What are the least anxious dog breeds?
Calm Medium Dog Breeds to Fill Your Life With Joy
For individuals that lead a less active lifestyle, have limited space, or do not need a working dog breed, calm, medium-sized dogs are the perfect addition to their lives. Most calm medium-sized dog breeds are known for their friendly natures, sociable behavior, and less intense energy or exercise needs.
If you’re thinking about adding a calm medium dog breed to your family, there are several options to choose from. Our article gives you an overview of the best calm medium dog breeds to adopt and some information about finding one of these breeds to bring into your life. Read on for everything you need to know.
What Makes a Dog Calm?
Every dog breed out there has its own set of characteristics that are a mix of genetic influences and outside nurturing. When it comes to dog breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes, there are a set of expectations for each breed, and you can generally expect that a purebred or mixed dog will share similar personality characteristics. For example, dogs generally regarded as calm also tend to be friendly, gentle, sociable, and easygoing, with typically lower exercise needs. However, many medium-sized dogs are still fairly active and love to play with their families.
It’s also important to note that if you want your dog to stay calm, you should ensure that their exercise and activity needs are met, as this will reduce any destructive or anxious behaviors that result from improper care.
The Best Calm Medium Dog Breeds to Spend Your Days With
Below, we list the best calm medium dog breeds that are ready to fill your life with naps, relaxation, and lots of cuddles. Any of these breeds, or a mix of these breeds, is typically a great choice if you are searching for a smaller, less energetic dog.
1. Golden Retriever
On the larger end of medium-sized dog breeds is the golden retriever. This breed can grow to be quite large, but some do hover around the more medium size. Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dogs with individuals in the United States due to their friendly disposition, easygoing attitude, and how gentle they are with their families.
Your golden retriever may have a bit of a mischievous streak and need two lengthy walks each day, plus playtime with their families, but they will love nothing more than spending as much time with their families as possible and soaking up all the attention they can get.
2. Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their couch potato attitudes despite their reputation as race dogs. However, greyhounds love to laze around with their families and are relatively calm as long as they get some outside time each day to sprint around and burn up all of their energy.
Greyhounds love to cuddle up with their families, enjoy snoozing their days away when you’re not around, and have a friendly, easygoing attitude. This breed loves to be included in your activities as much as possible, but they may need some extra training and affection to ensure anxious behaviors don’t develop.
3. Pug
The lovable pug is known for their distinctive facial shape, smaller size, and streak of stubbornness. However, this dog is relatively calm and doesn’t require much in the way of constant activity or tasks, and they love to cuddle up with their families as much as possible.
Pugs will give their owners as much affection as they receive, and they are happy with a couple of short walks each day and time spent playing around the home. Due to being on the smaller end of the medium-sized breed scale, they are a great choice for apartment living or other smaller spaces.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Often winning people over with their large, soulful eyes, the cavalier King Charles spaniel is a gentle dog with a sweet disposition. They are friendly and sociable and love nothing more than spending time with their families on the couch or cuddling up in bed.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels can be playful and require daily walks and playtime with their owners, but they are not excessively energetic or task-oriented. However, this breed is fairly eager to please and will enjoy learning new tricks with their owner, and their lap dog nature ensures they will want to spend their days snoozing near you when possible.
5. English Bulldog
The English bulldog is a distinctive medium-sized dog known for their wrinkly appearance and round body, and they make calm, surprisingly quiet companions. This pup generally doesn’t bark unless absolutely necessary, and their size combined with this quiet nature makes them a great choice for apartment living or smaller spaces.
English bulldogs are typically gentle with children, love to spend time playing with their families or taking leisurely walks, and will often be found sharing the couch or bed with you to take advantage of a restful nap. This breed can be stubborn, so make sure you have a strict training regime with your dog to correct willful behaviors.
6. Basset Hound
Known for their long floppy ears, basset hounds have a sweet disposition and gentle nature that makes people fall in love with them. Though they can look almost woeful due to their expressive eyes, basset hounds are actually quite upbeat. They have a keen sense of smell that they love to exercise when playing with their families, but once playtime is over, they’re happy to cozy up on a couch next to you for a long nap.
Basset hounds love to spend time with other animals, as they are social pack animals and are also known to be gentle with children. However, keep in mind that this pup can be stubborn, so extra patience might be needed as you work to train your dog.
7. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are alert, medium-sized, and don’t require tons of outdoor exercise to stay happy. They are calm and love to spend time around people, in addition to being social pups that get along well with other animals.
