The calmest dog breeds, the best dog breeds.

Choosing “your” dog breed

When considering the question of which breed to focus on, you need to consider several serious points:

Where the dog will spend the main part of its life: in a spacious or small apartment, in a country house, in free-range conditions on a farm or in an individual subsidiary plot.
What character is included in the breed characteristics of the dog, does it correspond to the temperament of the future owner.
Will the future owner be able to create the necessary conditions for his pet related to its maintenance? In other words, how much financial investment can someone who takes responsibility for the life and health of a pet that has not yet entered their life afford? In this case, we are not talking about how much you need to pay to buy a dog - we are talking about how much the future owner can allocate for its maintenance every month, taking into account the breed’s nutritional characteristics, health, and necessary care.

Calm dog breeds

Having considered these factors and decided on all the issues stated above, you can move on. If calm dog breeds are being considered for the role of a future companion, then first of all you should pay attention to large dogs.

These include:

Saint Bernard
German dog.
Newfoundland.
Bernese Mountain Dog.
Bloodhound.
Moscow watchdog.
Mastiff.

These good-natured giants only look menacing and impressive on the outside, but at heart they are calm hulks who endlessly love their owner and family members.

If the life of a four-legged family member will take place in a small space, enclosed within four walls, then you should consider calm breeds of dogs for the apartment. They are divided into two large groups.

Calm large dogs

1. Bernese Mountain Dog

The origin of the Bernese Mountain Dog breed is Switzerland. Their height reaches 71 cm, and their weight can be up to 50 kg.

Dogs of this breed are particularly devoted to their owners. They have the instincts of a herding dog. In the family they play the role of nanny and controller of children.

They are very friendly and calm in nature. The level of learning is not very high, which requires special patience from the owner.

Bernese Mountain Dogs shed heavily, requiring careful grooming.

Bernese Mountain Dog

2. St. Bernard

The St. Bernard's roots are in Switzerland. Height varies from 65 to 90 cm. Weight reaches 90 kg.

The purpose of breeding this breed was to be a rescue dog. They have a very patient nature. Saint Bernards are very sociable and easily become part of the family. Loneliness is very difficult to bear. They are quite unpretentious in care.

Saint Bernard

3. Great Dane

The height at the withers of this giant reaches 86 cm, and its weight is up to 90 kg. Great Danes require moderate grooming. These aristocrats have a gentle and patient character. The Great Dane is attentive and devoted to its owner.

Due to natural stubbornness and willfulness, it is recommended that experienced breeders own a Great Dane.

German dog

4. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland breed comes from Canada. These large animals reach a height of 74 cm and a weight of 68 kg. Despite their impressive size, they have a light, patient and obedient character. Newfics are easy to train, but do not tolerate harsh training methods.

These dogs love water treatments very much. Constant coat care is required.

Newfoundland

Calm small dog breeds

For small dogs in an apartment, it is enough to have a chair or sofa in which they will spend most of the time.

Tiny height, low weight, sweet nature, trustfulness and an unquenchable desire to please the owner are the hallmarks of small dogs.

But do not forget that most small dogs are representatives of hunting breeds that require significant physical activity, have innate aggression, are active and agile.

Given these characteristics, not all small dog breeds can be considered calm. These include only the following breeds:

Australian Silky Terrier.
Alaskan Klee Kai.
English toy terrier.
Bichon Frize. Boston Terrier.
Brussels Griffon.
Havanese Bichon.
Italian spinone.
Coton de tulear.
Italian Greyhound.
Lhasa Apso.
Pug.
Shih Tsu.
Japanese Chin.

Medium size dogs

Calm medium-sized dog breeds are animals with a height of up to 57 cm and a weight of up to 25 kg.

Such breeds are harmonious, have a strong physique, are quite active, and have high intelligence.

Among the calmest medium-sized dogs are the following breeds:

Basset Hound.
Clumber Spaniel.
Shar Pei.
English bulldog.
Barbet.
White Swiss Shepherd.

When considering the calmest dog breeds for an apartment, it is worth paying closer attention to several breeds that most clearly exhibit such characteristics as calmness, poise, and equanimity.

Dogs with a calm and balanced character for indoor keeping

The character of the dog is the determining factor when selecting a pet. A particularly important aspect of keeping a dog in small apartments is the pet’s restraint, controllability, and ability to get along with the whole family. Therefore, many people, when choosing a pet, pay attention to calm breeds of dogs for apartments, of which there are countless numbers. The most common dog breeds, distinguished by their calm, flexible, friendly and peace-loving character, include the following four-legged human friends: pug, toy poodle, shih tzu, golden retriever, English bulldog, basset hound.

Dogs with a balanced character are found among both small breeds and medium-sized dogs.

Calm small dogs

Representatives of small breeds, as a rule, have an active and energetic character, they love active games, while emitting a loud bark, which neighbors may not like if the dogs are kept in an apartment. To avoid troubles associated with excessive dog activity, when choosing small dogs, you should pay attention to the character traits of a dog of a particular breed. The calmest representatives of small dog breeds include the following representatives of man's four-legged friends:

The Pug is a Chinese companion. Pugs are recognized as the best dogs for keeping in an apartment, as cramped room conditions do not cause stress for them. They get along with the whole family and adapt to their owner. They adore children, eagerly participate in games, and are also easy to train. The “snub-nosed friends of man” are especially easy to learn tricks for sweets, which they simply adore. When asked what dogs can be kept in an apartment, any pug owner will recommend a dog of his own breed.
The miniature poodle is a cheerful family pet. Another answer to the question: what kind of dog can you have in an apartment can be a poodle of small, dwarf breeds. Firstly, poodles will not disturb the owner with an unpleasant odor (if properly cared for). Secondly, this dog has a fairly high intelligence, thanks to which poodles are compared (in terms of mental abilities) with a shepherd dog. Miniature poodles are agile, master all sorts of tricks well, and training for them is not hard work, but a fun activity.
Shih Tzu is a friend of children. Representatives of this breed are excellent dogs for apartments, as they are very miniature and know how to get along with all the people living under the same roof. They are distinguished by their extraordinary devotion to people, they love children very much, and the children reciprocate their feelings. Shih Tzus do not like loneliness themselves and are able to rid any person of it. Read more about the Shih Tzu dog here.

