Did you know that simply petting a dog can lower your blood pressure and reduce stress levels?
According to a study by the American Heart Association, spending time with pets can significantly boost feelings of relaxation and happiness. It’s no wonder our furry friends are often called “four-legged therapists.”
Life can get noisy, hectic, and overwhelming—but dogs have an incredible way of bringing peace back into our homes. Their gentle presence, steady breathing, and quiet companionship create moments of stillness that no app or playlist ever could.
Some breeds are especially known for their tranquil temperaments. These are laid-back, lazy kinda dogs who love lazy mornings, cozy naps, and quiet evenings spent by your side.
They remind us that joy doesn’t have to be loud—it can be soft, steady, and full of love.
Let’s meet the calmest and most relaxing dog breeds perfect for peaceful home living.
Best Relaxing Dog Breeds For Home Life
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are masters of emotional calm. Their affectionate nature and intuitive bond with humans make them wonderful therapy companions, helping to ease anxiety and stress.
Whether curled up beside you on a rainy afternoon or quietly watching the world go by, they radiate comfort and serenity.
AKC says that though small, Cavaliers do appreciate a bit of grooming love. Their silky coats need regular brushing to stay glossy and tangle-free. A couple of short walks each day and gentle playtime keep them happy, while positive reinforcement training brings out their eager-to-please spirit.
Nature & Personality:
Gentle and loving
Adaptable and social
Loyal and responsive to emotions
Originally bred for royal companionship in England, Cavaliers thrive in peaceful homes where affection flows freely. Apartment or countryside, they fit in anywhere as long as they’re close to their people—a true heart-soother with a wagging tail.
2. Golden Retriever
Few dogs calm the heart quite like the Golden Retriever. Their soulful eyes and joyful energy bring a sense of balance to family life, offering companionship that’s both soothing and uplifting.
Known for their empathy, Goldens often serve as therapy and assistance dogs, spreading quiet comfort wherever they go.
Goldens do best with consistent activity: morning walks, fetch sessions, and mental enrichment. Their thick double coat needs weekly brushing to control shedding, and their intelligence shines with positive, praise-based training. They’re happiest when both mind and body are engaged.
Nature & Personality:
Warm-hearted and trustworthy
Intelligent and eager to please
Patient with children and other pets
Originating in Scotland, Golden Retrievers are made for family life, thriving in homes that balance relaxation and play. They bring the sunshine indoors—graceful, dependable, and endlessly kind-hearted.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers have an uncanny ability to lift moods and calm nerves. Their kind expression and playful yet gentle demeanor make them the ultimate emotional anchors in a busy home.
Whether greeting you after work or lying at your feet, Labs radiate warmth and steadiness that relaxes the entire household.
Labs are moderate shedders with coats that need occasional brushing. Their enthusiasm for activity means daily exercise is essential—swimming, hiking, or even a backyard fetch session keeps them content. They respond brilliantly to consistent, reward-based training thanks to their intelligence and loyalty.
Nature & Personality:
Outgoing and friendly
Loyal and dependable
Intelligent and energetic yet calm indoors
Originating from Newfoundland, Labradors were once fishing partners—strong, hardworking, and devoted. Today, they fit beautifully into both suburban and countryside homes with active pet parents, offering a perfect mix of calm affection and joyful companionship.
4. French Bulldog
Compact yet full of charm, the French Bulldog brings effortless calm to modern living. Their quiet snorts and laid-back personality make them perfect companions for those craving peace after a long day.
Frenchies are known for their affectionate bonds, offering emotional grounding and gentle amusement in equal measure.
PDSA adds that French Bulldogs are low-maintenance and low-energy dogs; they only need short walks and light play. Their short coat is easy to care for with minimal shedding. Because they’re sensitive souls, training works best with gentle encouragement rather than firmness.
Nature & Personality:
Playful yet relaxed
Loyal and loving
Sensitive to tone and emotion
With roots in 19th-century Parisian culture, French Bulldogs have evolved into city-dwelling comforters. They’re ideal for apartments or small spaces, thriving on companionship and calm routines. A Frenchie’s soft snuggle is truly therapy in fur.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are the epitome of calm luxury—tiny bundles of affection who live to bring peace and smiles. Their happy disposition and fondness for cuddling make them ideal for stress relief and cozy companionship. They seem to understand when you need quiet comfort most.
PetMD notes that these little charmers have long, flowing coats that need regular brushing or professional grooming. Despite their royal looks, they don’t demand much activity—short walks and playtime indoors keep them healthy and cheerful. Training with patience and praise goes a long way.
Nature & Personality:
Cheerful and affectionate
Calm and adaptable
Friendly with children and guests
Originating from ancient Chinese palaces, Shih Tzus were bred to warm laps and hearts. Today, they’re perfect for apartments or smaller homes where tranquility reigns—a little dog with a big gift for serenity.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a graceful little dog known for its gentle presence and calming charm. Their affectionate demeanor makes them natural stress relievers, always eager to offer comfort through cuddles and quiet companionship. Despite their size, they exude emotional warmth that fills a home with peace.
They require regular grooming due to their silky white coats, but are otherwise easy to manage. Their exercise needs are minimal—indoor play and short walks are enough. Consistency and kindness during training bring out their bright, willing nature.
Nature & Personality:
Sweet and caring
Intelligent and gentle
Calm but lively indoors
With roots tracing back to the Mediterranean island of Malta, these tiny dogs were bred as companions to the elite. Modern Maltese thrive in loving homes of all sizes, spreading light, grace, and relaxation wherever they go.
7. Pug
Pugs are the comedians of the calm-dog world—endearing, snuggly, and full of love. Their wrinkled faces and expressive eyes can brighten any mood, while their easygoing nature brings an aura of comfort and companionship. Pugs remind their humans to slow down, laugh more, and love deeply.
Their short coat is low-maintenance, though regular brushing helps manage shedding. Pugs enjoy short bursts of play and strolls, but prefer lounging with their families. Their sensitive hearts respond best to positive reinforcement training.
Nature & Personality:
Affectionate and loyal
Playful but not demanding
Charming and good-natured
Originally bred in ancient China, Pugs were bred to be royal lapdogs—and they still excel at it today. Perfect for apartments or relaxed homes, they’re compact comfort-givers whose calm companionship feels like a daily hug.
FAQs
Are these relaxed dogs easy to train?
Yes! Most relaxed dog breeds are naturally eager to please and respond well to gentle, positive training. Their calm temperament and patience make learning fun—just keep sessions short and filled with praise or treats.
Can relaxed dog breeds be left alone during the day?
Many low-energy dogs and lapdogs handle alone time well if properly trained and given toys for mental stimulation. However, even the most laid-back dog breeds still crave affection, so balance independence with quality cuddle time.
Do relaxing breeds need a lot of exercise to stay healthy?
Not really. These dogs usually thrive with low exercise routines like short walks and playtime. Regular movement keeps them happy, but they’re also perfectly content enjoying a slower, peaceful pace of life.
Conclusion
From the gentle giants like Great Danes and Saint Bernards to Basset Hounds with their long ears and Pekingese with royal charm, there are many calm breeds ready to melt your stress away. Even Greyhounds—once racers—are now the ultimate couch potato companions.
Whether you prefer lapdogs, low-energy dogs, or large dog breeds, each one brings a calm demeanor and a heart full of love. They’re well-suited for apartment living or quiet homes with a fenced yard and gentle routines.
Ready to meet your perfect fit? Find a pup whose sweet temperament and calm nature match your lifestyle, and watch how peaceful life with other dogs can truly be.
