Are There Really Calm Small Dogs? Yes and Here Are the 10 Best Ones

If you’ve ever been told that small dogs are all yappy, hyperactive, and hard to manage, you’ve been misled. The truth is, some of the most relaxed, gentle, and easygoing dogs in the world come in small packages. Calm small dogs exist — and there are more of them than most people realize.

Whether you live in an apartment, you’re a senior looking for a quiet companion, or you simply want a dog that won’t bounce off the walls, the right small breed can be a perfect fit.

But here’s something most breed lists skip over: “calm” doesn’t mean the same thing for every dog — or every owner. Before we get into the best calm small dog breeds, let’s make sure we’re speaking the same language.

1. What Does “Calm” Actually Mean in a Dog?

Most people use the word “calm” loosely. But when you’re choosing a dog, it helps to break it down into three distinct traits:

Low energy means the dog doesn’t need hours of exercise each day and is happy to lounge around the house. Think couch potato energy.

Low reactivity means the dog doesn’t go into overdrive when it sees a squirrel, hears a noise, or meets a stranger. These dogs are less likely to bark excessively or lunge.

Low anxiety means the dog handles change, being alone, and new environments without falling apart. High-anxiety dogs can be exhausting even if they’re physically low-energy.

The calmest small dog breeds tend to score well in all three areas. However, even the most naturally mellow breed can become anxious or reactive if it’s not raised and trained properly. Keep that in mind as you read through this list.

2. Are Calm Small Dogs Right for You?

Before picking a breed, take a quick honest look at your lifestyle. Ask yourself:

• Do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard?
• Are you home most of the day or away for long hours?
• Do you have young children or elderly family members at home?
• How much time can you realistically spend on walks and play each day?
• Do you prefer a dog that cuddles or one that’s more independent?

Calm small dogs are an especially great match for seniors, people in smaller living spaces, first-time dog owners, and anyone who wants a companion without the high-maintenance demands of an energetic breed. They’re also a solid choice for families, though some calm breeds do better with older children than toddlers.

If you’re looking for a broader starting point, check out this guide to small dog breeds to get a full picture of your options before narrowing it down.

3. The 10 Most Calm Small Dog Breeds

These are the most calm small dog breeds you’ll find — chosen not just for low energy, but for their overall gentle, easygoing nature.

3.1 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier is widely considered one of the calmest small dogs in existence. It was literally bred to be a gentle lap companion for royalty, and that instinct runs deep. Cavaliers are quiet, affectionate, and remarkably adaptable — equally happy in a city apartment or a country cottage.

Best for: Seniors, apartment dwellers, families with older children One honest caveat: They’re prone to separation anxiety if left alone too long, and they do have some serious health concerns, particularly heart issues. Regular vet checkups are a must.

3.2 Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu is one of the most popular calm small dog breeds for good reason. Originally bred as a palace companion in China and Tibet, this breed was designed for one purpose: to be adored and to adore in return. Shih Tzus are loving, adaptable, and surprisingly unfazed by city noise and small living spaces.

Best for: Apartment living, first-time owners, seniors One honest caveat: Their coat requires regular grooming. If you want low maintenance on that front, consider keeping their hair in a “puppy cut.”

3.3 Bichon Frise

Don’t let the fluffy white appearance fool you — the Bichon Frise is a sturdy little dog with a genuinely calm and cheerful personality. They’re playful but not hyper, affectionate but not clingy, and they tend to get along with just about everyone, including other pets.

Best for: Families, allergy sufferers (low shedding), apartment living One honest caveat: They need regular grooming and can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently. If you’re interested in calm dogs that are also easy on allergies, see our list of small dogs that don’t shed.

3.4 Pug

Pugs are the entertainers of the calm small dog world. They have a lazy, lovable, comedic energy that makes them wonderful couch companions. They’re not big barkers, they enjoy cuddles over chaos, and they’re remarkably tolerant with children and strangers.

Best for: Families, apartment living, people who want a personality-packed companion One honest caveat: Pugs are brachycephalic (flat-faced), which means they can have serious breathing problems. They also gain weight easily, so diet and light exercise matter a lot.

3.5 Maltese

The Maltese is one of the oldest lap dog breeds in the world — a small, silky, gentle companion that has been prized for its calm and affectionate nature for thousands of years. They bond deeply with their owners and tend to be quiet and well-mannered indoors.

Best for: Seniors, apartment living, single owners One honest caveat: Like many small breeds, Maltese can become anxious or velcro-like if over-coddled. Healthy independence should be encouraged from puppyhood.

3.6 French Bulldog

The French Bulldog has exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Frenchies are laid-back, low-energy, and genuinely easygoing. They rarely bark, adapt well to apartment life, and are happy whether you’re taking them on a walk or watching TV together.

Best for: Apartment dwellers, busy professionals, families One honest caveat: Like Pugs, they’re brachycephalic and can overheat easily. They also come with higher vet costs on average, so factor that into your budget.

3.7 Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is one of the least talked-about calm small dog breeds, which is a shame because it’s one of the most naturally serene dogs you’ll find. Often described as “cat-like,” the Chin is quiet, graceful, clean, and tends to move through the home with a gentle, unhurried energy.

Best for: Quiet households, seniors, people who appreciate an independent personality One honest caveat: They can be reserved with strangers and need early socialization to avoid becoming too timid.

3.8 Pekingese

The Pekingese was historically kept as a sacred companion in Chinese imperial courts — and they carry themselves accordingly. They’re dignified, calm, and not easily rattled by the outside world. They don’t need much exercise and are perfectly content spending most of their day indoors.

Best for: Seniors, quieter households, experienced owners One honest caveat: Pekingese can be stubborn and independent. They respond best to patient, gentle training rather than firm commands.

