4 Pooches For Those Who Enjoy A Slow Pace To Life

Considering adding a dog to your life? You should. They make great pets and better friends. After all, it was no less than Mark Twain who said, 
 
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principle difference between a dog and a man."
 
Of course, describing dogs as though they can all be classified as one type of animal will lead a person to ruin when picking a pup. Dog breeds have very distinct characteristics, energy levels, needs and personalities. Never pick a pup because it is "cute." Know what you are looking for from a dog and then identify the breeds that have those characteristics. Then you can pick a cute pup from one of the identified breeds. This should result in a match that leaves both you and your new puppy happy for the next 10 to 15 years.
 
So, how do you find a dog to match your pace of life? Well, let's take a look at pups that fit a mellow lifestyle. By mellow, we mean a dog that is:
 
  • Low maintenance,
  • Doesn’t bark a lot,
  • Is friendly,
  • Will snuggle up to you and sleep,
  • Is happy to see you come home, but doesn't lose its mind, and
  • Is just calm in general.
This is a pup you can take for a walk every day [and should], but not one that will be straining at the leash like a lion eyeing up some fat gazelles. 
 
1. The BulldogThe Bulldog breed
 
The bulldog, whether American or English, looks like the stereotypical cranky uncle every family seems to have. This pup is anything but. A bulldog is sweet under that rough exterior. They are apt to waddle on over and plop down next to you whenever you are at floor level. Theses pups are also fairly smart, so don’t mistake their relaxed pace as stupidity. 
 
If there is a negative to bulldogs, it is their ability to strenuously exercise. The anatomy of their snouts makes it difficult for them to run at great lengths and they can suffer heat stroke as well. This is a great dog for hanging around the house, but not the choice if you need someone to jog with you. 
 
  • Short lived – Often only lives 8 to 10 years.
  • Must be kept inside for heat stroke protection.
  • Weight depends on specific type of bulldog, but generally 40 to 60 pounds.
  • Good with kids and very loyal.
  • Can have a lot of health problems. 
 
2. Cavalier King Charles SpanielCavalier King Charles Spaniel dog
 
Let's start with the basics. How did this pup get saddled with this unbelievably long winded name? In the 1600s, King Charles II of England took a liking to the breed. This made the dogs a status symbol and much like Kim Kardashian buying a certain purse, everyone had to have one. One thing led to another and the pup soon was saddled with a name that would make a French prince beam. 
 
While the name might be a mouthful, this little spaniel is a gem of a dog. Being small, you might think the dog would display characteristics of being a hyper pup. It can. However, the unique thing about this dog is it synchronizes its activity level to how you act. If you are up for a strenuous day of lying on the couch and reading, this spaniel will cozy up next to you and sleep the day through. 
 
Kids ruining your ready session? Send them and the pup outside. This spaniel will switch into play mode and keep your kids entertained for hours. 
 
Overall, this makes the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a very versatile dog. Sort of sounds like an SUV, but hopefully you understand what we are getting at. 
 
Key stats include:
 
  • Grow to about a foot tall.
  • Weigh 15 to 20 pounds on average.
  • Live 11 to 14 years.
  • Considered one of the best dogs for stay at home adults.
 
3. Basset HoundsBasset Hound
 
The basset hound is perhaps the mellowest dog on the planet. Heck, this pup may be the mellowest form of life in the universe. Every basset hound has a Ph.D. in sleeping. These pups are about as low maintenance as dogs come. 
 
The interesting thing about basset hounds is although they show little enthusiasm for the riff raff of life, they do love a good long walk. Get them up and going and you could be hoofing it for a good bit of time. Mind you, the pace will be slow, but this pup is a hound after all. 
 
Let's breakdown the important information you need to know about this dog.
 
  • Lives 10 to 15 years.
  • Weight range is 50 to 70 pounds on average.
  • Need to be brushed daily as they shed.
  • Can have a distinct smell.
  • Can be droolers. 
 
4. NewfoundlandNewfoundland Dog
 
How about a big dog for our list? The Newfoundland is a favorite here at Animaroo. These dogs historically served on fishing boats where they were used to swim out to wayward nets and pass communications between boats. 
 
In modern life, they are defined more by their love of kids and epic couch potatoness around the home. These pups are more than happy to just lie about and take in life. If you need them to get up and get active, however, they still have the innate ability to do so. This makes the Newfoundland low maintenance during the week, but still up for a good hike on a weekend.
 
The key stats:
 
  • This is a big dog with an average height of 2 feet.
  • This pup will weigh in the 100 to 150 pound range. 
  • A calm, sweet and friendly dog your kids can use as a climbing gym. 
  • As a big dog, the Newfoundland has a relatively short life span of 8 to 10 years. 
  • This pup can slobber a good bit.
  • The Newfie is basically a gentle giant. 
 
Which One?
 
To be blunt, any of these dogs will make a great choice for the person looking for a calm dog. The decision really often boils down to how big of a dog do you want? Newfoundlands are personal favorites, particularly for families with kids. That being said, they do slobber so there is a certain trade off when choosing the breed. After much debate and a few near fist fights, those of us in the office would pick in the following order:
 
  1. Newfoundland
  2. American Bulldog
  3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  4. Basset Hound
Three members of our staff are no longer speaking to each other, so we hope you appreciate the sacrifice in sorting this list! 
 

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