Are you looking for calm dog breeds who live for a good nap? Whether you love to snuggle during cold winter months or snooze outside in the summer shade, dog breeds who are known to be calmer than others might be your perfect match.
As a certified animal behavior consultant, I often offer doggy adoption advice to match lifestyle, personality and living accommodations for specific dog breeds. By choosing wisely, your pick of the litter means the dog wins, too.
While there always are exceptions, here are seven typically calm dog breeds who relish naptime. Say hello to your new nap buddy!
1. Basset Hound
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The Basset Hound is an old, noble breed of French/Belgium origin where he was used as a slow, patient tracker of rabbits and deer. He has short legs, a long body, long floppy ears and a short coat that’s easy to care for.
Bassets also have an exquisite sense of smell, which can sometimes make training one a challenge because he’s so easily distracted by scent.
This gentle, medium-size, heavy dog is endearing with his clownish looks and can be extremely loyal and devoted to family and friends.
Basset Hounds love a good nap, but be warned: They have a loud, baying voice and tend to be noisy, even when snoozing—yes, Bassets tend to snore!
2. Bullmastiff
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The Bullmastiff is likely a centuries-old breed who probably arose from Mastiff and Bulldog crosses. These dogs were trained to tackle the miscreant, without mauling.
The modern Bullmastiff looks like a Boxer on steroids and weighs up to 130 pounds. For those who have the space to keep him and are aware of his propensity to snore and drool, the Bullmastiff makes a confident, fearless and docile pet willing to please his family and be their protector.
He just might turn YOU into a pillow!
3. Pekingese
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The earliest record of this toy breed’s existence is traced to the Tang Dynasty of the 8th century China. The Pekingese is a heavy-fronted, short-muzzled dog with rather short, bowed legs, a tail carried over his back, and profuse long, thick straight fur in any color.
Today, this dog retains his dignified personality and can expect to be treated like royalty. He is a good choice for a single person or older pet parent because he has low exercise needs and tends to bond closely to one or two people. And what’s a better way to bond than by napping together?
4. Pug
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This toy breed has been around since before 400 B.C. and is a miniature of the mastiff-type dog. The Pug is similar in many ways to the Pekingese, but he has a short, dense coat and a curled tail.
His expressive, short-muzzled face endears him to all who meet him. This playful, charming and dignified dog gets a great kick out of life. He loves kids, tends to get along well with other pets and adapts easily to apartment living. He’s always up for a good snooze, but you might want to bring your ear plugs—the Pug is yet another breed known to snore.
5. Scottish Deerhound
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The modern Scottish Deerhound is a wonderful companion, loyal and devoted, but he’s not particularly gregarious and can be suspicious of strangers. He also tends to be aggressive toward other dogs, particularly smaller ones.
A house with young children usually won’t be well tolerated. This breed needs slow and patient training, lots of running room for daily exercise, and of course, a quiet place to laze away the day.
6. Shih Tzu
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This Chinese toy dog dates from A.D. 624 and is known for his long, flowing hair. The Shih Tzu was bred selectively to be small, smart and very tame.
Today’s dogs retain these features and an outgoing, affectionate nature. This active, curious dog loves lap time—and nap time—with a favorite human.
7. Xoloitzcuintli
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The Xoloitzcuintli often is called “Xolo” (pronounced “Show-low”) and is an ancient breed. This Mexican canine comes with and without fur and in three sizes—toy, miniature and standard.
These calm, tranquil dogs make wonderful companions who thrive on attention from their people. Historically considered healers, snuggling against the Xolo’s warm skin was thought to cure a variety of ailments. Talk about the healing powers of sleep!
These seven dog breeds generally are considered to love their naps as much as their pet parents. But even those who adore their dog beds require exercise, so make sure their fitness needs are met.
Once you find a dog who meets all your expectations, and you’ve taken care of his dog supplies, you both can cuddle to your heart’s content!
Want to keep doing some dog breed research? Check out:
Amy Shojai, CABC, (www.SHOJAI.com) is a certified animal behavior consultant for cats and dogs, and the author of more than 30 award-winning pet care books. She lives in North Texas with a smart-aleck Karma-Kat, and fun-loving Bullmastiff, Bravo.
Featured Image: Via iStock.com/Alexandr Zhenzhirov
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