Dogs and humans share a bond that’s nothing short of magical. Their wagging tails, soft fur, and those soulful eyes have an uncanny way of brightening even the dullest workdays. Whether it’s offering a nudge when you’re stressed or curling up quietly at your feet, some dogs just get it.
And if you’re one of the many who’ve returned to the office or split your time between home and work, you might be wondering—can a dog fit into this new routine? Absolutely! With the right breed, your pup can be more than just a pet—they can be your favorite coworker.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some furry friends that make great “office dogs” and keep you company at work. From low-maintenance loungers like the pugs to friendly faces like the Labrador Retriever, we’ve got the perfect picks for a productive, pet-friendly workday.
Dog Breeds That Make Great “Office Dogs”
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are the definition of friendly and fun-loving. Always eager to please, these happy-go-lucky pups are among the most popular breeds in the U.S.—and it’s easy to see why!
Labs adore people of all ages, and these lively dogs thrive on companionship, making them an instant hit around the office or with visiting clients. Their affectionate personalities and easy trainability make them one of the best picks for pet-friendly workspaces.
Despite their love for play (especially a good game of fetch!), Labs strike a nice balance between energy and chill. They’re active enough to enjoy quick walks or a romp at lunch, but they’re just as happy snoozing under your desk while you work.
Known for their intelligence and calm demeanor, Labs have long been trusted as service and therapy dogs. They’re gentle, adaptable, and quick learners—just make sure yours is trained before introducing them to the office environment.
Whether you’re working from a cozy apartment or commuting to a shared workspace, a well-behaved Lab makes a wonderful companion through every Zoom call, coffee break, and chaotic Monday.
2. Poodle
Poodles are the Einsteins of the dog world—clever, quick to catch on, and total pros at learning your daily routine. Whether you’re hosting a meeting or just grinding through emails, these pups know how to behave.
They’re quiet, polite with strangers, and best of all, they hardly shed—so no surprise fur tumbleweeds rolling through the office!
What makes Poodles truly special is their emotional intelligence. They’re intuitive little therapists, always tuned in to your moods and ready to offer a calming presence and help reduce stress during a hectic workday.
Their ability to ease anxiety and help foster social connection is nothing short of amazing, making them great companions for busy professionals.
Poodles come in three fun-sized varieties—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—all with the same lovable personality: friendly, playful, and super loyal. They’re great with kids and other pets (especially if socialized early), though they may give new faces a quick once-over before warming up.
Just keep in mind their gorgeous coats require regular grooming—many owners opt for pro grooming, but with a little practice, you can handle it at home.
High-spirited and affectionate, Poodles thrive in active households and love being the center of attention. Their smarts can lead to the occasional stubborn streak, so mental stimulation is must to avoid boredom, states Petplan.
3. Greyhound
Don’t let their race-track past fool you—Greyhounds are low-key lounge lovers who live for nap time. These graceful pups might be bred for speed, but off the field, they’re total softies who’d rather snooze by your desk than dash around the office.
Quiet, polite, and rarely barky, they’re the definition of chill, making them fantastic for calm workspaces where focus is key.
As noted by Britannica, Greyhounds are built for short bursts of energy. A quick zoom around the park or a solid walk before or after work is all it takes to keep them happy. After that? They’re more than content to sprawl out and soak up the company.
Their affectionate nature makes them top-tier snugglers, and they bring a gentle, grounding presence that’s perfect for anyone needing a little emotional support on a stressful day.
While they have a streak of independence (they were trained to think on the fly, after all), Greyhounds are smart and love to learn. They might not be the fastest to follow every command, but with patience and positive reinforcement training, they pick up office manners just fine. Plus, their short coats mean very little shedding, so your workspace stays mostly fur-free.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re dreaming of a sweet, low-maintenance pup to keep you company at work, look no further than the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These little charmers are the ultimate lap dogs—happy to curl up by your side or snooze on a nearby chair while you power through your to-do list.
