People often assume the easiest dogs are the smallest or quietest – but that’s not always the case
Certain dog breeds can be a real relief for vets the moment they walk into the surgery. Not because they’re the favourites, but because they tend to be calm, easy-going and largely hassle-free. Dr Linda Simon, resident vet for pet health brand Pooch & Mutt, says a handful of breeds are naturally relaxed, adaptable and emotionally steady – traits that make them straightforward patients and pleasant companions at home.
Dr Linda says: “People often assume the easiest dogs are the smallest or the quietest. But the breeds vets secretly love are the ones who stay relaxed, cope well with change, and don’t turn every minor moment into a major meltdown. They’re the dogs who take life in their stride.”
Here are the breeds Pooch & Mutt’s Dr Linda says are unexpectedly easy, and why vets love them.
1. Greyhounds
Despite their athletic look, Greyhounds are famously lazy. They love a comfy sofa, a gentle stroll, and absolutely no drama. Vets love them because they have a calm temperament, low anxiety, sweet nature.
2. Basset Hounds
This breed is said to be slow, steady and gloriously unfazed. Bassets rarely get worked up, and vets love them because they are patient, gentle, and rarely stressed.
3. Shih Tzus
This wonderful breed is cheerful, adaptable and surprisingly low‑maintenance. Vets love them because they are friendly, calm, and handle routine changes well.
4. Whippets
Whippets are affectionate, quiet and famously easygoing. The pet experts love them because they are gentle, low‑drama, and easy to settle.
5. Cavapoos
In Pooch & Mutt’s fifth and final breed, Linda notes that Cavapoos are the happy‑go‑lucky crowd‑pleasers. They are friendly, adaptable and eager to please, without the intensity of some doodle breeds. Vets love them because they are sociable, trainable, and emotionally stable.
Why are these breeds so easy?
Dr Linda explains that these dogs tend to have three key traits in common: emotional stability, meaning they don’t panic or overreact; adaptability, so they handle changes in routine and new environments well; and low reactivity. This makes them less likely to bark, pace or get overwhelmed.
“These breeds tend to stay calm in the clinic, respond well to training, and settle easily at home. They’re wonderful companions for owners who want a relaxed, low‑stress dog”, Linda says.
Dr Linda Simon adds that although some breeds can be more straightforward than others, vets truly have a soft spot for every dog that comes through the door. From the high-energy ones and the nervous types to the divas, the stubborn pups and the dedicated sock-thieves.
“Every breed has something wonderful about it,” Linda stresses. “Some dogs are calm and easy, others are full of personality and keep us on our toes.
“Vets don’t have ‘favourites’, we just recognise that some breeds are naturally more relaxed, while others need a little extra support. But every dog is special, and every dog is welcome.”