Looking for the perfect pup? Take our dog breed selector quiz to find get results based on your lifestyle.

There's nothing better than coming home and being greeted by your loving dog. It's just that sometimes, they can be... a little much. It's nice to just curl up with your dog for a quiet evening on the couch and not run around and play for hours, then get woken up in the middle of the night! Thankfully, not all dog breeds are wound quite so tightly. 

Just because a particular breed is laid back, that doesn't mean they don't need exercise. All dogs need regular walks, even if they seem content to just lay around. It should also be said that a dog's calmness has more to with their owner than anything else. If the owner is high strung, or the dog isn't properly trained or socialized, it does not stand a good chance of being a calm dog. 

With that said, some dogs are naturally more likely to give off mellow vibes than others. Some pups can't even sit still for one episode of TV, but these breeds are happy to binge watch a whole series by your side!

Top 10 Calm Dog Breeds According to the American Kennel Club

There are actually only four breeds that are true “coach potatoes”: French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Basset Hounds and Pekinese.

1. French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are polite, affectionate and easy going. Want to play a game or chase a ball? Sounds great! Just want to relax and cuddle while you watch TV? Sounds great, too! French Bulldogs are much happier to show their love by curling up with you than by jumping up and making a production every time you come home. 

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are Calm as they are cuddly. These dogs are very relaxed around people and other animals. Take them for a walk and show them off to the neighbourhood, but this isn't a dog that needs intense exercise. When your dog is this beautiful, who wouldn't want to spend a relaxing night in with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

3. Basset Hounds

The Basset Hound is an easy going, charming and mellow companion. They are famous for their oversized velvety ears, melty eyes and wrinkled brow, which makes them look permanently pouty. You’ll find that this calm breed isn’t aggressive with their affection, but they’re ride or die loyal with their owners.

4. Pekingese

Bow down to the Pekingese, a regal, stocky toy dog with a fabulous coat and an assured demeanour. Originally bred to live in palaces, Pekes have royalty in their blood. They are confident and charming, with a signature self-assured strut. This breed will easily bond with their humans, which makes them ideal lap dogs. But don’t call them lazy—these dogs are always on the alert, making them ideal guard dogs

The remaining six breeds are more “joggers” than couch potatoes — they need some daily exercise, but not as much as “sprinters” like Golden Retrievers.

5. German Shepherds

Bred as a working dog, German Shepherds are large and strong with noble character. They're intelligent, confident, courageous and their devotion and loyalty is unmatchable. Being super versatile, they excel at whatever purpose they're trained to do. If you want them to be active, they can keep up. However, if you need a more calm dog, they will adapt to your environment.

6. Bulldogs

If you see a ferocious and intense Bulldog, chances are you're just looking at a college basketball team mascot. In real life, they're quiet, affectionate and laid back. In fact, if your Bulldog wakes you up in the middle of the night, it's more likely to be from snoring than barking. 

7. Rottweilers

Bet you didn't expect to see Rottweilers on this list! This breed gets a bad rap, but as with all dogs, their bad behaviour is almost always a result of bad ownership. Rottweilers are incredibly loving and rarely bark without a reason to. In fact, they can be a little bit too relaxed. One of their biggest health risks is obesity, so make sure your Rottweiler gets a daily walk.

8. Yorkshire Terriers

The beloved lapdog of Victorian ladies, Yorkshire Terriers can be feisty, particular and brave beyond their size. While some may call them “yappy,” their barking is what makes them reliable watchdogs and can be kept under control with proper training and adequate exercise. If you take care of them, they’ll be one of the calmest dogs on the block.

9. Dachshunds

The unmistakable Dachshund is famous for its low, long-backed body, short legs and vibrant personality. Its curious, colourful and friendly demeanour makes the Dachshund breed quick crowd-pleasers and dependable family dogs. For everywhere that they shine, Dachshunds aren’t exactly known for their athleticism and simply aren’t built for things like distance running, swimming or leaping. The result is one calm dog.

10. Miniature Schnauzers

Miniature Schnauzers are a fun loving little breed with personality to spare. They're one of the more energetic breeds on this list, but if you make sure they get the exercise they need, they'll be easy going. They're very bright and trainable, so try teaching them some tricks on one of your chill evenings at home.