Having a dog is one of the most rewarding things in the world, but that isn’t to say that some breeds can’t be extremely high-maintenance – not to mention energetic. If you’re looking for a dog that’s easy to manage, here are 17 of the calmest breeds.
Golden Retriever
The golden retriever is one of the most popular breed choices for singles and families alike. They are known for their friendly and gentle nature. The main benefit of a golden retriever is that it’s easy to train and only needs the minimum exercise and grooming requirements for a happy life.
Pug
A pug is extremely affectionate and playful. They don’t need extensive exercise, and they’re perfect for small apartment living. One thing to be aware of with pugs, however, is the number of health problems they’re prone to. Forbes outlines how educating yourself about these health issues is essential if you’re looking to get a pug
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for both an easy breed and a smaller one, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could be the perfect choice. This breed is known for having low energy levels, so you don’t need to worry about long walks. They’re also very adaptable, so if you have a hectic lifestyle, they won’t mind.
Bichon Frise
The bichon frise is another small breed perfect for indoor living. It never compromises on energy and affection. This breed is known for its fluffy coat, so regular maintenance is needed to keep it looking its best. It’s known for its calm and amiable nature, but it does require regular grooming.
French Bulldog
French bulldogs are extremely easy breeds to manage, thanks to their laidback temperament and their small size. Due to the latter, they only need a very little exercise every day. This breed is known for overheating, so those in hotter climates need to plan how to keep them cool.
Maltese
Maltese are among the gentlest dogs and make very affectionate companions. Their small size makes them very manageable, and they don’t need much exercise during the week. However, their long coat, which is prone to matting, will require regular grooming.
Poodle
The poodle is one of the easiest breeds to train, and they’re highly intelligent companions. If you’re looking to avoid pet hairs, the poodle is perfect for low-maintenance cleaning because they don’t shed. The American Kennel Club describes the miniature poodle as less than 15 inches tall and perfect for small apartments.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their very calm and laid-back nature. They also have a very short coat which is easy to manage. Contrary to what people might think due to their speed, they can actually be very lazy and love to lounge around the house, only needing a small amount of exercise.
Whippet
The whippet is often confused for the greyhound, but it is smaller in stature. This makes it perfect for someone who wants a smaller breed. Whippets are very gentle and take well to both indoor and outdoor living, with only a moderate exercise requirement.
Newfoundland
This one might be surprising owing to the giant stature and extremely long coat! But Newfoundlands are gentle giants. They don’t actually need a lot of exercise, especially if you have a large garden they can spend time in. They do require regular grooming to keep their glorious coat unmatted, though.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are amongst the most friendly and outgoing breeds. They’re also extremely adaptable, making them perfect for any type of living situation. Just be aware that their coat is prone to tangling. It’s also important to train your Shih Tzu as early as possible to prepare it for grooming.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are easy to manage and very sociable. Urban living is ideal for them because they only need moderate exercise every day. According to CBS News, dogs such as the Boston Terrier can easily thrive in urban areas, partly thanks to their small stature.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs, so many people believe they’re very energetic or need a lot of exercise. In reality, cocker spaniels only need moderate daily exercise (and they won’t be averse to playing fetch). They’re ideal for families due to their gentle temperament.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a little bigger than the French Bulldog, but this doesn’t make it more difficult to manage. They make for very calm and loyal dogs, ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle looking for a low-energy dog. They won’t mind living in a small apartment, either.
Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus are very independent dogs, which is great news for anyone looking to avoid clingy breeds that require a lot of attention. Shiba Inus are very easy to manage once you’ve trained them properly. Britannica lists the Shiba Inu as one of the most confident and perky breeds.
Basenji
Originating from central Africa, this independent breed makes for one of the most loyal companions. Their short coat is a bonus for anyone who doesn’t have the time for regular grooming. They do require regular exercise for stimulation, but they aren’t too demanding about how they get it.
Bullmastiff
Last, but by no means least, is the bullmastiff. This protective breed makes for a great guard dog while maintaining a gentle temperament that families will love. They have very low energy levels, so you don’t have to worry about too many walks or having a huge home space.