Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and keeping up with the most energetic breeds can feel like a full-time job. For those balancing pet ownership and a career, less energetic dogs are the perfect compromise. Here are 17 breeds with low energy levels that love to be lazy and lounge about.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is appropriately named—after all, they’re about as inactive as a plate of pasta! The American Kennel Club classifies this Italian breed as a couch potato, which is the lowest possible energy rating. It’s no wonder that they were once a popular choice for busy European aristocrats.
Bichon Frise
Bichons Frises are notoriously perky during their youth, but they settle down in adulthood. If you can handle their rebellious youth and meet their more relaxed nature as an adult, then this breed is the perfect blend of playfulness and practicality. For those looking for a friendly, manageable breed, the Bichon Frise is perfect.
Tibetan Spaniel
The mid-to-low-energy Tibetan Spaniel once helped monks defend their monasteries, but they’re equally comfortable lounging around the house on a sunny afternoon. However, be sure to spare them some attention. Tibetan Spaniels love to play when they’re not taking a nap.
Bulldog
Bulldogs aren’t cut out for hard work—they actually suffer from a medical condition that makes it easy for them to overheat. Bulldogs prefer a peaceful existence that doesn’t involve too much running around. However, it’s still important to walk them for about an hour a day.
Greyhound
No, really—dogs best known for running really fast can be a low-energy breed. A career as a racing dog really takes it out of greyhounds, so racetrack retirees tend to live a more sedentary lifestyle. If you’re looking for a large but lazy dog, an older greyhound might be the answer to your prayers.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas can be energetic and sassy, but that’s only when they’re awake. Argospetinsurance describes how these tiny dogs can sleep for up to 20 hours a day, so owners have a lot of time to recover from their pet’s infrequent bursts of action. Everyone gets a chance to catch some Zs!
Pug
Like bulldogs, pugs were bred for their appearance rather than their cardiovascular systems. Pugs have difficulty breathing due to their flat faces, which means that they’re not the canine world’s most dedicated athletes. However, their medically excusable laziness does make them a perfect fit for some dog owners.
Maltese
It’s tempting to slip one of these tiny canines into our jackets whenever we spot one, and their energy levels are similarly pocket-sized. While they’re not the laziest breed ever, they’re unlikely to overwhelm anyone. Just remember to keep them entertained, as Maltese dogs are a playful bunch!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
England’s Cavaliers were dedicated to fighting for the monarchy, but their canine counterparts weren’t quite so energetic. While they’re very social animals, they don’t need loads of exercise to feel loved. As long as you compensate for any shorter walks by showing your affection in other ways, this breed will love you back.
Havanese
The Havanese breed comes from Cuba, and we’re surprised it made it this far with such short legs. It’s not like the Havanese can rely on vast reserves of energy, either, as they’re a moderately lazy breed. Nonetheless, what they lack in endurance, they more than make up for with barking!
Chinese Crested
These dogs may look weird, but they’re actually perfect for people who can only handle a certain amount of energy in an animal companion. Although they’re not diehard couch potatoes, Chinese Crested dogs are both adaptable and easy to train, so this makes them more manageable than other breeds.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus have a longstanding feud with another lazy dog, the pug. While Shih Tzus were popular with royals of the Ming Dynasty, they eventually found themselves pushed out by Pugs in a Game of Thrones-style power struggle. Today, everyone loves Shih Tzus, so we guess that their story has a happy ending.
Pekingese
While Pekingese dogs aren’t completely without energy, most of it is channeled into being playful, friendly, and affectionate. Purina notes that they don’t require much walking (30 minutes to an hour per day is fine), and they’re calm enough to cope inside a small apartment. Plus, you can reschedule your walks, and they’ll manage just fine.
Bullmastiff
You’d expect a dog as beefy as the Bullmastiff to need an intensive workout each day, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. These hefty dogs only need a few short walks to stay fighting fit. In fact, they’ll only get seriously energetic when they’re protecting their owners—it’s a win-win scenario.
Pomeranian
If you’re on the hunt for a cute, trainable dog with a manageable amount of energy, the Pomeranian should tick all of the boxes. These European dogs are affectionate without being exhausting and vigilant without being overbearing. If you want a low-energy all-rounder, Pomeranians deliver.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Never judge a book by its cover. Although Bergamasco sheepdogs look demanding, they’re actually surprisingly lazy, say alwayspets, and only require a couple of walks a day. Be careful not to mistake this shaggy breed for a new rug when it’s snoozing on your kitchen floor—it’s an easy mistake to make!
Brussels Griffon
These little dogs might seem energetic, but they’re quickly tired out with just a few minutes of play. The breed’s energy level and stature make it suited for life in small houses or apartments, although they do need to pop outside at least a couple of times a day.
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