Have you ever imagined coming home after a long day to a furry friend who simply wants to curl up beside you, content to share the quiet moments?
For many people, life can be hectic, and having a dog that matches your pace can make a world of difference. Some dogs naturally enjoy a slower pace of life, preferring gentle play, cozy naps, and the comfort of companionship.
Research shows that spending time with dogs can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the social interaction between people and their dogs actually increases levels of the feel‑good hormone oxytocin.
The American Heart Association also notes that “studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They ease loneliness …”
Choosing a companion that thrives in a calm environment isn’t just about convenience—it’s about finding a friend who fills your home with warmth, loyalty, and a sense of peace.
Whether you’re seeking a dog who loves to lounge quietly or one with a gentle, affectionate demeanor, these companions bring joy, comfort, and a special kind of calm to everyday life. They’re more than pets—they’re friends who make home a little cozier and life a little sweeter.
Best Dog Breeds For Laid-Back Living
1. Bulldog
Ever wished your dog could match the pace of a lazy Sunday—snuggling beside you, dreaming quietly, and being the perfect chill companion?
The Bulldog has been winning hearts with its stocky build and unmistakable face for centuries. According to the American Kennel Club, this breed is described as “thick‑set, low‑slung, well‑muscled” with an easy-going attitude that makes it a favorite for relaxed homes.
While its roots trace back to England’s bull‑baiting days, modern Bulldogs were bred to be gentle companions rather than fighters. What stands out about the Bulldog is its calm nature: it doesn’t demand excessive exercise, and it thrives on companionship and mellow routines.
Unlike breeds that need an active lifestyle, this laid-back pup thrives on quiet companionship.
Some pet parents describe it as a true lap dog, though it’s medium‑sized and has the presence of a gentle giant. Its affectionate nature makes it a solid choice for families and other pets, as long as it’s given the right environment.
The English Bulldog, in particular, is known for being one of the most low-maintenance and good family dogs in the world.
Fun Fact
The Bulldog is one of the only breeds officially described by the AKC as relaxed and lovable, rather than having high-energy needs.
2. Basset Hound
Ever watched a dog glide across the room with the pace of someone enjoying a Sunday nap and thought, “Now that’s the kind of companion I need”?
The Basset Hound brings charm and calm in equal measure. Originally bred in France and England for scent‑hunting, this breed now shines as one of the most easy‑going pets around. With its long ears, low‑slung body, and gentle expression, the Basset Hound is designed for comfort-loving homes.
What sets this dog apart is its mellow, well‑balanced nature. Rather than bounding around like a high‑energy pup, it prefers to follow its nose at a leisurely stride, then settle nearby for companionship and quiet affection.
For pet parents seeking one of the calmest dog breeds, the Basset Hound is a perfect fit. With its calm dog temperament and low-energy dog tendencies, it’s more about slow walks and couch cuddles than endless zoomies.
Although it was built for field work, its relaxed demeanor makes it ideal for quiet homes or handlers who value shared downtime and gentle companionship. Due to its hunting lineage, this breed also retains a keen sense of smell and a curious nature, although it remains kind indoors.
When properly socialized, Basset Hounds interact calmly with other dogs and even cats.
With early socialisation and consistent—but gentle—training, this laid-back pup blends smoothly into a loving home. While it may follow a scent with single‑minded focus, when that’s done, it’s quite content to lounge and observe the world.
Fun Fact
Although the Basset Hound may look slower than many breeds, its bone structure is actually heavier for its size than nearly any other breed under 15 inches tall.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Ever wish your couch companion came in a tiny package with a big heart?
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a graceful little dog with royal roots and soulful eyes. This breed combines the gentle attentiveness of a toy dog with the sporting heritage of a Spaniel. Even as a puppy, this breed exhibits an affectionate and gentle side that makes it one of the most lovable dogs.
Bred originally as a companion pup in British palaces, it now thrives in homes where it receives plenty of companionship and calm interaction. They’re also highly trainable and respond quickly to gentle correction.
This tiny dog offers a friendly and calm temperament that many pet parents adore. The Cavalier enjoys being a lap dog and is very comfortable simply spending time in the room with its human.
At the same time, it’s adaptable; both active families and quieter households find the breed suits them well.
With its moderate exercise needs and affectionate nature, this dog is well-suited to homes where the pace is relaxed and the focus is on shared calm moments. These dogs love human companionship and stay happy when surrounded by people.
Fun Fact
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was once so treasured that its ancestors were depicted in portraits of British royalty dating back to the 17th century.
4. Shih Tzu
Looking for a chilled‑out companion who’s happy to lounge beside you rather than erupt into wild zoomies?
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that was developed for companionship with humans. According to PetMD, this toy breed is “happy and sociable with people… preferring not to spend their time alone.”
It easily fits into homes of all sizes due to its tiny stature. This dog excels at a relaxed lifestyle approach, characterized by short walks, cuddles on the couch, and gentle play rather than high-octane activity.
For pet parents seeking calm dogs, the Shih Tzu stands out. Its loving nature and love of companionship make it a perfect companion dog for quieter homes or apartments. It doesn’t demand hours of exercise and is content with moderate play and lounge time.
Its gentle temperament and small size make it easy to adapt to home life, where the pace is relaxed and consistent.
Just keep in mind this breed benefits from early socialisation to ensure good behaviour around other pets or new environments. Proper attention to regular grooming helps maintain its soft, beautiful coat.
