Dogs, with their wide variety of personalities and temperaments, are delightful companions. However, understanding the nature of the different breeds can help in making an informed decision about which dog might best fit your lifestyle and make a compatible partner for you.
It should be born in mind that any dog can be ‘highly strung’ if its needs are not met. In fact the term ‘highly strung’ can often be replaced with ‘energetic’. Restless, nervous dogs often become like that as a result of not being given the opportunity to burn off excess energy, lack of socialization, and more. However there are breeds that are just more laid back than others and here we rank some dog breeds from the calmest to the most highly strung, providing a bit of insight into their temperaments and typical behaviours.
1. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are often referred to as gentle giants. Known for their calm and patient demeanour, these dogs are great with children and are often called ‘nanny dogs’. They are exceptionally loyal and gentle, making them perfect for families looking for a low-energy, loving companion. They do get BIG - males up to 130 pounds which is an important consideration.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are renowned for their laid-back nature. They are not particularly active dogs and are more than content to spend their days lounging around the house. Their calm demeanour makes them excellent pets for families and the elderly who want a relaxed companion.
3. Great Dane
Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are known for their calm nature - another gentle giant. They are good with children and other animals and have a patient, easy-going temperament. Great Danes are affectionate and loyal, making them excellent family pets. Their size means they get through a lot of food!
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are another example of a calm and gentle giant. They are known for their patience and tolerance, especially with children. While they require space due to their size, their calm nature makes them ideal companions for those seeking a mellow, loving dog. They can be quite independent.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate and gentle dogs. They are known for their friendly and calm disposition, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. They enjoy being around people and are generally easy-going.
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds might be surprising to see on this list, given their racing background, but they are known for being couch potatoes. After a short burst of energy, they are content to relax and nap. Their calm and gentle nature makes them excellent pets for those looking for a low-maintenance, quiet companion.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm and gentle, known for their affectionate nature. They are good with children and other animals, and their friendly disposition makes them great family pets. They do require regular exercise, but their overall temperament is very laid-back.
8. Bulldog
Bulldogs are known for their calm and courageous demeanour. They are patient and gentle, making them great companions for families with children. Bulldogs are not overly active and are quite content to relax at home, enjoying the company of their ‘pack’. Their distinctive look makes them one of those breeds that you either love or hate.
9. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are generally calm and enjoy being around people. Their affectionate and gentle disposition makes them great companions for both families and individuals.
10. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly, tolerant, and reliable. They are known for their patient nature, especially with children. While they are quite bouncy and energetic, especially when young, and require regular exercise, but their overall personality is gentle and easy-going.
11. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature. They are generally calm, especially as they mature, and are great with children and other animals. Their loyal and gentle disposition makes them one of the most popular dog breeds.
12. Pug
Pugs are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are generally calm and enjoy being around people. Their affectionate and gentle disposition makes them great companions for families and individuals alike.
13. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small but can be quite spirited. They are known for their lively and alert nature. While they can be affectionate and loyal, they are also known to be a bit high-strung, especially if not properly socialized. They can be quite a lively handful in a small package.
14. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are energetic and lively dogs. They are known for their high energy levels and can be quite a demanding if not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. Their spirited nature makes them great companions for active individuals. Definitely moving out of the ‘calm’ zone with these ones!
15. Dachshund
Dachshunds are known for their lively and curious nature. They can be quite energetic and require regular exercise to keep them happy. Their independent yet lively nature makes them a bit more high-strung compared to some other breeds.
16. Boxer
Boxers are very trainable and love being busy and having a job to do. Their high energy definitely needs to be taken into consideration before welcome one into your home. If they don’t have a yard to run around in they will need to be taken for regular good long walks.
17. Border Collie and Australian Shepherd
These two breeds are known for their intelligence and high energy levels. They are extremely active and require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Their high energy and drive can make them high-strung, especially if not given enough activity. Not an apartment dog. They ideally need a lot of space where they can run. They like a job and can be quite insistent about you throwing sticks and balls for them - sometimes to an annoying degree!
18. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are energetic and lively dogs. They are known for their spirited and alert nature. Their high energy levels and need for mental stimulation can make them more high-strung compared to other breeds.
19. Siberian Husky
Think of the traditional job of a Husky - running long distances in a pack and often living together in groups. If ever there was a dog with a job its a Husky. While calm Huskies exist - usually as a result of good training, its a dog best suited to people with a very active lifestyle. They are also known to be escape artists.
20. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are known for their distinctive spotted coats and their high energy levels. These dogs are active and intelligent, requiring regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are often used as working dogs and have a strong drive to be busy, which means they can become restless or even destructive if not given enough physical and mental stimulation. They are best suited to owners who lead active lifestyles and can commit to meeting their exercise needs.
21. Viszla
The Vizsla is an energetic and affectionate breed, often referred to as a "velcro dog" because of its strong attachment to its owners. Known for their athleticism, Vizslas require significant daily exercise to prevent boredom and anxiety. These dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but their need for constant mental and physical stimulation can make them challenging for less active owners. Like the Dalmatian, a Vizsla that doesn’t receive enough exercise can develop restless behaviours, making them better suited to homes where they can get plenty of attention and activity.
22. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are another breed with high energy and a strong desire to be active. Known for their sleek, silver coats and striking appearance, these dogs are often described as having a “high-strung” nature, especially if their exercise needs are not met. Weimaraners are highly intelligent and require both physical and mental challenges to keep them content. They are also known for their strong bonds with their owners, which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
When you get a puppy you don’t know where on the spectrum of highly strung/calm your individual is going to be as genetics come into it too, but the potential for a dog with above average nervous energy is there with the last 12 above named breeds.
We have only discussed about one tenth of the dog breeds that exist. Do you have observations about a breed that we have not mentioned? We would be please to share your experience.
In Summary
Understanding the temperament and energy levels of different dog breeds is crucial in finding the perfect canine companion. From the calm and gentle Newfoundland to the highly spirited Weimaraner, each breed offers unique characteristics that can fit various lifestyles and preferences. Are you at home a lot or not? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard or on a farm? How much time do you have available for walks? Are you committed to regular training? Choosing the right breed can lead to a harmonious and fulfilling relationship between you and your doggy friend but having any kind of dog requires the right kind of care and commitment.
Robin Logan,
RSHom