It is estimated that nearly 1 out of 3 American families owns a dog. If you are considering getting a dog, you should always do a bit of research. Temperament, size and genetic predisposition to health issues are some of the basic criteria people consider before getting a dog. Naturally, many people want to know what breed of dog is quiet and calm. Let us discuss calm large dog breeds, calm dog breeds that are small or medium sized as well as calm dog breeds that don’t shed.
10 Calm Loyal Dog Breeds That Make the Perfect Family Pet
The temperament of a dog depends on many factors. Basic training and obedience, how you treat your pet at home and its history and background can all affect his nature. Genetics and heredity also plays a role in a dog’s temperament. Rescue dogs that have undergone a lot of abuse or violence are sometimes known to be aggressive, violent or conversely, painfully shy. However, a puppy you have purchased from a good breeder and have socialized and trained from a young age can have calm and laid back temperament. Spaying and neutering is also essential to avoid aggression, barking and other unwanted behavior. Having said so, the following are some of the popular, calm dog breeds in medium, large and small breed categories.
1. Labrador retriever
The Labrador is one of the most popular laid back dog breeds that don’t shed too much. (They only shed heavily about twice a year and females tend to shed more than males). Labs are friendly with kids and other pets/animals. They are happy to sit back and watch life pass them by. One could actually call them lazy dog breeds but this depends on the owners. If you are active, your dog would love to be active too. When you go to buy your puppy, observe him/her in the litter. Make sure you get to meet the parents, if possible. If the parents have a calm temperament, the puppy will too.
2. Golden Retriever
This is one of the most popular calm loyal dog breeds. There is a reason why so many Goldens are therapy and service dogs and also why they are seen in so many movies and TV shows. Golden retrievers are calm and happy dogs. They make wonderful family pets and companion dogs. Goldens are great around kids and other pets. They have stable temperaments but also have tons of energy. So make sure you socialize and train your puppy from a young age and also exercise them daily. Their high energy levels, if left unexpended, could lead to behavioral issues. As with all hairy dogs, this calm, loyal dog breed sheds heavily. Grooming is an essential part of raising a Golden. This is a people oriented dog that is eager to please. Spay or neuter your pet at an early age to avoid aggression, behavioral problems as well as certain cancers.
3. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Shar Pei’s character can be described as alert, intelligent, calm, laid back and proud. They are great family pets that are naturally clean and need little or no grooming. This calm large dog breed does not shed too much. It is no wonder that this is one of the popular, rare breeds in the United States.
4. Anatolian Shepherd dog
Contrary to its large size, this is a gentle, calm and laid back dog that is happiest when it is patrolling livestock. He is an easy keeper and alerts his owners to strangers by barking. They do have an independent streak and will not hesitate to take decisions regarding the safety of their charges. To ensure keeping this large dog breed calm, exercise them, or give them a job to do. They do well in fenced yards and need early training and socialization.
5. American Cocker Spaniels
American Cockers are friendly and affectionate dogs. If you are looking for calm dog breeds medium sized, then this is a good option for you. They are a sporting breed but that makes them very easy to train. Of course, they are energetic and playful but you’d rarely come across a Cocker that has a bad attitude. Naturally, training and early socialization with other pets and humans is a must for this loving, intelligent and sweet breed.
6. Irish Wolfhound
This is an ancient dog breed that is dignified and calm. Irish Wolfhounds are tall and Grey Hound like. They get along well with people, especially kids. Naturally, their friendly and calm temperament makes this calm large dog breed a poor guard dog. They are active and fun loving but quite calm in the house.
7. Basset Hound
The Basset hound is a calm, companionable breed. However, they tend to have stubborn streak in them. This calm, loyal dog breed is great with kids and will gladly play with them. Bassets are amiable and love being around people.
8. St. Bernard
This ancient, large breed is known as the gentle giant dog breed owing to their calm, laid back and gentle disposition and large size. They have a mellow temperament and the innate ability to rescue people from snowy areas. This benevolent, steady and calm dog still needs a lot of training and disciplining owing to its large size.
9. The Huskimo
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This is a calm, hybrid small dog breed which is a mix between the American Eskimo and Siberian husky. They bark less frequently than other breeds and are very intelligent. The Huskimo makes a great family pet and is good with kids as long as it is socialized and trained from an early age. An experienced owner is necessary for this breed which tends to have an independent nature and strong willfulness.
10. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is known for its good temper, friendly affectionate nature and almost lazy, laid back disposition. They are easy going and do not bark too much. This is a calm loyal dog breed that does not shed too much and is affectionate and loving towards its owner. The Bulldog makes a great pet for kids. However, they do tend to have a stubborn streak. Early training and socialization is important for puppies. They do well in apartments and do not need too much exercise.
Check out our article on Lazy dog breeds as well.