A study by the University of Denver shows that dogs help people regulate stress. In research on stressful tasks, participants with a dog present showed lower cortisol spikes and more balanced stress responses than those without a dog. This demonstrates that dogs can biologically help humans stay calmer.
For many pet parents, the idea of a peaceful, calm home is irresistible. Quiet dog breeds for a relaxed lifestyle are perfect for apartment living or families seeking a calm home environment.
Some dogs are surprisingly low-energy yet affectionate, making them ideal low-key companions. These pups enjoy moderate walks and light indoor play, bringing warmth without overwhelming children or adults with constant activity.
Chill dogs can enrich daily life, providing mental stimulation and exercise without constant chaos. Have you ever wished your dog could match your calm lifestyle while still offering love and companionship?
If so, exploring the calmest dog breeds may be the perfect place to start.
Quiet Dog Breeds for a Relaxed Lifestyle
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a charming British toy dog with a long history of companionship. Originally bred to sit in the laps of royalty, this breed has long been cherished for its friendly, affectionate nature.
They have different coat colors: blenheim (chestnut and white), tricolor (black, white, tan), black and tan, and ruby. According to Wikipedia, fully recognized by the AKC in 1995, Cavaliers have won hearts worldwide for their ability to bond closely with their favorite humans.
Their gentle demeanor makes them ideal for families with children and even other pets, forming deep emotional connections that few breeds can match. Adaptable to apartment living, Cavaliers thrive in homes where they can receive attention and mental engagement.
While they enjoy short walks or light outdoor excursions, their calm nature allows them to relax indoors and enjoy quiet moments with their humans. Mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or gentle training games, helps keep them happy and engaged without overwhelming them.
Do You Know?
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named “King Charles” famously traveled with British royalty in the 1600s. These tiny toy dogs were adored by King Charles II, who reportedly never went anywhere without his beloved companions.
2. Newfoundland
Affectionately known as Newfies, Newfoundlands are not only among the largest dog breeds but also one of the calmest dog breeds you can find. Their impressive size and reputation as gentle giants make them both awe-inspiring and approachable.
Historically, these dogs served as water rescue dogs, saving countless lives with their strength, swimming skills, and calm courage. Despite their size, Newfies are extremely soft at heart. They don’t need to bark to get attention—their look alone can melt hearts.
As noted by PetMD, their calm demeanor helps them integrate seamlessly into calm households and form strong bonds with children, adults, and other pets. They are protective without being aggressive, making them ideal companions for families seeking a low-key, affectionate dog.
Newfoundlands enjoy exercises, such as swimming, short walks, or gentle play in the yard. While they are capable of amazing feats in water rescue, they are just as content lounging with their humans and sharing quiet, loving moments.
Do You Know?
One dog, Seaman, reportedly saved fishermen during a storm in Newfoundland in the early 1900s by pulling them to safety from icy waters. Newfoundlands’ strength and swimming ability earned them a lasting reputation as gentle giants with heroic instincts.
3. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a low-energy breed that combines calm elegance with quiet vigilance. Originally bred to guard flocks in the Pyrenees mountains, this breed has a long history as a protective herding dog.
Their instincts make them alert and watchful, yet their calm temperament allows them to fit seamlessly into family homes and even some apartment settings.
These dogs are wonderfully independent. While they enjoy physical activities, such as short walks or light play, they are equally content to lounge quietly and observe their surroundings.
Mental engagement, such as puzzle toys or training games, helps keep them engaged and happy without constant activity. When well socialized, Great Pyrenees are gentle with children and other dogs and cats, forming deep bonds while maintaining their natural watchfulness.
Do You Know?
A Great Pyrenees named “Monty” protected flocks in the French Pyrenees for over a decade. Monty was credited with keeping an entire herd safe from wolves during a harsh winter, showcasing the breed’s natural guardianship, independence, and calm vigilance even under extreme conditions.
4. Pekingese
The Pekingese is one of the most distinctive small dog breeds, with unique breed characteristics that set it apart. This ancient toy breed boasts a rich royal Chinese heritage—originally carried in the sleeves of Chinese royalty to keep them close to their favorite humans.
Today, Pekingese continue to impress with their gentle nature and calm demeanor, making them ideal companions for indoor lifestyles. This breed requires careful maintenance of its silky coat, as its long fur requires regular brushing to stay healthy and tangle-free.
While independent, Pekingese are affectionate toward their favorite humans, forming deep bonds without demanding constant attention. Their moderate exercise needs can be met with short walks or indoor play, making them a generally quiet, low-energy companion.
Because they are independent, they are not ideal for homes with young kids; however, they remain excellent, calm dog breeds for those seeking a peaceful, regal companion.
