Looking for a small dog breed with a calm and affectionate nature? You have come to the right place. We have gathered 7 of the calmest dog breeds that are good-natured, provide emotional support, are easy to train, and make great companions for people of all ages.
These small dog breeds love spending time with their pet parents and like to be involved in everyday adventures with you. These pups are ideal for those who want a low-maintenance dog with moderate exercise needs that can be fulfilled with indoor playtime or a short walk around the block.
Read on to learn more about these small, fun-loving dog breeds with eager-to-please attitudes, who are incredibly adaptable, know how to stay happy, and make perfect companions for both adults and children.
Small And Quiet Dog Breeds For A Tranquil Lifestyle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A British toy dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, can make your heart melt with their sweet face and the cutest expressions. They have big, round, expressive eyes that make you fall in love with them. According to Hill’s Pet, this small breed is regal, sophisticated, and charmingly cute.
These pups were originally bred to be lap dogs for royalty and travelling in carriage rides. They now make amazing house pets for dog lovers and are an ideal choice, especially for apartment dwellers. They are happy dogs who are calm, affectionate, and get along well, even with children or other pets and cats in the house.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a luxurious coat that needs regular grooming to stay in shape. Though they have moderate energy, they still need regular exercise that comprises a 30-minute walk along with mental stimulation through interactive and puzzle toys.
2. Maltese
Known for their luxurious floor-length coats, Maltese are the national dogs of Malta and are related to Havanese, Bichon, and Bolognese breeds. These tiny dogs have a playful personality, are highly adaptable, charming, and devoted companions.
These small dog breeds have a friendly nature, are generally healthy, and have a hypoallergenic coat, which makes them ideal pets for allergy sufferers. According to PetMD, these pint-sized pups have a big personality, which is why early socialization and training are essential to ensure a tranquil lifestyle.
A low exercise routine, mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement are recommended for these pups to prevent health problems and ensure their well-being. Maltese are perfectly happy dogs who have an eager-to-please attitude, which makes them form strong bonds with their pet parents. They get along well with children, but it is recommended to supervise indoor play time so no one ends up getting hurt.
3. Chinese Crested Dogs
Lively and alert toy breeds, Chinese Crested dogs are known for their hairless appearance and an elegant and graceful nature. This hairless breed was originally bred to be companion dogs, and they do this perfectly.
These pups have a cheerful disposition, and they get along well with everyone in the house, especially children. One point to be noted, unlike other dogs, these pups are fine boned, which is why supervision during play time is essential to ensure the safety of these dogs.
They require a relatively small amount of exercise, which can consist of daily walks and indoor playtime to ensure they live a healthy life. These dogs are adaptable and are suited for both big houses and apartment life. All they need is a lot of love, attention, and cuddles from you; otherwise, they may tend to show unwanted behaviors. Overall, they are one of the calmest and most relaxed dogs you’ll come across.
4. Bichon Frise
Small yet sturdy, the Bichon Frise stands among dogs with a great personality. They are playful, affectionate, and great with children who know how to behave around small dogs. They enjoy making new friends and spending a happy life among their loved ones.
Bichon Frise has a hypoallergenic coat, which makes it a good fit for people with allergies. Because of their small size, these dogs are ideal for apartment life or shared spaces. They’re particularly not high-energy dogs, but still have low exercise needs that need to be fulfilled. Once satisfied, they like to cuddle with their owners on the couch and lay down for the day.
This breed is great for first-time dog owners. Though they are a calm dog breed, they are alert and may tend to bark to make their owners aware of some hanky panky. They are easy to train and eager to please, which makes them wonderful house pets and helps maintain a calm environment.
5. French Bulldogs
French bulldogs, also called Frenchies, originated in Paris in the 19th century. They are easy-going, friendly, and happy little dogs who make the perfect companions. Their gentle nature, calm puppy energy, bright personality, and compact size have made these pups a popular dog breed in the US.
French Bulldogs have a fun-loving and outgoing personality. They love playing with others, and with proper socialization from an early age, these pups get along well with other dogs, pets, or cats in the vicinity.
These dogs have moderate exercise needs and require gentle training along with daily walks and a fun playtime session. If you’re adopting a bulldog, you must be prepared to pay full attention to their health problems as they face breathing issues. Pet parents must ensure their well-being, and these dogs thrive throughout their lives.
6. Shih Tzu
Ancient small dogs from Asia, Shih Tzu’s are clever, affectionate, playful, and outgoing canines. These intelligent dogs are independent and wary of strangers, but get along well with their own family. According to Petplan, these pups adore attention, and as long as they’re getting it, they ensure a calm demeanor at home.
These small dogs enjoy learning new tricks and are easy to train. All you need is to show some consistency and patience to ensure these canines stay calm throughout their life. Because of their flat face, these pups must not be exercised on hot days, but they do not mind walking or hiking for 20 minutes or at least an hour.
A fun fact about Shih Tzu’s is that some of them have a white spot on their head, which is known as the “star of Buddha,” says Purina UK. These calm dog breeds must be socialized from an early age to ensure they stay well-behaved. These pups like to be surrounded by their favorite humans, which is why leaving them alone for a long time is not a wise decision.
7. Pugs
Easily recognized by their distinctive physical features, Pugs are another calm dog breed with a goal to please their owners and be excellent companions. They have an even and stable temperament. They are loving, outgoing, and love nothing more than being close to their loved ones.
They love being surrounded by people, so leaving them alone is not wise, or they may develop separation anxiety. They may be prone to health problems because of their flat face, which is why pet parents must be fully attentive towards them so they do not miss any symptoms.
Pugs are low-energy dogs, but are prone to excessive weight gain, which is why exercise is essential in their daily routine for weight management. Short walks and fun playtime indoors are more than enough for these pups. Avoid overexerting them; otherwise, they may end up facing breathing issues.
Conclusion
Bringing home a new furry friend? These small and calm-natured dog breeds are not only ideal pets for first-time pet owners but also for those who want to maintain a tranquil lifestyle at home. These pups bring just the right amount of energy into your homes and make the perfect gentle companions.
Unlike large dogs, these small pups have low to moderate exercise needs and a relaxed temperament, which allows them to beautifully blend in with your daily routine. They love getting attention and cuddles from their pet parents, and that is all they need for their overall well-being.