Calm medium sized dogs

A balanced character is not limited to small breed dogs. There are medium breeds of dogs for apartments that have a calm character, which include:

The Golden Retriever is an intelligent and reserved “Englishman”. Many dog breeders recommend this breed to people trying to find an answer to two questions at once: what dog breeds are suitable for an apartment, and how to choose the most friendly companion among them, who loves children and the whole family? Golden Retrievers are recommended for families with children. Golden retrievers are even called children's "nannies" for their attentive and caring attitude towards children.
The English Bulldog is a sensible gentleman. Despite its menacing appearance, the bulldog is an excellent option for a dog to keep in an apartment. The English Bulldog is the best medium-sized dog breed for an apartment, since the dog's character is friendly, calm and balanced. Without any doubt, a bulldog can be brought home where children live, as he loves to communicate with kids. But we must not forget that bulldogs are notoriously stubborn, so you will need to find an appropriate approach to them.
The Basset Hound is a stubborn dog with sad eyes. Owners of dogs of this breed speak of basset hounds as good family friends, non-conflicting, but stubborn pets. They love to communicate with children, even try to take care of them. But one should not ignore the fact that basset hounds cannot stand loneliness and can ruin shoes and home furnishings if left for a long time without the attention of their owner.

Finding a suitable dog for an apartment today will not be difficult, since a sufficient number of dog breeds have already been bred that are adapted to life in apartment conditions. Jack Russell terriers, dachshunds, Pomeranians, pickenesses, American cocker spaniels, bulldogs, sharpeis, terriers of all stripes are the best dog breeds for an apartment, not only because of their character traits, but also because they can become family favorites in rather cramped conditions.

The main difficulty that an owner of an indoor dog may have is to accustom the dog to certain rules that it must follow while in the apartment: do not bark loudly, do not act out, obey the owner.

By teaching a dog of any breed the “rules of behavior” at home, raising an obedient family friend, you can fully enjoy communicating with a pet, which will delight the owner and his entire family every day, bringing exclusively positive emotions to life. Also read the article: Clothes for small dogs: the DIY process.

Bichon Frize (curly bichon, curly lap dog)

A ball of snow-white fur with dark beady eyes, a velvety nose button and a cheerfully protruding tongue - this is the impression made by the first meeting with an amazing breed.

A sort of dandelion with weightless hair curling into small rings, hanging ears and a tail cheerfully thrown over its back.

The homeland of decorative smart companions, known since the 14th century, is the Mediterranean.

When determining the calmest dog breeds for an apartment, we can name the Bichon Frize.

Miniature, furry representatives of this breed are unusually affectionate, friendly, responsive to the owner’s mood, and get along well with children. Possessing a calm, balanced disposition, they are at the same time ready to take part in games and entertainment at any time, while never allowing aggression, adore communication and showing attention to their own person.

Curly-haired Bichons are easy to train, they love not only to learn and follow new commands, but also happily show others everything they have learned.

It should be taken into account that long-term physical activity is contraindicated for them.

The most suitable dog breeds for keeping in an apartment

Getting a dog is a responsible decision that should be taken seriously.

For people living in their own home, purchasing a four-legged pet or picking one up on the street does not present any difficulty, since there is an area near the house that allows you to keep the dog practically free. For those who live in apartments (especially small ones), keeping a dog is associated with a number of problems: the dog needs to be taken out for walks, energetic dogs can “upend the whole house”, large dogs will be cramped in small apartments, dog hair can cause allergies in some people etc.

This raises the question: what breed of dog is best for an apartment or a house? Having studied the opinions of experienced dog breeders and people who have encountered this problem in practice, we can come to the conclusion that small breeds of dogs for an apartment can be the optimal solution to the problem.

After analyzing the information on the Internet, as well as in printed publications, we can come to the conclusion that the best dog breeds for an apartment include the following representatives:

