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For those looking for a peaceful yet affectionate canine companion, certain dog breeds are known for their naturally calm and friendly temperament. These dogs bring a soothing presence to any home, forming close bonds with their families and getting along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. Here are breeds that exemplify a calm and friendly disposition, each offering unique qualities that make them perfect for families or quieter households.
Bichon Frise
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Bichon Frises are known for their cheerful, friendly nature and are often described as “gentle lapdogs.” They’re incredibly social, enjoy being close to their families, and adapt well to quiet environments. Despite their small size, Bichons are calm indoors and are wonderful with children, making them ideal companions for those looking for an affectionate, low-key dog.
Great Pyrenees
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Great Pyrenees are gentle giants known for their calm and protective nature. Originally bred as livestock guardians, they’re naturally watchful yet incredibly friendly with their families. They’re patient with children and enjoy spending quiet time with their loved ones, making them wonderful additions to households seeking a calm, dependable dog.
Irish Setter
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Irish Setters are friendly, easygoing dogs with a gentle, playful side. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, Irish Setters are great with children and enjoy spending time with their families. Despite their athletic build, they have a calm demeanor and are just as content lounging indoors as they are exploring the outdoors with their family.
Tibetan Terrier
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Tibetan Terriers are medium-sized dogs with a calm and affectionate temperament. Known for their friendly nature, they’re gentle with children and bond closely with their families. Tibetan Terriers enjoy a relaxed pace and are incredibly loyal, making them ideal for families or individuals looking for a calm, steady companion.
Sussex Spaniel
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Sussex Spaniels are known for their calm, steady nature and are excellent with children and other pets. They have a gentle disposition and are friendly with people, making them easygoing companions who love spending time with their families. Sussex Spaniels are content with moderate exercise and enjoy quiet time at home, making them a great match for a relaxed household.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands are famously gentle and are often called “nanny dogs” due to their affectionate, protective nature with children. Known for their calm demeanor, they get along well with families, are patient with kids, and form strong bonds with their loved ones. Despite their large size, Newfoundlands are incredibly gentle, making them perfect for families who want a big, friendly companion.
Japanese Chin
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Japanese Chins are small, elegant dogs known for their calm and cat-like demeanor. They’re friendly, love spending time with their families, and adapt well to quiet homes. Japanese Chins are affectionate without being overly demanding, making them great companions for individuals or families who enjoy a calm, low-maintenance dog.
Leonberger
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Leonbergers are large, gentle dogs that are remarkably friendly and calm, especially with children. Known for their affectionate and loyal nature, Leonbergers are social and enjoy being part of family life. They’re great with children and other pets, making them ideal for families seeking a big, calm dog that’s both protective and loving.
Finnish Lapphund
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Finnish Lapphunds are friendly, calm dogs with a natural love for family life. Known for their gentle and adaptable nature, they’re great with children and enjoy interacting with people in a relaxed manner. Finnish Lapphunds bond closely with their families and are calm indoors, making them ideal for quiet households looking for a friendly, affectionate dog.
Keeshond
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Keeshonds are known for their “smiling” expressions and friendly, social nature. They’re affectionate and calm, forming close bonds with their families and getting along well with children and other pets. Keeshonds are adaptable and enjoy moderate exercise, making them a great choice for families who want a friendly, loyal companion with a calm temperament.
Glen of Imaal Terrier
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The Glen of Imaal Terrier is a lesser-known breed that combines a calm demeanor with a friendly nature. Known for being laid-back and affectionate, Glens are great with families and get along well with children. They’re loyal and enjoy spending time with their loved ones, making them a fantastic choice for households looking for a calm, loving terrier.
Bedlington Terrier
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Bedlington Terriers have a unique lamb-like appearance and a calm, gentle disposition that makes them wonderful companions. Known for their friendly and adaptable nature, Bedlingtons are great with children and other pets. They’re friendly and affectionate but maintain a calm presence, making them ideal for households looking for a dog with a soft, steady personality.