Cavaliers are everything you want in an office dog—gentle disposition, affectionate, and wonderfully adaptable. They don’t need tons of exercise, but they’ll still happily trot along on your lunch break or enjoy a playful moment between meetings.
Their calm nature makes them great therapy dog candidates, too, especially for those who want a comforting companion without the chaos.
Training them is a breeze thanks to their eagerness to please and naturally sweet disposition. While they do have lovely, long coats that require a weekly brush, their grooming needs are pretty manageable overall.
Whether perched in your lap or dozing by your desk, Cavaliers make every workday warmer, cuter, and just a little bit happier.
5. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the ultimate good vibes crew. Friendly, affectionate, and eager to please, they bring sunshine into every room—yes, even that Monday morning meeting. These lovable pups are one of the most popular family companions and therapy dogs around. Whether it’s clients, coworkers, or your boss, your Golden is bound to charm them all with a happy wag and goofy grin.
In the office, Goldens shine as friendly, calm companions who lift everyone’s spirits. Their ability to tune into your emotions, combined with their endless enthusiasm, makes them the ultimate four-legged morale booster.
Training a Golden Retriever is a breeze—they live for praise and love learning new things. From basic commands to office etiquette, they pick it up fast. While their luxurious coats do need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting, the grooming time is well worth it for that golden glow.
Just don’t leave your sandwich unattended—Goldens are professional snack thieves and have a habit of eating everything in sight (yes, even crayons).
As noted by AKC, despite their easygoing nature, Goldens are no couch potatoes. These sporty pups thrive on activity—whether it’s fetch at lunch, a walk after work, or a weekend hike. They’re natural athletes and always game for fun. Plus, they stay puppy-like well into adulthood, so you’ll have a playful, tail-wagging goofball by your side for years to come.
6. Bulldog
Originally bred for bull-baiting (yikes), the modern Bulldog has done a complete 180. Today, these wrinkly charmers are more couch potatoes than gladiators, and they’re perfectly content to snooze under your desk while you power through your to-do list.
Low-energy and low-maintenance (as long as the AC’s on), Bulldogs are ideal office buddies for anyone who prefers a calm companion over a hyper one.
With their short, sturdy build and relatively low energy vibe, Bulldogs won’t be knocking over coffee mugs or darting through your workspace. And yes, they do snore—but honestly, that gentle rumble might just be the productivity soundtrack you never knew you needed.
Despite their laid-back nature, Bulldogs love to entertain in their own goofy way. They’re not marathon runners or retrievers, but they do enjoy short play sessions, goofy wiggles, and the occasional trick (yep, some even skateboard!).
Just keep in mind that their adorable, smooshed faces make them sensitive to heat, so walks should be saved for cooler mornings or evenings—and they should always have access to shade and water.
Bulldogs are lovable loafs with a heart of gold and a comical side that keeps life interesting. They won’t win any agility contests, but if you’re looking for a chill companion to lounge beside you while you work, this charming, wrinkled buddy might be just the office sidekick you need.
7. Cavachon
Looking for a quiet, cuddly companion who’ll happily sit by your desk and charm the entire office? Meet the Cavachon—a delightful cross between the Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
These pint-sized pups are affectionate, adaptable, and oh-so-gentle, making them well-suited for first-time dog parents or office newbies looking for a furry sidekick that won’t steal the spotlight (well, not too much).
Cavachons are low on exercise needs—just a 30-minute walk keeps them happy—and they tend to be pretty easy on the allergies too, which is great news for sneezy coworkers. They’re typically quiet, super social, and love nothing more than tagging along with their favorite human.
These velcro pups don’t enjoy being left alone for long hours, so they’re perfect for people who work on-site most of the time, states Purina.
Smart and curious, Cavachons thrive on fun training sessions and picking up tricks. They’re naturally friendly with kids and, when properly socialized, can even get along with cats. Just be ready for some light grooming. All in all, Cavachons are lovable, low-maintenance four-legged friends who bring a whole lot of heart to the workplace.