The Yorkshire Terrier is a furry hunter. Such well-known breeds of dogs for apartments as terriers are loved by people for their mobility, cheerfulness and love of hunting. Yorkshire terriers belong to the decorative breed and, of course, do not participate in hunting, but are able to cheer up their owner even in the most difficult situation, as they are considered excellent companion dogs.
The toy terrier is a wayward perpetual motion machine. The Toy Terrier is an excellent odorless dog for an apartment, which is a significant advantage over representatives of other miniature breeds. Dogs of this breed have an active and energetic character, so they require frequent walking. Toy terriers are loyal to their owner, but do not get along very well with children, which must be taken into account when choosing a dog.
The Pekingese is a devoted homebody. This breed is well suited for older people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, but need company and also want to take care of someone. The Pekingese is a fairly friendly dog, but also very willful, so it requires constant care and education. It does not need frequent walks, which cannot be said about caring for fluffy fur. Pekingese are dogs with a rather fragile physique, but they try their best to prove their loyalty to their owner, trying to protect him with loud barking.
The Chihuahua is a miniature, loyal friend. Representatives of this breed of apartment dogs are distinguished by their loyalty, easy-going nature and grace. Short-haired Chihuahuas do not have the characteristic “dog smell” and practically do not shed. Chihuahua dogs easily become attached to their owners and are always ready to defend their territory.
The Jack Russell Terrier is an independent intellectual. A dog of this breed is an active, intelligent and independent friend of man. It is easy to accustom him to the rules of behavior in the family, but he has excessive energy that constantly asks for an outlet, so they often need to be taken out for a walk (to avoid “damage to property”). This breed is suitable for active and mobile people. Read more about the Jack Russell Terrier dog breed here.
The Affenpinscher is a smart defender. Those who are researching dog breeds for apartment living may like Affenpinschers. This dwarf dog breed is one of the best options for indoor keeping, as it is considered a true family friend, thanks to its flexibility, good behavior and willingness to protect its owner.
The French Bulldog is a smart, funny fellow. The French Bulldog is a typical representative of the dog breed for apartments and children, with remarkable intelligence and a cheerful character. He is good friends with the whole family, loves children and enjoys playing with them. Another positive feature of this breed is that when left at home, French bulldogs behave well and do not cause trouble to their owner.

Pug

The homeland of a small, stocky and strong dog with a flattened muzzle is China. In the 17th century, this breed of dog of a calm nature became the favorite of the royal nobility in Europe, Holland, and Great Britain due to its appearance and affectionate, cheerful disposition.

The round head, small ears, convex forehead and cute folds on the forehead create a thoughtful, sad image. Coarse short hair, strong paws, and a tightly curled tail complete the overall appearance of the peace-loving pug.

Affectionate, calm and sociable dogs get along with everyone in the household and get along well with animals.

Due to their flattened muzzle, they cannot easily tolerate both heat and cold, so they need to be kept in an apartment.

In order for these lovers of pampering not to gain excess weight and remain active and cheerful, they need constant small physical activity.

These cute creatures are moderately mobile, capture the mood of the owner, and are perfectly oriented in their surroundings. They love to communicate with new people, but at the same time they will defend their owner if they feel threatened.

Overview of medium-sized breeds with names

A common characteristic of medium-sized dogs is their weight, which can vary from 15 to 30 kilograms and an average height of 40 to 55 centimeters. Prospective owners should find out which breeds are included in the group of medium-sized dogs. The article - a description of dog breeds with photographs and names will give an idea of the most popular of them.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is a breed developed in the United States in the 20th century. The ideal place to keep a dog is a country house with a large yard. When kept in an apartment building, the dog needs long walks at least twice a day. Lack of physical activity negatively affects the dog's character and behavior.

The dog requires regular brushing and periodic trimming. During periods of shedding, the shepherd dog needs to be brushed daily. The Australian Shepherd does not tolerate loneliness well, so keeping it indoors all day is not recommended.

Check out our full review of the Australian Shepherd breed.

Australian Cattle Dog (Australian Heeler)

The Australian Heeler is a dog with a blue, merle or red color. A feature of the dog is the sensitivity of the coat to the food consumed . So, merle-colored and blue-colored dogs should not be fed vegetables with carotene, so that the coat does not acquire a red tint. Red dogs, on the other hand, are given a lot of carrots to make their coat brighter.

The Australian Heeler is a guard breed. This is a reliable watchman with a balanced character and devotion to the owner. The breed does not get along well with children and animals. Heeler is one of the ten smartest dogs.

Australian Kelpie

A dog capable of performing the functions of a rescuer, shepherd and guide, as it has a unique viewing angle, excellent sense of smell, and instant reaction. By nature, the Kelpie is peaceful, obedient, easy to train, and loves children. This breed's attitude towards strangers depends on socialization and proper training.

The Australian Kelpie is the healthiest dog of all medium-sized breeds; representatives of the breed retain their working qualities and activity up to 12-13 years. Grooming for her coat is minimal.

American Indian

More recently, the American Indian dog was on the verge of extinction, but the population was restored thanks to the efforts of dog handlers. The breed requires a strong hand from the owner in training and education, as it has a rather independent character . But there should be no harshness or physical punishment in the education process.

With proper upbringing, the American Indian dog becomes an excellent companion, understanding the owner at a glance, thanks to his high intelligence. The dog is devoted to the family, gets along well with children, and gets along well with other animals.

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is the smallest hunting dog breed that is currently used primarily as a companion. This is an energetic, cheerful and friendly dog, sometimes wary of strangers.

Most of all, the American Cocker Spaniel loves to communicate with its owner and tries to follow his commands. This natural feature is actively used when training a dog, using praise as a reward. The breed loves active games with children. The American Cocker Spaniel can be kept in an apartment building, but its long coat will require careful grooming.

Learn more about the American Cocker Spaniel dog breed.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The bloodthirstiness, aggressiveness and tendency to attack people of this breed is purely a myth based on isolated cases. With proper upbringing and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a completely peaceful and adequate breed. But without proper training, this dog is truly dangerous.

This dog needs increased physical activity and proper nutrition, as the breed is prone to obesity. The breed is suitable for indoors, but the pit bull should be protected from drafts.

Read the full article about the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.

American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)

A service dog, formidable in appearance, but surprisingly good-natured in character. The breed is easy to train because it always tries to please its owner. With proper training, the Staffordshire Terrier makes an excellent bodyguard.

