Can you recommend breeds that are calm?

[sue]

What about a Lab?

[sheltiepups]

No, labs are really hyper, from what I have heard they don't "grow" out of puppy stage until they are three years old. That doesn’t mean they are not great dogs, just really hyper.

[Renee750il]

You not only have to think about how calm a breed is, but what kind of environment you live in; whether it's rural or urban, do you have a fenced yard or will you have to walk your dog on a leash, how active you can be with your dog, large or small dog, whether or not you have small children or other pets, how much time do you have to spend with your dog, there are lots of things to consider.

Maybe we can be of more help if we have a better idea of the situation.

[jiggaman_321]

Renee you are totally right. We need an idea of your atmosphere because many dogs have their needs. For example, an English Bulldog is basically a dog that does not have a high energy level and probably has the lowest out of all the breeds, therefore meaning not much excercise is needed. The English Bulldog also has very low cold and heat tolerence and might not get along with other dogs.

:) :)

[jennza]

Do you know anything about Greyhounds? I have 2 retired racers, and they are the calmest dogs I have ever had or been around. They are very low maintenance in general! They aren't small, but they actually curl up & take up less room than you might think. It's a big secret what perfect pets these make because the stereotype is that they need lots of room & lots of exercise, which is not true at all. They can run in a small area for 1 to 2 minutes & then are ready to come in & sleep for hours on end. If interested, you should look for a rescue group in your area. A lot of people don't realize that even with the hundreds of rescue groups, thousands of retired racers are euthanized every year. Anyone who goes to the racetrack might as well be holding a gun to their heads. But, besides all of that, there are "greyt" benefits to adopting a retired racer. The good rescue groups cover every detail; they come spayed/neutered and with all of their vaccinations & teeth cleaned. (The adoption fee rarely even covers the cost of all of those things. I've never seen a fee for over $175.). They find the dog that would be the perfect match for your life-style. They can be rescued at any age & they live to be 12 - 14. Many of the dogs are in foster homes before getting adopted, so they have been taught basic house-rules & you wouldn't even have to mess with potty training. They can tell you whether it would prefer to be an only dog or if it gets along with other dogs (small or big), cats, etc.........
Anyway, I could go on & on. Good luck in your search.

Jenny

[Renee750il]

Jenny - you've really given some great advice there! I've known several people who have adopted retired (or condemned) racing greyhounds and they are peace loving, affectionate, delightful companions. They're also extremely clean dogs. You do need a fenced yard, though, since they are sight hounds, and you can't leave them outside in a doghouse year round. Not only do they need protection from harsh weather, they will pine away without close contact with their people. But why have a dog if you don't want to it to be with you whenever you're at home?

[chazhound]

Greyhounds sounds like very cool dogs...

[pitbulliest]

greyhounds are calm, but they still need plenty of exercise...that goes for ANY breed.
Some other "calmer" if you'd like to call them, breeds include great danes...newfoundlands...salukis...irish wolfhounds...basset hounds...etc..however this is not guaranteed since each dog has their own character...

[Renee750il]

You are so right, Pitbulliest!

The first Fila we had, Buffy, was a model of calmness and decorum from the day she came home as a nine week old baby. Bimmer had to tease and cajole to get her cranked up to play and rough house. He even had to wake her up in the morning since she didn't like to get up before 9:00 a.m. at least!

Shiva is an entirely different matter! As soon as we got her home she had two speeds: warp drive and crashed. Nothing in between. Up and rarin' to go at 7:00 a.m. every morning. The living room was her personal race track - round and round in circles and after about a week when she was able to jump on the couch she included that as part of her race route. Bimmer started sleeping on the back of the couch to try to get some peace! She's finally calmed down some in the house, primarily because she's so big there's just not room for her to run around.

Kharma's directly from Buffy's line, and it's very apparent. She's much calmer in the house, but she joins in some of Shiva's antics. And all bets are off when they're outside in the pasture! I think she plays more simply because she's grown up with Shiva.

There are all sorts of different variables that can impact whether a dog is calm or energetic. If you can, it's always a good idea to check out the parents and ask about how they acted when they were pups.

Of course, one of the best ways to be pretty sure you're getting a calm dog is to go to a rescue and adopt an older dog!