Do you know?
Pekingese have a fascinating history. According to Britannica, one Pekingese was among the three dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic, and the breed has been remarkably successful in dog shows, often winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
5. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are instantly recognizable for their long, droopy ears, short legs, and soulful, charming expressions. According to the American Kennel Club, their name comes from the French adjective “Bas”, meaning low or dwarf, which perfectly describes their short stature.
As part of the sight hound lineage, they were originally bred for tracking scents over long distances. Despite their hunting roots, modern Bassets have a surprisingly low-energy lifestyle, making them well-suited for homes that prefer relaxed dogs.
These dogs are wonderfully independent. They often entertain themselves with sniffing adventures in the yard or mental enrichment games indoors. While they enjoy little walks and occasional short bursts of activity, they are just as content lounging around as long as their noses get a little stimulation.
Their unique personality is another delight. Basset Hounds can be amusingly stubborn and quirky, often bringing smiles to family members and guests with their playful antics or dramatic expressions. Each dog has its own personality, making them endlessly entertaining even without constant attention.
Do You Know?
A Basset Hound named “Farmer’s Friend” became famous in France in the 1800s for helping hunters track wounded game over long distances. With its incredible sense of smell and calm persistence, this Basset never gave up on a scent, showing the breed’s remarkable dedication and intelligence.
6. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a mountain dog breed known as a low-energy breed, celebrated for its massive, gentle presence and calm disposition. Originally bred as mountain rescue dogs, these gentle giants have a long history of saving lives in the snowy Alps.
Despite their size, they are loving, patient, and incredibly loving, making them perfect for families with kids. These dogs are muscular with a jolly head, gentle eyes, and a short, thick orange-and-white coat.
They rarely bark, relying instead on their kind presence to communicate. Saint Bernards are happy with exercises, such as gentle play and walks, but they can also handle longer outings if the pace is steady.
They thrive in cold weather but do not tolerate heat well, so warm climates require careful monitoring. The Saint Bernard’s temperament makes them ideal for homes seeking a companion that is both protective and patient.
They are intelligent, trainable, and form bonds with their favorite humans, yet remain independent enough to enjoy peaceful moments indoors.
Do you know?
According to Purina, Saint Bernards have a remarkable history, too. One famous Saint Bernard named Bumse, a ship’s dog on a Norwegian minesweeper during World War II, earned a PDSA award for courage in action. Stationed in Montrose, Scotland, its duties included collecting shipmates from the pubs at closing time. Bumse became so beloved that when it died in 1944, the local school closed to allow hundreds of kids to attend its funeral. Today, its grave is still honored in Montrose, a lasting tribute to this brave and gentle breed.
7. Pug
The Pug is a small, charming companion known for its comic expressions and lovable personality. Often described as a lap dog, this breed is playful yet content with couch potato moments, making them one of the low-energy dog breeds ideal for families.
Pugs form deep bonds with their favorite humans, showing affection and loyalty without being demanding. Despite their calm temperament, Pugs enjoy moderate play and short bursts of activity.
Regular exercise, such as short bursts or indoor play, helps keep them healthy and happy, while mental stimulation through games or gentle training helps prevent boredom.
Their independent nature allows them to entertain themselves when necessary, but they thrive most when included in daily family life. Pugs are excellent with children, making them a playful yet patient companion for families.
Their energy level is manageable, and their calm personality ensures they fit comfortably into households without overwhelming the space.
With their affectionate, playful nature and easygoing temperament, Pugs are among the best low-energy companions for people seeking love, laughter, and gentle bonding moments.
Do You Know?
A Pug named Pet of Napoleon was reportedly one of the favorite pets of Napoleon Bonaparte. This little companion followed him on campaigns and lived in the French court, illustrating the breed’s long history as loyal companions to humans of all walks of life.
Conclusion
These particular dog breeds, ideal for a relaxed lifestyle, prove that love doesn’t have to come with chaos.
Each breed brings something unique—whether it’s a gentle giant’s calm presence, a toy dog’s affectionate lapdog charm, or an independent hound’s amusing personality.
These puppies are ideal for calm households or families seeking low-energy companions who still enjoy bonding, moderate exercise, and mental enrichment.
While some thrive in cold weather and others adapt to cozy indoor life, all of them share a common gift: the ability to enrich daily life with loyalty, affection, and gentle companionship.
Choosing the right dog for your home ensures a peaceful, loving, and joyful environment where every moment is shared with a devoted friend.
No matter the breed, a calm dog can bring warmth, laughter, and comfort into your home—truly proving that the right companion breed makes life more rewarding, one quiet moment at a time.
