7 Dog Breeds That Rarely Scratch Doors Indoors

7 Dog Breeds That Rarely Scratch Doors Indoors

Imagine you have a dog that sits silently waiting for you instead of making a mess or barking loudly. Isn’t it a blessing to have such a companion? Yes, it is. When you are outside, it truly gives satisfaction and relief that your furniture, walls, and doors won’t get damaged by sharp nails.

Keep in mind that there are dog breeds that behave well indoors and save you from constant repair expenses. Well, a dog’s calm behavior indoors can be influenced by many factors. According to research published by Science Direct, the soundness of the dog’s behavior is influenced by their genetics, age, environment, training, and routine.

This blog shares seven dog breeds that rarely scratch doors indoors. We will focus on key traits that make them calm and relaxed. So let’s get started.

Dog Breeds That Rarely Scratch Doors Indoors

1. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is among the great personality dogs that have impressed the entire world with their charm, beauty, and intelligence. These cute, fluffy cotton balls really look like little, adorable toys. You see, they are small in size, but with their cheerful attitude and curious nature, Bichons can win anyone’s heart.

And why are they great indoor breeds? Simply, it’s all about being affectionate and playful. Bichon Frise doesn’t believe in making a fuss to grab attention. As companion dogs, they just thrive in human companionship. But how do you know your dog is calm?

  • The body looks tension-free

  • Slow movement

  • Neutral posture

These dogs enjoy calm house life, but they are moderately energetic, so it’s a good idea to take them on short walks to keep them healthy.

2. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu

Just look at the Shih Tzu and tell us what this dog looks like. A long-haired angel walking elegantly on Earth? But these cute canines are not all about their looks. You just spend a few moments with them, and you will realize the real beauty is in their personality.

Here is an interesting fact: the name of this breed means “little lions.” But don’t be scared, Shih Tzu will not hurt you because they are very friendly and loving. So, instead of being aggressive or running here and there, they like to rest on their owners’ laps. You can get an idea of their steady nature from their:

  • Loose but high-held tail

  • Soft eye contact

  • Gently open the mouth

If you ask a Shih Tzu what they like most, they will immediately reply: to meet friends and greet them. Moreover, for them, strangers are also friends.

Traits of Shih tzu-01

Here, let us reveal another benefit of owning these beautiful animals. PetMD says Shih Tzu are very versatile, which means if you are living in a village or a city, in a big house or apartment, they can easily adjust to any space.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Are you tired of overexcited dogs and looking for laid-back companions? We have someone special, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Britannica states that this breed is a member of the toy group and is named after the British monarchy, which gave this dog royal fame.

Talking about the pros of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, the first thing that comes to mind is their behavior. These dogs don’t have a habit of causing harm. In fact, let them curl around you, and see the level of their happiness. Cavaliers display their relaxed behavior by

  • Getting engaged with the environment

  • Not showing stress signals

  • Leaning into owners

Historically, they were bred to offer company to royalty. Don’t expect this dog to be a marathon runner, a squirrel chaser, or a herder. Their patience is key to a balanced personality. Furthermore, Cavaliers are pretty intelligent and eager to please. Therefore, training these pets is not difficult.

4. Maltese

Maltese

The Maltese is another toy dog that emerged from the island of Malta around 8000 years ago, as mentioned by the MLA Pets. Over the years, this breed has been given many names, like “Melitae Dog,” “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta and many more. Besides their white silky coats, their round skull, black nose, drop ears, and expressive eyes also make them elegant.

Maltese are generally healthy, and the Pawlicy Advisor writes that their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years. They can suffer from health issues, but with the proper care, they can live a longer life.

You might be thinking, why have we added this cute dog to this list. As a small dog breed, Maltese don’t have high energy. Means they will show unwanted behaviors if they do not get regular physical activity. The following are the signs that tell a dog is stress-free:

  • Slow eye blinking

  • Relaxed ears

  • Lip licking

We have some good news for dog lovers who are prone to allergies. The Maltese is a hypoallergenic dog breed that minimally sheds.

5. Basset Hound

Basset Hound

You are a true canine lover, but worried about dogs’ scratches? Have you thought of bringing a Basset Hound home? If not, we will recommend that you consider this breed. It is a lazy dog breed best known for spending most of their time as a couch potato.

Their friendly demeanor also adds to non-aggression. If you ask their opinion, they will say peace rather than hostility. Instead of doing things quickly, the Basset Hound goes with a slow pace. In this way, they enjoy quiet moments. You can observe their calmness with:

  • Evenly distributed weight

  • Comfortable position

  • Semi-erect ears

WebMD, while describing the Basset Hound personality, states that it is an extremely loyal dog but not fond of expressing devotion. Not overreactive, emotionally mild and even-keeled, which means if the environment gets noisy or chaotic, this dog doesn’t bother.

6. Pug

Pug

If you ask the reason behind Pugs’ popularity, our reply will be their expressive face, loving temperament, and funny antics. These flat-faced pups make excellent family pets regardless of any living space.

Pugs don’t take things seriously and tend to be very chill and laid back. But wait, they can fool you as they have another side, a mischievous one. So if you are bored or feeling stressed, their comical acts can entertain you.

Usually, Pugs don’t get violent or go around and damage your house. But it is necessary to take care of their physical and mental health. These dogs don’t ask for much. Pugs just want to hang out with their owners and are happy with their attention and time. You can predict their behavior by their body signals, like:

  • Adopting soft-eye gaze

  • Squinting

  • Sniffing ground

Likewise, Pugs also know how you are feeling; they are emotionally tuned to their owner’s emotions.

7. French Bulldog

French Bulldog

With small stature and big ears, anyone can easily identify a French Bulldog. Aesthetically, Frenchies might not look glamorous. But what really holds is their attributes, making them one of the best companions across the globe.

Although easy-going and playful, they equally love relaxing on the sofa. French Bulldogs need a lot of interaction and closer contact; after all, they were historically kept as companion dogs.

If you are living in an apartment, this dog is truly a blessing. These steady dogs don’t bark until necessary. And due to low energy levels, they are also not demanding in terms of exercise.

But they are always ready to protect their house. Well, it is pretty easy to understand whether your dog is stressed or not. Their gentle demeanor and happiness are reflected through:

  • Gentle panting

  • Relaxed jaws

  • Gentle tail wag

Another advantage? French Bulldog is a low-maintenance breed, so they have minimal grooming needs.

Conclusion

Now you know how easier and enjoyable life gets when you are living with a calm and laid-back dog. All your worries related to the dog doors scratching, chewed furniture, or consistent barking vanish away. Instead, you get a companion who is cool, patient, and enjoys quiet moments.

Understanding the signs of their relaxed demeanor enables you to appreciate and reward their gentle nature. Keep in mind that it is crucial to support your dog’s calm habits by offering consistent training and a lot of love.

Mira Lark
As the daughter of a veterinarian, Mira Lark has been surrounded by animals her entire life. Blending her lifelong love for pets with a degree in photography and years of writing experience, Mira is passionate about helping pet owners through clear, reliable, and thoughtful advice. She has a special connection with every animal she meets, especially those that need a little extra patience and care. Whether it’s creating cozy spaces for shy cats, remembering a dog’s favorite toy, or helping new pet parents feel confident, Mira is always ready to lend a hand. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her hiking with her energetic border collie, Clover, or baking homemade dog treats for the shelter pups.