[MEG126]

labs and goldens have that stereotype- of being calm and perfectly behaved... but that's after about five years (varies with the dog, of course) that they reach that sterotypical behavior. i have a golden and she's now three. she's finally starting to lie down in the house and just hang out and not be up running all over the place all the time. granted she does still run all over the place sometimes, but she's finally starting to calm down around us. now when we have company, she's bouncing off the walls (we're workin on that!) they're really great dogs and i love my golden to pieces, but they take a LOT of work to get them to be perfectly behaved dogs, but i'd consider it well worth it. they do require a LOT of exercise so i would definitely recommend a fence... good luck on your search! with some more specifics we might be able to make some better suggestions... :)

[nicco]

Hi!I know I haven't posted replies until now but all I want to say is that the great dane that I own is the most calm dog ever.She is so quiet and calm...What can I say...And I just don't know why she is like that.I mean..sometimes (in the past,I'm saying in the past because now she's over 8 years old and for a great dane that's a little bit old) I wish that she played with other dogs,or run and bring me a stick to play with and maybe even play in the mud (I'm not kidding)..But she was always like this.She never left my side...I mean....I've never seen a dog more good and obediant.And I love her very much and I don't know what I would do without her...Anyway...My point is that a great dane is a perfect dog to have around you.Of course I don't want to generalise with my little story about my great dane...You have to take in consideration many other aspects,features of the breed in question...

[nicco]

Hi!I know I haven't posted replies until now but all I want to say is that the great dane that I own is the most calm dog ever.She is so quiet and calm...What can I say...And I just don't know why she is like that.I mean..sometimes (in the past,I'm saying in the past because now she's over 8 years old and for a great dane that's a little bit old) I wish that she played with other dogs,or run and bring me a stick to play with and maybe even play in the mud (I'm not kidding)..But she was always like this.She never left my side...I mean....I've never seen a dog more good and obediant.And I love her very much and I don't know what I would do withoutt her...Anyway...My point is that a great dane is a perfect dog to have around you.Of course I don't want to generalise with my little story about my great dane...You have to take in consideration many other aspects,features of the breed in question...

[Renee750il]

Nicco, I'm so glad you posted that! Great Danes are one of the great, calm wonders of the canine world.

May your Dane live a long, healthy life. She really is a beautiful creature. I've enjoyed seeing her photos in the gallery.

[RD]

Labradors really aren't calm dogs. If you buy one from a good breeder, you won't get a bundle of hyperactive nerves, but you also won't get a calm dog.

The calmest breed I have seen so far has been the Basset hound. They're actually *too* calm to suit me, since I'm active, but if you want a couch potato, a Basset is a wonderful dog. Not that they don't like their share of play and exercise, but they wear out quicker. ;)

[Renee750il]

Oddly enough, if you like a giant breed and are willing and able to put in the emotional investment necessary, the Mastiffs are quite calm breeds. The English Bulldog is another, and even the Bloodhound can be a real sofa 'tater.

[RD]

LOL, It's true that a calm large breed dog takes up less space than a hyperactive small/medium dog. You get accustommed to stepping over a big dog, you never get accustommed to having a 'zooming' dog run into you and scream like he's just been lit on fire. (Hmm, do ya think I've had that happen to me before?)

ENGLISH mastiffs are the calmest of the mastiffs, I believe. Neo's run a close second. (Neutered males, or females. Unaltered males are an incredibly large, slobbery handful)

My prob. with the English Bulldogs is that, sweet as they are, they come with so many health problems and a lot of people don't have $1800+ to spend on buying one from a responsible breeder. (Don't ever get the cheapest one you can find, you're likely to wind up with one messed-up Bulldog)

Mastiffs that AREN'T calm include the Dogue de Bordeaux--Looks like a big marshmallow, but for the first few years is quite the hyper bundle of joy. (115lbs of it, to be precise) The Bullmastiff -- Again, very hyper puppyhood.

