High-energy dogs aren’t for everyone, and that’s completely okay. Some owners would much rather trade trail walks for quiet afternoons and cuddles with a calm, easygoing companion. Picking a breed that doesn’t match your lifestyle can lead to stress and some unwelcome surprises down the line, so if a small, low-key dog sounds like your speed, it’s worth doing your homework before adopting.
Having a relaxed, loving companion around can make your day feel brighter, whether you’re working from home or just walking in after a long day at the office. And the best part about calm breeds is that they’re far from boring; many are still happy to join you for a short daily walk if that’s something you enjoy too.
So don’t spend another dogless year; take a look at our top relaxed breeds for peaceful home living and find your perfect match.
Top Relaxed Dog Breeds for Peaceful Home Living
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, affectionately known as “Cavs,” carry an aristocratic history tied to British royalty like King Charles I and his son King Charles II. Few things say “cozy home living” quite like a Cavalier curling up next to you on the couch.
If you’re after a calm breed that behaves well and gets along nicely with guests, Cavs are a wonderful choice. They’re eager to please, easy to train, and genuinely friendly and sociable by nature.
From outdoor walks to indoor play, the Cavalier’s cheerful energy and apartment-friendly size make it one of the most sought-after companion breeds. It also makes a great family dog thanks to how well it gets along with kids and other dogs.
Even though Cavaliers tend to pick up obedience training well, it’s still best to keep them on a leash outdoors so they don’t wander off and get lost, according to PetMD.
2. Bolognese
The Bolognese is a small breed that makes a wonderful apartment companion, thanks to its manageable size and gentle disposition. Part of the Bichon family, this charming white dog is a great low-key match for pet parents who lean more indoorsy and less active.
That charm, paired with a deeply faithful nature, has made the Bolognese one of the most beloved small breeds for family life. They won’t necessarily warm up to just anyone right away, but a bit of early socialization goes a long way.
These dogs love being wherever their people are, small enough that you can even carry them along in a bag. They tend to get along well with other pets too, as long as they’re getting the attention and care they need. Their compact size also makes them a great fit for dorms and shared living spaces.
Just be sure to set aside time for indoor play and short outdoor walks, since keeping this breed active helps guard against weight gain.
3. Pug
The Pug is a truly unforgettable little dog, with its wrinkled, flat face, curled tail, and sturdy little body. Believed to have originated in China thousands of years ago, this breed has become one of the most popular laid-back companions for city and apartment dwellers alike.
If your ideal dog isn’t a fierce guardian but rather a comical, sweet-natured companion, the Pug fits the bill perfectly. Surprisingly calm, this breed does best indoors thanks to its brachycephalic build, as long as there’s good ventilation and cool air available.
These huggable little dogs make wonderful lap companions and family pets, since they’re deeply people-oriented and thrive on attention. Their exercise needs are fairly moderate, though some daily activity is important to help prevent weight gain; just be careful not to let them overheat in the process.
Pugs can be a bit stubborn at times, but they’re generally not difficult to train, and their naturally alert nature even lends itself to some watchdog instincts, according to Britannica. Coat care is easy, just weekly brushing, though those signature facial wrinkles do need regular cleaning to prevent dirt buildup.
4. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are the ultimate chill dogs, warm-hearted companions who genuinely love cuddling and playing with their family. Life feels a little more delightful with a Shih Tzu around, whether it’s a leisurely walk outdoors or some cozy pampering time indoors; this breed is all about companionship.
Often nicknamed “little lions” for their long, silky mane, Shih Tzus do come with regular grooming needs. Despite being a relatively low-energy breed, they’re far from complete couch potatoes and enjoy joining in on fun activities with their people.
Fun fact: genetic studies suggest Shih Tzus are among the oldest dog breeds, with lineage tracing back close to early domesticated wolves, according to Orvis.
Adaptable and well-suited to a calm home, the Shih Tzu fits easily into most routines as long as it’s getting quality time with its people. That easygoing nature and trainability even make it a great travel companion for the occasional trip away from home.
Shih Tzus also make loving playmates for kids and tend to coexist well with other pets, cats included. That said, friendly as they are, they’re not entirely silent dogs and will usually bark at the sight of a stranger.
5. Pekingese
Compact in size but far from timid, the Pekingese is often described as regal and “opinionated” by the AKC, and it’s another well-loved ancient Chinese dog breed. Originally bred as royal companions, these flat-faced little dogs thrive in a calm home environment when given plenty of love and attention.
Loyal and even-tempered, Pekingese do best with owners who are happy to invest time in regular grooming. As brachycephalic dogs, they need to be kept cool and monitored for any breathing difficulty. They enjoy some play and moderate exercise to stay healthy, but given the choice, this small breed will usually pick a nap over vigorous activity any day.
Looking for a quiet dog? This isn’t the one. Pekingese are known for a surprisingly big bark, especially when a stranger shows up. Despite their low energy, they’re quite smart and can be taught fun activities like fetch and nose work.
Pekingese can be prone to separation anxiety, so if you’ll be away from home for long stretches, it’s worth training them to feel comfortable being alone ahead of time.
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs, or English Bulldogs, are small but muscular dogs that got their start as butcher’s helpers, used to control livestock. These days, they’ve become one of the most popular low-energy breeds around, known for befriending people of every age.
With their droopy faces, loose skin, and small ears, Bulldogs have an instantly recognizable look that’s helped make them so beloved. They love nothing more than being close to their people and will happily hop into your lap given the chance, though they also enjoy a daily walk outdoors.
Family life with a Bulldog tends to be full of sweet moments, since this breed is gentle and patient with both older adults and young children alike. They don’t do well in hot climates, though, so it’s best to keep them indoors and cool during summer months.
Positive reinforcement, like treats, works best for training a Bulldog; just be mindful of the portions, since overdoing it can quickly lead to weight gain.
7. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds rank among the calmest dog breeds, blending impressive stamina with a moderate energy level. Originally bred in France as scent hounds, they helped hunters track down prey like rabbits, according to Purina. Their long, low-slung body and those signature droopy ears make them instantly recognizable.
Basset Hounds don’t need intense exercise or long walks to stay healthy, but they do need some moderate activity and mental stimulation to stay balanced. As natural pack animals, they enjoy the company of other dogs as much as their own family.
Their powerful sense of smell can sometimes leave them a bit restless, so fun scenting games at home, like hiding a toy, are a great way to keep them engaged. Otherwise, this breed is quite calm and adapts well to both apartment living and life on a farm.
If you want your Basset Hound to stay well-behaved, early training goes a long way toward keeping that stubborn, willful streak in check.
Conclusion
If you’ve found your perfect match, the next step is reaching out to a reputable breeder or a trusted local rescue to bring your low-energy dog home. Just keep in mind that every dog has its own personality, shaped in part by its upbringing.
It’s also worth taking a good look at your own living situation first, so you can set both you and your new pup up for a peaceful, happy life together.
