When people think of small dogs, the first image that comes to mind is often a high-pitched bark echoing through the house, paired with a whirlwind of zoomies.
But what if we told you that not all small dogs are bundles of chaotic energy? In fact, some of the calmest, most laid-back dogs come in surprisingly tiny packages.
Whether you’re living in a cozy apartment, have a quiet household, or just prefer a low-maintenance companion that’s happy to snuggle rather than sprint, calm dog breeds can be the perfect fit. These mellow pups are proof that you don’t need a big dog to enjoy peaceful vibes and loving loyalty.
We’ll introduce you to some of the most serene small breeds—ideal for first-time dog owners, seniors, or anyone who just enjoys a tranquil atmosphere. Let’s meet the pint-sized pups who bring calm, not chaos.
Small Dog Breeds that are Calm
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Vibe: The ultimate royal lap companion with a heart full of love
This little noble has been stealing hearts (and laps) since British royalty couldn’t get enough of their sweet, soulful eyes and silky ears.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a classic symbol of British aristocracy. This breed gets its name from 17th-century British monarchs, King Charles I and his son, Charles II, both of whom were especially fond of Cavaliers with black and tan coats.
As a toy breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are relatively small, typically weighing between 13 and 18 pounds and standing about 12 to 13 inches tall. Unlike many other breeds, males and females are similar in size.
Cavaliers are the true definition of a gentle, affectionate companion who’s happiest snuggled right by your side. They’re friendly with kids, other pets, and anyone ready to offer belly rubs. Don’t be fooled by their elegant looks — these lazy dogs have a playful streak and love joining family fun, but are just as content curling up for a cozy nap.
Lapdog Perks:
✔️ Devoted cuddle bug — perfect for lazy afternoons and binge-watching sessions
✔️ Social butterflies who get along with everyone
✔️ Adaptable to both lively homes and calm retreats
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive on companionship, so it’s important not to leave them alone for extended periods, as noted by WebMD. Though generally calm and quiet, they can become noisy and destructive if they’re bored or feeling anxious.
Cavaliers are loving dogs that develop strong connections with their family. They need plenty of physical affection, such as belly rubs and cuddling.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require more grooming than many other breeds, especially regarding their coats. Their silky, luxurious fur needs to be brushed for around 10 minutes daily to avoid tangles and keep it looking shiny.
If you want a low-energy dog that’s basically a royal decree for love and loyalty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is your go-to. They’ll rule your heart—and maybe your couch too!
2. Pug
Vibe: The charming little goofball with a heart of gold
Pugs are the comedians of the dog world—packed with personality in a squishy, wrinkly package. Once the darlings of royalty and Tibetan monks, these lovable clowns bring endless smiles with their snorts, snuffles, and those big, soulful eyes that scream, “Love me!”
The Pug is a historic breed that dates back about 2,000 years to China. It gained popularity among royalty worldwide and remains a beloved breed today.
They’re perfect couch companions with a calm nature who adore being the center of attention but are surprisingly low-energy, so they’re great for chill households. Just a heads-up: their adorable smooshed faces mean they can have breathing troubles, so keeping an eye on their health is key.
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short noses and flat faces. Because of this, they don’t tolerate hot weather. For this reason, Pugs are best kept mainly indoors with limited, controlled outdoor activity. Owners should watch closely for any signs of breathing difficulties or overheating.
Pug Perks:
✔️ Comedic relief with endless funny faces and snorts
✔️ Big on affection, low on exercise needs
✔️ Social butterflies who make friends fast
Pugs are usually very friendly and quick to get excited. They tend to be eager to please and thrive on spending quality time with their human companions. This affectionate breed loves cuddling and being near its loved ones.
Pugs are suited for moderate exercise like running or agility training, but they enjoy low-impact exercises such as leisurely walks or brief games of fetch. A good exercise routine for most Pugs includes several short walks lasting about 15 to 20 minutes each.
