In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding a four-legged friend who matches your love for peaceful, lazy weekends can be a blissful addition to your home. If you dream of a pet who is more about cuddles on the couch than high-energy games in the park, you’re in luck. There’s an array of the calmest dog breeds known for their low energy levels, calm demeanor, and somewhat lazy tendencies that might just align perfectly with your lifestyle.
What are the calmest dog breeds?
Before diving into these mellow canine companions, remember that individual temperaments can vary, and proper training and socialization are key to fostering a laid-back personality in any dog. Here are some of the calmest dog breeds.
French Bulldog
Despite their name, the French Bulldog was created in England as a miniature Bulldog. They were companions to lacemakers who made trips to France, where they got their name. These days, they’re happy to stay put in a nice, air-conditioned apartment. Frenchies are known for being stubborn, and when they don’t want to walk, you’ll have trouble getting them to stop digging in their heels. They’re happy to play for a bit and can fetch or play tug-of-war with enough strength to make your arms tired, but they’ll quickly go back to relaxing and living the couch potato life.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is almost a cat. They’re capable of some amazing leaps and will climb furniture you never thought a small dog could scale. That said, don’t worry! They’re a lot like cats in another way, too — they love to lounge around and take a nice nap. Japanese Chins are friendly with just about anybody, and though they may bark when a stranger comes to the door, their barks are fairly quiet and almost melodic. They’ll enjoy watching television with you and snuggling up for an evening at home.
Lhasa Apso
In their native land of Tibet, the Lhasa Apso was considered sacred and was only allowed to leave the country when they were presented as a gift from the Dalai Lama. The Lhasa Apso is playful, independent, and protective. What’s more, they act like a puppy well into old age. These tough little dogs have coats that enable them to handle extreme temperatures. While strangers may rile them up, Lhasa Apsos don’t require extended playtime to burn off nervous energy. They’re happy with a little bit of exercise and a lot of time relaxing while you summon the energy to take a trip to the fridge.
What is the calmest lap dog?
The calmest lap dog is arguably the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed’s royal lineage and history as a companion dog have cultivated a gentle nature that’s hard to beat. They are affectionate, loving, and incredibly patient, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Cavaliers enjoy cuddling and are happy to lounge with their owners for hours. Whether you’re reading a book, watching TV, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, this dog breed is more than happy to share in your calm and serene moments.
That said, they do have a bit of a playful side and enjoy short walks and playtime. Nonetheless, their adaptability and desire to please are some of the reasons why they are an ideal pet for a sedentary household.
What are some other chill small dog breeds who are calm, quiet, and laid-back?
In addition to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there are several other small breeds known for their quiet disposition.
Shih Tzu
The name “Shih Tzu” actually means “little lion,” which may explain why this breed loves a good cat nap. Shih Tzus weren’t bred to hunt, herd, guard, or really move at all. They were bred only to be friendly little lapdogs and companions. They’re happy to follow their humans around the house, but that’s plenty of exercise for them. One play session and walk a day will have them tired out and ready to rest. And with a Shih Tzu on your lap, you’ll feel like a Chinese emperor. Or at least the emperor of Netflix.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas might be tiny, but they pack a lot of love and personality into their small frames. They are fiercely loyal to their owners and enjoy nothing more than snuggling up for some warmth and affection. Despite their occasional burst of energy, Chihuahuas generally maintain a calm demeanor, especially when they feel secure with their loved ones. They are ideal for people living in apartments or those with limited mobility who can provide the tender loving care these little dogs crave.
Pekingese
The Pekingese was bred to be the companion of Chinese emperors and were a fixture in their royal palaces. They haven’t changed much since then. They’re great at staying inside and being treated like royalty. They have a dignified air about them, which can make them stubborn and temperamental, but the Pekingese is a great guard dog. They’ll bark at any sign of strangers and don’t take well to new people coming into their environment. The Pekingese’s loyalty is not to be tested, as they’ll defend their humans to the death. So you’ll have no worries while you binge an all-night CSI marathon.
Are there any more low energy, lazy dogs with easygoing personalities?
Not all dogs are built for high energy play sessions or need miles of running each day. If you’re still on the hunt for that perfect, low-energy canine, consider these calmest dog breeds. Some of them are medium sized or large dog breeds if a small, companion pup isn’t the right fit for you.
Basset Hound
With their long ears, droopy eyes, and short legs, Basset Hounds look like they’re always taking life slow — and that’s because they usually are. Originally bred for hunting, they are surprisingly laid-back and love spending hours on end lounging around the house. Moreover, their friendly disposition makes them great family pets, and their calm nature allows them to get along well with other animals. Basset Hounds do have a strong sense of smell and occasionally enjoy a good sniff around the yard. Still, they’re happiest curled up on a cozy bed.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows carry themselves with a dignified calmness that matches their unique appearance. They are undeniably big, being a medium-to-large dog breed. That said, they’re not big on playing fetch or running around aimlessly. Instead, they prefer to stay by their human’s side and offer silent companionship. Chow Chows are also known for their independence and aloofness — especially with strangers — but they are incredibly loyal to their families. They require moderate exercise, making them well-suited for less active lifestyles.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are the epitome of laziness, and that’s precisely why their owners love them. With a stout build and a wrinkly face, this calm dog breed is more interested in snoozing on the sofa than going for a jog. English Bulldogs are known for their docile demeanor and loving nature. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are great with children. Despite their somewhat gruff appearance, they’re softies at heart.
How to calm dogs down
Calming a dog down starts with understanding their needs and providing a structured environment. Regular exercise suited to their energy level, mental stimulation through training or puzzles, and consistent daily routines can significantly reduce anxiety and excess energy. Remember, a tired dog is a happy, calm dog. Incorporating relaxation exercises, like gentle petting or massage, can also help soothe your dog. Some pups even enjoy calming dog music — like you’ll find on your local classical radio station. Others benefit from CBD for dogs. Every dog is different, so observe what works best for yours and consult with a vet or a professional trainer if you’re facing challenges.
