My auntie Rose asked me the other day if I know which small dog breeds are calm and friendly. She has changed her job recently, and she has been thinking about getting a small dog. Her new job is remote, so it allows her to work from home and she has more free time.
Rose is always happy when we visit her with Jo, my Welsh Corgi mix, so she thought she would get herself a small dog as well. She has friends with Yorkies and Pugs, and she wondered what other small dog breeds are calm and friendly.
Her work is in customer service, which requires her to spend quite some time on the phone. That means she wants a small dog which is calm, doesn’t bark, and when her friends with kids come to visit, she wants the dog to be friendly to them as well.
So I told her, I will do research and ask my trusted vets. This is what I found out:
The top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly are Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Pekingese and Shih Tzu. They have the right amount of energy, are gentle, friendly to other dogs, pets and kids, and they can also stay home alone without destroying half of your house.
If you want to find out about the rest of the top 15 small dog breeds that are calm and friendly, keep reading:
Contents
- Why Should You Get a Small Dog that is Calm and Friendly?
- 1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- 2. English Toy Spaniel
- 3. Japanese Chin
- 4. Pekingese
- 5. Shih Tzu
- 6. Lhasa Apso
- 7. Pug
- 8. American Eskimo Dog (Toy)
- 9. French Bulldog
- 10. Boston Terrier
- 11. Maltese
- 12. Miniature Schnauzer
- 13. Havanese
- 14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- 15. Shiba Inu
- Conclusion
Why Should You Get a Small Dog that is Calm and Friendly?
Before we look at the list, it’s worth to mention why you would decide to get a small dog that is calm and friendly.
All dog breeds are different, and there are pros and cons to any of them. Getting the right dog that matches your lifestyle is the key. You will be spending more than a decade with your four-legged companion, so it’s essential you chose wisely. Matching a pup to your lifestyle is more comfortable than the other way around. If you get a pup that has a similar energy level as you and is able to adjust to any changes in your life will ensure that you both have a happy life filled with awesome stories.
A small dog that is calm and friendly would be ideal for you if you answer “yes to most of the below statements:
- I live in a small apartment which doesn’t allow for much running and playing
- My perfect free time activity is staying at home, cooking, reading a book or watching a movie
- I don’t do sports, and it’s enough if I go for a couple of walks per day
- I don’t travel much, and if I do I prefer not to pay extra for my pet
- I have small children of my own or of my friends in my house regularly
- I have a somewhat limited budget to spend on my pet
Considering all of the things above will make it clearer in your mind if actually, a calm and friendly small dog is the right for you.
When considering the situation of my auntie Rose, I think the small dog that is calm and friendly will be the perfect companion.
Then, without further ado, let’s look at the top 20 small dog breeds that are calm and friendly:
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have quite a noble history, warming the laps of kings, queens and aristocrats in medieval ages, all over Europe. They are actually named after Charles II, the King of England in 1600s.
Why did we put Cavalier King Charles Spaniel among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are kind, loving, sweet and gentle dogs
- They have a friendly, calm and affectionate temperament
- Wherever you look, there they are, the faithful companions
- They are wonderful with kids
2. English Toy Spaniel
The English Toy Spaniels are great lapdogs. Originally hailing from England, they were bred as household companions. With their lovely personalities, they become everybody’s sweethearts.
Why did we put English Toy Spaniel among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are low energy dogs with moderate exercise needs
- They are affectionate and very friendly
- They are perfect for people who often stay at home
- They are great with kids
3. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chins have been companions of Buddhist monks for centuries. If you need calm and balance in your home, then definitely get a Japanese Chin. They were bred in China as lapdogs for the royalty. Japanese gave them the name “chin”, which means royalty
Why did we put Japanese Chin among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are very gentle dogs who love to sit in your lap
- They are quite noble and quiet
- They are affectionate and very friendly, accompanying you to whatever you do at home
- They are great with kids
4. Pekingese
Pekingese were bred as personal handmaidens of Chinese emperors, announcing visitors, helping with robes and even acting as a portable heater. Nowadays these cute, long-haired pups work also as therapy dogs, helping in hospitals and nursing homes.
