Almost all dogs possess a playful energy, but some breeds, like herding or hunting dogs, possess boundless energy and are hardwired for specific activities. Without having an outlet for their energy, these dogs can become anxious or destructive.
Calm dog breeds, on the other hand, have a laid-back demeanor. Their low energy levels make them perfect for busy owners. However, a calm dog does mean no exercise or training. Every dog, even the calmest and quietest one, requires regular exercise and proper training.
Calm dogs also love spending time with their owners and may be prone to separation anxiety. Remember, every pet has its own personality. Proper training and early socialization are important to help your pup live its best life and stay calm in new situations.
Have a look at these quiet and calm dog breeds for sensitive owners.
Quiet and Calm Dog Breeds for Sensitive Owners
1. Pug
Pug is a loving and charming canine with a playful personality. Their laid-back nature and minimal exercise needs make them one of the calmest dog breeds. Pugs are quite adaptable and adjust well to different types of living environments.
Pugs never hesitate to entertain their owners with their silly and playful antics. They love to snooze and eat, so they can happily spend their day lying in a comfy corner. Pug is a quiet dog breed that does not bark a lot.
According to the American Kennel Club, Pugs live to love and get loved in return. They are intelligent and capable of understanding changes in their owners’ moods and emotions. That is why Pugs are a good fit for sensitive owners.
Pugs have an eager-to-please personality and love spending plenty of time with their owners. These wrinkly dogs can steal hearts with their smooshed faces and human-like expressions.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and affectionate dog with a regal grace. They adore their owners and make fantastic lap dogs. Cavaliers are sensitive dogs who form strong bonds with their pet parents.
Their loving nature enables them to understand what their owners are feeling. These sensitive dogs make great therapy dogs. Cavaliers are quite adaptable as well; they are calm indoors but also enjoy outdoor activities.
Cavaliers are energetic dogs who love seeking attention. Their moderate exercise needs can be fulfilled with short walks and indoor play sessions. Some Cavaliers exhibit a very quiet behavior, but get along nicely with everyone, including kids and other pets.
These super sweet canines are very smart and can be trained easily. Their lustrous, silky coat requires regular grooming to keep looking beautiful.
3. Maltese
Lively and gentle, Maltese dogs thrive on companionship. Having a calm and gentle temperament, Maltese can adapt well to different living situations. They do well in smaller living spaces and make excellent apartment dogs.
Maltese dogs are quiet by nature, which means they will not disturb your neighbors. These energetic and playful lap dogs require moderate daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulation. Maltese are friendly and patient canines who enjoy human contact.
Due to these traits, they make great therapy dogs. Malteses are very intelligent and, with time, have learned how to get from their humans what they want. They are athletic and make fun competitors in dog sports like obedience and agility.
These small white dogs form tight bonds with humans and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long, explains PetMD.
4. Japanese Chin
Companion animals to the core, Japanese Chins are devoted and affectionate dogs. These calm dogs tend to be good with kids and other animals. Japanese Chins are quite adaptable; they love to cuddle but also enjoy exuberant games of fetch, explains Orvis.
These intelligent, playful, and sensitive pooches establish tight bonds with their owners. Japanese Chins are very in tune with your emotions and are vulnerable to separation anxiety if neglected or left alone for extended periods.
However, proper socialization is everything. The sooner you get them used to things, the better it will be. Japanese Chins are quiet dogs known for bringing charm, amusement, and comfort to their humans. These small dogs love going for slow walks and playing in a fenced yard.
Many pet lovers adore their humans due to their long and silky coat. Surprisingly, the coat is easy to maintain and needs only weekly brushing and a bath once a month.
5. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is an alert, sensitive, and playful dog known for its high speed. This calm and cuddly companion has short bursts of energy, but is generally quiet and calm. Italian Greyhounds love lounging and have a gentle temperament.
Italian Greyhound needs regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They benefit from daily walks on a lead, but should not be allowed off lead in unfenced areas. These clean dogs love to snuggle and establish inseparable bonds with their humans.
Properly socialized Italian Greyhounds accept new people and situations more readily, but they are one-person dogs most of the time. Their quiet nature makes them well-suited for city life, where they will not disturb neighbors.
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs are friendly and courageous dogs with a calm temperament. These low-slung, well-muscled pooches make loving and loyal companions. Thanks to their gentle, affectionate, and low-energy personalities, Bulldogs make ideal pets for sensitive owners.
These chill dogs do not bark excessively and need only moderate exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Short and gentle walks are a good way to exercise Bulldogs. These sweet, easygoing, and devoted companions have an eager-to-please nature.
Bulldogs love to chew and enjoy playing with chew toys their entire life. They also enjoy tug-of-war. However, they have a short snout, which can make breathing difficult in humid and hot weather. Also, make sure you do not take your bully out for long walks.
7. Whippet
Whippets are gentle and sweet dogs having a quiet nature. They thrive in calm households and love bonding with their people. These robust dogs like a sprint followed by hours of lounging. They make ideal pets for city dwellers as they rarely bark.
Whippets are better suited for sensitive owners and homes with slightly older children who understand how to give your dog space. These smart and agile dogs also have a mischievous streak. Whippets enjoy flying disc, regular walks, or play sessions with other dogs in a fenced area.
Whippets are playful and cheery dogs who were bred for chasing prey. That is why they are not well-suited for homes with smaller pets. It is also recommended to keep your whippet on a leash so that they do not chase after your neighbor’s cat.
Conclusion
Quiet and calm dog breeds are a good fit for owners who enjoy peaceful living. They have a gentle and laid-back temperament, and they make ideal pets for city dwellers and people living in apartments. They have moderate exercise needs and benefit from daily walks.
Such canines do not bark much, but are very in tune with their owners’ feelings and emotions. Their relaxed temperament and sensitive nature make them excellent therapy dogs. However, like other dogs, they also need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
