You don’t need an all-star athlete personality to keep up with dog parent life. Instead of long walks and hikes, some pups prefer spending time resting on the couch or napping in bed. Here are the top seven low-energy dog breeds for laid-back pet parents. 

Small Low-Energy Dog Breeds

Pug

Weight: 14-18 pounds

Height: 10-13 inches

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

These flat-faced pups are the poster child for lazy dog breeds. Pugs are naturally muscular and sturdy but aren’t keen on exercise. You can count on a Pug to join you for a lazy day on the couch – these furry friends love to relax. 

Pugs are an emotional breed that forms deep connections with their humans. This sensitivity means they are at risk of developing separation anxiety. To avoid this, it’s crucial to socialize Pugs with other people and animals from an early age. They may benefit from going to group training classes with other dogs their age. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight: 13-18 pounds

Height: 12-13 inches

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Most dog lovers wouldn’t consider Spaniels when they think of low-energy dog breeds. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the exception. They have a moderate energy level and are fantastic companion dogs for laid-back pet parents. 

The relaxed personality of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may stem from their royal roots. In fact, the breed gets its name from King Charles II’s adoration of the spaniel pups. A famous historian at the time even wrote that the monarch seemed more concerned with breeding Spaniels than ruling England. 

Medium & Large Lazy Dog Breeds

Bulldog

Weight: 40-50 pounds

Height: 14-15 inches

Lifespan: 8-10 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Picture a lovably lazy dog. The first image to appear in your head was most likely a wrinkly old Bulldog. Although the breed name suggests a rough-and-tumble pup, Bulldogs are more content to snuggle all day than wrestle with another dog. 

Bulldogs are low-energy dog breeds mainly because they are brachycephalic, meaning their flat-face noses make it harder for them to breathe. Proper breathing is especially difficult for Bulldogs in hot and humid weather. For this reason, intense exercise is not recommended for these pups. Casual playtime and short walks are the best way to keep a Bulldog in shape. 

Chow Chow

Weight: 45-70 pounds

Height: 17-20 inches

Lifespan: 8-12 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Although these pups resemble a tiny lion, they are infamous among lazy dog breeds. Chow Chows come with a naturally stubborn expression on their face. They appear as though they’ve constantly just been woken from a peaceful nap. 

The Chow Chow is top-tier within low-energy dog breeds because they are independent, clean, and have little need for exercise. They can stay active with daily walks and playtime, so they are an optimal choice for dog parents who like to stay home. 

Basset Hound

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Height: up to 15 inches

Lifespan: 12-13 years

Activity Level: 2 out of 5

The low-key Basset Hounds are just as lazy as they appear. With sleepy eyes and droopy ears, these pups waddle around the house on their tiny legs. Although Basset Hounds don’t mind being couch potatoes, they have a surprising natural skill for tracking scents. 

As with other low-energy dog breeds, Basset Hounds only need to play for exercise. Short walks may be enjoyable for these pups, but their short legs make it more difficult to walk long distances than it is for other breeds. 

Giant Low-Energy Dog Breeds

Saint Bernard

Weight: 120-180 pounds

Height: 26-30 inches

Lifespan: 8-10 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Not all lazy dog breeds come in a small package. In fact, giant-size dogs like the Saint Bernard are infamous low-energy dog breeds. At 150+ pounds fully grown, it takes Saint Bernards more energy just to walk around the house than it does for smaller pups. Perhaps that’s why they’ve adopted a laid-back attitude towards life. 

While Saint Bernards can do well on hikes and excursions, they only require one long walk or 30-minute play session per day. This breed loves to do pretty much anything their humans are doing. If that’s lazing about the house, Saints are on board and will be right by your side. 

Newfoundland

Weight: 100-150 pounds

Height: 26-28 inches

Lifespan: 9-10 years

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Funny enough, these giant teddy bears are low-energy dog breeds. Who can resist staying indoors all day cuddling with a fluffy Newfoundland? These pups take their roles as companion dogs seriously, so they go wherever their humans go. 

Newfies even have a deep love of children and have the nickname the “nanny dog”. If you have young kids and are looking for lazy dog breeds, Newfoundlands can burn their energy simply by playing and watching your children.