Not every family is ready for a high-energy dog. For those who prefer a peaceful home environment, the right breed can make all the difference.
Calm dogs are more than just good companions, they bring a sense of tranquility, making them ideal for laid-back families or individuals who appreciate a quieter lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking a gentle playmate for kids or a chill companion to relax with after a long day, there are breeds that naturally embrace a slower pace and love to unwind with their humans. These dogs enjoy affection but don’t need constant activity, making them perfect for easygoing households.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from reputable breed and veterinary sources. Every dog is an individual, and temperament can vary within a breed. Always consider the specific needs and personality of a dog before adopting.
1. Basset Hound
With droopy ears and soulful eyes, the Basset Hound embodies relaxation. This breed moves at its own pace, preferring leisurely walks over intense runs. Their low energy level makes them ideal for families who enjoy quiet evenings at home.
Basset Hounds are known for their patient temperament around children. They rarely show aggression and adapt well to apartment living. Their short legs mean they tire quickly, so a couple of short walks daily keeps them content.
These dogs love napping in sunny spots and being close to their humans.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Bred as companion dogs for royalty, Cavaliers thrive on human affection. They’re equally happy curling up on your lap or taking a gentle stroll through the neighbourhood. Their adaptable nature suits families with varying activity levels.
These spaniels are incredibly affectionate and bond deeply with every family member. They get along wonderfully with other pets and show remarkable patience with young children. Their moderate size makes them easy to manage indoors.
Regular grooming keeps their silky coat looking beautiful and healthy throughout the year.
3. Newfoundland
Known as gentle giants, Newfoundlands possess hearts as large as their bodies. Despite their massive size, they move with surprising grace and show extraordinary patience with small children. Many families call them natural babysitters because of their protective yet tender-hearted demeanor.
These dogs were originally bred to help fishermen, which explains their love of water and calm working temperament. They require space due to their size but rarely exhibit hyperactive behaviour indoors.
Their thick coat needs regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons in spring and fall.
4. Shih Tzu
Originally pampered in Chinese palaces, Shih Tzus were bred purely for companionship. Their primary goal in life seems to be staying close to their favourite humans. They adapt beautifully to apartment living and rarely demand vigorous exercise.
These little dogs have friendly personalities and show affection to everyone they meet. Their small size makes them manageable for families with limited space. Daily brushing prevents their long coat from matting.
Shih Tzus are content with short walks and plenty of cuddle time on the sofa afterwards.
5. English Bulldog
Few breeds match the English Bulldog’s commitment to relaxation. These stocky companions prefer air-conditioned rooms over outdoor adventures, making them ideal for families who enjoy indoor activities. Their wrinkled faces and pushed-in noses give them an endearing, grumpy expression that masks their sweet personalities.
Bulldogs form strong bonds with children and tolerate their playful antics with remarkable patience. They require minimal exercise due to their breathing limitations. Short walks in cool weather suit them best.
Regular cleaning of their facial wrinkles prevents skin infections and keeps them comfortable.
6. Great Dane
Despite towering over most other breeds, Great Danes are surprisingly mellow. These colossal canines think they’re lap dogs and often try to squeeze onto furniture meant for smaller breeds. Their calm disposition makes them wonderful family companions, though their size requires adequate living space.
Great Danes are gentle with children and rarely show aggressive tendencies. They need moderate exercise but aren’t overly energetic. Their short coat requires minimal grooming.
Owners should prepare for a dog that takes up considerable space on the bed and couch each evening.
7. Pug
Pugs are natural comedians wrapped in compact, wrinkly packages. Their charming personalities and low energy levels make them perfect for families seeking entertainment without exhaustion. These dogs are happiest when they’re the centre of attention, making silly faces and snorting contentedly.
They adapt well to various living situations, from apartments to houses with yards. Pugs are patient with children and enjoy being included in family activities. Their short coats require minimal grooming.
Watch their weight carefully, as these food-loving dogs can easily become overweight without proper portion control.
8. Saint Bernard
Famous for alpine rescues, Saint Bernards possess both strength and serenity. These massive dogs are incredibly patient with children, often allowing toddlers to climb on them without complaint. Their calm presence brings a sense of security to any household.
Despite their size, they’re surprisingly gentle indoors and move carefully around furniture. They need moderate exercise but overheat easily in warm weather. Their thick coat requires regular brushing, especially during shedding periods.
Families should prepare for drool and the space these lovable giants require in their homes.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs combine stunning looks with easygoing personalities. Their tri-coloured coats and expressive faces make them eye-catching, while their calm temperament makes them wonderful family members. These dogs were bred to pull carts and herd cattle, work that required steady, reliable behaviour.
They’re affectionate with all family members and particularly gentle with children. Moderate daily exercise keeps them healthy and content. Their thick double coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting.
These dogs thrive in cooler climates and may struggle during hot summer months without air conditioning.
10. Sussex Spaniel
With their golden-liver coats and thoughtful eyes, Sussex Spaniels are among the most serene sporting breeds. They work at a slower pace than other spaniels, making them better suited to families wanting a less energetic companion. Their low, rumbling bark is distinctive and surprisingly deep for their size.
These dogs are loyal to their families and show steady, reliable temperaments. They enjoy walks but don’t require intense exercise sessions. Regular grooming keeps their feathered coat looking its best.
Sussex Spaniels are rare, so finding a reputable breeder may take patience and research.
11. Japanese Chin
These elegant little dogs were bred to entertain Japanese nobility. Japanese Chins possess cat-like qualities, including a preference for high perches and meticulous grooming habits. Their quiet, dignified manner makes them ideal for families seeking a peaceful companion.
They adapt well to apartment living and require minimal exercise. These dogs are gentle with children who treat them respectfully. Their silky coat needs regular brushing to prevent tangles.
Japanese Chins are sensitive to extreme temperatures and do best in climate-controlled environments throughout the year.
12. Tibetan Spaniel
Bred by Tibetan monks as watchdogs and companions, these small dogs balance alertness with calmness. They enjoy observing their surroundings from elevated positions, a trait from their monastery origins. Despite their watchful nature, they’re not yappy or overly excitable.
Tibetan Spaniels bond closely with their families and show affection without being demanding. They need moderate exercise and enjoy short daily walks. Their coat requires regular brushing but isn’t as high-maintenance as some breeds.
These intelligent dogs are independent thinkers, which can make training interesting but rewarding for patient owners.
13. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have skyrocketed in popularity thanks to their charming personalities and minimal exercise needs. These compact companions are happiest lounging on the couch with their humans. Their bat-like ears and expressive faces make them instantly recognizable and endlessly entertaining.
They’re excellent with children and adapt well to various living situations. Frenchies can’t tolerate heat due to their flat faces, so air conditioning is essential. Their short coat requires minimal grooming.
Be prepared for snoring and other amusing sounds these brachycephalic breeds are known for making throughout the day.
14. Pekingese
Once treasured by Chinese emperors, Pekingese carry themselves with royal dignity. These small dogs possess surprising confidence and prefer a calm household where they can reign supreme. Their lion-like mane and rolling gait give them a distinctive, aristocratic appearance.
Pekingese are loyal to their families but can be independent and stubborn. They require minimal exercise and are content with short walks. Their long coat needs daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles.
These dogs do best in homes without very young children who might play too roughly for their liking.