One breed I certainly don't recommend as a calm breed is a Papillon. Amusing, yes. Calm, no. :p

[hev]

I definitly have to agree with the guys who have suggested Basset hounds, it is the main reason I went for Bruno, he is a puppy right now but my mother in law has 2 bassets and they are the most chilled out dogs i have ever met.
They are renouned for being the laziest breed, but on the down side they are also renouned for being stupid, which i have NOT found. They are extremely friendly to the point they cry if a passer by doesn't stop to say how beautiful he is and give him a pat, and they are excellent with kids.
The basset hound is definitly the right choice for me, but I would suggest you go for an adult dog if you really can't be bothered with all the vibrancy (and down right hard work) that comes with a puppy.
Happy dog hunting, let us know what you go for.

[Renee750il]

My question is how can anyone pass a Bassett sitting there, gazing soulfully, and not stop to gush?

[FaceZ Of DeaTh]

Grey hounds are cool ( BE CAREFUL THEY LIKE TO KILL CATS). I suggest maybe a small bull dog. They are very calm. If you like big dogs get a mastiff they are calm.

[2_of_a_kind]

My beagle is very calm believe it or not. Sometimes i have to get HER to play with ME because she's so mellow ! :) As a pup she was the only one in the litter that just sat and watched everyone jump on each other. It turns out she kept that .. she's a little over a year old now ^_^

[2_of_a_kind]

My question is how can anyone pass a Bassett sitting there, gazing soulfully, and not stop to gush?


Oh i know.. they're so cute ! :D

[RD]

Facez of Death, Greyhounds have a high prey drive but they don't all like to kill cats. Rescued racers have a tendency to chase small animals because of the mechanical lures used when they are racing.

But, the retired racers are fabulous couch potatoes.. They'll still enjoy running on occasion, but they don't seem to *need* that running once they're retired and placed in a home...

Edit -- OMG, Renee.. There is this little Basset that is owned by the groomer we take our dogs to.. Sometimes she's in the 'beauty parlor' when we take our guys in.. Oh. My. God. Talk about irresistable! She climbs up a little ladder to sit on the counter and get kisses.. Her face could melt anything.. :p

[FaceZ Of DeaTh]

There are a lot of grey hounds that were racing dogs that get injured. After hat most of them are put to sleep soemtimes they try to give them away first so that is a good way to get a greyhound.

[Lexi]

Our family had a retired greyhound and she was wonderful. They're great with older kids. They don't kill cats they just have never been introduced to them. They just like to chew up stuffed toys (especially squeaky ones) and go after squirrels when you take them on walks. They must always be on a leash outside, they know nothing about cars (or stairs, or swimming pools, or sometimes, even barking). Once they learn that cats have claws (they are very sensitive dogs) they will be afraid of the cats - believe me. They are big fraidy cats. Ours did not need much exercise at all! She was strictly an indoor dog even though we had a huge yard for her to run around. She preferred to laze around.

My parents lab from a breeder is a hyper dog, 8 years old now and is the kind of dog you want if you have young kids and you want something to wear the kids and the dog out. Labs and retrievers are superb pets for the family but not calm until later on.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend an English Bulldog, they have some nasal issues, other health issues and don't live very long, plus they're pretty expensive if you buy from a breeder...so unless you get him/her from a rescue group or pound that's the best way to go.

A basset hound is great and you can find rescue groups - just depends on the activity level you need for your dog. They may have a few health issues with the breed.

Whippets are also another good, calm breed. I highly recommend them. They also don't need a lot of exercise and are indoor dogs. They can tolerate heat but would need a coat as would a greyhound for walks in snowy weather.

P.S. Our retired racing dog was not injured, she was in perfect health when we got her so I'm not sure what FacesofDeath is talking about regarding injured greyhounds being put up for rescue. Check retired rescue sites on the web in your area if you are interested in a retired greyhound. Many of them are fostered first to socialize them with animals, stairs, etc. before being adopted to families.

