Oh, the fun that follows sitting on your couch with your canine partner, cuddling and watching your favorite show, or relaxing on the beach with your pup while the cool breeze sways across your face. Now you can either choose to imagine such a relaxing time or actually live it.
Not all dogs are high-energy and always at your back for a fun playtime or outdoor adventure. Some prefer a laid-back lifestyle as long as their needs are being fulfilled. We have gathered 10 of the calmest dog breeds that provide unmatched human companionship, have an independent nature, yet still like spending time with their owners in whatever way possible.
Read on to learn about these highly adaptable gentle giants and ways you can cater to their needs to ensure they remain even-tempered, well-maintained, and well-behaved.
Unassuming Dog Breeds Loved By Families Who Prefer Relaxation
1. Bulldog
A British dog breed of Mastiff type, Bulldogs are recognized by their stocky, muscular build. These canines were bred as butcher dogs, but with changes in the breeding process, they now make calm and lazy companion dogs perfect for family life. They are friendly pups.
Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which is why they may face breathing problems. They are not fond of hot climates; thus, unlimited access to shade, water, and AC is recommended. These lazy dogs do not have a lot of exercise needs, but some physical activity is essential for these canines, says PetMD.
10-15 minutes of a short walk along with mental stimulation is the best way to keep them occupied.
Bulldogs are not excessive barkers, but they may cause nuisance barking from boredom. Early training and socialization are recommended so these dogs remain well-behaved indoors. They are an affectionate and friendly dog breed but can be reserved around strangers. Proper introductions are the best way to make them comfortable around new faces.
2. Greyhound
An ancient dog breed originally bred for hunting game animals, Greyhounds are known to be the fastest canines that hunt by sight and speed. Despite being the fastest dog breed, Greyhounds have a quiet and gentle temperament, followed by a more laid-back lifestyle indoors.
Greyhounds are a sensitive and affectionate breed, which allows them to form strong bonds with their owners. They are the right dogs for families and get along well with adults and children of all ages. These dogs are very athletic, but that does not mean they require a lot of exercise or strenuous activities.
An hour of exercise that can involve dog sports, running around in the yard, or a short walk is a good way to fulfill their energy needs. Since these lazy dogs are low maintenance, Greyhounds make wonderful family pets for dog owners with a busy lifestyle and will happily join you to relax on the couch.
3. Pekingese
A toy dog breed originating from China, Pekingese were a famous companion dog for the Royalty of the Chinese Imperial Court. Pekingese are compact and stocky toy dogs that are known for their loyalty, charm, and confident nature.
They are alert watchdogs that bark to alert their owners if something is wrong or someone is approaching their home. These canines make delightful companions for first time dog owners as well as they do not have a lot of maintaining to be done except for their hefty grooming needs. Pekes form strong bonds with their pet parents and prefer a relaxed lifestyle.
Pekes get along well with kids but are not big fans of roughhousing. They will remain chill as long as kids know how to behave around small dogs. Pekes have an independent nature, which can make them stubborn at times; thus, early training and socialization are essential to ensure they remain happy pups.
4. Great Dane
A German mastiff-type canine, Great Danes were originally bred as a hunting dog breed and were used to track down bears, wild boars, and deer. Because of their strong hunting instincts, these canines are alert and have watchdog and guardian traits in them.
They are highly protective of their family, and one look from these giants is enough to make intruders think twice before approaching their territory. They may look unapproachable to strangers but are the most social, eager to please, and friendly dog breed you will come across.
They have a sweet nature and are incredibly affectionate, which helps them form strong bonds with owners, and they are the best dogs to be around kids.
They may be big but have minimal exercise needs. Great Danes are also suitable for apartment living as long as they have access to the outdoors, get long walks, and off-leash play time. They are big-time couch potatoes, calm, and a lazy dog breed indoors and prefer a laid-back lifestyle, relaxing with their owners once energy levels are met.
5. Tibetan Spaniel
An assertive dog breed from Tibet, Tibetan Spaniels are happy and playful little pups known for their watchful and alert temperament. Tibbies are easily recognized because of their thick mane around the neck and Pekingese-type facial features. They are given the nickname Little Lion because of their thick mane, says Hill’s Pet.
