There are dog breeds that are actually chaotic. They jump on their four paws, bark, participate in arguments, and always find creative ways to enjoy that end up with a big mess at home. But not everyone likes these highly energetic pups.
People with a relaxed lifestyle often go for a calm, gentle, and kind dog that enjoys leisurely walks and curling up on the sofa.
A dog that can accompany you in watching series is happy with little exercise and gentle with its owners. These dogs are the best friends of introverts who like to stay home, and their small size lets them adjust well even in apartments.
We have listed these top 9 calm dog breeds that do not go hyper. Read the details to know what they were bred to do. Yes, every dog has a gentle demeanor, but differs in grooming, personality, and shedding.
Top Dog Breeds for the Ultimate Relaxed Home Life
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, calm, and affectionate pup that was bred to be a lapdog. This small dog got its name from British King Charles I and his son Charles II in the 17th century, as they used to carry them even to parliaments, PetMD shared.
Honestly, Cavalier would have been the winner if there were a Nobel Peace Prize for a dog. This is a low-energy dog but adapts well. They like to be with you and don’t mind following you everywhere around the home.
If you are binge-watching series or just trying to grab coffee near your home, they are up. Cavalier is famous for its sweet and heart-melting expressions. They develop strong bonds with kids and even other pets.
That being said, Cavalier King Charles has a single medium-length coat that sheds year-round and heavily during spring and fall. So, you have to frequently brush them if you don’t want to see those glittery hairs on your sofa.
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a patient and gentle dog breed with short stature. They were bred for hunting small game like rabbits in France. This is actually a scent hound that used to track slowly, and that’s why they are super lazy.
They are happy to spend their whole day on the couch once their needs are met. The Basset Hound Club of America recommends taking this small pup on one walk daily. Basset Hounds love their people, but also like to enjoy their own company.
They are super friendly with kids and also drool, so keep a towel when carrying them into your lap. They may look sad due to their droopy eyes and long velvety ears, but honestly, they are chill from the inside.
That being said, they have a short coat that moderately sheds throughout the year. It’s a low-maintenance dog in terms of coat length, but high maintenance when it comes to brushing.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is an affectionate, playful, and outgoing dog breed that was bred only to be a companion in Tibet. This little pup has a royal history, as they were house pets for most of the Ming Dynasty, according to the AKC.
People often call the Shih Tzu a lion dog, and they spend years sitting on silk pillows in palaces. They have no prey drive but chase their favourite people and snacks (dog being dogs). This is actually good if you have kids at home.
Shih Tzu is happy with a short walk around the block and playing indoors. They don’t mind living in smaller homes and compact apartments unless you are giving them space in your heart and lap.
That being said, Shih Tzu have a double coat of hair rather than fur, which requires daily brushing to prevent matting. Although they don’t shed much, they require frequent grooming, which is quite a task. But it’s fair enough if you are getting a charming and quiet pup in return.
4. Greyhound
Greyhound is a medium to large dog breed with an S-inverted body shape that attracts many poets and royals. This athletic dog was bred thousands of years ago in the Middle East, as its drawing was found on walls and artifacts in Egypt.
This is a racing dog, and it might surprise you that they are in this list. Greyhounds are famous as “45 mph couch potatoes” because they are sprinters and get tired once they chase something. They can all lie on the couch once their energy needs are met.
Greyhounds love to sleep and, honestly, often in funny positions with legs in the air. They are calm, gentle, and low-energy dogs, which makes them perfect for relaxed families. That being said, this is a low-maintenance dog with a short coat that does not shed much.
5. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a perfect pup if you are looking for a Netflix and chill partner. They were bred for bull baiting first, but it got banned, and they became family pets.
They are easily recognizable due to their small, muscular stature, furrowed brows, and wrinkled, loose skin on their faces. English Bulldogs are easygoing and happy with a 15-minute walk. Honestly, they don’t bark much, but they produce sounds when snorting and grunting.
That being said, they are lovely companions and extremely loyal to their owners. These small pups have a short coat that moderately sheds and require frequent brushing. Plus, you also have to clean their wrinkly skin daily to prevent skin infection.
6. Pug
Pugs are charming, loving, and affectionate dog breeds with a bit of humor. They were not bred to hunt or herd but to be lapdogs. They were the favourites of royals and even had their own guards and servants.
This calm dog is actually a shadow pup, so they mimic whatever you do and wherever you go. They try to be active if you are working out and happy to sit beside you, even for 20 hours if you are binge-watching.
Pugs have sparkly eyes that just make them look innocent despite all the mischievous activities they do. They have a brachycephalic head with small nostrils that lead to breathing difficulties. Pugs don’t bark much, but you can hear their snoring and funny grunting sounds.
7. Pekingese
Pekingese is a loyal and affectionate dog breed with an opinionated nature. They were once famous as Lion Dogs, Sun Dogs, and Sleeve Dogs.
Pekingese were the royal Chinese companions for centuries, and only royal people were allowed to adopt them. If someone tries to steal them, then the royal used to punish them to death, but that’s not the case today.
Everyone can get these lapdogs plus they adapt well to apartments. They have very few exercise requirements, but you need to train them for their Pekattitude. That being said, they have a long double coat and a lion-like mane that moderately sheds.
8. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard proved that you don’t need to be small to be a perfect fit for a relaxed home. They were originally bred by monks in the 1600s to search and rescue the people who were buried due to avalanches in the Swiss Alps.
Saint Bernard has a friendly, gentle, and calm demeanor with very low energy. They are perfect for families with children as they are patient.
This big dog prefers daily walks over accompanying you on jogging. That being said, they can have a smooth short and rough long coat that moderately sheds year-round.
9. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is a mellow and amusing dog breed that got its name from Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. They were bred to hunt upland birds.
This large dog is easygoing and quiet at home, as they don’t demand much attention. They are super sweet and loyal to their favourite humans and may be wary of strangers. But they don’t get aggressive at all.
The Clumber Spaniel is not a pup that will demand a five-mile run, but they are happy with a couple of walks. That being said, they have a dense double coat with lemon or orange markings that sheds heavily. They need frequent brushing and grooming sessions.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned dog breeds are all quiet, calm, and gentle to have for a relaxed lifestyle. Yes, they do differ in their grooming, shedding, and coat types. So, read the details if you want a dog with long hair or a short coat.
Although they are calm, your training and home environment affect their behavior and temperament. So, make sure to train and socialize them well at an early age.
