The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Pet-Friendly Workplaces
Boost morale and reduce stress with a dog in the office. These breeds are up for the job.
Pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise—and it’s easy to see why. Having a dog around has been shown to lift spirits, ease stress, and foster a more welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. However, not every dog is built for office life, and not every office is suited to having a canine colleague.
What makes a good office dog?
Not every dog would do well in an office setting, so it’s important to know what qualities to look for when choosing your canine coworker. Here are some traits that can make a dog a great fit for a pet-friendly workplace:
- Calm and adaptable temperament: Office dogs should be laid-back and able to adapt to different environments and people. Dogs who are easily stressed or overly energetic may struggle in a busy office setting.
- Friendly and sociable: A good office dog gets along well with strangers and other dogs. They should enjoy being around people without becoming too excited or demanding.
- Well-trained or trainable: Dogs who already know basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” are easier to manage in an office. If not fully trained, they should at least be eager to learn and responsive to positive reinforcement training.
- Quiet and non-destructive: Barking or chewing on office furniture can disrupt the workplace (and cost money). Look for dogs who are naturally quiet and well-behaved indoors.
- Comfortable being alone: Office dogs may need to stay in a designated space or crate while their pet parent is in a meeting or focused on work. Dogs who can relax on their own and be away from their human for periods of time are a better fit for these situations.
- Size and physical needs: Smaller or medium-sized dogs may be more manageable in tighter office spaces. Also, consider how much exercise the dog will need during the workday—and whether your environment and schedule can accommodate that.
15 best dog breeds for the office
Ivan Petersel, certified professional dog trainer and founder of FurPetVo, says that every dog is unique—even within the same breed—so it’s important to evaluate the temperament and energy level of the individual dog. That said, some breeds are characterized by a calm demeanor, adaptability, and trainability, which can make them especially well-suited for office life.
Here are 15 dog breeds and mixes who often make excellent work companions:
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (and Cavalier mixes)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the most affectionate breeds you’ll ever meet—and perfect for an office environment. Their easygoing nature, intelligence, and ability to adapt to new surroundings make them ideal. These small dogs enjoy being near people and are generally content to spend the day lounging by your desk or accompanying you on quick outings. Their gentle disposition makes them a hit with coworkers and clients alike.
Traits
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 11 to 23 pounds
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2. Golden Retriever (and Golden mixes)
Golden Retrievers—a medium-sized breed typically weighing over 50 pounds—can do well in offices with enough space. They’re friendly, eager to please, and quick learners, making them easy to train for proper office etiquette. Their calm, adaptable nature allows them to thrive in a variety of workplace settings, and their warm, goofy smiles are sure to bring stress relief and joy to everyone around them.
Traits
Height: 20 to 24 inches
Weight: 46 to 80 pounds
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3. Shih Tzu (and Shih Tzu mixes)
Shih Tzus are perfect for office life due to their compact size and relaxed demeanor. They’re not overly demanding and are usually content to nap at your feet or sit quietly nearby. Their friendly and approachable nature makes them a welcome presence for coworkers.
Traits
Height: 10 to 11 inches
Weight: 10 to 21 pounds
Browse for Shih Tzus (and their mixes) for adoption
4. Poodle (and Poodle mixes)
Poodles are mostly hypoallergenic, making them a popular choice for allergy-conscious workplaces. Their highly intelligent and adaptable nature allows them to thrive in a variety of office environments and schedules. They’re also quick learners, making training for office etiquette a breeze. While Standard Poodles are better suited for larger offices with more space to move around, Toy and Miniature Poodles do well in smaller spaces.
Traits
Height: 14 to 24 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
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5. Labrador Retriever (and Labrador mixes)
If your office has the space for one of these medium-to-large dogs, a Labrador Retriever could be the perfect new coworker. Known for their loyal and friendly nature, Labs bring warmth and positivity wherever they go. Their adaptability and eagerness to learn make them well-suited for both busier and more relaxed office settings. A well-matched Lab will seamlessly settle in and win everyone over.
Traits
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 49 to 77 pounds
Browse for Labrador Retrievers (and their mixes) for adoption
6. Bichon Frise (and Bichon mixes)
Bichon Frises are another mostly hypoallergenic breed. They’re cheerful and love attention—but aren’t overly demanding. Plus, their low-shedding coat helps keep the office neat. Despite their small size, Bichons are packed with personality and are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone in the office.
Traits
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 6 to 16 pounds
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7. Pug (and Pug mixes)
Pugs love being around people, and their small stature makes them easy to manage in smaller office spaces. They’re likely to charm your coworkers and enjoy the company of new friends. Pugs are not overly active and are happy to nap for hours—as long as they feel close to their favorite human. While Pugs may occasionally snort or snore (due to their flat faces), they’re generally not excessive barkers.
Traits
Height: 12 to 16 inches
Weight: 12 to 24 pounds
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8. Cocker Spaniel (and Spaniel mixes)
Cocker Spaniels are known for being friendly, adaptable, and lively. They’re often called the “merry cocker” because of their happy demeanor and constant wagging tail. They enjoy being around people and love to please—so training is usually relatively easy. This breed tends to be just as happy lounging at your feet as they are joining you for a walk during your lunch break.
Traits
Height: 15 to 16 inches
Weight: 23 to 41 pounds
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9. Whippet (and Whippet mixes)
Whippets are calm, quiet, and happiest when nestled in a cozy spot—like under your desk. Known for their reserved nature, they rarely bark unnecessarily, helping maintain a peaceful workplace. Between bursts of exercise, Whippets love to stretch out and relax for long hours—often curling up in a quiet corner or beside your chair.
10. Basenji
Often called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is an intelligent, independent, and low-noise companion. Though they require consistent mental engagement, their quiet nature and clean habits make them surprisingly office-friendly—especially for those who value tranquility and minimal disruption.
Traits
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
Browse for Basenjis (and their mixes) for adoption
11. French Bulldog (and French Bulldog mixes)
French Bulldogs combine compact size, low exercise needs, and affectionate charm. Their playful yet mellow temperament suits open-plan offices and shared workspaces. They’re unlikely to wander far from their person and rarely bark—making them reliable, low-maintenance companions.
Traits
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: 16 to 28 pounds
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12. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are alert, friendly, and naturally polite—traits that translate beautifully to office life. Their moderate energy levels mean they’re happy to rest beside you for hours but also enthusiastic about short walks or play breaks. Their expressive faces and gentle manners make them instant favorites among teams.
Traits
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 10 to 25 pounds
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13. Italian Greyhound
Delicate in appearance but deeply affectionate, Italian Greyhounds are quiet, graceful, and perfectly sized for deskside napping. Though sensitive to cold, they thrive in climate-controlled offices and prefer soft surfaces and gentle interaction—ideal for quieter or more focused work environments.
Traits
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
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14. Havanese
Havanese dogs are cheerful, clever, and famously adaptable. Their silky, low-shedding coat is office-friendly, and their outgoing yet calm temperament helps them transition smoothly between meetings, quiet focus time, and casual socializing. They bond closely with their humans but remain comfortable with respectful coworkers.
Traits
Height: 8.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Browse for Havanese (and their mixes) for adoption
15. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Don’t let their short legs fool you—Corgis are confident, intelligent, and highly trainable. With proper socialization and structure, they adapt well to office routines. Their alertness makes them attentive companions, and their compact build fits neatly into smaller workspaces—though they do appreciate brief, structured movement breaks.
Traits
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 23 to 28 pounds
Browse for Pembroke Welsh Corgis (and their mixes) for adoption
