Some dog breeds are fun and love to roam around the house, showing their goofy antics to you, while on the other hand, there are dogs that are calm and serene with a laid-back lifestyle. In today’s fast-paced world, people with a busy schedule long for a relaxed lifestyle. Such people look for a canine companion who possesses a calm and friendly demeanor.
We have gathered 7 dog breeds that possess a gentle nature, are calm, and affectionate, which makes them the perfect low-maintenance companions for people with a busy schedule. Whether you live in an apartment or a big house, work from home or have a 9-5, or just simply prefer a serene lifestyle, these calm dogs are for you.
Read on to learn more about these gentle giants with a relaxed demeanor and what makes them excellent family pets.
Gentle Dog Breeds Ideal For A Peaceful Lifestyle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known to be the famous lap dogs of the British Royalty, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a sweet temperament and a calm demeanor, which makes them a great pet for families seeking a low-maintenance dog breed. These small dogs are great with kids and other pets in the house, and with their easy-to-please attitude, they are also easy to train.
According to Hill’s Pet, these calm dog breeds have an affectionate nature, are playful, and highly intelligent. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are moderate energy breeds, but their needs can be fulfilled by a play session in the yard or a walk around the neighborhood. Their gentle nature makes them well-suited for dog parks as well.
These small pups are the right dog for people who love to cuddle and spend time with them. Cavs don’t do well when left alone for a long time, as they thrive in human companionship. These calm breeds may turn aggressive if not catered to properly.
2. Golden Retriever
Even-tempered, intelligent, and affectionate, Golden Retrievers are total fur balls of sunshine. They may not be considered as low-energy dogs, but when given a good amount of exercise, playtime, and walking around the neighborhood, these dogs would love nothing but to cuddle up with their pet parents at the end of a busy day.
Goldies are outgoing, devoted, loyal, and eager to please, which not only makes training them a breeze but also makes them an excellent choice for people who prefer a calm dog breed.
These dogs must be properly trained and socialized from an early age to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved pups. They get along well with family and children, but need to be treated with love and respect.
Goldies do not do well with forced training; it is recommended to provide them with reward-based training, as they are very food motivated. These dogs form strong bonds with families and do not do well when left alone for a long time. They may develop anxiety and exhibit unwanted behaviors.
3. Labrador Retriever
A traditional water dog breed, Labrador retrievers are medium to large dogs with an active and friendly temperament, which makes them the best dog to bring home. Labs possess a highly affectionate nature and are good-natured, which allows them to get along well with your family, especially children and even other pets in the house.
Labs are well-suited for active households as they require regular exercise, daily walks, and a fun play session to fulfill their energy needs. This not only keeps these dogs but also maintains their friendly nature, which ensures a peaceful home.
As we said, Labs are water-loving dogs; their double coat repels water, which makes them shed a lot. Pet parents can control this with frequent brushing to maintain their beauty. These dogs have a gentle temperament, especially around kids. Like other breeds, these dogs must not be left alone for a long time, otherwise they may start chewing furniture or digging on the floor.
4. Pug
Not high-energy breeds like other pups on the list, Pugs are known to have a very laid-back attitude. This ancient dog breed was a favorite among the Chinese royalty and is now make popular pet for various families.
Pugs are a friendly dog breed and love to be the center of attention. They thrive in human companionship and are filled with joy when included in day-to-day family activities.
Pugs are generally calm couch potatoes, but they do have small bursts of energy during the day. They require moderate exercise and short daily walks to fulfil their energy needs. For first-time pet owners, Pugs are the perfect addition to their families.
According to PetMD, Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which makes them have a flat face and may cause breathing problems. These dogs do better indoors than outdoors. Though not noisy, the only sound you’ll hear coming from them would be of snorting and snoring.
5. Irish Wolfhound
Sweet-tempered, loyal, and dignified, Irish wolfhounds have a gentle temperament and are a calm dog breed, which makes them an excellent choice for peace-loving families. They do have an imposing size, but despite it, they are affectionate and calm with their owners and keep a gentle demeanor around kids.
These dogs are ideal for both a less active household and an active family, as they can adapt their energy needs accordingly. However, it is recommended to provide these pups with regular moderate exercise to prevent obesity and other health issues.
These dogs have calm temperaments and are not excessive barkers; however, they may bark to alert their owners if something seems suspicious. These dogs love to be around family and can develop anxiety if left alone for a long time. Their anxiety can also be resolved with physical and mental stimulation in daily life.
6. Basset Hound
Easily adapts to new environments, Basset hounds are a gentle and calm dog breed that are more than happy with a moderate exercise routine. This breed is not very athletic and is a low-energy dog, but they do have a loud bark, which may not be ideal for families who prefer a calm environment.
Basset hounds have a serious look; they are playful, polite, and calm around those they love, but a little reserved around strangers. These dogs get along well with children and other dog breeds in the house with some socialization and training. These pups are quiet, but they do need companionship to stay calm; otherwise, their emotions will be all over the place.
According to Purina, these hound dogs are low-maintenance dogs, but to maintain their shiny short coat, you must brush them once a week and ensure their skin and folds are clean to prevent any infections. They thrive with owners who understand their nature and needs well and provide them with exactly what they need.
7. Pekingese
A toy dog breed from China, the Pekingese are friendly, outgoing, and have a loving personality, which allows them to form unshakable bonds with their owners. These pups also have a flat face like pugs and shih tzu dog breeds. They have a distinctive coat which is longer around the neck, giving it an appearance of the lion’s mane.
These pups are especially loyal and devoted towards their owners. This toy breed is laid back and has minimal exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks but are slow-moving and must not be exercised in hot weather. They must spend time indoors to stay cool. Pekingese owners must spend a good amount of time brushing their coat to prevent mats and tangles.
Their affectionate nature makes it easier for them to develop friendships with their owners easily. They do not do well when left alone and may develop separation anxiety.
Other than being the dogs who bring peace and warmth to your homes, these pups can also be an excellent choice for a watchdog. They have a loud bark and do not shy away from barking when they need to alert about something fishy around them.
Conclusion
All of these breeds have different personalities; some are high-energy dogs, and some are not big fans of extensive exercise. Some love going out, but some prefer staying indoors. However, all these pups love nothing more than pleasing their owners, which is why after a long, fussy day, they would prefer laying down and cuddling with their pet parents on the couch.
If you’re someone looking for a dog with a laid-back lifestyle, these breeds are the right choice for you. Choose your calm dog breed today!