Why did we put Pekingese among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are low energy and low exercise dogs
- They love to cuddle and make for a lovely lap dog
- They are affectionate and very friendly
- They are good with kids
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus come originally from Tibet with quite a history. Interestingly enough, they share more of their DNA with wolves than other breeds. One wouldn’t say, right!?
Why did we put Shih Tzu among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are low energy and low exercise dogs
- They are very affectionate and very friendly
- They make for a great lap dog
- They are good with kids
6. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apsos are an ancient breed, accompanying Tibetian monks. It was believed that if the monks lived a good life (and took great care of their Lhasa Apsos), they would reincarnate as ones in their following life. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, also owns one.
Why did we put Lhasa Apso among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are a very cuddly and affectionate breed
- They are great for people spending most of the time at home
- They are very friendly and make for a great lap dog
- They are good with kids
7. Pug
The Pugs come originally from China. You recognize them by their distinctive facial features and … well, snorting. Once, I got scared in the woods, because I only heard the snorting and thought a wild pig is about to attack me. Fortunately, it was only a sweet little pug (ha!).
Why did we put Pug among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are even-tempered and low energy dogs
- They are very affectionate and friendly
- They are also called “the comedians” of the dog breed so you will have fun
- They are great with kids
8. American Eskimo Dog (Toy)
The Toy American Eskimo Dogs actually hail from Germany. Due to political reasons, the American breeders changed their names after the WWI. They used to work as tightrope walkers in American Circuses at the beginning of the last century.
Why did we put American Eskimo Dog (Toy) among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are very obedient and well-mannered companions
- They are very affectionate and very friendly
- They are good with kids
9. French Bulldog
The French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, despite their name actually come from England. They were bred to keep company to sedentary factory workers. Their looks and loveable behaviour make them super cute companions.
Why did we put French Bulldog among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They make for awesome lapdogs
- They are very adaptable and loyal
- They are affectionate and very friendly
- They are great with kids
10. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terriers are the first dog ever bred in the United States. Their black and white pattern made them an excellent dog for aristocrats who used to bring them to many formal occasions.
Why did we put Boston Terrier among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They love people and are very sweet and accommodating
- They are affectionate and very friendly
- They are great with kids
11. Maltese
The Malteses are some of the wealthiest dogs in the world. Are you asking, how? Well, Maltese are favorites of some of the richest people in the world. As I already wrote in the article about Top 20 most healthiest small dog breeds, there is a story that one Maltese once inherited millions of dollars.
Why did we put Maltese among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are loving dogs with low exercise needs
- They are affectionate and very friendly
- They are great with kids
12. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzers are the only terrier breed that comes of off British isles. They hailed from Germany and assisted the shepherds protecting their sheep and homes. Did you know that their signature moustache is not only a cosmetic thing? They have it as a protection against the rats and mice they were supposed to hunt.
Why did we put Miniature Schnauzer among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are very affectionate and very friendly
- They are super loveable and snuggly
- They are great with kids
13. Havanese
The Havaneses are the only dog originally coming from Cuba. They are quite popular, yet hard to get and they used to keep company to influential people of the past centuries, such as Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria.
Why did we put Havanese among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are very affectionate and very friendly
- They are compact and super cute companions
- They are great with kids
14. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the dogs that bring a smile to my face every time I see them (that’s why I got one myself). They are the favorite dogs of her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II – the Queen of England. She has, um, 16 of them!
Why did we put Pembroke Welsh Corgi among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are very affectionate and very friendly
- They are a super loveable and agreeable breed
- They are great with kids
15. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inus, originally from Japan, with their sandy color and beautiful coat make for a very loyal companion. They are considered a national treasure in Japan due to their efforts in disaster reliefs all over the country.
Why did we put Shiba Inu among the top small dog breeds that are calm and friendly?
- They are affectionate and friendly
- They are a very loyal breed
- They are an immaculate breed, sometimes referred to as the “dog-cats.”
- They are good with kids
Conclusion
After seeing this list, Auntie Rose decided to get a Frenchie. She just couldn’t resist those big ears and big, cute eyes. Frenchie is indeed a great small dog breed for her. They will both have such a great time together. Frenchie will keep her company, being the ultimate lapdog and Auntie Rose taking such good care of her new four-legged companion.
I hope this article helped you to make up your mind when thinking about what small dog breed to get.
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