French bulldogs are surprisingly snuggly and love to cuddle up with their families as much as possible. This pup also has an easygoing, sometimes goofy, personality, and they won’t hesitate to spice up your life with their playtime antics. French bulldogs also make great apartment dogs or low-maintenance pets for seniors who want a canine companion.
8. Corgi
Known for their short legs, big personalities, and loving nature, corgis are a calm medium-sized breed that fits in well with most families. This dog doesn’t need an extreme amount of exercise, but their owners should be prepared to play with them and take them for a few short walks per day.
Corgis are affectionate, love to be around their families constantly, and are very loyal. They make a great choice for a family that spends a lot of time at home or one that is dedicated to bringing their corgi on travels with them. This pup is highly adaptable, and they will need consistent training to ensure they stay happy and mentally stimulated.
9. Whippet
Whippets are gentle, affectionate, and quiet dogs, and they are known for the strong bonds they form with their families. They are not the most social of pups, but they are rarely aggressive or frightened when meeting new people and animals – they just prefer to stick to the company of their family and spend time lounging around in the home.
This breed is good with children and enjoys playtime in short bursts throughout the day and a couple of walks to meet their exercise needs. Once they’ve tired themselves out, they will insist on cuddling with their families and taking a well-deserved nap.
10. English Cocker Spaniel
English cocker spaniels are one of the most active calm medium dogs on our list, but don’t confuse this love of exercise with that of a high-intensity breed! English cocker spaniels love to play and complete tasks with their families, and they tend to calm down and become more mellow as they mature from puppyhood. This breed is affectionate, gentle, and loyal, and they love nothing more than spending time cozied up with their people.
Your English cocker spaniel will need consistent training to keep them mentally stimulated, and you can expect them to be gentle with children and other pets. They are highly intelligent and playful, but once they’ve got their energy out, they’re ready to cuddle as much as possible.
How to Adopt a Calm Medium-Sized Dog
If you’re interested in adopting a calm medium dog breed and want to add one of the breeds from our list to your family, then the best option for you is to find a reputable breeder. The breeds on our list are purebred pups, and while you may see one of these dogs appear in a shelter or rescue organization from time to time, a breeder is a surer way to adopt one.
Keep in mind that if you decide to purchase a dog from a breeder, you are using a breeder that adheres to all state and federal breeding regulations. You’ll want to check that the breeder takes proper care of the breeding dogs and their pups and will answer all your questions about the dogs and their living conditions.
You can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a puppy from any of the breeds on our list, with the costs varying by location, breeder, and the type of dog you are interested in.
Alternatively, you can look through local rescue organizations or shelters that cater specifically to certain dog breeds to adopt an older calm medium dog that needs a good home. This process can be cheaper and provide you with a dog that has a fully developed personality, so you know what you’re getting, a concern that often arises with raising a dog from puppyhood.
Choosing the Best Calm Pup for Your Family
Whether you choose to adopt one of these calm medium dog breeds from a shelter or want to purchase a puppy from a breeder, you should always keep in mind the best interests of the dog and your family.
Adding a new pup to your lifestyle can feel overwhelming, and it helps to do more research on the calm medium dog breed that you wish to give a home to before making your final decision. As long as you keep your needs and wants in mind while looking for a dog to adopt, you are sure to choose the best calm medium-sized dog breed for yourself and your family.
Hypoallergenic Dogs That Can Be Left Alone
While many pet parents would love to spend every waking minute with their dogs, that isn’t always possible. Our demanding lifestyles mean it’s unlikely you’ll be able to have your dog by your side at all times.
And, if you spend a lot of the day away from home and have dog allergies, you’ll want to know more about hypoallergenic dogs that can be left alone.
Leaving Your Dog Home Alone — Separation Anxiety
Getting a dog is a huge commitment. As living creatures, dogs need plenty of love, attention, exercise, and social interaction. If you have a busy lifestyle, you’ll need to make sure you choose a dog breed that doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety.
It’s a condition that affects many dog breeds when their owner leaves them on their own. Some breeds may show no outward signs initially, but as they learn your routine they may become stressed when they realize that you are going out without them.
There are some dogs that can be left alone all day, but other breeds will howl from the moment you leave until the moment you get home. Hence, it’s important to consider your personal circumstances before bringing a dog into your home.
