Low Maintenance and Calm Dog Breeds

Reviewed and fact checked by Bruce Whittle, DVM

Not everyone is looking for a dog to take hiking and running every weekend. Some of us are looking for a dog to snuggle on the couch with for movie marathons!

If you’re looking for a low maintenance or low energy dog breed, the first thing to know is that these terms are not the same. A low maintenance dog has lesser maintenance requirements than some other dogs (such as less frequent grooming needs). A low energy dog is less active than some other dogs so requires less physical activity. A calm dog has a calm temperament and isn’t easily excitable.

Dogs with less exercise needs who love being couch potatoes do still like to run and play and it’s important to get them outside to explore and socialize. And these dogs still can get the zoomies! But they likely aren’t up to long adventures outside or active households with a lot of daily exercise. They also likely aren’t going to be great dogs for protection.

Dog Breeds that Are Calm and Low Maintenance

These breeds don’t have high physical activity requirements and don’t have high maintenance grooming needs.

	Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Weigh between 13 and 18 pounds Good apartment dogs Good family dogs Affectionate lap dogs Require a lot of attention Browse available Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies for sale by breeders
	Chihuahua Weigh up to 6 pounds Good apartment dogs Can be snippy with children and suspicious of strangers Smart Can get attached to a single person Browse available Chihuahua puppies for sale by breeders
	Brussels Griffon Weigh between 8 and 10 pounds Affectionate and adaptable Easily trained Tends to bark
	Italian Greyhound Weigh between 7 and 14 pounds Are fearless and have delicate bone structures (so can be easily injured when jumping if not being appropriately held) Fast runners when active Rely on their keen eyesight
	Bulldog Weigh up to 50 pounds Great for apartment and families Gentle and affectionate Browse available Bulldog puppies for sale by breeders

Dog Breeds That Are Calm

These breeds have higher maintenance grooming requirements but are calm and lower energy.

	Basset Hound Weigh between 40 and 65 pounds Good apartment dogs Good with cats, other dogs, children, and strangers Loyal and smart Shed a lot Have a tendency to bark and howl Browse available Basset Hound puppies for sale by breeders
	Maltese Weigh up to 7 pounds Good apartment dogs Allergy-friendly and low-shedding Easy to train Fine, silk coat needs frequent grooming an brushing Browse available Maltese puppies for sale by breeders
	Shih Tzu Weight between 10 and 15 pounds Good apartment dogs Allergy-friendly dogs Affectionate, quiet, and playful Browse available Shih Tzu puppies for sale by breeders
	Pug Weight up to 18 pounds Good apartment and family dogs Cheerful and good companions Browse available Pug puppies for sale by breeders
	Pekingese Weigh up to 14 pounds Good apartment dogs Independent and stubborn Affectionate Browse available Pekinese puppies for sale by breeders
	Havanese Weigh up to 13 pounds Good apartment and family dogs Allergy-friendly and low-shedding Smart and easy to train Sweet and well-mannered Need frequent grooming Browse available Havanese puppies for sale by breeders
	Japanese Chin Weigh between 7 and 11 pounds Affectionate and great companions Enjoy climbing high places Friendly and relaxed Low barking but tendency to snore.

If you’re looking for a calm or low maintenance puppy, contact us today and we can help you find the perfect breed. And then we’ll bring your new puppy right to you!