The dog is brave and very smart. However, if not properly raised, this fighting breed can become aggressive and dangerous not only to others, but also to the owner himself.

Amstaffs have short coats and are easy to care for. The dog only needs brushing with a stiff brush once a week. The Staffordshire Terrier needs regular active walks. During walks, the dog must be kept muzzled and on a leash.

We offer you a complete overview of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed.

American Foxhound

The American Foxhound is one of the most difficult medium-sized dog breeds to train. The dog has an independent, willful character and is prone to ignoring commands, so its upbringing will most likely have to be entrusted to a professional.

A characteristic feature of the Foxhound is its ringing, melodic bark. The breed is distinguished by good health and great physical endurance, and can be used as a guard and watchman. Foxound needs good physical exercise and overfeeding is contraindicated, as he is prone to obesity.

English bulldog

The English Bulldog is a friendly, calm domestic dog, somewhat lazy and stubborn. Bulldogs cannot tolerate heat and frost, and high humidity is also harmful to them. English bulldogs are ideal for the home: they do not require long walks, short hair requires minimal care, and in the absence of the owner the dog sleeps peacefully, without suffering from loneliness.

But such a dog is not suitable for squeamish people, since the American Bulldog is prone to flatulence, snores, grunts and splashes food and leaves drool on all objects.

Find out more about the English Bulldog dog breed.

English cocker spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog with good working qualities and a gentle, loving character. The dog's luxurious coat needs special care, preferably with the help of professionals.

The breed can be trained well using positive motivation. Rough treatment in training is not acceptable, as the dog becomes nervous and turns into a frightened and downtrodden creature. The English Cocker Spaniel needs daily walks, preferably with a change of places, so that the dog satisfies its hunting instincts and can explore its surroundings.

Read the full review of the English Cocker Spaniel breed.

Appenzeller Mountain Dog

A herding breed originally from Switzerland, it is very intelligent and efficient, amazingly loyal to its owner and family members. The dog is not prone to dominance, but if not properly trained, it will happily sit on the owner’s neck and become uncontrollable.

The breed can be kept in a multi-story building, but it will feel better outside the city. A large house with its surrounding area will become the Appenzeller Mountain Dog's work space, and he will feel in demand. The dog is easy to care for, although it sheds twice a year. During this time, the dog needs to be brushed daily.

Artesian-Norman Basset

The Artesian-Normandy Basset is a versatile, intelligent hunter, capable of working in the most difficult conditions. Such a dog will never go astray even in an unfamiliar area, and will always achieve success. The breed is generally healthy, but is prone to spinal diseases due to its long body.

The Artesian-Normandy Basset is fearless and devoted to its owner, always ready to defend him. The dog is friendly with strangers and gets along with other animals without problems. The Artesian-Norman Basset is a short-haired dog breed that requires brushing once a week and bathing no more than 4-5 times a year.

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a hound dog with an athletic body and short legs. The breed is stubborn and difficult to train, so it is better to entrust its upbringing to a professional. The disadvantages of this dog are slobbering, a tendency to flatulence, and a loud howl when alone indoors. During walks, the Basset Hound must be kept on a leash, otherwise the dog will follow some trail and get lost.

The dog needs little physical activity, but it needs regular walks, as the breed is prone to obesity. Basset hounds are not difficult to care for, but the dog's long ears require special attention.

We offer you to view the full article about the Basset Hound breed.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is a herding dog from the English-Scottish border, known for its energy, intelligence, and physical endurance. The dog needs constant physical and intellectual exercise so that it does not get bored, otherwise problems will begin with its behavior.

Border collies should not be owned in families with children under 10 years of age, as noise and running around triggers the shepherd instinct, and the dog begins to bite and put naughty children in their place. The desire to “build” is triggered in Border Collies when they see cyclists or children running, and this can become a problem when walking the dog.

Learn more about Border Collie dogs in our full review.

Border Terrier

The Border Terrier is an excellent hunter who is not afraid of heat, cold, or snow and rain. The breed is easy to train and masters commands with passion and pleasure. Border Terriers are real athletes, ready to run for hours, play, and exercise in dog parks.

The dog gets along well with other animals in the house and loves noisy games with children. But the neighbor's cats, as well as birds, squirrels and small rodents, will not be happy when meeting a borderer. The Border Terrier is happy when he is close to people: life in the yard on a chain will not suit him. Left alone in a yard with an unreliable fence, the Border Terrier will definitely run away in search of adventure, jumping over the fence or making a dig.

Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie is a good-natured dog with a funny appearance. The strong, muscular body of this dog is covered with thick, long hair with a soft, fluffy undercoat. On the muzzle the hair forms a characteristic beard, which gives the breed its name.

The Bearded Collie is friendly, attached to the family, but treats strangers with distrust and even sometimes with some aggression. The dog plays gently with children and in rare cases can cause harm through negligence. This breed retains its playfulness almost into old age. The dog needs communication with people, it suffers when left alone.

Bull Terrier

The Bull Terrier is a stubborn, freedom-loving and willful breed that requires the right approach to training. It is not recommended for inexperienced people who are too soft in character to have such a dog. Without proper training and socialization, Bull Terriers can be aggressive towards people and other animals.

This breed is not suitable for families with children, as it is rough with people and physically strong. Only children over 12-13 years old can cope with this breed.