Separation anxiety can cause a lot of distress for dogs, and if you plan on leaving your dog home alone while at work, you need to make sure you have a breed that is happy in its own company.
Common symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs include:
- Howling and barking — if your otherwise quiet dog becomes very vocal when left alone, it may be because they’re struggling with separation anxiety. Certain breeds will bark and howl nonstop when left on their own, this can be distressing for your pooch and annoying for your neighbors.
- Chewing — is another sign. When left to their own devices, your dog may devour your best shoes, gnaw at the furniture, or anything else they can get their paws on. If they don’t partake in this activity when you’re around, it’s very likely down to separation anxiety.
- Scratching and digging — some dogs hate being left alone so much, they try to dig their way out! Dogs with separation anxiety may scratch at doors and doorways, try to rip up the carpet, or just generally trash the house when left alone.
- Going to the bathroom— when your dog feels stressed and upset, they may pee or poop. Being separated from their guardian can cause a lot of distress for some canines and you may return after a busy day, to find ‘puddles’ or ‘presents’ inside your home.
- Escaping— when wondering, how long can I leave my dog alone , it’s important to remember that some dog breeds will try to escape, even after a short period of time. If your dog has separation anxiety, they may try to force their way out of windows, through closed doors, or over locked safety gates.
- Anxious behavior — dogs learn your routine pretty quickly, and if they know you always leave the house at 8:00 am, they may begin to show anxious behaviors as you prepare to leave. They may pace, cry, seem irritable or depressed, and show signs of emotional stress.
Best Hypoallergenic Dogs That Can Be Left Alone
If you work full time and need to leave your dog home alone , choosing a breed that’s comfortable with its own company is crucial. As we mentioned above, separation anxiety can be stressful for your dog and also lead to your home being destroyed while you’re away.
Plus, when you have dog allergies , you also need to find a suitable low-shedding breed.
Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods are the best choice for full-time workers or people who have a busy schedule. To help you find the perfect dog breed for your circumstances, we’ve put together this list of the best dogs that can be left alone and don’t shed.
Labradoodle
If you’re looking for a large and loving dog, the Labradoodle could be the breed for you. Labradoodles are a mix between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever and are known to make fun, loving and loyal pets.
Due to their mixed heritage, shedding levels will depend on which parent the dog takes after. If your Labradoodle inherits more Poodle genes and has a curly coat, they shouldn’t shed much. However, if their coat is more Labrador-like — straight or wavy — shedding will be more frequent. If you’re unlucky, your dog may be more Lab than Doodle and they may shed more than you’d like.
Labradoodles need around an hour of exercise a day. This breed is high-energy and will need the opportunity to run and play. However, if you stick to daily walks and give your dog plenty of love and attention when you are home, your Labradoodle should be ok when left alone. This breed is very intelligent, they know you are coming home and rarely display signs of separation anxiety.
Basenji
The Basenji originated in Africa with the purpose of hunting small game. However, over the years, this breed has become a popular choice for people with dog allergies. This bow-wow is bursting with energy and loves to play. Yet despite their high energy levels, these dogs can be left home alone without too many problems.
Your Basenji will need several walks a day, or a total exercise time of at least 2 hours. Intelligent and independent, if you’re able to meet your Basenji’s need to play, run around and stretch their legs, they should be well-behaved and happy when you’re out.
When it comes to shedding, the Basenji is awesome for allergy sufferers. With a short coat made up of fine fur, they don’t shed much, thus are unlikely to trigger allergy symptoms.
Scottish Terrier
Terrier breeds are notorious for barking. However, you can expect your Scotty to be pretty relaxed when left home alone. Scottish Terriers are independent and confident little tail-waggers with hunting instincts and also known to make good guard dogs.
While independence means they’re quite happy to be left alone, they love companionship too. Due to their high intelligence, it doesn’t take a Scotty long to become in sync with your routine and learn when you will be home or away.
Scottish Terriers may be small and have short legs, but they enjoy a long stroll. You should aim to walk your Scotty for around an hour a day. Like most breeds, your pooch will be much better behaved if its physical, emotional, and social needs are met.
They may have a double coat — a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat — but Scottish Terriers are hypoallergenic and rarely shed enough to cause pesky allergy symptoms.
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers have an outgoing, confident, and friendly personality, and they’re also very smart. These dogs have an independent streak and aren’t overly prone to separation anxiety. If you’re looking for hypoallergenic dog breeds that can be left alone for 8 hours or more, an Airedale may be your perfect pooch.