Otterhound
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Otterhounds are large, gentle dogs with a calm, friendly temperament. Known for their easygoing nature, they’re great with children and enjoy quiet time with their families. Otterhounds are affectionate without being overly demanding, making them a great match for families who want a calm, social dog with a love for both people and adventure.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are well-known for their calm and friendly demeanor. These affectionate dogs thrive on companionship and love to be around people, making them perfect for families, singles, and seniors alike. Cavaliers are gentle, adaptable, and easygoing, fitting into a variety of households and lifestyles. They’re great with children and other pets, often acting as the peacemakers of the dog world. Their sweet and loving nature makes them ideal therapy dogs, and they excel in providing comfort and joy to those in need. With their easygoing attitude, Cavaliers are happy to snuggle on the couch or join in on playful activities.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants with a calm and friendly personality. Despite their large size, they are known for being affectionate, loving, and gentle, especially with children. Berners are patient and easygoing, making them wonderful companions for families. Their friendly and sociable nature also means they get along well with other animals. Bernese Mountain Dogs are happiest when they’re spending time with their loved ones, whether it’s hiking outdoors or lounging at home. They have a stable temperament, making them easy to train and pleasant to be around. Their combination of friendliness and calm makes them a beloved family favorite.
Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are known for their cheerful and friendly nature. Unlike some terriers, Wheatens are less feisty and more adaptable, making them a great choice for families. They are playful yet gentle and form strong bonds with their human companions. Wheatens are known to greet people with enthusiastic tail wags and their signature “Wheaten greetin’,” which involves lots of happy bouncing. While they have a playful side, they’re also capable of being calm and content when spending quiet time with their family. Their friendly and affectionate temperament makes them wonderful companions who are always eager to spread joy.
Clumber Spaniel
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Clumber Spaniels are one of the calmest and most laid-back of the spaniel breeds. These dogs are known for their gentle, friendly demeanor and easygoing nature. Clumbers are excellent companions for families, as they are patient with children and get along well with other pets. While they are happy to join in on outdoor adventures, they are equally content lounging around the house. Their low-key temperament and loving nature make them easy to live with, and they form strong, loyal bonds with their owners. Clumber Spaniels are perfect for those seeking a relaxed and friendly canine companion.
Whippet
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Whippets are often described as the perfect blend of calm and friendly. These sleek and athletic dogs are gentle and quiet around the house, happy to curl up on the couch for hours. Whippets are affectionate with their families and get along well with children and other dogs. While they have bursts of energy and love to run in open spaces, they quickly settle down and become the ultimate couch potatoes. Their calm and friendly nature makes them great pets for both active individuals and families looking for a laid-back companion. Whippets are easy to train and eager to please, adding to their charm.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards are massive dogs with hearts just as big. Known for their calm and gentle demeanor, these dogs are incredibly patient and loving, especially with children. Despite their size, Saint Bernards are easygoing and rarely aggressive. They are known as “nanny dogs” for their protective yet friendly nature. Saint Bernards are social animals that enjoy being part of the family and are always up for a cuddle or a leisurely walk. Their calm attitude makes them excellent therapy dogs, and they’re happiest when they’re providing comfort and companionship. Their sweet, affectionate disposition makes them a beloved breed worldwide.
Havanese
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Havanese dogs are cheerful, friendly, and known for their love of companionship. These small but sturdy dogs are adaptable and thrive in a variety of environments, whether in a bustling household or a quiet apartment. Havanese are great with kids and other pets, and their playful yet calm nature makes them easy to have around. They enjoy being the center of attention and have a knack for making people smile. Their affectionate personality and eagerness to please make them excellent therapy dogs. Havanese are equally happy playing a game or snuggling on the couch, bringing a sense of calm and happiness to any home.
Bullmastiff
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Bullmastiffs may look intimidating, but they are known for their calm, composed, and affectionate nature. These gentle giants are protective yet incredibly loyal and loving to their families. Bullmastiffs are great with children and are naturally gentle, making them trustworthy and reliable companions. They have a quiet temperament and are not prone to excessive barking or hyperactivity. While they are always ready to defend their home if necessary, they are usually laid-back and content to lounge around the house. Their friendly and mellow attitude makes them easy to live with, and they form deep, lasting bonds with their owners.
A Calm and Friendly Companion for Every Home
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Each of these breeds brings a unique blend of calmness and friendliness, making them ideal for families, quiet households, or individuals who prefer a peaceful companion. Whether you’re looking for a small dog like the Japanese Chin or a gentle giant like the Newfoundland, these breeds offer the companionship and loyalty that make them perfect for a relaxed, loving home. If you’re seeking a dog with a calm, friendly nature, one of these breeds could be the perfect addition to your family.
Toledo, United States.
