Calmest Dog Breeds (Lowest Energy)
Not everyone wants a four-legged athlete. These breeds score lowest on our energy scale — but calm isn't the same as care-free.
How we built it
Computed automatically from PetGrit's 1–5 energy rating on each dog profile (1 = very low energy, 5 = very high), sorted lowest first. Ratings are graded against breed-standard and veterinary sources; ties are listed alphabetically.
If your ideal dog is a couch companion rather than a trail-running partner, energy level is the trait to lead with. This ranking is computed live from PetGrit's 1–5 energy rating on every dog profile, lowest first. The breeds at the top are content with a gentle daily walk and a lot of lounging — though, tellingly, several are also giant guardians or flat-faced companions whose calm comes packaged with other care needs.
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Scores are PetGrit's own 1–5 trait ratings, graded against breed-standard and veterinary sources. Browse the full breed dataset →
Sources & method
- PetGrit breed dataset — 1–5 energy ratings — Graded against breed-standard and veterinary sources, single-sourced from each profile.
- Breed-standard temperament descriptions — Context for each breed's typical activity level.
The short version
- The calmest breeds score 2 out of 5 on our energy scale — happy with a short daily walk and plenty of rest.
- The list splits into two camps: mellow flat-faced companions (Bulldog, Pug, French Bulldog) and placid giant guardians (Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees).
- Calm is a temperament, not a free pass — these breeds still need daily exercise, and several carry breathing or size-related health needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the calmest dog breed?
By our energy ratings, the calmest breeds all score a 2 out of 5 and include the Basset Hound, Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, and several giant guardians like the Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and Great Pyrenees. There's no single 'calmest' dog — these breeds tie at the low end of the scale — but as a group they're content with modest exercise and a lot of downtime.
Are calm dog breeds good for apartments?
Often, but check the whole picture. Low energy is a big plus for apartment living, which is why small calm breeds like the Shih Tzu, Pug, and French Bulldog are popular in cities. But some of the calmest breeds are giant dogs that, despite being mellow, simply take up enormous space. And flat-faced breeds can struggle with stairs, heat, and exertion. Match energy level with size and the building's realities.
Do low-energy dogs still need exercise?
Yes — every dog needs daily physical activity and mental stimulation for its health and happiness, even the laziest breeds. The difference is amount: a calm breed may be satisfied with a couple of relaxed 20-minute walks and some sniffing time, where a working breed would need hours. Skipping exercise entirely leads to weight gain and boredom behaviors in any dog.
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