Shea Simmons
Choosing a furry friend is a big responsibility. You need a pup that suits your lifestyle, and if you’re more of a Netflix binger than a marathon runner, these calmer dog breeds might be worth considering.
Marissa Sunny, a certified professional dog trainer at Best Friends Animal Society, told Southern Living you should avoid working breeds, like huskies and sheepdogs (and mixes that trace back to them). After all, these pups are born to work, so they’re going to have ample amounts of energy. Instead, she said to consider adopting a senior dog. Older animals are often overlooked and tend to be more relaxed.
However, if you want a puppy or already have a younger pup, there’s a doggo in nearly every size. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are cuddly, smaller dogs if you want a pup that likes to snuggle. If you prefer larger dogs (like, really large), Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly docile.
Of course, you don’t have to head out and grab a pure-bred pup, either. There are breed-specific rescues, and some that are also quite good at identifying which breeds mixed pups are. This can help you get a general sense of what your dog’s genetics and temperament might be like.
If you’re on the market for a calmer dog, keep your eyes peeled on your local rescue’s website or social media pages. In the meantime, you can check out the full list of more laid-back breeds over on Southern Living.
