The most placid, easy going breeds

[WetRainbowRoses]

In your experience?
Any size, colour, coat type, breed group, the only criteria is ‘generally placid and easy going’

We have two dogs already, two breeds known for being high strung and feisty!
They are both great dogs in their own ways but they are hard work.
One is quite old and I have commented to DH that I’m not sure I want another dog really when she passes, but DH pointed out that our younger one probably would not cope without a companion dog and will be absolutely devastated when the old girl goes so we probably should get him a companion when that happens.

I 100% do NOT want another ‘hard work’ breed with a reputation for being ‘challenging’, ‘feisty’, ‘headstrong’, ‘experienced owner’ etc.

I want something with a reputation for being laid back, relaxed and easy.
I don’t care about trainability/desire to please as long as they are friendly and relaxed in temperament.

Mulled over the possibility of a Leonberger for a big breed and a Shih Tzu or Tibetan Spaniel for a small breed.

My 9 month old shih tzu boy is so calm, chilled and gentle. Gawd I love him so much!

I agree with all the posters who said PUG.

There are no words to describe what a wonderful, loving, adorable creature our little boy is 🥰

He adores everyone- people, dogs, small and large pets (we have many). Kids are his favourite people and all he wants to do is sit/sleep on your lap or very closely cuddled up to whoever is on the sofa. Ours is young (just turned 1) but he sleeps about 20 hours a day. Even though he loves going outside, he would sleep all day if you didn't wake him for food or walks. He has been an absolute dream to potty train and just wants to do everything to please you. He loves car rides and we have taken him by car through Europe with no complaints from him. He just slept throughout the journey. He can be left home alone and again just sleeps on the sofa. We never needed a crate as he has never chewed or destroyed anything in the house.

He's just the perfect dog 😍

P.S. We had a miniature poodle before and he was a total bundle of energy until the age of 16 with separation anxiety, so our little pug now seems like a walk in the park by comparison.

Italian greyhound? They are much smaller than typical greyhounds/whippets.
I think the only issue is they can be prone to separation anxiety.

You've perfectly described Tibetan terriers in your requirements. If you don't care about trainability and willingness to please, they are your perfect breed. So laid back they're horizontal!

They can be trained but they like to know what's in it for them first. They've got the loveliest natures and virtually no prey drive. They love people.

There’s a lot of people saying lab which I find surprising, we have 2 youngish labs right now, I absolutely wouldn’t put them in the placid and laid back category. Trainable, sociable family dogs yes! Placid?! I consider my two extremely well behaved. My Husky X GSD is the most laid dog back I’ve ever had but I wouldn’t recommend those breeds either!

Australian labradoodles (not the same as a labradoodle) have been bred to be therapy dogs, particularly for autistic children so they need to be calm. Ours just wants to be cuddled all the time and stare into our eyes with adoration. He's very lazy too and needs to be coaxed out on a walk. They come in different sizes and are generally non shedding.

@ABitBesotted

Please consider the rare British breeds the ones out of fashion and at risk of dying out

But why? Unless you intend to breed them.

So that even if you don't breed them, someone wil.

Even breeds that were ubiquitous in the 70s (like Old English Sheepdogs) are now on the 'watch' list. Numbers do go up well as down, and face it some of that is demand led. Dogs aren't on there because they're difficuit or unsuitable for families.

Info here

www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/are-you-ready/vulnerable-native-breeds/

If you do end up considering a pug, please read up on their health issues first. And check you can afford insurance (they are expensive) or that you have plenty of savings that you like to spend at the vet

I agree they are lovely natured dogs, but I know I couldn't take one on.

For those that have said greyhounds, just out of curiosity, are Italian greyhounds and whippets similar in nature / laziness or are they totally different?

We have a laid back ex racer greyhound with normal prey drive whose recall is fine and is regularly off lead. Apart from occasionally jumping over small dogs while they’re playing he is incredibly gentle with them. Though I suppose he might not be thrilled if one came and poked him while he was asleep.

English Setter cannot be beaten for being laid back. Absolute angels with children and cats that are part of the family. Very very placid to the extent that young children and kittens need to be told when to leave them alone.
Poor recall and high prey drive. Need lots of grooming. Steal any food left out.
On the endangered native dogs list mentioned above.

What are their exercise requirements like?

Was that for me?
One long walk a day and a big garden. Or one long and one short walk a day.

They are not a pavement walking dog. You want some nice countryside or country park for them to run in.

Pug owner for many years here!
Pugs are great dogs. Fantastic with kids.
However.... they're deffo not all calm. It's a myth!
They're very temperature sensitive so can't be walked in all weathers.

Whatever you do don't get a Tibetan terrier.

I have a 14 week old and the last few weeks have been some of the most stressful of my life! Energetic and wilful doesn't even come close!

That will be a puppy thing surely? Aren't all puppies stressful?

@ClaireandTed

Whatever you do don't get a Tibetan terrier.

I have a 14 week old and the last few weeks have been some of the most stressful of my life! Energetic and wilful doesn't even come close!

This sounds like TT people always recommend them on this type of thread but…no. Don’t get a TT if you want an easy life

Thank you, oviraptor. They really are beautiful creatures.

I’ve kept rescue greyhounds/lurchers and rescue chihuahuas together (in many multiples) for more than 20 years with never a single issue. Infact the greys are very respectful of the chis and very tolerant….I often find the chis sleeping on top of the greyhounds If you really don’t want to do that, then I would go to a reputable rescue and tell them what you want. Contrary to popular belief, you can get laid back dogs from rescue, particularly if you are prepared to take a slightly older dog (4+) Lots of my rescues have been very chilled.

My parents had a shi tzu and she was the sweetest most loving girl. Loved lots of cuddles on the sofa, but she was also very playful even as an old lady and loved multiple daily walks, games in the garden and chasing balls - but no understanding of bringing them back!

Newfoundland for a big dog. Known as the gentle giant. A lot of brushing and moulting though!

My golden retriever is a placid, desperate to please saint. She should be beatified.

My golden retriever was an absolute arsehole as a puppy and teen. He still has his moments now tbh and he’s coming up for four.

My two Staffies are the sweetest dogs ever. Really placid and great with people and animals. My new neighbours have all said how well behaved they are as they don't leave the drive even with a dog walking past. They don't fight and are not food aggressive and are great with all the grandkids including two year olds.