Calm, Small Dog Breeds for Indoor Living: 15 Gentle Options

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If you are considering adding a dog to your home but haven’t settled on a specific breed, this guide could help. Small dog breeds that stay calm are often excellent choices for apartment or condo living, providing companionship without causing disruption to neighbors. This article presents a list of 15 small, calm breeds that are well suited for indoor life.

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Today, small dog breeds are popular for their adaptability to different living spaces. Below are breeds renowned for their gentle temperaments and friendly natures, making them ideal indoor companions.

List of calmest small dog breeds

Bichon Bolognese: One of the calmest small dog breeds

This breed, originally from Italy, stands out for its gentle, serene demeanor. The Bichon Bolognese makes a delightful companion for children and seniors alike, known for obedience, cheerfulness, and playfulness. Adult males measure about 27 to 30.5 cm, females about 25.5 to 28 cm. Weight typically ranges from 3 to 4 kg.

Bichon Frize: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Frize, a member of the Bichon family, is outgoing, happy, and fun-loving. Despite their small size, they are sturdy, healthy, and adapt easily to various environments. Adult males and females stand 23 to 28 cm tall and weigh 3 to 6 kg.

French Bulldog: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Known for sociability and playfulness, French bulldogs thrive on companionship. Their affectionate and patient nature makes them ideal for families and singles alike. The French Bulldog typically measures 27 to 34.5 cm in height.

Toy Poodles: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Toy poodles are among the most popular small breeds due to loyalty, intelligence, and city-life adaptability. They are friendly and devoted, great with children and people living alone. Adults stay under 28 cm tall and weigh less than 4.5 kg.

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Calm, small breeds often balance activity with rest. Still, each dog has its unique rhythm and needs to stay healthy and content.

Belgian Griffon: one of the calmest small dog breeds

This curious and lively companion gets along with other dogs and cats. The Belgian Griffin is intelligent and easy to train, making it a fine choice for someone seeking a small, calm dog. Adults typically stand 18 to 20 cm tall and weigh 2 to 5 kg.

Mixed breed dogs are usually very calm

Behavior in mixed breeds depends on the combination of breeds, but many small mixes can be wonderfully calm and harmonious in a variety of settings.

Pomeranian: One of the calmest small dog breeds

These tiny yet bold dogs can be loyal family members, though they require consistent training to manage their strong character. Pomeranians tend to be loyal, and may be shy around strangers. They typically weigh up to 3.5 kg, with females often a bit heavier than males.

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The Pug or Carlino is one of the calmest small dog breeds

Boxers are energetic but respond well to training and can be wonderful companions. Pugs are not aggressive and usually stay calm as they age. In adulthood, small breeds like these measure about 25 to 33 cm at the withers, with a compact, sturdy build.

Prague Mouse: One of the calmest small dog breeds

This little dog is obedient, intelligent, and loyal to its family. It gets along well with children and does not demand meticulous care. Despite its small size, it is energetic, intelligent, and brave, typically weighing 1.5 to 3.5 kg and standing 20 to 23 cm tall at the withers.

Corgis are one of the calmest small dog breeds

Welsh Corgis Pembroke originate from Great Britain. They are balanced, lively, and affectionate shepherd dogs. They are gentle with children and patient with the elderly, and they are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent companions for most homes.

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Shih Tzu: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Shih Tzus hail from China, known for their long, silky fur and affectionate personalities. They are generally calm, friendly with children and other animals, and they require regular grooming. This makes them good companions for apartment living.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – one of the calmest small dog breeds

These small English-origin dogs are kind, affectionate, and sociable. They do well with children and other animals, and while compact, they enjoy daily walks and playtime outdoors. Cavaliers stand about 30 to 33 cm tall and weigh 5.5 to 8 kg.

Lhasa Apso: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Hailing from Tibet, the Lhasa Apso is known for a calm, alert demeanor. Independent yet affectionate, they form strong bonds with their families. Regular grooming is needed, but their steady temperament makes them ideal companions for city living.

Toy Poodle: One of the calmest small dog breeds

Toy poodles are intelligent, affectionate, and adaptable, which suits apartment living. They are energetic for their size and require regular exercise. Their curly fur needs routine grooming to stay free of tangles and to maintain a sleek appearance.

Boston Terriers are one of the calmest small dog breeds

Boston Terriers are American in origin and are known for their distinctive look and friendly nature. They adapt well to varying environments and lifestyles, remaining affectionate and playful. Their inherent calmness makes them great companions for apartment life.

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When considering these small, calm breeds, it is important to research each breed’s traits and needs to ensure a good fit for a given lifestyle and environment. Even calm dogs require proper training, regular exercise, and attention to stay happy and healthy.

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While small, calm breeds offer many benefits, every dog is unique and may have different needs. Adoption remains a positive and rewarding option, as bringing a calm, small dog into a home can transform an animal’s life and enrich the owner’s life with dependable companionship.

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