While it may still enjoy a brisk walk or game, the Shih Tzu is just as happy curling up with you, making it well-suited to a lifestyle centered on companionship, comfort, and mellow routines. Observing this dog’s behavior shows just how calm and content they are indoors.
Fun Fact
Wikipedia states that the Shih Tzu’s name means “lion dog” in Chinese, referencing its ancient roots as a companion of royalty; yet today, it’s one of the most relaxed and loving lap dogs around.
5. Greyhound
Who could guess that the world’s fastest dog could also be one of the most relaxed companions?
The Greyhound may race at incredible speeds, but at home it’s known for being a “couch potato” in the best sense. This breed is “easygoing, noble, and sweet‑tempered” when off the track.
Surprisingly, this extremely intelligent breed balances athletic grace with incredible stillness indoors. It doesn’t demand high‑intensity routines and adapts surprisingly well to quieter homes and more relaxed lifestyles.
For pet parents seeking calm dogs who thrive in a relaxed environment, the Greyhound is a top choice. Its low-energy dog profile reveals that once exercise needs are met (short walks or safe sprinting in a fenced area), it’s content to lounge and enjoy companionship.
Its calm demeanour and ability to adapt make it well-suited for families, singles, and homes with other pets—provided early socialisation and proper training are in place to manage its prey drive.
Fun fact
As noted by Hill’s Pet, Greyhounds have been nicknamed “40‑mph couch potatoes” because while they’re capable of incredible speed, they actually spend a lot of time resting quietly at home.
6. French Bulldog
Looking for a companion who’s just as happy to chill on the couch as chase after your shoes?
The French Bulldog is both small in size and big in personality. This breed is a “playful, loving, and adaptable companion” that fits many kinds of homes. With its distinctive bat‑ears, compact muscular body, and unwavering affection, the French Bulldog has a charm all its own.
What makes it especially appealing for relaxed living is its low‑to‑moderate exercise needs and strong preference for companionship. The breed does not crave long hikes or high‑intensity games — instead, it thrives on relaxed walks, gentle play, and lounging close to its people.
For pet owners seeking one of the calmest dog breeds for relaxed living, the French Bulldog stands out. It is perfect for apartments or homes where the pace is calm, not hectic.
Due to its loving nature and gentle demeanor, it bonds strongly with its humans and enjoys being included in regular daily routines. That said, it’s essential to provide short walks and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Early socialisation and gentle training help it behave nicely around children or other pets, making it a solid choice for families or individuals alike.
Fun fact
Although the French Bulldog looks like it could run laps all day, its structure means it’s best at short bursts of energy followed by serious relax‑time.
7. Pug
Ever wondered if a “little couch potato” with a big heart could be your perfect companion?
The Pug is a small, compact breed with a character that’s big on charm and gentle on energy. Many Pugs are described as the “ideal house dog” due to their friendly nature and adaptability to different home styles.
Despite their playful personalities, these dogs often fall into the category of low‑energy dogs who prefer lounging over long, intense exercise sessions. Their loving nature makes them ideal for pet parents who crave companionship and a quiet routine.
For families, singles, or anyone seeking one of the calmest dog breeds for a relaxed lifestyle, the Pug is a strong contender. This breed thrives when included in everyday life and enjoys being near its humans rather than running off on its own.
Their sweet temperament and calm disposition make them perfect for apartments or homes with other pets. That said, their brachycephalic (flat‑faced) build means regular exercise should be easygoing and monitored.
Early socialisation ensures they adapt well in new environments or around children and other pets. With the proper attention and care, Pugs settle into companionship beautifully—happy to show love, strong in bonds, and content to hang out by your side.
Fun fact
A group of Pugs is officially called a “grumble,” which suits their friendly, relaxed nature perfectly.
8. Great Dane
Can a dog that towers over most people really be the perfect calm companion for a quiet home?
The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, yet it’s often described as a gentle giant. This breed is “spirited, courageous, always friendly, dependable, and never timid or aggressive.”
Historically bred for hunting and guardianship, Great Danes evolved into family companions due to selective breeding for friendly and social temperaments.
Despite their size, Great Danes often have a calm dog’s nature with moderate energy levels, making them surprisingly perfect for homes seeking one of the calmest dog breeds for a relaxed lifestyle.
Many pet owners report that once their exercise needs are met, such as a couple of relaxed walks a day, they are content to lounge indoors and enjoy companionship with their gentle temperament.
Their loving nature and strong bonds with owners make them ideal companions in families, provided there is sufficient space and early socialization is part of the plan.
Their large size does mean they’re best matched with owners who understand the commitment that comes with a large dog breed—but for the right person, they truly embody “gentle giants.”
Fun fact
The Great Dane is often nicknamed the “Apollo of Dogs” thanks to its tall, regal frame and noble presence.
Conclusion
Owning a calm puppy can transform your home into a sanctuary of relaxation, companionship, and easygoing joy. These dogs love companionship and thrive best when properly cared for in a healthy environment.
These best dog breeds for a relaxed lifestyle not only provide love and loyalty but also adapt beautifully to quieter routines, making them perfect for families, singles, or pet parents seeking stress-free companionship.
Choosing a breed that matches your lifestyle, human company needs, and activity preferences ensures harmony for both you and your furry friend. Whether you prefer a small dog or a big dog, the right companion can bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of calm to every day.
Pick the perfect companion and enjoy your calm life together. Together, they help owners and pets live their best life—filled with calm, joy, and balance.
