Top 10 Calm Small Dog Breeds

Not every wanna-be pet owner wants a bouncing bundle of energy, but a canine buddy that is more relaxed, an easygoing friend.

Fortunately, there are certain small dog breeds that are calmer and more relaxed than the stereotype of the small, yappy dog.

If you want a small dog but want to avoid all the yappy dogs then check this out.

Here is a list of some of the calmer small-size dog breeds:

Pug

Pugs are by nature so ugly that they go out the other side and become cute. They are playful, mischievous, and charming. However, what’s great about them is that they can rest on the bed near you or on the couch with you for hours on end. They don’t need much exercise. They don’t mind kids, and usually have no trouble with other pets.

Bichon Frise

This dog breed is known for being gentle and compatible with other pets. They can also warm up rather quickly to new human company. Although they do have sudden bursts of energy, a 15-minute daily walk is all they need to exercise themselves properly.

Pekingese

Pekingese are all-around adaptable canine companions. They don’t mind going outside and having fun chasing you or some poor small animal around, and at the same time, have no problem with staying indoors either. What it likes the most, though, is to be asleep for hours on end, preferably near its master. They can be suspicious of strangers, though, and won’t back down if challenged.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs are bred to live indoors, and are perfectly fine with staying indoors and being a regular couch potato. They are friendly to children. However, they do need to be leashed when outside, as they tend to chase small animals. Finally, they don’t like strangers.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins are sometimes jokingly referred to as cats in dog bodies since they like cleaning themselves up. They are bred specifically to be companions, but are perfectly happy as long as their owner or adopted family is nearby. They are so relaxed and happy at the same time that many facilities and specialists use them as therapy dogs.

Lhasa Apso

These longhaired toy dogs were bred specifically to keep people warm in the cold winters of Tibet. They are hypoallergenic, despite having long hair, and are usually very calm, to the point that they make great pets for senior citizens. They are good watchdogs, but that also makes them suspicious of strangers and children.

Brussels Griffon

Like pugs, these dogs are somewhere between ugly and cute. They are one of few breeds that can get along with cats, and have no problem with just resting next to you. Unfortunately, they are not friendly to children.

Maltese

Maltese dogs are okay with cats, and usually have no problem with enclosed spaces (like apartments), and are usually relaxed in demeanor. They only need a brief walk every day to stay in shape.

English Toy Spaniel

Toy spaniels are gentle and quiet dogs that are occasionally playful, but are otherwise okay with simply cuddling with you. They bond very closely with their owners, and do not react well to being left alone for long periods. In a strange turnaround, this dog breed might be too gentle for children, such that the children must be reminded to be gentler with the toy spaniel.

Shih Tzu

Shih tzus are indoor dogs that define the very idea of companion dogs that also happen to be toy dogs. They can be energetic in fits and bursts but are usually more content to be resting next to you. Be careful of letting children play too roughly with them.