Airedales have a double coat, with wiry hair on the top layer and a soft undercoat. These Terriers are mild shedders and shouldn’t cause a problem for people with dog dander allergies. Any shed fur will become trapped between the coat’s two layers, and these hairs can be brushed out.
These dogs are friendly, have a sweet disposition, and their intelligence means they’re easily trained. However, be warned, Airedales are so clever they can become bored quickly, so make sure you keep training fun and give them lots of opportunities to play and learn.
They may have a double coat — a wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat — but Scottish Terriers are hypoallergenic and rarely shed enough to cause pesky allergy symptoms.
Peekapoo
The Peekapoo is a designer crossbreed, bred from a Toy Poodle and a Pekingnese. Thanks to their Poodle genes, Peekapoos are extremely intelligent and are rarely known to develop separation anxiety. This breed isn’t destructive, and they’re smart enough to know you will be returning.
With the help of rewards and positive reinforcement, training should be straightforward. This breed makes a gentle and loving companion for the whole family. However, their small size means they may not be ideal if you have young children, who are yet to understand what it means to be gentle with animals. As a small breed, your Peekapoo will only need around 30 minutes of exercise a day, their little legs won’t need much more.
Peekapoos are hypoallergenic and an excellent choice for people wanting dogs who can be left alone. You can clip their dog’s coat short, or if you prefer the natural look, leave it long. However, the latter will need to be brushed daily to avoid becoming matted and full of knots.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasas were originally bred as royal watchdogs and, therefore, are happy to ‘guard’ the home while you’re out at work. They may be small and love a cuddle, but also independent dogs and know how to amuse themselves when left alone. You’re unlikely to come home to a ripped-up couch or shredded door frame if you have a Lhasa Apso for a pet.
Training this breed can be a little challenging, due to their stubborn streak, so start right from puppyhood. And, to reduce the chance of your boredom and destructive behavior while you’re out, give them lots of attention while you’re at home. Your Lhasa Apso will also need around an hour of exercise a day to stay physically and mentally stimulated.
Lhasa Apsos have a long, dense double coat, yet are very light shedders. And, while their coat is hypoallergenic, this breed is known to be quite high maintenance — regular brushing is required.
How To Leave a Dog Home Alone — Tips
Now you know the best hypoallergenic dog breeds for full time workers, you may be wondering how you can safely leave your pooch in the house for several hours at a time.
Here are our top tips on how to leave a dog home alone . Fortune favors the prepared, you shouldn’t just close the door on your dog and hope for the best!
1. Train Them Early On
You can’t spend all day every day with your dog and then, suddenly, start leaving your dog home alone all day when they are three years old.
You need to train your puppy from a young age to cope when left alone, even if just for a short period of time. As they grow older, you can teach your dog to go to their bed or crate for longer stretches of time.
There are very few dogs that can be left alone all day, but you can train your dog to feel comfortable in their own company for several hours.
2. Crate Training
If you’re worried about your dog destroying your house, try crate training.
Teaching your dog to go and rest in their crate is an ideal way to give them their own space, while simultaneously saving your house from any doggy destruction.
Use rewards and positive reinforcement to teach your dog that their crate is a comfortable, safe space and not somewhere to go as a punishment.
3. Leave The Radio
Your dog can become bored and lonely when left to their own devices all day.
To help fill in the silence and give the illusion of company, leave the radio on or put something on the TV for them. Studies suggest certain types of music have a calming influence on canines.
4. Provide Lots of Toys
Don’t want your pooch to chew the furniture? To solve this common problem, leave lots of toys, balls, and dog puzzle games around the home.
By giving your dog lots to do, they’re much less likely to turn to destructive activities to keep themselves entertained in your absence.
5. Meet Their Exercise Needs
If you’re going to be out all day, it would be wise to wake up early and take your dog out for some exercise before you leave.
The more pent-up energy a dog has, the more tempted they become to trash the house while you’re elsewhere.
6. Establish a Toilet Routine
If you aren’t planning to use puppy pads or an indoor dog potty , you need to get your pooch into a good toileting routine.
Let your dog out for a bathroom break before you leave for work, and let them out again as soon as you return.
Separation anxiety is a complex issue and, unfortunately, it’s in some dogs’ natures. You don’t want to come home from work to a wrecked apartment or an upset dog, this is why it’s so important to research the best dogs to be left alone .