Tibbies get along really well with their owners and are always ready to join you in all day-to-day activities of the house. These small dogs are great with kids, but their playtime must be supervised to ensure no one ends up getting hurt. These canines are reserved around strangers and bark to alert owners if something isn’t right.
Tibbies get along with other dogs as well, given they must be trained and socialized from an early age. Tibbies are active, energetic, and loyal dogs, but they do not require a lot of physical activity, making them ideal pets for apartment residents. However, a little exercise and mental stimulation are good for these pups.
6. Irish Wolfhound
A large sighthound dog breed, Irish Wolfhounds are known for their substantial size. They earned their name by hunting Irish wolves in the 1700’s. Irish Wolfhounds are known to be a gentle and calm dog breed, which is why they make wonderful house pets.
These calm dogs are affectionate with everyone and especially chill and patient around children. They can get along well with other dogs or pets, given that they are trained and socialized from an early age with these animals. These canines are super intelligent and highly trainable, which makes them great companions.
They do have a high prey drive, which is why you must be extra careful when these puppies are around other small animals like rabbits, mice, rats, etc. It is recommended to keep them in a fenced yard so they don’t run after smaller animals. They have moderate exercise needs and like relaxing with you on the couch.
7. Basset Hound
Short-legged scent hound breeds developed in Great Britain, Basset Hounds were primarily bred for hunting rabbit and hare on foot. These canines may look serious but are extremely playful, sociable, and calm dogs.
These sweet dogs can be stubborn at times, and training them might seem like a difficult task, but they respond really well to positive reinforcement and grasp commands quickly. These dogs have a charming personality and are good-natured, loyal, and devoted dogs making them wonderful family pets.
Being a hunting dog breed, you might think these canines have high energy levels and require strenuous activity, but in reality, they are a lazy dog breed and prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They enjoy the company of their human companions more than going outside. Moderate activity and walking around the neighborhood is more than enough exercise for these canines.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
British toy dog breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being a sweet, gentle, and affectionate canine. These dogs have an eager-to-please personality. They are friendly dogs, get along well with their humans, and are also comfortable meeting new people.
They are ideal to be around kids and other pets as long as they are socialized in their puppy years. Their small size and fun companionship make them a beloved breed to be around. Cavs are highly adaptable and can get used to any living space as long as they are getting enough attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Cavs may be small but have high energy levels, which is why taking them on long walks, interactive play sessions, and mind games are a great way to keep them healthy and happy. They can be a little high maintenance considering their grooming needs. You can not leave them alone, or they may develop separation anxiety.
9. Newfoundland
A working dog breed originated in the Dominion of Newfoundland.
Newfoundlands are large, powerful canines that used to work alongside fishermen and as water rescue dogs. You might find working Newfies, but now they are more popular for being wonderful family pets.
These gentle giants are a friendly dog breed, stay calm and laid-back indoors, get along well with children, and are also chill with having other dogs or pets around the house. Their playtimes with kids must be supervised so they don’t end up knocking any child down with their size.
This calm breed does not need a lot of exercise, but regular physical activity and mental stimulation are good for their health and well-being. Newfies have a loving temperament, which is why leaving them alone might not be a good thing for them.
10. Saint Bernard
A large dog breed originating from the Western Alps, Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants and make wonderful pets for families who can cater to their needs and have enough living space in their home to house them. These canines are patient and affectionate and get along well with all family members.
They are especially great with kids and love having a fun play session with them. These canines are big, which is why training and socialization must begin from puppy years to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved doggos, says PDSA.
They have a relaxed, calm temperament and are a lazy dog breed. They must be taken out for an hour of physical activity to keep them active and prevent obesity and other health issues that might follow. These canines shed a lot and have high grooming needs; thus, regular brushing is essential.
Conclusion
You might’ve thought of these dogs to be high maintenance canines requiring a lot of care, training, and activity. However, these canines are the best pets for owners who prefer a peaceful home and a relaxed environment.
They are loyal, affectionate, and loving dog breeds who fit naturally into your family’s lifestyle and are the right match for homes that can provide them with care and love. These dogs leave a big impression on your hearts and prove to be the best choice for your home.
