People who live in an apartment and prefer a sedentary lifestyle can adopt a calm dog breed that matches their vibe. Calm dog breeds have a gentle and adaptable demeanor. They love to lounge and do not get riled up easily.
Having laid-back personalities, they prefer to stay quiet and are not known to be excessive barkers. However, they will bark to inform you when someone knocks on the door. They are not overly energetic and require moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their exercise needs can be easily met through daily walks and indoor play sessions. Thanks to their manageable size, minimal barking levels, and moderate activity needs, they make perfect apartment dogs.
Have a look at these 7 calm dog breeds perfect for relaxed apartment living.
Calm Dog Breeds Perfect for Relaxed Apartment Living
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred as companion dogs for British royalty. Having a sweet and affectionate nature, they make wonderful pets for first-time dog owners and apartment dwellers. Cavaliers are usually quiet dogs who tend to be calm indoors.
Cavaliers are gentle dogs not prone to excessive barking. The American Kennel Club describes them as adaptable dogs who do equally well with active owners as well as with homebodies. Cavaliers get along nicely with everyone, including kids, other pets, and even strangers.
Their adaptability, small stature, and sociable personality make them perfect pups for harmonious apartment life. Cavaliers thrive on human interaction and do not like being left alone. They are one of the friendliest dogs on the planet.
Thanks to their loving, smart, and eager-to-please nature, Cavaliers are very easy to train. Their silky coat requires little more than regular grooming to keep looking good and stay free from tangles and mats.
2. Bolognese
Bolognese are easygoing, playful, and devoted companions with sturdy little bodies. They exhibit a calm temperament and usually have balanced personalities, neither hyperactive nor timid. Bolognese are gentle yet alert dogs.
PetMD explains that well-trained and properly socialized Bolognese make adaptable companions for children and seniors. They may not play for hours, but they are happy to have fun for a while and cuddle any time.
Bolognese dogs thrive on human companionship and love spending time with their owners. They can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Happy to show and receive attention, these intelligent and eager-to-please dogs can be trained easily.
They respond best to positive reinforcement-based training methods. Bolognese make great apartment dogs if their moderate exercise needs are being met.
3. Basset Hound
These courageous and smart dogs were originally bred for hunting in France. Despite their exceptional endurance and incredible stamina, Basset Hounds are calm dogs. Their laziness is reflected in their facial expressions and droopy eyes.
These low-key dogs are moderately energetic and get less active with age. They enjoy playtime and daily walks with their owners, but do not require extensive exercise. It makes them great companions for relaxed people who prefer apartment living.
These calm dogs love naps and can happily snuggle in bed all day long, which makes them prone to obesity. Regular exercise is important to make sure your Basset Hound stays healthy and content. They love spending time with their humans and form strong bonds with them.
However, Basset Hounds are prone to excessive barking. They have a loud and baying bark, and they use it when they are excited or frustrated.
4. Bulldog
Bulldogs are courageous and calm dogs with a friendly nature. These docile and loyal companions can be easily recognized by the loose skin of the head, short muzzles, small ears, and distinctive rolling gait. Bulldogs are not very small, but size doesn’t stop them from curling in your lap.
Bulldogs need moderate exercise for physical and mental well-being. They usually benefit from regular walks with their owners. However, Bulldogs are brachycephalic, so warm days are best spent in front of an air conditioner.
Their adaptable personality and minimal exercise needs make them excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Bulldogs have an easygoing and eager-to-please nature, so they are easy to train. These adorable dogs respond well to positive reinforcement-based training.
Bulldogs need early socialization and should be taught to accept that people can take food from their plate. Otherwise, they can become protective of their food.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese are charming and confident dogs of regal bearing and a distinctive rolling gait. One of the small dog breeds, they can be easily recognized by a lion-like mane around their neck. These sturdy little pooches form a strong bond with their humans.
These calm dogs are well-suited for apartment living due to their size, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs. They get along nicely with kids but do not tolerate roughhousing. Having an alert demeanor, Pekingese make wonderful watchdogs.
They do not require extensive physical activity to stay fit but have a playful side to their personality as well, explains Royal Canin. Pekes were bred to live in royal palaces, so they show serene independence, which can make training a bit difficult.
Pekes enjoy taking part in canine sports at their own pace. They form tight bonds with their people. The sole purpose of their life is to amuse and comfort.
6. Whippet
Playful, affectionate, and calm, Whippets are known for having a streamlined gait. They are quite similar to Greyhounds in appearance, but smaller in size. Having a speed of around 35 miles per hour, Whippets are one of the fastest breeds for their size.
These joyful companions make a delightful addition to almost any household. Hill’s Pet mentions that Whippets can live well in an apartment if you take them out for a good sprint a couple of times a day. Once exercised properly, Whippets prefer to spend their day relaxing.
Whippets are pleasant yet quiet dogs, so they will not disturb neighbors. These amiable and gentle souls are quite robust and low-maintenance. Whippets are champion sprinters and excel at activities like lure coursing and agility.
Whippets make loving companions and want to stay by your side. They desire to touch you even when they are sleeping.
7. Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin is a charming and loving dog with a silky coat. Having an aristocratic personality, they make amusing lap dogs. These ‘feline’ dogs are fastidious, graceful, and generally quiet. Chins are highly intelligent and adaptable dogs.
They love their humans and form strong bonds with them. These little pooches like nothing more than spending time by your side. Chins are calm dogs with expressive eyes. Their size makes them a perfect fit for living in compact spaces.
Their playful nature keeps them active, but they also love lounging with their owners. Like all other apartment dogs, they have moderate exercise needs. Chins are smart and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
Conclusion
Some calm dog breeds are perfect for relaxed apartment living due to their size, temperament, and personality traits. Good apartment dogs are usually very adaptable and thrive in many living environments, including confined spaces.
Their moderate energy levels mean they need minimal exercise for physical and mental well-being. Many of them make loving lap dogs and can get adequate stimulation through regular walks and indoor play sessions.
