Best for · Calm for seniors
Calm, low-energy dog breeds
A calm adult is not the same as a calm puppy - every breed below still has a lively first 1-2 years.
These breeds score 2 or lower on our energy scale and settle well indoors once their modest daily needs are met.
Akbash
Guardian breed
Exercise needs: Low-moderateAlone-time tolerance: HighCoat care: Moderate
Basset Hound
Hound
Exercise needs: Low-moderateAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
Bolognese
Companion dog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: Very lowCoat care: High
Broholmer
Molosser
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
Bullmastiff
Guardian dog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Very low
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Livestock guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: HighCoat care: High
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Companion breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: LowCoat care: Moderate
Central Asian Shepherd Dog
Livestock guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: HighCoat care: Moderate
Chihuahua
Toy breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Minimal
Chow Chow
Companion and guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: HighCoat care: High
Clumber Spaniel
Spaniel
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Moderate
Continental Bulldog
Companion bulldog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
Dogue de Bordeaux
Molosser
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
English Bulldog
Companion dog
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
French Bulldog
Companion breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Minimal
Greyhound
Sighthound
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Minimal
Japanese Chin
Toy companion
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: LowCoat care: Moderate
King Charles Spaniel
Toy spaniel
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: LowCoat care: Moderate
Kyi Leo
Companion dog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Landseer
Working water dog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Lhasa Apso
Companion dog
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Lion Dog
Toy companion
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Mastiff
Guardian breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Minimal
Neapolitan Mastiff
Mastiff
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Moderate
Newfoundland
Working
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Pekingese
Toy
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Pug
Companion breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
Pyrenean Mastiff
Livestock guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Moderate
Pyrenean Mountain Dog
Livestock guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Saint Bernard
Working guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Moderate
Sarplaninac
Livestock guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Shar-Pei
Companion and guardian
Activity: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Low
Shih Tzu
Companion breed
Exercise needs: LowAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Very high
Spanish Mastiff
Guardian breed
Exercise needs: Low-moderateAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: High
Tibetan Mastiff
Guardian breed
Exercise needs: Low-moderateAlone-time tolerance: GoodCoat care: High
Tibetan Spaniel
Companion breed
Exercise needs: Low-moderateAlone-time tolerance: ModerateCoat care: Moderate