The breed's coat is short and does not provide warmth during cold weather, so in autumn and winter the dog should be taken out for walks in special clothing. The Bull Terrier's skin is sensitive to insect bites and prone to allergic reactions, therefore it requires proper care and timely antiparasitic treatment.

Get to know the Bull Terrier dog breed.

Wachtelhund (German Spaniel)

The Wachtelhund is a hunting breed of dog, a hardy and skillful assistant in working with game on water and land. This dog will be an excellent companion to any owner, thanks to its friendly, playful character. But experts recommend that hunters should own one, since the working instincts of the breed come first.

Without walks in the forest and use for its intended purpose, the Wachtelhaend will get bored and may even become depressed. The best place to keep the breed is a country house with an area where the dog can independently regulate the physical activity required for it.

Dutch Spitz (Keeshond)

Keeshond (Wolf Spitz, Dutch Spitz) is an intelligent, good-natured, sociable dog with thick, coarse hair. The breed loves to be in the company of people, is endlessly devoted to the family and is ready to follow its owner anywhere. She is even called the master’s shadow, she is so attached to him.

The Keeshond can serve as a guard and watchman, notifying the appearance of strangers with a loud and echoing bark. The breed is easy to train, but learns both good and bad with equal success. It is impossible to correct bad habits by shouting or cruelty: the dog will become fearful, nervous and begin to behave destructively. Gentleness combined with perseverance is a tactic with which you can make an obedient and adequate pet from a Keeshond.

Hamilton's Hound (Hamiltonstevare)

The Hamilton Steward is a medium-sized smooth-haired dog breed (height 45-60 cm, weight 22-27 kg). This is a brave, skillful and hardy hunter. The Hamilton hound never shows unmotivated aggression, easily learns commands, and obediently carries them out.

This breed will not make a watchman, since the dog is friendly towards strangers. But if the Hamilton hound feels threatened by its owner or family members, it will fearlessly come to the defense. The breed is healthy, unpretentious in care and maintenance. The breed is not picky about food and even has a very good appetite, so it is prone to being overweight.

West Siberian Laika

The West Siberian Laika is a freedom-loving breed that cannot be kept in a locked room all day. This dog does not like to be left alone - it causes him stress and he reacts with endless barking. The West Siberian Laika is emotional, senses the owner’s mood and can predict his desires.

The intelligence and natural intelligence of this dog allows it to be taught the rules of behavior in a short time. But she does not need classical training. Laika rather needs to be raised and trained, since it will still not be possible to completely subjugate it.

Caring for a dog is not difficult; it is enough to brush it once every 1-2 weeks and a little more often during shedding. This breed is one of the healthiest and hardiest, death from diseases of this dog is extremely rare.

Read the full article about the West Siberian Laika dog breed.

Irish Soft Coated Terrier

Dogs of this breed are energetic, courageous, intelligent and endlessly loyal to their owner. A feature of their character is their readiness for noisy games with children and the ability to lie quietly next to their owner for hours when he is resting. The dog becomes calm after an active walk. A bored Irish Soft Coated Terrier becomes mischievous and aggressive.

A dog feels great in a rural or city home if you take it for a walk on time, feed it properly and provide proper coat care. The Irish Soft-Coated Terrier needs to be brushed every 2-3 days, otherwise the coat will begin to mat. You should not bathe your dog often.

Karelo-Finnish Laika (Finnish Spitz)

Looking at the photo of this dog, you might think that this is a fox: red fur, a narrow muzzle and a luxurious tail give the dog a striking resemblance to this predator. Like many hunting breeds, the Karelian-Finnish Laika is distinguished by its intelligence and independent character. This is a good-natured, cheerful, active dog.

The Finnish Spitz loves to bark, and this feature is worth considering if you have irritable neighbors. But with proper training, a dog can be taught to control its own emotions. The Karelian-Finnish husky matures slowly and retains puppy-like habits almost until old age. The dog needs space to run and play, so it is recommended to keep it in a country house.

We offer you to view the full article about the Karelian-Finnish Laika.

Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog is considered a real treasure and pride of the northern peoples, who from time immemorial have used this breed as an assistant in hunting and in everyday life. This is a fearless, aggressive dog, loyal and affectionate in relations with its owner, and suspicious and wary of strangers.

During walks in urban areas, the dog will bark at everyone who gets in its way, so it is advisable to walk with it in deserted places. When keeping a dog in a country house, it will become a reliable watchman and guard of the territory. If you decide to bring this breed into your home, be prepared for careful grooming. She will lie on the floor and fly all over the room if she is not combed out almost daily.

Find out more about the Karelian Bear Dog breed.

Kerry Blue Terrier

The Kerry Blue Terrier is a breed from Ireland that was used as a helper, shepherd, and rat catcher. The breed is distinguished by its sharp mind and ability to learn commands. Kerry is an excellent pet, adores children, and actively participates in all family affairs. There is not a drop of aggression towards humans in the character of this dog, but Kerry does not tolerate other dogs and constantly provokes fights with them.

It is recommended that Kerry Blue Terriers be adopted by experienced dog owners with a strong, strong-willed character and the ability to become an authority figure for the dog. This breed is not recommended for families with children. The breed requires careful grooming. The most difficult procedure is trimming. It is better to trust it to a professional, or do it yourself after appropriate training.

See the full article about Kerry Blue Terrier dogs.

Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintle)

An exotic breed, whose appearance is known to many solely from photographs. Such a hairless dog will not be to everyone's taste; the Xoloitzcuintle has a lot of qualities that would be the envy of many traditional breeds.