3. French Bulldog
Vibe: The stylish little tough guy with a heart of gold
The French Bulldog, affectionately known as the “Frenchie,” is a small but sturdy companion breed known for its distinctive bat-like ears, wrinkled skin, short snout, and muscular build.
Originally bred in England and later popularized in France, this breed has become one of the most beloved pets worldwide due to its charming personality and compact size.
French Bulldogs generally weigh between 16 to 28 pounds and measure around 11 to 12 inches in height. They feature a short, smooth coat that comes in several colors such as fawn, brindle, white, cream, and pied.
Known for their distinctive, upright, rounded ears and their expressive, wrinkled faces, Frenchies have a signature look that sets them apart.
These compact, muscular pups love cuddles, snuggles, and being part of the family’s action, whether that means chill Netflix nights or weekend adventures. They’re pretty laid-back but have just enough spunk to keep life interesting.
They are known for being loyal and thrive on human companionship. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and can be quite playful and comical.
Like pugs, Frenchies can have breathing issues due to their flat faces, so watch those stair climbs and overheating situations!
Frenchie Perks:
✔️ Stylish and full of personality
✔️ Fiercely loyal and loving couch potatoes
✔️ Great for apartment living and social butterflies
While they enjoy short daily walks and playtime, French Bulldogs don’t require much exercise and are generally low-energy.
Overall, the French Bulldog is a loving and adaptable companion, well-suited for apartment living and families looking for a loyal, low-maintenance pet with a lot of personality.
4. Bichon Frise
Vibe: The fluffy social butterfly with a sunny disposition
Bichon Frises are like little cotton balls of joy—always ready to brighten your day with their cheerful personality and wagging tails. While adult Bichon Frises are famous for their fluffy white coat, puppies may show hints of other colors like grey, buff, or apricot.
Bichon Frises are naturally eager to please, highly intelligent, and quick learners. Because they can be quite vocal, early training and socialization are essential.
Yes, they can be a bit chatty (they love to bark), but with some positive reinforcement training, your Bichon will learn to turn that energy into good manners—and have a blast doing it!
Bichon Highlights:
✔️ Social butterflies who love people and pups alike
✔️ Easily trainable with positive vibes only
✔️ Perfect for families that want a happy, playful pup
The Bichon Frise has a hypoallergenic coat that sheds less than many other breeds, making it a better option for some people with allergies.
This breed is prone to separation anxiety and doesn’t do well being left alone for extended periods. They thrive best in homes where someone is around for most of the day, PetPlan noted.
These pups thrive on social interaction and genuinely love meeting new people and furry friends. So if you’re looking for a bubbly, affectionate companion who’s happiest when surrounded by company, the Bichon’s got you covered.
5. Pekingese
Vibe: The royal lap warmer with a regal attitude
Pekingese pups are the ultimate lap dogs, draped in plush fur and an air of aristocracy. Once the pampered companions of Chinese emperors, they’ve kept that noble spirit, expecting nothing less than the finest cuddles and attention from their humans.
Pekingese are known for their unique coat, which is longest around the neck, resembling a lion’s mane. Today, they are affectionate and loyal companions who carry themselves with a proud air. These compact dogs typically stand 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh up to 14 pounds.
Pekingese are typically confident and strong-willed, yet they tend to be quite relaxed and easygoing at home when happy. However, their deep affection for their family can sometimes lead to separation anxiety when they’re left alone.
Don’t be fooled by their small stature—Pekes have plenty of personality packed into those little bodies, often showing a stubborn streak that only adds to their charm.
Pekingese Perks:
✔️ Supreme lap warmers with a luxurious coat
✔️ Bold and charming with a sprinkle of stubbornness
✔️ Perfect for calm homes where pampering is a lifestyle
Pekingese are vigilant dogs with surprisingly strong barks for their small size. They often use this persistent barking to alert their owners to perceived threats, even if it’s something as harmless as a neighbor collecting their mail.
