Choosing a dog is a matter of the heart and a decision for life—at least for the next ten to 15 years. That’s why it’s important to choose a dog that you not only find visually appealing, but one that, above all, suits you and your daily life. What’s one of the most important factors here? The dog’s temperament!
Are you looking for a four-legged friend who isn’t constantly on edge, but is actually the calm type? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll introduce you to three dog breeds known for their calm demeanor—one small, one medium, and one large—because, of course, the dog’s size should also fit into your life.
Calm Dog Breeds – Important Information to Know Beforehand
Of course, how calm or energetic a dog is doesn’t depend solely on its breed. Exercise, training, and—last but not least—your own behavior also play a huge role here. Dogs are highly sensitive mirrors of you and often sense your energy level more directly than you do yourself. So if you’re constantly on edge yourself, you’re unlikely to have a deeply relaxed dog by your side, no matter which breed you choose. Nevertheless, some breeds have a natural predisposition toward calmness, while others are naturally more eager to work and active and won’t become pure couch potatoes even with the best training and exercise.
It’s also important to remember that dogs aren’t machines. Every dog is an individual, and even within a single breed there are exceptions. However, experienced breeders can help with this. They can often tell early on which puppies in a litter tend to be calm and well-balanced, and which ones are full of energy.
In adult dogs, their temperament is usually much more settled. You might even consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter. There are many gentle souls there waiting for a new home!
One final point that is very important to us is animal health. Unfortunately, some of the so-called “calm breeds” are actually the result of so-called “torture breeding.” In making our selection, we deliberately chose three breeds that are considered healthy and not overbred. Nevertheless, even with these breeds, it is of course important to choose a reputable, responsible breeder.
1. Calm Dog Breed: Maltese – A Small Charmer with a Big Personality
The Maltese is a small, elegant dog breed with a long, silky white coat and a gentle, friendly disposition. It is one of the oldest companion dog breeds in the world and was already prized in ancient times for its charming demeanor.
Despite its small size, the Maltese is alert and surprisingly brave. It is very people-oriented, affectionate, and loves being the center of attention—a true family and lap dog that also enjoys going for walks and doing mental exercises.
Advantages:
- Calm, even-tempered nature
- Ideal for indoor living
- Very affectionate and great with kids
Please note:
- Grooming is time-consuming (daily brushing!)
- Reacts sensitively to being alone
- Needs mental stimulation despite having a calm disposition
The Maltese is perfect for people looking for a loving, calm little dog that needs a lot of attention—and gives plenty of love in return.
2. Calm Dog Breed: Whippet – A Gentle Sprinter with a Penchant for the Couch
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound known for its elegant build, lightning-fast sprints, and calm, even-tempered nature in everyday life. It’s one of those dog breeds that can go full throttle outdoors but is the ultimate couch potato indoors.
Whippets are very people-oriented, sensitive, and friendly. They rarely bark, are easy to train, and adapt very well—making them ideal for quieter households or city life.
Advantages:
- Calm, affectionate, very gentle
- Low-maintenance, short coat
- Perfect for an apartment or house
Please note:
- Very sensitive to the cold → needs coats in winter
- Requires regular opportunities to sprint (free-running!)
- may have a hunting instinct
The Whippet is the perfect dog for anyone looking for a calm, elegant, and easy-going breed that loves both exercise and relaxation—with plenty of heart and little drama.
3. Calm Dog Breed: St. Bernard – A Gentle Giant with a Big Heart
The St. Bernard is a large, sturdy dog with an extremely good-natured, calm, and patient disposition. Known as an avalanche rescue dog from the Alps, it is now prized above all as a loving family dog that gets along exceptionally well with children—a true gentle giant.
Despite its imposing appearance, the St. Bernard is sensitive, affectionate, and generally quite laid-back. It isn’t a long-distance runner, but loves clear routines, being close to its people, and a quiet daily life.
Advantages:
- Very calm and even-tempered
- Loves children, friendly, protective
- Has nerves of steel; hardly ever loses his cool
Please note:
- Very large → takes up a lot of space
- Drools a lot
- Requires consistent training due to its strength
The St. Bernard is ideal for people with plenty of space, a quiet lifestyle, and a big heart for large dogs—a true family dog with plenty of warmth and calmness.
Conclusion: Calm dog breeds for a relaxed life
Anyone looking for a calm dog should realize that calmness isn’t just innate—it’s also shaped by training, daily life, and the relationship with humans. Choosing a suitable, generally even-tempered breed is a good start, but true inner calm comes from the bond between dog and owner. Other factors, such as age and history, should also be taken into account.
As important as choosing a calm breed may be, even a calm dog needs to be challenged and stimulated. Regular walks, physical exercise, and—above all—mental stimulation are part of every dog’s daily routine—regardless of temperament.
Even with the best training, some dogs remain nervous or anxious in certain situations—such as during thunderstorms, on New Year’s Eve, or during a visit to the vet. For exactly these situations, our nacani products can provide natural support to help restore balance to the nervous system.
Try nacani and see for yourself
Our nacani products can naturally help your dog relax more easily. In our own facility, we craft our CBD treats with love and care and offer high-quality CBD oil. We also provide herbal blends to support mental well-being.
Do you have questions about our products or want to discuss them? Then feel free to join our nacani Facebook or WhatsApp group and follow us on Instagram!