3.9 Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear (pronounced “co-TAWN day TOO-lee-are”) is a rare gem among calm small dogs. Named for the city of Tulear in Madagascar, this breed is known for its cotton-like coat and remarkably gentle, happy temperament. They rarely bark without reason and tend to adapt well to different living situations.

Best for: Families, apartment living, first-time owners One honest caveat: They love human company and can struggle if left alone for long periods regularly.

3.10 Bolognese

The Bolognese is a little-known Italian breed that deserves far more attention. Calm, devoted, and quietly affectionate, the Bolognese is happy to follow you around the house without demanding constant stimulation. They’re gentle with children and bond closely with their family.

Best for: Retirees, work-from-home owners, apartment living One honest caveat: Because they’re rare, finding a reputable breeder takes more effort. Adoption may be your best route.

4. What Makes Small Dogs Calm — Nature vs. Nurture?

A dog’s temperament comes from two places: genetics and upbringing. Both matter enormously.

Genetics is the starting point. The breeds listed above were developed specifically for companionship — not hunting, herding, or guarding. That history shapes their instincts. They weren’t bred to chase, to bark on alert all day, or to need constant physical challenges. Their baseline is naturally lower.

But nurture shapes the outcome. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel raised in a chaotic environment with no boundaries can become anxious and reactive. A Pug that’s never socialized can become timid or snappy. Genetics loads the gun — your care and training pulls the trigger.

This is why positive reinforcement training is so important, especially with calm breeds. Harsh training methods can create anxiety in dogs that are already sensitive by nature, undoing the very temperament you were drawn to in the first place.

5. Five Tips to Bring Out the Calm in Any Small Dog

Even if you choose one of the most calm small dog breeds, there are things you can do — or avoid — that directly affect how calm your dog actually behaves day to day.

Establish a consistent routine. Dogs feel safe when they know what to expect. Regular feeding times, walk times, and bedtimes reduce low-level anxiety that many owners never even notice.

Socialize early and often. Expose your puppy to different people, sounds, surfaces, and environments during the first few months of life. A well-socialized dog is a confident dog, and confidence is the foundation of calm behavior. Our guide to essential puppy training tips is a great place to start.

Don’t over-coddle. This is a big one. Many small dog owners unintentionally create anxious, clingy dogs by carrying them everywhere and shielding them from any stress. A calm dog needs to learn that the world is safe — not that you’ll always be there to rescue it.

Match exercise to the breed. Even calm dogs need some physical and mental stimulation. Under-exercised dogs — even lazy breeds — can develop restless or anxious behaviors. Short daily walks and some light play are usually enough for the breeds on this list.

Keep the home environment settled. Loud music, constant commotion, and unpredictable energy in the home affect dogs more than most owners realize. Calm households tend to produce calm dogs.

6. Calm Small Dogs vs. The “Yappy Small Dog” Stereotype

Let’s address this directly. You’ve probably met small dogs that bark at everything, snap at strangers, and seem impossible to settle. That reputation is real — but it’s largely a product of how those dogs were raised, not their breed.

“Small dog syndrome” is a well-recognized behavioral pattern where small dogs are allowed to get away with behaviors that would never be tolerated in a large dog. Owners laugh when a Chihuahua growls at a guest. They pick up their dog instead of correcting a lunge. Over time, the dog learns it can run the show — and anxiety, reactivity, and excessive barking follow.

The breeds in this article are naturally inclined toward calm behavior. But that inclination gets wasted when owners skip training and socialization because the dog is “small and cute.” Treat your calm small dog like a real dog — with real structure and real training — and you’ll get the gentle companion you were hoping for.

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Calm Small Dogs

What is the calmest small dog breed? The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is consistently ranked among the calmest small dog breeds. Its entire breeding history was oriented around being a gentle, quiet, and affectionate companion. The Japanese Chin and Bolognese are also standout choices for those wanting an exceptionally serene dog.

Are calm small dogs good for seniors? Absolutely. Calm small dogs are one of the best pet choices for older adults. They don’t require strenuous exercise, they thrive on companionship, and their small size makes them easy to manage physically. The Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are especially popular with seniors. You can explore more options in our dedicated guide to small dogs for seniors.

Can calm small dogs be left alone? Some can tolerate alone time better than others. The Bolognese, Pekingese, and French Bulldog tend to handle solitude better than breeds like the Cavalier or Coton de Tulear, which are highly people-dependent. No dog should be left alone for excessive hours regularly, but if your schedule demands it, choosing the right breed matters.

Do calm small dogs still need exercise? Yes — all dogs need some level of physical activity, even the laziest breeds. Most calm small dogs are satisfied with one or two short walks per day and a little indoor play. The key is consistency, not intensity. A dog that gets regular light exercise will actually be calmer indoors than one that’s been sedentary all day.

Are calm small dogs good with kids? Many are, but it depends on the breed and the age of the children. The Bichon Frise, Pug, and French Bulldog tend to do well with children of all ages. Breeds like the Pekingese and Japanese Chin are better suited to homes with older, gentler kids. For a full breakdown, check out this guide to small dogs for kids.

Conclusion

The idea that small dogs are all hyper and difficult is one of the most persistent myths in the dog world — and it simply isn’t true. The most calm small dog breeds are among the most rewarding companions you’ll find anywhere, in any size category.

From the regal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to the quietly devoted Bolognese, there is a calm small dog to match almost every lifestyle. The key is knowing what “calm” really means to you, understanding what each breed brings to the table, and committing to raise your dog with proper training and socialization.

Pick the right breed for your situation, treat it like a real dog with real needs, and you’ll have a peaceful, loving companion for years to come.