Not everyone can keep up with a dog that lives life in the fast lane, so many families choose one that prefers being indoors rather than outdoors. These breeds might be easygoing and laidback or have low energy levels. Here are 19 dogs that will happily laze around with you indoors.
Basset Hound
Families that are looking for a laidback dog who loves lounging around will adore a Basset Hound, as they’re charming and enjoy cuddles. The American Kennel Club advises that they “are not as active as some breeds” and “after a walk or play session they’ll typically settle down for a comfortable sleep.”
Bulldog
Active owners would be better off avoiding the Bulldog, as they often overheat when they’re outdoors for too long. People with relaxed lifestyles who can provide plenty of shade and rest for a Bulldog will be perfect owners of this calm and friendly breed.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu’s small size makes this dog breed suitable for living in smaller, cozier spaces, such as apartments. They’re also perfectly happy with short daily walks and indoor playtime, so they’ll be great for a family that prefers to stay in the house.
Pekingese
This dog is well known for its regal appearance and is usually quite independent, too. Pekingese dogs tend to be content with indoor activities like treat puzzles and occasionally playing with a toy and generally don’t need rigorous exercise outside.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an adaptable dog that always adores its owners, so it’ll be happy with whatever you want to do. They thrive on human companionship and will need short daily walks and play sessions, but they also enjoy having time to relax indoors as well.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, also known as ‘Frenchies’, are dogs that love to nap and laze around indoors. The Spruce Pets says that “French bulldogs require notably less exercise and grooming than many other popular dog breeds.” However, a little routine exercise is important to prevent them from developing health issues.
Pug
Most people know pugs as quite clownish and playful, with their distinctive, flat-muzzled faces. They don’t need much exercise, but they’ll brighten up your home and love being the center of attention. As long as they can fool around inside, they’ll be as happy as can be.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are another breed of dog with a distinctive physical feature: they’re big balls of fluff. Their thick coats make them better suited to cooler indoor environments than sunny days at the park. Adult Chow Chows generally aren’t very playful, preferring to lounge around instead, and they can be aloof towards strangers.
Maltese
You may need to spend a lot of time holding and pampering your Maltese, but it won’t need excessive amounts of outdoor exercise. These small dogs are easygoing and full of fun, and they’ll love joining you in some indoor playtime and the occasional short walk outside.
Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apsos are another small dog breed generally well-suited to living in apartments. They like houses where everything is calm, so they might not do well with boisterous small children, but their low energy means that they can easily thrive indoors with some gentle playtime now and then.
Greyhound
Although they’re prized for their speed on the racetrack, you may be surprised to learn that Greyhounds are calm, quiet indoor pets. PDSA suggests that “despite their athletic appearance and ability, they don’t require a substantial amount of exercise.” Rather than long walks, Greyhounds prefer the occasional sprint outside, likely before a nap.
Japanese Chin
There are some mixed opinions on whether the Japanese Chin dog is high or low energy, with some owners suggesting that they’ll be content without much exercise at all. In general, they link a relaxed style of living and are satisfied with lounging around the house. This makes sense when you consider they were bred as palace companion dogs.
Boston Terrier
Few dogs are as low-maintenance as the Boston Terrier. They’re friendly, don’t need much exercise, and have short coats that are easy to groom. They also love being close to their owners and will be happy to relax at home for most of their lives.
Pomeranian
Although Pomeranians need some daily exercise and can be quite lively, their needs can mostly be met with some indoor activities and playtime. They enjoy getting attention from their families and lounging around with their owners, and their small size makes them excellent apartment pets.
Havanese
Havanese dogs are affectionate and adaptable, so they thrive in many different types of living environments, from houses to apartments. They only need between half an hour and an hour of exercise every day. This could be as simple as a short walk and some indoor playtime.
Brussels Griffon
While Brussels Griffons are not suitable for families who will be out of the house most of the day, as they hate being left alone, they are low-energy dogs that do well indoors. They’re intelligent and can be taught a variety of tricks, making indoor playtime stimulating and fun.
Chinese Crested
Pet Health Network says that Chinese Crested dogs “love to play indoors and spend time with the family.” They have low energy levels, so they’ll be happy relaxing and playing indoors most of the time, although short walks outside are also a good idea.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise breed is usually cheerful and affectionate, making them excellent for families. They only need a moderate amount of exercise, so these little dogs will be mostly satisfied with some energetic indoor playtime. While they can be lively, they also adapt well to different living situations.
Clumber Spaniel
Lastly, most people would assume that all gundogs are relatively high energy, but the Clumber Spaniel is an exception. They don’t have as much energy as other similar dogs and will be satisfied with short, gentle walks and about an hour of exercise every day.
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