Some dogs thrive on boundless energy, always dashing about and craving the next big adventure. But for those of us with busier schedules or a love for peaceful evenings, high-energy pups might not be the ideal match. Instead, calm toy dog breeds offer the perfect balance of affectionate companionship and serene behavior, making them ideal for small homes, cozy apartments, or a relaxed lifestyle.
These petite pups may come in small packages, but they bring with them a soothing presence, often content with a daily stroll followed by long hours of cuddles on the couch. While they still need mental and physical stimulation, their energy levels are significantly lower than their more boisterous counterparts—making them perfect lap dogs.
Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or just seeking a more tranquil four-legged friend, the calmest toy breeds prove you don’t need a large dog to enjoy a gentle temperament. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most mellow toy breeds that offer companionship without the chaos.
Most Calm Toy Dog Breeds
1. Maltese
The Maltese, also referred to as the “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” is a dignified and affectionate toy breed with centuries-old roots tracing back to the Mediterranean island of Malta. According to the AKC, the Maltese is known for being playful and charming.
This small dog breed, part of the Toy Group, is known for its elegant appearance and sweet temperament. Weighing under 7 pounds and standing about 7 to 9 inches tall, the Maltese carries a flowing, floor-length white coat that adds to its regal allure.
Despite its posh look, this breed is robust, long-lived, and quite adaptable. With its expressive dark eyes and compact frame, the Maltese thrives on companionship and makes an alert watchdog, though it is not overly yappy.
Exercise
While Maltese are energetic in spirit, they don’t demand intense physical activity. A daily walk or indoor play session is typically enough to keep them happy and fit. Their small size allows them to stay active indoors, whether bouncing around a room or playing with toys.
They do enjoy short strolls, which also help prevent behavioral issues caused by boredom. Despite their calm nature, regular activity supports their health and reduces anxiety.
Fun Fact: These small breed dogs are considered excellent agility athletes and are often seen excelling on competitive courses, defying expectations with their bold, graceful movement.
2. Bichon Frise
Bubbly and affectionate, the Bichon Frise is a toy breed with a big personality packed into a compact frame. Standing just under 12 inches tall and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds, this small companion is known for its plush, velvety white coat and round, expressive dark eyes.
Originally bred for companionship, this French breed became popular among European nobility and eventually circus performers thanks to its charm and trainability. Bichons belong to the Non-Sporting Group and typically live 12 to 15 years.
Their hypoallergenic coats make them ideal for allergy sufferers, and their cheerful personalities make them adored by families and first-time pet owners alike.
Exercise
While the Bichon Frise has a playful spirit, it doesn’t require intense daily workouts. PetMD states that the Bichon Frise is a playful and sociable breed that loves engaging in fun activities repeatedly. Short walks and indoor play are usually enough to keep this breed content.
This hypoallergenic breed is happiest when its mind is engaged, whether through training new tricks or social play. Because they’re prone to separation anxiety, daily interaction is essential to avoid unwanted behaviors stemming from boredom or loneliness. Their exercise routine should be paired with mental stimulation to maintain a balanced temperament.
Fun Fact: Bichon Frises were once circus stars, delighting audiences with their clever tricks and endearing antics.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, also affectionately known as the “Lion Dog,” is a toy breed with ancient roots tracing back to imperial China and Tibet. Standing between 8 to 11 inches and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, this breed was once a cherished companion of Chinese royalty, particularly during the Ming dynasty.
Its adorable face, flowing coat, and lively yet gentle temperament have earned it a reputation as one of the most charming lapdogs in the world.
The breed was introduced to the United States by American soldiers in the 1940s and received recognition from the American Kennel Club in 1969. Shih Tzus are known for their affectionate nature, particularly with children, making them ideal apartment pets and companions for those with a quieter lifestyle.
Exercise
Shih Tzus are relatively low-energy dogs and do not require intense exercise routines. Britannica notes that the Shih Tzu enjoys playful activities and will often chase balls, although it may not always bring them back.
A daily walk of 30 minutes to an hour is typically sufficient to keep them mentally and physically satisfied. Light playtime indoors also helps maintain their well-being.
Fun Fact: Every Shih Tzu alive today descends from just 14 dogs preserved after the fall of Empress Tzu Hsi’s breeding program.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Once the beloved companion of British nobility, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel remains a regal yet affectionate breed ideal for a relaxed lifestyle. As a toy spaniel, this breed reaches a modest height of 12–13 inches and typically weighs between 13–18 pounds.
Distinguished by its large, expressive eyes and silky coat, the Cavalier is available in four distinct color combinations: Blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black, white, and tan), ruby (solid red), and black and tan.
Despite their aristocratic appearance, they are down-to-earth and thrive on companionship, preferring to stay close to their humans, whether in a lap or lounging on a sofa.
Exercise
Although Cavaliers are calm in temperament, they still require moderate daily activity to remain healthy and mentally content. A total of one hour a day is ideal, split into two walks and some off-leash play in a secure area.
Their balanced energy level allows them to enjoy both gentle strolls and lively backyard games, making them adaptable to both active and relaxed households.
Fact: Cavaliers blend the grace of a toy breed with the athleticism of a sporting spaniel, effortlessly switching between playfulness and tranquility.
5. Miniature Dachshund
Often referred to as the “wiener dog,” the Miniature Dachshund is a charming toy breed known for its elongated body, short legs, and bold character. Originating in Germany, these dogs were historically bred to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals.
Miniature Dachshunds typically weigh under 11 pounds and stand around 5 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder. They come in three coat types, smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, and various colors and patterns. Belonging to the Hound group, this breed enjoys a long life span of 12 to 16 years and thrives as a laid-back and loyal companion.
