This Dog Breed Is Ranked Among the 'Calmest' Pups Despite Their Massive Size
I've had dogs of all sizes as part of my family and learned you definitely can't judge a book by its furry cover. Small fur babies are thought of as very calm and quiet, yet a Chihuahua or Jack Russell can be yappier and more energetic than many large-breed dogs. Huge canines like Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs boast mammoth builds that some can view as intimidating, yet they are total mushballs.
One well-known breed is considered to be a gentle giant despite its towering presence, and is now being ranked as one of the most easygoing.
Modern Dog compiled a list of "Calmest, Most Laid-Back Dog Breeds" and some of their rankings may come as a surprise. While the Bulldog came in first for its gentle demeanor and affinity for sedentary activities, the Great Dane took second place in spite of their ginormous presence.
Great Danes are the ultimate gentle giants and make wonderful family pets. Originally bred in Germany to hunt wild boar, Great Danes are often referred to as the Apollo of Dogs. This working breed is highly intelligent, loyal, and closely bonds with loved ones of all ages. These precious pooches have a very calm, serene demeanor and are very affectionate.
Then there's their measurements: Males grow between 30 and 34 inches in height and approximately 120 to 200 pounds, with females standing at 28 to 32 inches and tipping the scales between 99 and 130 pounds.
Great Danes come in a variety of colors including black, black and white, blue, brindle, fawn, harlequin, merle, silver, solid white, or mantle.
Other large breeds that made the list include the Saint Bernard and Mastiff. Smaller breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Pug also fell under the calm category.
Breeds With Excess Energy
On the flip side, there are numerous breeds that are more robust and need lots of exercise to expend their energy. Herding dogs like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds require daily activity and plenty of room to run. Smaller canines like Vizslas and Poodles have a lot of pep in their step and do best when they have regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally sharp.
Whichever breed of pooch you pick, make sure you choose a dog that suits your lifestyle so they can thrive.
Related: Great Dane Gets Caught Taking a Shower and Has Zero Regrets
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This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 4:10 PM.