Being a dog owner is a most enjoyable experience. However, some dog breeds can be high-maintenance and high-energy. These would require more than just the minimal run around the yard or a 10-minute walk outside. Others need more mental stimulation and games to remain happy. Still others are unsuitable for families with young kids.
These dogs are great, but only with owners who can appreciate and enjoy their energy. If you are busy, going through a tough patch, or just are unable to muster the energy to keep up with the demands (and barking) of a high-energy dog breed, the dogs on this list will be what you need.
These low-maintenance dog breeds are calm and will be a soothing presence in your life. They are placid enough for first-time dog parents and young families.
Stress-Free Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These small dogs only reach a height of 13 inches at the shoulders and weigh less than 20 pounds. They have long, compact bodies, deep chests, long, floppy ears, and a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing.
They also require fortnightly or at least monthly bathing to maintain healthy skin. Professional grooming sessions can help in maintaining their coat health, so make sure to budget for that as well.
With a long history of being companion dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a calm air and needs minimal exercise. They are loving, gentle, and playful dogs that are good around children and other pets.
These sweet dogs will do well in small apartments as well, and will require two 20-minute walks in a day or a run through an agility course at a dog park, according to PetMD.
2. Basset Hound
These unique hounds are another calm dog breed that is small in stature. They reach up to 15 inches and are known for their low-set bodies, short, smooth coats, floppy, long ears, droopy and wrinkled faces, and a tendency to drool. They can be prone to excessive barking if not trained properly.
These are among the lowest energy dogs in the hound family and would love to lounge around all day long. These dogs will need to be coaxed for walks at some point in their lives. They have a laid-back, friendly nature and are affectionate towards their families. These dogs will do well around young children and other pets, according to WebMD. They can do well in small spaces.
They tend to develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long and usually express their frustration through barking and even baying. Training these independent dogs could be a challenge, which can be overcome by using high-value treats.
Regular brushing is advised to control their shedding, and ears should also be kept clean as the drooping structure makes them prone to infection.
3. Greyhound
These are big dogs, reaching up to 30 inches at the shoulder, and have the lean, streamlined body profile that sprinting breeds need. They have short and smooth coats, with long pointed faces, short ears, and warm eyes.
Being the fastest racing dogs, they are popularly assumed to be high energy, but greyhounds are happy being couch potatoes. These calm dogs have a sensitive and independent nature. They will thrive in quieter homes as they may not be able to cope with a busy family. They can also develop separation anxiety.
They do well in smaller living spaces as well, provided they get their short spurts of exercise 2-3 times a day. They have minimal grooming needs and don’t develop a doggy smell. These dogs have a prey drive and will need training to know that other dogs and pets are not prey. This is not difficult to do, however.
4. Shih Tzu
These are toy dogs that reach a maximum height of 10.5 inches and have a luxurious double coat. Among the cutest furry companions on this list, the Shih Tzu has short, floppy ears, shiny black eyes, a short, squished muzzle, and a compact, strong body.
These are loving and lively companions that will be happy with moderate exercise. All they need are 30-minute daily walks and regular brushing. They will require professional grooming regularly to cut their coat, which grows all their lives.
They have an affectionate nature and enjoy being around other people and animals. They are also intelligent and love pleasing their pet owners, especially if it is accompanied by treats. Their small size makes them good for apartment living.
5. Great Dane
Great Danes are often called gentle giants because of their calm temperament and large size. They love to lounge around quietly with their families and have minimal grooming and exercise needs.
Long limbs and a rectangular head, with droopy ears and warm eyes, these are the best dogs to get if you have the space to accommodate their huge size. They can reach a height of 34 inches at the shoulder.
Their coats are dense and glossy, and come in shades of fawn, blue, black, grey, harlequin, mantle, or brindle. These low-maintenance dogs are calm, loving, and gentle. They can be easily trained to get along with other pets and dogs.
They don’t have extensive exercise needs and do well in a fenced yard, since they cannot jump fences, according to Purina. They enjoy 30 minutes to an hour of walks, exercise, and games. They require moderate grooming, accounting for their drool, which is the only drawback in this laid-back dog.
6. Newfoundland
This is another large dog, growing up to 28 inches, and with a thick double coat and a tendency to drool, this doesn’t seem like low maintenance dog. However, “Newfies” are such calm dogs that they were dubbed “nanny dogs” for how good they were around young children.
They have a thick waterproof coat, and are usually in black, white, brown, and grey in color.
Their calm temperament makes them good pets for families with other pets, young children, as well as people looking for a therapy dog or one with calm behavior. They will enjoy steady and regular exercise like walks, hikes, and they love to swim.
They need regular brushing to maintain coat health and control shedding, and need their face wiped of drool.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
This is another breed with moderate energy and a friendly nature. These grow up to 28 inches and may not do well in apartment living as they need their space. Bred for herding, they are eager to please and love pleasing their families and making them laugh. They do well around children and other pets.
With a medium-long coat, floppy ears, a smiley face, and black, rust, tan, brown, white, or tri-colored coats, these adorable, cute dogs can do well as emotional support dogs due to their incredibly affectionate nature. These are quiet dogs, however, and tend to develop separation anxiety if left alone for long.
They need regular grooming to control their shedding and will require at least hour hour-long walk as well as games to keep them stimulated.
Conclusion
There is a variety of dogs that can suit different needs. If you need a calm lap dog or an energetic, loving dog to keep you company and liven up your life, there are options to suit almost all requirements.
Do visit your local pounds and shelters to see if you can rescue an animal from one of these breeds from there.
