When deciding which pooch is best for your porch there are a lot of factors to take into account. If you’re looking for a calm dog to snuggle up with at the end of the day, you’ve come to the right place.
- The Fun Sized Japanese Chin
These dogs are fun-sized without being too much to handle. That being said, they are a very friendly and social dog breed, known for often following their owners around the house, earning them the nickname of the “velcro dog.”
- Bolognese, But Not the Pasta
Normally when we hear “bolognese,” we think of delicious pasta, but it turns out it’s also the name of a breed of dog as well! The reason we probably hadn’t heard of this dog until very recently was that it’s still a pretty rare breed in the United States. It’s too bad that’s the case because they are very calm small dogs that are great to have for people who love lap dogs but want something that’s much less yappy.
- The Playful English Toy Spaniel
This dog is similar to its big cousin, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Like many lap dogs, they require much less time at the park or chasing the ball, and instead enjoy curling up on their owners’ laps. The English Toy Spaniel does require some maintenance though – some people recommend that you brush them twice a week at least. Other than that, they don’t need a whole lot more. Being a rare breed, it may take some time and effort to find one.
- The Very Gentle Shih Tzu
Considered to be a very devoted companion, the Shih Tzu is one that will follow their owners around the house like they’re tied to them with an invisible rope. But they won’t cause a commotion doing it. The Shih Tzu’s teddy bear-like appearance is complemented by a surprisingly big-boned structure, meaning that if you have rough little ones at home, they’re unlikely to do any harm to this cute little guy. Their long hair makes them suited to cold weather.
- The Dog World Clown, Pugs
As the title suggests, these dogs could very well be considered the clowns of the dog world for their love of play and their confident, goofy, lovable personalities. They are dogs that love to show off to their owners, so having one could likely mean that you’ll have a dog who could perform lots of neat tricks. While they’re still pretty low maintenance in terms of grooming and exercise, they do need a short walk at least once during the day.
- The Calmest Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel
This is the kind of dog that you can take with you anywhere. Whether you live in the bustling city, or a calm, rural region, these dogs do great just about anywhere. While still part of the spaniel family, these dogs don’t have that same excitable energy that is common with that kind of dog. Outside, these dogs love to show off their howl and bark, but inside they tend to remain a very calm and docile breed.
- Another Spaniel, the Clumber Spaniel
Thought that the Sussex Spaniel was the calmest Spaniel breed you were going to ever find on this list? Well, think again! The Clumber Spaniel isn’t the most active of all dogs – in fact, it could adequately be described as a complete couch potato. Don’t get this dog if you’re looking for a guard dog either. The Clumber Spaniel is so friendly and so calm, that any burglar who breaks in will be greeted with a tail wag and a lick.
- The Easy Going Basset Hound
These dogs have such cute faces that even marketers and advertising agencies often use them in commercials to great effect! The Basset Hound is a very easy-going pet, and a natural to have at home for someone who’s got a lot going on in their lives. Their exercise requirements are pretty minimal – a light stroll around the block should do the trick – and they don’t need much grooming either. Their backs are pretty fragile though, so play gently.
- The Actually Happy English Bulldogs
You might not be able to tell by just looking at their faces, but the English Bulldog is quite possibly one of the happiest breeds that we have on this list. They’re usually most full of joy when they’re lying in a sunny spot or in their favorite place on the couch. The English Bulldog also has a very friendly personality and is often very happy to see your friends come over so they can introduce themselves. They’re great with kids, too.
- Not a Mop, a Bergamasco
While this dog isn’t necessarily the calmest of the bunch, they are extremely independent and require minimal attention in order to be perfectly happy. What do we mean by this? Well, the Bergamasco is a herding dog, meaning it was bred to help farmers herd other animals, like sheep and goats. Because of this, Bergamasco has developed the ability to work independently and enjoys problem-solving without having their owners standing over them barking directions at them. Plus, they look super cute!
- It’s the Super Fast Greyhound
It’s almost like these dogs have multiple personalities. When the Greyhound is inside, it loves nothing more than finding a comfortable spot to lay down and stretch out. But pen the front door and let it outside… well, good luck catching it. The Greyhound was built for speed, and it can run seemingly non-stop through wide-open spaces, which it loves to do. As house dog, they have shy and timid personalities and won’t get in the way.
- The Very Devoted Great Pyrenees
As we said in the title, if you’re looking for loyalty and devotion in a dog, then look no further than the Great Pyrenees. This dog is very friendly towards its family and very gentle with children, but will often be wary of other dogs and strangers who will likely want to pet this gentle giant. That being said, we’ve gotta warn you to watch out for that fur. They tend to shed, so a good brushing will often help keep it under control.
- The Big Ol’ Scottish Deerhound
Coming in as one of the biggest on this list, the Scottish Deerhound is perfect for people who love a big dog, but don’t want one that’s going to make a mess or demand all of their time. Much like the Greyhound, these dogs are very calm when indoors, but let them outside and watch them move! They are also great to have if you’re a social person, as they love being around people, children, and even other dogs.
- The Intelligent Bernese Mountain Dog
Considered one of the calmest dog breeds, these dogs have the rare gift of being both very easygoing while also having the intelligence of a working dog. According to the American Kennel Club, “their gentle, easygoing manner and the need to be close to their people makes them a good fit for families.” That actually could be why these dogs love games and sports, anything to get their hearts pumping and their minds racing. They’re definitely family-friendly dogs.
- It’s the Sometimes Unpredictably Chihuahua
Chihuahua personalities can vary widely, but what puts this dog on the list is its capacity to learn and respond to training. That means that while these dogs do have a lot of energy, they also make excellent companions, and with a little work, can be trained to be much more calm and obedient dogs. They are considered to have “terrier-like qualities,” meaning they love to chase and can sometimes be a little bit aggressive if you’re not careful.
