bright, sweet-natured personality, Shih Tzus make ideal apartment pets.
The Shih Tzu, a breed that originated in royal Chinese courts, is known for its affectionate and friendly nature. These dogs are great companions who enjoy being pampered and loved. They are relatively low-energy but do enjoy short walks and playtime. Their small size makes them perfect for city living, and they adapt well to different environments.
Greyhound
- Bred for speed and agility to chase down prey like hares over long distances, Greyhounds display athletic, aerodynamic builds.
- Greyhounds grow to between 28 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 60 to 100 pounds on average.
- Greyhound coats come in a variety fun of patterns and more than 18 colors from cream to brindle to bi-colored variations.
- Prone to bloat and bone cancers, regular health screenings and preventive care are important for Greyhounds.
- Despite their size and speed, properly exercised Greyhounds enjoy lounging and are relatively inactive indoors.
- Most Greyhounds are adopted retired racers and must be house trained and taught how to be full-time pets.
- Sweet-tempered and extremely tolerant of children and other pets, Greyhounds blend in well with families.
- As sight hounds bred to spot and chase prey, Greyhounds should be leashed when outside unfenced areas.
- Greyhounds tend to have short bursts of high energy and spend the rest of their daytime sleeping.
- Regular tooth brushing and nail trimming maintains optimal Greyhound health alongside monthly heartworm medication.
Greyhounds are often misunderstood as high-energy dogs due to their racing background. However, in a home environment, they are incredibly laid-back and affectionate. Known as “45-mph couch potatoes,” they enjoy bursts of speed but are primarily content lounging around. They are gentle and well-mannered and make excellent pets, especially for those who appreciate a calm and discreet companion.
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Newfoundland
- Originally bred as working dogs to help fishermen haul nets and rescue people from water, Newfoundlands are natural swimmers with webbed feet.
- Covered in thick, slightly oily, water-resistant double coats, Newfoundland fur comes in black, brown, gray, or black and white.
- Male Newfoundlands grow very large, ranging from 26 to 28 inches tall and 130 to 150 pounds of mostly muscle.
- Despite their giant size, Newfoundlands are calm, patient, and loyal, making them excellent therapy and service dogs.
- Prone to serious health issues like subvalvular aortic stenosis and gastric torsion, responsible breeding and tests are crucial.
- Newfoundland puppies grow rapidly, needing several small meals spaced throughout the day.
- Intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable but can be stubborn and determined at times.
- Require daily moderate exercise like brisk walks but avoid strenuous activity in hot humid weather.
- Heavy seasonal shedding means Newfoundlands require weekly brushing year-round.
- With proper socialization and training, Newfoundlands make exceptionally gentle companions for children.
Newfoundlands are large dogs with an even larger heart. They are known for their sweet and gentle nature. Despite their size, they are incredibly patient and protective, making them excellent family pets, especially in households with children. Newfoundlands require space to move around, so they are best suited for homes with large yards.
Irish Setter
- Best known for its sleek, rich mahogany red coat that showcases the elegant and athletic silhouette of the breed.
- Originally from Ireland, the Irish Setter was used to “set” or point game birds during a hunt using their keen sense of smell.
- An affectionate family dog that requires lots of interactive exercise and outdoor access to thrive and avoid destructive tendencies.
- Irish Setters range in height from 25-27 inches at the shoulder and 50 to 70 pounds in weight depending on gender.
- Bred for endurance outdoors while hunting, the Irish Setter loves long brisk walks, running, and interactive play sessions.
- Training requires motivation and firm leadership paired with positive reinforcement to channel this high-energy breed.
- Irish Setters tend to shed constantly and have longer silky feathering requiring extra care to prevent matting.
- Health issues seen in the breed include canine hip dysplasia, epilepsy, patent ductus arteriosus and osteochondrosis disease.
- Irish Setters get along well with older respectful children but their exuberance requires monitoring around toddlers.
- Breed requirements include plenty of physical and mental exercise paired with strong training and attention to prevent problem behaviors.
Irish Setters are not just beautiful; they have a personality to match. They are friendly, outgoing, and have a playful spirit. While they do require regular exercise, they are not overly hyperactive. Their friendly nature means they get along well with people and other pets, making them an excellent choice for an active family.
Bernese Mountain Dog
- Historically used as drafting and driving dogs pulling carts in Switzerland, Bernese make powerful, sturdy workers.
- Bernese Mountain Dogs have a distinctive tri-colored coat pattern of black, white, and rust-brown fur.
- Males grow to between 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder; females 23 to 26 inches tall.
- Despite their large size, Bernese have an affectionate, loyal temperament and aim to please their owners.
- Prone to health issues like elbow and hip dysplasia, Berners have shorter life spans, living 6 to 8 years on average.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their kind, affectionate nature. They are large but gentle, and their calm demeanor makes them excellent family pets. They are intelligent and easy to train, a bonus for first-time dog owners. They do well in colder climates and require space to roam, so a home with a yard is ideal.
Pug
- Known for their clownish, mischievous personalities and deeply wrinkled short muzzles.
- The Pug coat comes in two colors: fawn or black, with a tightly curled tail bobbing over the hip.
- Ideal height for Pugs is 14 to 18 inches tall thanks to their sturdy, compact frames.
- As brachycephalic dogs, Pugs can easily overheat and have trouble breathing during physical exertion.
- Train pugs throughrepetition, consistency and plenty of tasty incentives suited to their food motivation.
- Health considerations include dermatitis, hip dysplasia, elongated palates, patellar luxation and eye protrusions.
Pugs are known for their playful and affectionate personality. They are small but have a significant presence, often entertaining their families with their quirky atlantic spice. Pugs adapt well to various living situations, making them suitable for apartments and houses. They enjoy being around people and are great companions for those looking for a dog with a lot of character.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog breed, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and what you want in a pet. The species listed in this article are known for their easygoing and gentle nature, making them perfect companions for those seeking a peaceful and loving pet. Remember, while breeds can have general traits, each dog is unique, so it’s essential to meet a few before making your final decision. Regardless of your species, you will find a loyal and loving friend for life.
This expanded article provides in-depth insights into each breed, highlighting their unique characteristics and suitability for different living situations. This comprehensive overview is ideal for potential pet owners seeking a calm and easygoing canine companion.