8. Shih Tzu
If you want a workday buddy who’s as content curling up under your desk as they are soaking up attention from your coworkers, the Shih Tzu might just be your perfect match. These fluffy little charmers have been beloved companions for centuries—and they haven’t lost their taste for the finer things in life (like a cozy bed, a gentle brush, and constant adoration).
Shih Tzus are low-energy, making them a great fit for office life and quieter routines. They’re small, sturdy, and surprisingly bold despite their compact size, and they get along famously with just about everyone—humans, dogs, and even cats. With a playful spark and a love for learning tricks, they’ll gladly entertain your cubicle neighbors between meetings.
Though they look fancy with their flowing double coat, Shih Tzus are fairly easy to care for if you keep their grooming in check. They’re considered hypoallergenic, which can be a bonus for allergy-prone coworkers.
But keep in mind their flat faces mean they might snort or snore their way through conference calls. That said, their friendly disposition, social nature, and cuddly companionship more than make up for it. Just don’t leave them alone too long, as they are prone to separation anxiety—they thrive on being close to their humans, preferably in your lap.
9. Pug
Pugs are proof that great things really do come in small, squishy packages. These wrinkly charmers are happiest when they’re right by your side—ideally curled up in a cozy spot under your desk. Small enough for smaller spaces and office corners and easygoing enough to snooze through Zoom calls, pugs make delightful workday companions.
While they may not fetch your coffee or clear your inbox, pugs have a special kind of magic—they lift spirits just by being themselves. With their goofy expressions, expressive eyes, and natural comedic timing, it won’t be long before your pug becomes the office mood booster.
As therapy dogs, pugs are a hidden gem. Their gentle, affectionate nature is comforting to kids and adults alike, especially those who might be a little nervous around larger breeds.
They’re not overly barky or clingy, but they do love attention and are always up for a cuddle or a short walk during your lunch break. Though they can be a bit stubborn, their love of people usually wins out—and yes, they’re usually bribable with treats.
Built with their iconic smooshy faces, curly tails, and “prince mark” forehead wrinkles, pugs have a timeless look that’s equal parts cute and comical. They don’t need a ton of exercise, making them perfect for people with busy schedules or more sedentary lifestyles.
Laid-back, loving nature, and full of character, pugs are the ideal “multum in parvo” (a lot in a little) companion—especially when you want a co-worker who always brings joy.
10. Maltese
If you’re in the market for a little coworker who fits in your tote bag and your heart, say hello to the Maltese. This fluffy ball of joy is about as low-maintenance as a dog can be in an office setting. They don’t need a ton of space or daily marathons—just a cozy lap, a few strolls, and someone to dote on them (that’s you).
Maltese pups are playful, sweet, and full of character despite their small size. They’re always up for a bit of fetch (just don’t expect the ball back), and they love showing off tricks to anyone who’ll watch. These pups thrive on human connection and are bold little adventurers.
They do best with gentle children and make fabulous companions for seniors or remote workers looking for a bit of fluff and fun throughout the day.
Don’t let their size fool you—the Maltese is alert, loyal, and fearless, though they may bark more than necessary. They’re happiest nestled in your lap, following you from room to room, or snoozing at your feet as you work.
With their charm, sass, and snuggly personality, the Maltese is a delightful blend of fun and fancy, perfect for those who want a glamorous best friend during work hours.
Conclusion
Choosing the right office dog depends on your workspace, lifestyle, and the dog’s temperament. From gentle giants to small breed charmers, there’s a diverse range of dogs that can thrive in a dog-friendly environment with proper training and care.
Whether you prefer the cheerful company of a French Bulldog, the highly intelligent Border Collie, or a calm, small dog that brings smiles to everyone’s face, there’s a fit for every energy level. Use puzzle toys, engage a dog walker if needed, and ensure good behavior around other dogs.
Prioritize their well-being and health, because when animals are content, everyone wins. For more top tips, stay tuned and never worry—your perfect office pup might just be one tail wag away.
