If you live in a city apartment or prefer quiet evenings at home, choosing a calm companion makes daily life easier. Smaller, low-energy dogs often adapt better to limited space and gentler routines, which can help reduce noise and stress for everyone in the household.
There are 15 small calm dog breeds, ranging from Bichon Frise to Tibetan Spaniel. I list each with Scientific name,Weight (kg),Energy & temperament so you can compare size, activity needs and personality — you’ll find below.
Which breeds on the list are best for apartment living?
Look for the smallest, least vocal, and most adaptable examples: breeds that cope with short walks, like the Bichon Frise or Tibetan Spaniel, tend to do well. Also consider individual temperament and training—some dogs are calmer by nature, others become settled with predictable routines and early socialization.
How much daily exercise and grooming should I expect?
Most of these breeds need low to moderate daily activity—two short walks and some indoor play or mental stimulation—plus breed-dependent grooming: curly or long-coated dogs require regular brushing and periodic trims, while short-coated breeds need minimal maintenance. Adjust care to a dog’s weight and energy level listed below.
Small Calm Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Weight (kg) | Energy & temperament |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) | 5–8 | Low to moderate energy, affectionate, gentle |
| Shih Tzu | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Shih Tzu) | 4–7 | Low energy, friendly, people-oriented |
| Pekingese | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Pekingese) | 3–6 | Low energy, independent, dignified |
| Japanese Chin | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Japanese Chin) | 2–5 | Low energy, calm, cat-like companion |
| Maltese | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Maltese) | 3–4 | Low energy, affectionate, gentle companion |
| Pug | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Pug) | 6–8 | Low energy, affectionate, comical companion |
| Italian Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Italian Greyhound) | 3.5–5 | Low indoors, bursts of energy outdoors, gentle |
| Lhasa Apso | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Lhasa Apso) | 6–8 | Low energy, independent, loyal watchdog |
| Tibetan Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Tibetan Spaniel) | 4–7 | Low energy, alert, affectionate, adaptable |
| Havanese | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Havanese) | 4–7 | Low to moderate energy, social, adaptable |
| Bichon Frise | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Bichon Frise) | 5–10 | Low to moderate energy, cheerful, people-oriented |
| English Toy Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: English Toy Spaniel) | 4–6 | Low energy, affectionate, calm lapdog |
| Lowchen | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Lowchen) | 6–9 | Low to moderate energy, friendly, gentle |
| Chinese Crested | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Chinese Crested) | 4–6 | Low energy, affectionate, sensitive skin care |
| Bolognese | Canis lupus familiaris (AKC: Bolognese) | 3–6 | Low energy, quiet, devoted companion |
Images and Descriptions
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A friendly British toy spaniel bred as a companion. Calm, affectionate lap dog; adapts well to apartments, seniors, and families. Needs daily short walks, regular grooming, and monitoring for mitral valve and syringomyelia health concerns.
Shih Tzu
Small companion from Tibet/China prized for calm, friendly nature. Suited to apartments and seniors because of low exercise needs. Requires daily short walks, regular grooming and facial care; watch for breathing and eye health issues common to brachycephalic breeds.
Pekingese
Ancient Chinese lap dog bred for palace companionship. Calm, dignified, and content with short indoor play and brief walks. Ideal for apartments and seniors who prefer a quiet companion. Needs regular grooming and monitoring for brachycephalic breathing issues.
Japanese Chin
Small Asian toy breed with cat-like temperament. Quiet, calm, and affectionate; often reserved with strangers. Thrives in apartments and with seniors who want a low-exercise companion. Regular grooming and dental care recommended for long-term health.
Maltese
Ancient Mediterranean toy bred for gentle companionship. Calm indoor dog that suits apartments and seniors; enjoys short walks and lap time. Hypoallergenic coat needs frequent grooming; watch dental health and weight management to keep this small breed comfortable.
Pug
Friendly, compact companion with origins in China and Europe. Laid-back indoors and well suited to apartments and seniors. Needs short daily walks, abundant attention, and careful monitoring for breathing, eye, and weight-related health problems due to brachycephaly.
Italian Greyhound
Tiny sighthound from Italy, calm and surprisingly lazy indoors. Prefers short walks and lounging; bursts of speed occur outdoors. Fragile bones mean gentle handling and safe exercise. Low grooming needs and excellent apartment companion for calm owners.
Lhasa Apso
Tibetan companion breed historically kept in monasteries. Calm, independent watchdog indoors but affectionate with family. Suits apartments and seniors who appreciate loyal, low-activity dogs. Regular grooming and ear care required; generally robust but watch for ocular or kidney issues.
Tibetan Spaniel
Small Tibetan companion bred for calm alertness. Affectionate and adaptable, suits apartment life and seniors needing a quiet friend. Requires moderate grooming and daily short walks; can be reserved with strangers but generally low-energy indoors.
Havanese
Cuban companion dog bred for friendly, adaptable temperaments. Calm indoors and social; enjoys playtime and short walks. Great for apartments, families, and seniors. Coat requires regular grooming; generally healthy but needs dental care and consistent socialization.
Bichon Frise
Small French/Mediterranean companion known for gentle, cheerful temperament. Adapts well to apartments and seniors with regular short exercise. Hypoallergenic coat needs frequent grooming; generally healthy but dental care and ear cleaning are important.
English Toy Spaniel
Small British toy breed historically a royal lap dog. Calm, gentle and devoted; perfect for quiet homes and seniors. Prefers short walks and lots of lap time. Regular grooming and attention to breathing and dental health recommended.
Lowchen
Rare European companion called the ‘little lion dog.’ Friendly, calm, and affectionate; well suited to apartment life and seniors seeking a gentle companion. Coat needs regular grooming; generally healthy with moderate exercise needs.
Chinese Crested
Unique toy breed, hairless or powderpuff varieties, affectionate and calm indoors. Suited to apartments and seniors who want a low-exercise companion. Skin care essential for hairless types; regular dental care and sun protection recommended.
Bolognese
Italian companion bred for quiet companionship. Calm, placid, and very people-oriented; ideal for apartments, seniors, and families who want a low-energy lap dog. White fluffy coat needs regular grooming and occasional professional trimming.