Pekingese have short, flat faces, classifying them as a brachycephalic breed. This makes them more susceptible to overheating, so it’s important to avoid exercising them in hot weather. In addition to keeping them cool, owners need to dedicate plenty of time to brushing their thick double coat regularly to prevent matting.
6. Shih Tzu
Vibe: The royal lap warmer with a heart of gold
Shih Tzus might look like they just stepped off a runway with their flowing coats and fancy faces, but don’t let that fool you—they’re total sweethearts who love lounging by your side more than chasing squirrels.
The Shih Tzu quickly gained popularity among the upper class and continues to be one of the most beloved dog breeds in the United States.
This breed is active and friendly, known for its sturdy build. Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds and stand about 10 inches tall. They have long, smooth coats, a flat muzzle, a noticeable underbite, and short, floppy ears. Their round heads feature large, expressive eyes.
These little charmers are calm, friendly, and have mastered the art of being adorable without demanding nonstop attention (well, most of the time). They’re perfectly happy curling up in your lap for hours, making them the ultimate couch buddy—bonus points if you spoil them with a little pampering.
The Shih Tzu needs regular exercise but is usually content with a 30-minute walk combined with some playtime at home. They thrive on attention and enjoy being pampered with treats.
Just watch out for the occasional “I’m the boss” glare; these fluffballs know how to get what they want!
Calm Points:
✔️ Low-energy lap lovers
✔️ Great with kids and other pets—because who can say no to that face?
✔️ Thrive on affection and relaxed vibes
They are very adaptable, happily switching between a quiet, indoor lifestyle full of cuddles and more active outings like walks in the park. Regardless of the activity, their main desire is simply to be close to their people.
Much of a Shih Tzu’s care revolves around maintaining their long, luxurious double coat, which grows continuously. PetMD says they are a low-shedding dog and are often labeled as a “hypoallergenic” breed, although no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Their coat also requires regular attention to prevent tangles and mats.
7. Maltese
Vibe: Tiny but mighty bundles of sweetness
The Maltese is like that quiet friend who always shows up looking fresh and calm, but secretly has a cheeky sense of humor. Maltese dogs are small in size, typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing about 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Maltese is a small dog breed famous for its long, silky white coat that often reaches the floor, as well as its lively and playful nature.
This breed often enjoys taking part in dog sports like obedience, agility, and scent work. It’s also one of the rare breeds small enough to comfortably fit in a carrier purse, making it easy to take along around town.
These petite pups are gentle, affectionate, and love being part of your peaceful moments. They’re happy to snooze beside you or casually observe the world from their cozy spot.
Despite their calm demeanor, Maltese dogs can be surprisingly playful when they want, but they’ll never overwhelm you with hyperactivity. Plus, their silky white coat adds that extra touch of elegance to their chill personality.
Calm Points:
✔️ Low-key and easygoing with a hint of playful charm
✔️ Adore cuddles and calm environments
✔️ Perfect for apartment living or anyone needing a soothing furry friend
The Maltese is relatively easy to train. Its playful energy and affectionate personality make it a great companion for gentle older children and seniors, although its small size might pose a tripping risk.
While the breed is alert and eager as a watchdog, it tends to bark more than necessary and, due to its small size, isn’t effective as a protection dog, says Britannica.
Conclusion
Small dog breeds that are calm, like the Basset Hound, Italian Greyhounds, Japanese Chin, Scottish Terrier, Lhasa Apso, English Bulldogs, and even some mixed breeds, are an excellent choice for pet parents seeking companions with low energy levels. These breeds typically do well with children, cats, and other animals, and can tolerate long periods of rest, especially in old age.
While every dog has an individual temperament, many of these calm breeds have a strong sense of loyalty and enjoy mental stimulation. Some, like the Lhasa Apso, even have a hypoallergenic coat, making them the right fit for many households, including those with allergies. Even Chow Chows, when properly socialized, can be calm and well-mannered in the right environment.