Exercise
While Miniature Dachshunds have calm temperaments, they still need regular exercise to maintain physical and mental health. As a general rule, puppies should get five minutes of structured exercise per month of age each day.
By adulthood, a 45–50-minute daily walk is ideal. These intelligent dogs enjoy interactive games and puzzle toys that stimulate their minds. However, avoid excessive stair climbing or jumping to prevent spinal injuries, a common concern due to their long backs.
Fun Fact: Miniature Dachshunds are known for their problem-solving skills and love for mentally stimulating games like puzzles.
6. Papillon
Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, the Papillon is a refined and cheerful companion that dates back to 16th-century Europe, frequently appearing in Renaissance paintings. Its name, which means “butterfly” in French, comes from its signature wing-shaped ears that stand tall and are fringed with long fur.
These petite dogs stand around 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 10 pounds. With a plumed tail, silky coat, and bright white base color adorned with patches like sable, red, or black, they are both elegant and eye-catching. The Papillon belongs to the Toy group and has a typical life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Exercise
Although they appear dainty, Papillons have moderate energy and benefit from about 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity. A brisk walk, interactive games, or play in a secure yard is ideal. Puppies should have short, controlled sessions tailored to their growth stage.
Engaging puzzle toys and agility activities help meet their mental stimulation needs. Avoid intense, high-impact exercise to protect their light frame.
Fun Fact: Papillons, despite their petite size, have been top performers in agility and obedience competitions, showcasing their athleticism and intelligence.
7. Havanese
The Havanese, also known as the Havana Silk Dog or Spanish Silk Poodle, is Cuba’s only native dog breed. Originally introduced to the island in the 1600s by Spanish settlers, these charming toy dogs became cherished companions among Cuban nobility.
Standing under 12 inches tall and weighing between 7 to 13 pounds, Havanese are part of the Barbichon family, alongside breeds like the Bichon Frise and Maltese. With their long, silky coat—often curled or corded—and lively expression, they exude personality and elegance.
Their curled tail, expressive eyes, and sociable demeanor make them ideal for families or urban dwellers alike. These dogs are generally long-lived and are known for their intelligence, making them excellent watchdogs and even trick performers.
Exercise
Though laid-back by nature, these calm dogs still need regular physical activity to stay content and healthy. Aim for about 30 minutes of daily exercise, which can be broken into a few short walks or interactive play sessions. Their adaptable energy levels make them perfect for apartment life or a slower-paced household.
Fun Fact: During the Cuban Revolution, many families fleeing to the U.S. brought their Havanese along, helping to preserve the breed outside its native country.
8. Lhasa Apso
An ancient breed with roots in Tibetan monasteries, the Lhasa Apso has long been revered as a sentinel dog, guarding sacred spaces with unwavering alertness. Known as the “bearded lion dog,” this confident toy breed stands about 10–11 inches tall and weighs between 12–18 pounds.
With its lavish floor-length coat, regal demeanor, and distinctive curled tail, the Lhasa is both a visual delight and a devoted companion. Despite its aristocratic appearance, it remains playful and mischievous well into its senior years.
Lhasas typically live 12–15 years and are known for their resilience and self-assurance. Reserved with strangers but deeply affectionate with their family, this breed is ideal for experienced dog owners who can manage its independence with consistent, firm, yet loving training.
Exercise
While not as hyperactive as some toy breeds, the Lhasa Apso does require daily physical and mental stimulation to stay well-balanced. Two 30-minute walks each day, along with interactive play, are usually sufficient to meet its needs.
Regular activity helps prevent boredom and weight gain, especially since Lhasas are prone to obesity. Their moderate energy level makes them perfect for calm households.
Fact: Lhasa Apsos once served as watchdogs in remote Himalayan monasteries, sounding the alarm for approaching strangers.
9. Pug
The Pug, often called the “clown of the canine world,” is a small yet sturdy toy breed with a rich heritage dating back to ancient China around 400 BCE. Once the cherished companion of Chinese emperors and later European royalty, this compact dog stands 10 to 13 inches tall and weighs between 14 and 18 pounds.
Recognized for its expressive, wrinkled face, large round eyes, and tightly curled tail, this little dog boasts a short, smooth coat in black or fawn with a signature black mask. It belongs to the Toy Group and typically enjoys a lifespan of 13–15 years. Despite its regal past, the Pug is beloved today for its affectionate, loyal, and playful demeanor.
Exercise
This calm dog breed requires only a moderate amount of exercise, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or those with less active lifestyles. A total of 30 to 60 minutes per day, split into short walks or play sessions, keeps them healthy and happy. Because they love food, regular activity also helps maintain a healthy weight.
Fun Fact: The Pug’s motto, “Multum in parvo”—meaning “a lot in a little”—perfectly captures this breed’s big personality in a compact body.
Conclusion
When searching for a calm companion, toy breeds offer more than just small size; they bring big personalities wrapped in gentle temperaments. Whether it’s the loyal English Toy Spaniel, the dainty Italian Greyhound, or the consistently even-tempered Toy Poodle, these pint-sized pups prove that serenity often comes in the smallest packages. Despite their compact build, many of them thrive as family dogs, bonding closely with both adults and children, and coexisting peacefully with other dogs when properly socialized.
While some toy breeds may carry a reputation for a loud bark, many of the calmest varieties are surprisingly quiet, content with cuddles and short play sessions rather than constant stimulation. A few, like those with a thick double coat, may need regular grooming, but their laid-back nature more than makes up for the maintenance. Choosing one of these mellow companions means enjoying a peaceful, affectionate presence that perfectly suits a relaxed lifestyle or a cozy apartment setting.