[Gillenwater BlackTans]

BlackTan pup might work, I have A 3yr old GR daughter who play with all my hounds and I sale them to familys who have kidds

[seaecho]

After working as a vet technician for 12 yrs., I've seen it all! In my opinion, the majority of Labs and Goldens are hyper for most of their lives. Often to the point of bouncing off the walls. Many small breeds are hyper - especially the toys. Of the large breeds, I'd say Great Danes are one of the calmest, as are St. Bernards and Akitas. But some Akitas can be aggressive, so not recommended unless you're an experienced dog owner. Depends so much on what you are looking for, and where you live. Fenced yard? Short or long haired breed preferred? Do you want a large, medium or small dog? Jack Russells are notorious for being super hyper, as well as most terrier breeds. Many Boxers are crazy hyper, but when you find a calm one, you've got a darn good dog. I have a Boxer that is about as calm as you can get, and intelligent to boot! Our two pugs are opposites - one is hyper and one is calm and relaxed. So its not all just the breed (although generally your chances of getting a hyper dog are much higher in breeds known for this). The individual can be either calm or hyper, as there are exceptions to every rule. I love Whippets - they are calm in the house, yet they can run like the wind. Most sporting breeds will be very active because they are bred to hunt all day long. The same for husky types. Samoyeds, spitz, Siberians and Malamutes have too much energy to spare due to being bred to pull sleds in deep snow for at least eight hours a day. You can't expect a hyper dog to be calm - its just not fair to the dog. They are born this way, and its just better in the long run to see both the parents and spend time with them. Why? Because chances are high that if the parents are calm, the pups will grow up to be calm too. Also remember that ALL pups are very active until mature. Hope this helps!

Randi

[sandypaws]

I agree! Greyhound is the way to go. A retired grey only wants to be loved and have a soft spot to lay down.

[Jett29]

Get a Jack Russell Terrier... ha ha ha!!! Okay, okay. Just kidding. My baby can get pretty hyper... but he does settle down and he likes nap time as much as play time but he loves to bark and get into everything so not a good choice.

Let's see.... you want to stay away from all terrier breeds.

If you want something not too hyper and something that is not that big, I would suggest a pug.

If you want a big dog, you might want to consider a great dane or a newfoundland.

With any breed of dog, be sure to meet the parents first. The parent's temperament and activity level have a lot to do with how your pup will turn out. Also any dog can be a terror if not trained properly, ignored, or not given enough exercise. Hope this helps!http://friendpages.com/pages/cooks/wishbonemom/photo10.jpg

[suzanne118]

cavaliers r calm and lovely..

[dr2little]

I agree! Greyhound is the way to go. A retired grey only wants to be loved and have a soft spot to lay down.

Yes, greyhounds are wonderful dogs. Chaz folks always give such good information.:D Depending on the rescue organization, most are fosters before they are ever adopted out, so they have been small animal tested. Also, many have a very short racing careers so prey drive isn't as much of an issue. So many of our greyhounds live very happily with small dogs and cats, you just have to look for the ones that are proven in foster.
Another thing to consider is a retired breeding bitch, most often they are the sweetest, kindest cuddlers one could ever meet. As for exercise, they do require a couple of good walks a day but are not at all exercise hogs. They're are often called 42 miles an hour couch potatos.
I do all the behavior training for rescue greyhounds here.....and with that particular rescue, I'm not very busy... always a good sign:D

[bubbatd]

I've NEVER had a hyper Golden in my 60 years of owning them !! Field Goldens do tend to be more exuberant though.

[suzanne118]

cavalier king charles spaniel...

[Renee750il]

Grammy, I think you're a good testament to the concept, "the owner makes the dog." :)

[mjb]

The smaller dogs are usually more hyper or more active, along with the Terrier group. Alot of the suggestions for a calm dog are larger dogs. If you need a smaller dog, I would suggest a Pug. I have seen one hyper Pug, but the one we had and most of the Pugs I have been acquainted with have been very calm lovebugs once they're out of their puppyhood.
On the smaller side, I have read that Cavaliers are also calm.

[bubbatd]

Thanks Renee, but it really goes back to the breeders ...not only I, but the ones I got my dogs from. I have had both light and dark goldens. I found the darker ones ( from field stock ) harder to train . The English Golden is much lighter ( to me too light compared to the original Goldens. ) Bubba in my siggy was to me a true Golden color, though he looks more red in my siggy. I wish I could show a picture of his Grandaddy who was a Champion at Westminister... he looked just like him.

[MomOf7]

What about a Lab?
LOL labs are not calm untill after 2 years old sometimes never.
Show bred labs are more laid back then field bred so if you like labs I would go with a show bred one.
Hound dogs are laid back! I love thier howling and barking!