The Mexican Hairless Dog has soft, silky, delicate skin that literally exudes warmth. This is the kind of dog you want to hug to cheer you up. This breed is ideal for keeping in a multi-storey building: it is hypoallergenic due to the complete absence of hair, has healing properties, is clean, and loves children very much.

Mexican hairless dogs require special attention in terms of care. She needs to buy clothes for almost all seasons, take care of her delicate skin with the help of special cosmetics, and brush her teeth every other day. The dog must be fed with special hypoallergenic food.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is an ideal companion dog with excellent watchdog qualities. The dog loves children and is ready to tolerate even rough treatment. The Miniature Schnauzer is a devoted friend and protector of all family members. The dog is wary and even aggressive towards strangers, including children. Proper socialization will reduce aggression towards strangers, but this dog will never love and let everyone come to him.

The Miniature Schnauzer is included in the ranking of the smartest breeds. The breed is smart, but training it is not easy. The Miniature Schnauzer performs only what it considers necessary at the moment; it will think through each command and analyze its feasibility.

The breed is difficult to care for. Maintaining the appearance of a Miniature Schnauzer on your own is a troublesome task. The grooming procedure will have to be carried out in a professional salon.

Greater German Spitz (Grossspitz)

The Grossspitz is a dog of extraordinary kindness, which is literally created to bring joy to the owner and all the family. This breed gets along with cats, birds, rodents, and loves children of all ages. You need to spend a lot of time with this dog, as it is very sociable.

Training the breed will be successful if the dog is interested. The Spitz will not tolerate rough treatment or punishment. But one cannot show weakness in upbringing either: the pet subtly senses the weakness of character and will successfully prevail over the owner.

The German Large Spitz is a beautiful dog with luxurious, thick hair that will need to be brushed 1-2 times a week, and daily during shedding. It is not recommended to bathe your German Spitz frequently, as the coat will lose its protective coating.

Russian hunting spaniel

The Russian Hunting Spaniel is a descendant of the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. This is a hardy, active dog with an excellent sense of smell and a sharp mind. The Russian Spaniel is a faithful companion and friend of its owner-hunter.

City dwellers should not own such a breed, since the dog needs increased physical activity and walks in the forest. Without active walks, the dog will be bored, then a splash of energy will occur in the room, where everything will be turned upside down.

All care for the Russian Spaniel's coat comes down to rare brushing. Even though your dog loves water, bathing it is not recommended. After hunting and walking in the forest, be sure to inspect your pet’s ears for ticks.

We invite you to read the full article about the Russian hunting spaniel.

Samoyed husky

This fluffy snow-white dog wins your heart at first sight. The corners of her lips are raised, so it seems that the husky is smiling. The Samoyed loves people. And he always comes to their aid. At home, in Siberia, the breed is used as a sled dog, hunting dog, and guard dog. Laika can even warm a person in the harsh conditions of frosty northern nights.

The Samoyed Laika can adapt to the mood of its owner. If he is tired and resting, she will sit quietly next to him. But if the owner has expressed a desire to play, the husky is ready to keep him company at any time. The breed is not suitable as a guard, since it is ready to be friends with all strangers. The breed is easy to train: the husky is very smart and obedient.

Find out more about the snow-white Samoyed Laika dog breed.

Canaan dog

In appearance, the Canaan dog resembles a Spitz, but with shorter hair. Experts say that the Canaan dog only understands commands in Hebrew. This is the only breed native to Israel. The dog is friendly and affectionate towards its owner and family members.

The dog's behavior at home is calm and unobtrusive. The Canaan dog loves to play with children, but does not tolerate bullying from children, so it is dangerous for the dog to stay with children .

The Canaan dog easily adapts to any environment and can be kept in the house or in the yard. The dog should have its own place. A dog's shedding can cause inconvenience when fur flies all over the house. During these periods, the dog must be thoroughly combed every day.

Estonian hound

The Estonian hound is a dog that appeared as a result of the decision of the USSR government that each republic should have its own breed. The hound has become the pride of the Estonian people. Externally, the dog looks like a beagle. The main purpose of the dog is hunting, but nowadays it is more often bred as a companion.

The character of the Estonian hound is docile, calm, without aggression towards strangers. The dog loves children, calmly tolerates rough treatment from children, and loves to frolic in noisy company. The dog has difficulty getting along with other animals in the house. Moreover, she recognizes a cat or another dog, but birds and rodents have no place next to this breed.

Read the full review of the Estonian Hound dog breed.

Italian greyhound (small Italian greyhound)

Many calm dog breeds came to us from Italy. In first place is the Italian greyhound. This small Italian greyhound was worthy of living only with noble people.

The intelligent, graceful appearance of this breed is created due to the correct proportions of the elongated body: a dry elongated muzzle, thin but strong paws, an elongated body, large bulging eyes - all this gives the appearance a special sophistication and charm.

The intelligent Italian greyhound easily learns and repeats commands with pleasure, without causing any problems during training.

Italian Greyhounds adore their family, are devoted to their owners, playful and affectionate. They sensitively capture a person’s state and are guided by his mood.

If Italian greyhounds live in the family, then we must not forget that these gentle creatures are in great need of attention and suffer from its absence.

You can keep Italian greyhounds both in a country house and in an apartment.

Basset Hound

A sad, thoughtful look, a reasonable disposition - these are the characteristics that distinguish such calm dog breeds as Basset Hounds.

The appearance of Bassets is unusual, and in some ways even awkward: short massive paws, a powerful squat elongated body, low-set long ears, and so much skin that it forms wrinkles and folds on the head, knees and legs. Drooping low eyelids give the muzzle an expression of gloominess, but behind this gloomy appearance lies a calm, friendly, open character.

