Dogs that are naturally calm and well-mannered don’t have to be boring at all! Rather, there are so many breeds out there who would be super playful with humans but won’t make a ruckus. These playful pups also tend to have more years of love and companionship with their human families. Toy breeds, especially, come with an impressive longevity, provided their human fellows take good care of their diet and take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
These lively and loving dogs are cheerful in nature. They stay composed while there is chaos everywhere. Let’s check out some of the calmest but playful dog breeds with a long lifespan.
Calm but Playful Dog Breeds with a long lifespan
1. Havanese
These little dogs from Cuba are some of the calmest dogs you’ll ever come across.
With the patience of a saint, Havanese are known for their affectionate nature and a lovable personality.
But if you think this dog is all about peace and calmness, think again because they are super-playful and fun-loving. These are responsive dogs and would surely cheer you up with their cute antics whenever you feel down.
This Reddit Thread says these dogs are extremely playful and fun!
These are also known to be the longest living dog breed, with a life expectancy of around 14-16 years. This means you can have over a decade of love and compassion. When compared to other dogs, these tend to develop separation anxiety when they’ve to stay far from their owners for long periods.
One more superpower of this dog is its intelligence. These brainy dogs tend to be easy ones when it comes to training.
Thanks to their hypoallergenic coats, this calm dog breed is a good choice for allergy-prone pet owners.
2. Shih Tzu
Known as a ‘little lion’, this energetic dog loves to play!
Anytime is playtime for this pup. Shih Tzu is surely a chill dog breed that prefers playing with family members over putting up a sad face after losing a game of fetch.
Another thing that makes these small dogs so playful is their urge to please their pet parents. If they sense their family members are enjoying the game, they will continue playing for many hours. This makes them great family pets.
With their moderate energy levels, they are to be given some exercise activities on a daily basis. Otherwise, they may end up becoming lazy and lethargic.
At times, these dogs may end up being a bit hyper. You need to showcase some patience in such situations.
Give this dog a healthy diet, and it will be your excellent friend for a long period!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Looking for a dog with some athletic capabilities? You need to get your hands on the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
These dogs are so playful that they can put your ball-handling talent to shame.
The hidden secret behind them being good players is their sporting heritage. Apart from being wonderful players, they are exceptional companions. From chasing balls to playing with toys, this tiny dog is exceptional at everything!
AKC claims these companion animals are generally healthy. However, you need to take them for regular vet visits and provide them with a balanced diet to ensure their longevity.
Thanks to their calm nature, it’s easy to take them to the dog park on a regular basis. They showcase a gentle attitude and become everyone’s friend easily.
4. Bichon Frise
If you lead an active lifestyle and don’t want a couch potato in your home that will keep looking lazy at all times, it’s time to get a Bichon Frise!
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says this dog is an absolute joy to have.
Bichons are not only good with the kids, but they are quite friendly with strangers as well. As a matter of fact, if you socialize these dogs early in their lives, you can expect them to be good friends with other pets in the house as well.
Thanks to their natural eagerness to please everyone, training them is pretty straightforward. A bit of positive reinforcement in your proper training schedules and many treats do the magic!
At times, they may showcase such high energy that keeping up with it may appear difficult.
Oh, and before I forget to mention, these small-breed dogs are super adaptable companions! If you live in a small apartment, these dogs will never complain about the lack of a backyard.
5. Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is an epitome of fun and affection, especially when it is still a puppy!
Under their thick, matted coat is a heavy boned dog that is pretty muscular. This medium-sized dog, which is great with children of all sizes, has an average lifespan of 13-15 years and rarely encounters any major health issues.
Its impressive longevity makes it a great dog for your family life.
These dogs would agree to go on absolutely any adventure with you at the drop of a hat.
Be it hiking on the hills or going on long walks, they love it all. If you have a generally active lifestyle and want a pet to make your family life even more exciting, this is a great dog to pick.
They are also pretty independent. Hence, training can be a bit tough as they may have their independent thought process getting in the way of learning. But with consistency, you can surely achieve your goals.
This Quora question says these dogs are one of those pets that come with the best temperament!
Originally a herding dog, it requires regular exercise for its physical and mental stimulation.
6. Whippet
Whippets are fun dogs!
At the same time, they are seriously gorgeous.
What makes them really interesting is that, despite being generally calm and composed dogs, they have bursts of energy at some moments where they would endlessly run in a closed area.
Other than that, they are super gentle and calm.
These dogs get their occasional bursts of energy coming through their genes. They were originally bred to be great hunters and racers. Hence, they are bound to be energetic.
However, at home, they are loving, gentle, and affectionate. They don’t need regular grooming
If you lead a peaceful life and don’t want a dog that would keep barking over the smallest of things, get a Whippet. It usually remains quiet, unless someone really rubs it the wrong way!
7. Chinese Crested
Originating from China, these dogs are happy-go-lucky lads!
These Chinese Crested dogs crave attention and thrive on it. If you don’t give them that, they may exhibit weird behavior patterns. On the other hand, when they are given the much-needed attention, they showcase their lively and fun side to you
Oh, and the fact that these Chinese dogs are super alert remains parallel to their playfulness.
No matter how much involved they are in the game of fetch, they are always watchful of their surroundings, keeping their family members guarded.
With their moderate energy levels, they bring joy to the homes they reside in. Even in their old age, they are quite energetic and active. Daily walks, a bit of exercise, proper care of their diet, and a loving environment give them a long and healthy life.
Conclusion
Everyone doesn’t need a dog that is always running around the house, barking, and yelping. Rather, some people prefer calm dogs with a big personality and who will add an element of peace to their households. Where small dogs are hyper-energetic, the larger breeds are mostly calm in nature. Little dogs like French bulldogs, miniature schnauzers, and toy poodles also tend to live longer than the large dog breeds, such as the Australian cattle dog.
Nonetheless, dogs that really love playing should be provided with nutritious meals and regular vet checkups to ensure they live a healthy life without getting any hip-related disease. This way, they get to play with you for a longer period, making your home a happy place!