[JennSLK]

Hound dogs are laid back!

yes because self exersizing by running up and down the stairs, onto the couch around the kitchen into the hall up the stairs on the bed and back again DAILY is really laid back LOL

[moonchild1970]

Do you know anything about Greyhounds? I have 2 retired racers, and they are the calmest dogs I have ever had or been around. They are very low maintenance in general! They aren't small, but they actually curl up & take up less room than you might think. It's a big secret what perfect pets these make because the stereotype is that they need lots of room & lots of exercise, which is not true at all. They can run in a small area for 1 to 2 minutes & then are ready to come in & sleep for hours on end. If interested, you should look for a rescue group in your area. A lot of people don't realize that even with the hundreds of rescue groups, thousands of retired racers are euthanized every year. Anyone who goes to the racetrack might as well be holding a gun to their heads. But, besides all of that, there are "greyt" benefits to adopting a retired racer. The good rescue groups cover every detail; they come spayed/neutered and with all of their vaccinations & teeth cleaned. (The adoption fee rarely even covers the cost of all of those things. I've never seen a fee for over $175.). They find the dog that would be the perfect match for your life-style. They can be rescued at any age & they live to be 12 - 14. Many of the dogs are in foster homes before getting adopted, so they have been taught basic house-rules & you wouldn't even have to mess with potty training. They can tell you whether it would prefer to be an only dog or if it gets along with other dogs (small or big), cats, etc.........
Anyway, I could go on & on. Good luck in your search.

Jenny


They ARE awesome dogs!! And we really need more home for them. Our rescued grey,Cashew, was one of the best dogs I ever had!!

[taratippy]

Would go with greyhounds every day, fab dogs, very calm dont require lots of exercise and very gentle. I've got one of my own and foster for rescue. They do need a comfy spot to sleep though

[girlbuffalo1]

We'll we're not really sure about Wrigley's breed--some think border terrier, cocker, lhasa, schnauzer mix but he is incredibly calm. He does not bark..he doesn't run around much..doesn't make noise at night..pretty much just lays under the coffee table chewing on a toy all evening..one 25 min walk is enough to tire him out--and he is only 5 mo! But as we are unclear of what mixture he is--good luck tracking one down LOL!

I also recommend Bassets as calm--our neighbor has one and besides the low baying at times he generally just lays around the back yard.

[Giny]

Another vote for Greyhound! Not that I'm bias or anything because I just LOVE this breed.

A Woops Edit: Just noticed this thread started a few years ago.:D I wonder what they got in the end.

[bjolly]

my vote is, go to the shelter and save the life of an adult dog with a calm temperament. : )
Greyhounds are lovely too though.

[mojozen]

Another vote for Greyhound! Not that I'm bias or anything because I just LOVE this breed.

A Woops Edit: Just noticed this thread started a few years ago.:D I wonder what they got in the end.


Giny - I have been wondering the same thing. :)

[LabBreeder]

After working as a vet technician for 12 yrs., I've seen it all! In my opinion, the majority of Labs and Goldens are hyper for most of their lives. Often to the point of bouncing off the walls.


Everyone talks about stereotyping breeds. Here's another example.
Labs don't "bounce off the walls" any more than those little terrier breeds that are so blasted hyper. A lab puppy will want to play alot but is not necessarily THAT hyper. Our 2 year old is content to lounge around. When the pup wants to play, or we take her out or "rile" her up, she gets hyper and will play or run around for about 15-20 minutes. She calms down and lounges again.
Each dog is different regardless of the breed. You just have to pick the right one for you.

[NobleMastiff]

Calm to a point of almost pure laziness...?


English mastiff all The way!

Really, Mastiffs are beautiful, slow, calm, and extremely affectionate. You have to realize that a English Mastiff is much more messy than the above mentioned dogs, but they are a joy to own, and the attention you get anywhere you go is amazing. Do some research on the breed and never forget, as mentioned above it definitly depends on your living enviornment. Just do some research and see if the Noble Mastiff is right for you.

[Saje]

Why was this thread bumped from TWO years ago?

[JennSLK]

LOL Saje. I have NO idea.

[LabBreeder]

i dunno. :) i never looked at the date, i just saw it was bumped up.

[Trip]

oddly enough another dog I like for calmness, is a rottweiler.I think they've gotten a bad rap, my friends likes nothing more then to sit with you and be loved.