These people from Great Britain are slow, even phlegmatic, dispassionate, intelligent, sincerely attached to their family, but sometimes they can be quite stubborn, which can lead to certain difficulties in the training process.

They never show aggression, have a strong character, calmly tolerate children's pranks, easily accept other animals into their social circle, but cannot stand loneliness.

Basset hounds can be kept in the yard of a private house and in an apartment. It is important to remember that physical activity, active games and space are vital for them, because these are dogs that were originally intended for hunting rabbits and only later became companion dogs.

Top 10 most obedient dogs

Most small ornamental breeds are characterized by increased fussiness and have a tendency to be idle. Therefore, they cannot be called quiet and obedient.

It is because of this that the list of the calmest dog breeds consists mainly of large and medium-sized animals:

Saint Bernard;
basset hound;
German dog;
Neapolitan Mastiff;
bullmastiff;
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel;
Dogue de Bordeaux;
Newfoundland;
Leonberger;
Scottish Deerhound.

Saint Bernard

The shaggy rescue dog is distinguished by its gigantic size and calm disposition. The huge St. Bernard looks phlegmatic and indifferent. But if necessary, he is able to demonstrate a lightning-fast reaction and show off his intelligence.

A non-aggressive, brave and obedient St. Bernard will be an excellent nanny for children and just a loyal family dog. True, due to their impressive dimensions, representatives of the breed are unsuitable for apartment living.

Basset Hound

Despite their sad appearance, representatives of this breed are distinguished by their cheerful and sociable disposition. Obedient pets value comfort and rarely lose their balance.

Phlegmatic dogs are well aware of their importance and have their own opinion on everything. To achieve perfect obedience from these animals, they cannot be given any concessions. Otherwise, a smart and cunning dog will regularly “bargain” for bonuses.

Representatives of the breed never show aggression and will not make a fuss over trifles. Therefore, calm hunters with extremely long ears and mournful eyes are considered one of the best pets for an apartment.

German dog

Aristocratic and graceful animals are recognized as the tallest among their brothers. Despite their gigantic growth and enormous physical strength, Great Danes have a gentle and kind disposition.

As a puppy, representatives of this breed are very active, but as they grow older they become calmer.

Smart and intellectually developed Great Danes are not prone to causeless aggression, but if necessary they will be able to protect their owners. Obedient, sociable and calm dogs easily find a common language with children and are not prone to idle talk. Although, due to their enormous size, it is better to keep Great Danes in a private home.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Massive dogs with rough, folded skin scare away others with their mere appearance. However, behind the formidable appearance lies a loyal and balanced dog. The Mastiff has a non-aggressive, alert and fearless disposition.

Obedient and calm dogs are endowed with excellent memory and can be trained well. They rarely bark and do not cause problems for neighbors.

Bullmastiff

These tireless and calm dogs come from mastiffs and English bulldogs. Their temperament is based on contrasts. Periods of increased activity in representatives of this breed alternate with a drowsy state when it is impossible to rouse them.

Obedient dogs are not prone to causeless aggression and rarely voice their menacing voice. Due to the special structure of their muzzle, bullmastiffs snore in their sleep and do not tolerate heat well. Balanced pets have their own opinions, but prefer not to enter into confrontation with their owners.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These calm, friendly personalities and attractive appearance dogs were bred in the UK. Representatives of the breed are small in size and weigh no more than 8 kg, which means they are suitable for apartment living.

Curious and cheerful dogs are loyal even to unfamiliar people and never show aggression. Docile Cavalier King Charles Spaniels get along well with other pets and are good with children. Smart and calm dogs are easy to train, but sometimes they get tired of monotonous activities and begin to be cunning.

Dogue de Bordeaux

These calm and confident dogs have proven themselves not only as excellent guards, but also as excellent companions.

Obedient Dogues de Bordeaux rarely show their true feelings, preferring to hide them under feigned importance. But the owners of representatives of this breed know better than anyone else that behind the mask of a respectable and balanced gentleman hides a friendly, cheerful fellow.

Newfoundland

These shaggy, obedient animals are created to help people. They love water, as they were originally used to rescue drowning people. Contact, patient and calm Newfoundlands are not prone to unreasonable aggression towards strangers and are not suitable for the role of watchmen.

Good-natured and gentle giants cannot stand rude treatment and are easily offended. Calm Newfies have high intelligence and are capable of making independent decisions. Heavy, sedate dogs do not need long walks and prefer a measured lifestyle.

Leonberger

These large, shaggy, lion-like dogs were bred in southwest Germany. Previously used as cheap draft power, the majestic and docile Leonberger has now proven itself to be an excellent companion.

Discreet and calm dogs never make a fuss over trifles. Representatives of the breed are not characterized by unreasonable aggression. Reasonable and friendly Leonbergers are loyal to children and calmly tolerate their mischief.

Scottish Deerhound

This is one of the oldest hunting breeds. She is distinguished by her unusual appearance and impressive endurance. It is interesting that the Deerhound combines two directly opposite qualities. At home he is a calm and calm dog. But in the forest, the reindeer greyhound transforms into a good and passionate hunter.

An obedient and patient deerhound is not prone to aggression and loves children. He never voices his voice without a reason and gets along easily with other pets.

Clumber Spaniel

A calm, medium-sized dog breed, Clumber Spaniels were bred in the 19th century to hunt birds and later became family pets and sweet, kind members of large families.

