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Best calm dog breeds

Each breed here made the list on calm wording in its own AKC description: low-key, placid, calm, serene or a Zen-like calm.

The table sets AKC's energy rating beside weight and life expectancy, which differ a lot across the five.

Calm dog breeds for relaxed homes

Basset Hound
AKC calls the Basset Hound low-slung and low-key, sometimes stubborn but always charming. A daily walk at a moderate pace covers the exercise it needs.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Adults are calm animals that sleep a lot, in AKC's account. The wrinkled Neapolitan Mastiff is wary with strangers but sweet and placid with loved ones. Warm weather needs care because the breed overheats easily.
Bulldog
Kind but courageous and friendly but dignified, the Bulldog counts calm among AKC's tags for it. Hot days belong in front of an air conditioner.
Great Pyrenees
AKC says Great Pyrenees usually show a Zen-like calm and spring into action only to meet a threat. They save their energy for the flock, so exercise stays moderate.
Irish Wolfhound
AKC calls the Irish Wolfhound the most serene and agreeable of companions, too serene to make a fierce guard dog. It still needs exercise throughout life and a leash outside a secure fence.

Breed	AKC energy rating	Weight	Life expectancy
Basset Hound	2 of 5	40 to 65 pounds	12 to 13 years
Neapolitan Mastiff	2 of 5	150 pounds male, 110 pounds female	7 to 9 years
Bulldog	3 of 5	50 pounds male, 40 pounds female	8 to 10 years
Great Pyrenees	3 of 5	100 pounds and up male, 85 pounds and up female	10 to 12 years
Irish Wolfhound	3 of 5	120 pounds male, 105 pounds female	6 to 8 years