Externally, the dog looks solid, dense, but at the same time compact: a squat body, a large head on a short neck, a low-set tail. The long and soft silky coat gives the dog the appearance of an aristocrat.

This appearance reflects the character of the Clumber: reasonable, calm, self-confident, infinitely patient, responsive.

Clumber Spaniels never lose their temper or express aggression. They are easy to train, as they happily follow any commands, while behaving sedately and confidently, with a sense of self-esteem.

Clumber Spaniels are preferable to keep outside the city, but they can also be considered as a calm breed of dog for an apartment. In the latter case, the dog must be given physical activity during walks and active games.

Character traits

When choosing a pet for yourself or a child, do not forget about the size. It is an important factor on which it depends whether the pet will cause unnecessary problems. If you live in a cramped apartment, you shouldn’t have a massive dog weighing 60-80 kg.

Fact! Calm dogs are rarely good watchdogs or guards.

Calm small breed dogs

Many small dogs are famous for their restlessness and increased excitability. However, among them there are still wonderful companions who do not cause unnecessary trouble and will delight both children and pensioners:

The pug is a fairly calm, even phlegmatic dog. Perfect for apartment living. Left alone, he quietly dozes until the owner comes, without causing destruction. Pugs can boast a very friendly and cheerful character. There is no need to walk them a lot - these quiet dogs prefer a sedentary lifestyle. True, they shed quite a lot, so they will have to take care of their fur.
The Bichon Frize is a hypoallergenic breed that is perfect for large families and single elderly people. Despite their decorative nature, such pets are distinguished by excellent health and longevity - some representatives of the breed live up to 18 years!
Shih Tzus are calm little dogs with a friendly personality. With a height at the withers of 20-28 cm, they weigh only 4-8 kg, which makes them a good choice for families with children. True, they simply cannot stand loneliness, so you should not leave your pet alone for a long time. Very affectionate and cheerful, they require full dedication from their owners - however, it is difficult not to love them.

No one can resist this charm

Calm medium-sized dogs

But the most popular among breeders around the world are still medium-sized dogs. They do not cause unnecessary problems and at the same time may well be useful - at least perform a security function. This:

The Basset Hound is not a large, but rather dense dog - with a height of 33-38 cm, it can weigh 25-29 kg. Very phlegmatic, friendly, he will be a wonderful friend for any person. True, although he is a hunting dog, he is very difficult to train - in the eyes of some breeders, this can balance the merits of the breed.
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world. Very intelligent by nature, retrievers are highly trainable. They love all family members equally. But you need to walk with such a pet - preferably for a long time, so that the pet splashes out all the energy.
The English Bulldog is a very serious, calm dog. Despite his apparent clumsiness, he is quite active, and you need to walk with him longer. But the pet is very easy to care for - it is unpretentious in food, and it is enough to comb its short hair only once a week.

Reliable friend and wonderful hunter

Calm large breed dogs

Finally, it is worth paying attention to large dogs. Among them there are quite a few breeds that are distinguished by their phlegmatic and calm nature - their size and strength allow them to be real couch potatoes. These qualities are distinguished by:

Saint Bernard is simply a huge dog, whose weight often reaches 90 kg. At the same time, his aggression has almost stopped, because the breed was bred for rescue operations. Very friendly and sociable, the St. Bernard can hardly tolerate loneliness, so it is better to have one for large families or homebodies who have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their pet.
Labrador is a very smart, peace-loving dog that is ready to love both all family members and other pets - from dogs to hamsters. He is easy to train and happily follows any commands, especially if they involve running after sticks or a ball. True, if Labradors don’t get tired enough during walks, they can create a real chaos at home. It is best to get them for people living in their own home.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a fairly large dog (weight up to 50 kg), capable of perfectly performing the function of a nanny. Although it was originally bred to help shepherds, it can also make a good companion. True, it can be quite difficult to teach such a pet commands, but if you have a phlegmatic character, this is not too important. But you shouldn’t forget about grooming – Mountain Dogs shed quite a lot, and it’s advisable to brush them at least a couple of times a week.
The Great Dane is a real aristocrat among dogs. Despite weighing up to 90 kg, these pets are distinguished by amazing grace and even sophistication. They are very loyal to their owner, but at the same time they are quite stubborn and willful, so it is better for a novice Great Dane breeder not to get one.

Interesting! Despite their menacing appearance, large dogs are often the most peaceful and friendly of all.

Shar Pei

Owners of Shar-Peis will, without hesitation, answer the question of which dog breeds are the calmest. Meet the Shar Pei, one of the most ancient breeds bred in China as hunting and guard dogs.

The look of small eyes from under drooping eyelids seems arrogant and wary. Only the owners of these amazing dogs know what a kind and affectionate disposition these stern hulks have.

The appearance of the Shar Pei is both touching and inspires a sense of respect for this calm, calm, medium-sized breed, with a heavy muzzle and small ears pressed to the head. The unusual appearance is complemented by a blue-black tongue, and the skin, covered with short, stiff hair, is folded into countless folds and wrinkles, which give the dog the charm of a plush toy.

The character of the Shar Pei combines a wide variety of qualities: independence, incredible stubbornness, desire for leadership, devotion, love for family members and distrust of strangers.

The dog is smart, smart, intelligent, clean, self-confident, very vigilant, has sharp eyesight, and barks extremely rarely (only in case of a perceived threat to the owners).

Cleanliness, calmness and compact size make the Shar Pei the best breed for keeping in an apartment.