For many pet parents, the dream companion isn’t a high-energy dynamo, but rather a relaxed, low-key presence happy to share the couch and enjoy a more leisurely pace of life. Whether you’re a first-time owner, living in a smaller space, or simply prefer a calm atmosphere, finding a dog that aligns with a less active lifestyle can bring immense joy and a perfect balance to your home.
To help you find your ideal laid-back companion, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 22 lazy dog breeds. This diverse collection spans from the famously placid Basset Hound to the surprisingly relaxed Whippet, offering a wide array of choices for every preference. For each breed, you’ll find detailed insights including their Scientific Name, Temperament, Average Weight (kg), and Exercise Needs, all organized for you to explore below.
Do ‘lazy dog breeds’ truly need no exercise?
While these breeds are known for their lower energy levels, ‘lazy’ doesn’t mean ‘inactive.’ Every dog, regardless of breed, requires some level of physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. For lazy dog breeds, this might mean shorter, more infrequent walks, or perhaps just a few play sessions in the yard. It’s crucial to understand their specific needs; neglecting exercise entirely can still lead to weight gain, boredom, and behavioral issues.
Lazy Dog Breeds
| Breed Name | Scientific Name | Temperament | Average Weight (kg) | Exercise Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | Gentle, stubborn, affectionate, calm | 18-25 | Low – short daily walks and light play, 15-30 minutes |
| French Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | Playful, affectionate, easygoing, people-oriented | 8-14 | Low – brief walks and indoor play, 15-25 minutes |
| Basset Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | Laid-back, sociable, stubborn, scent-driven | 20-29 | Low-moderate – sniffing walks and light exercise, 20-40 minutes |
| Pug | Canis lupus familiaris | Affectionate, comical, sociable, calm | 6-8 | Low – short walks and gentle play, 15-25 minutes |
| Shih Tzu | Canis lupus familiaris | Friendly, independent, calm, affectionate | 4-7 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Affectionate, gentle, friendly, adaptable | 5-8 | Low-moderate – daily walks and play, 20-30 minutes |
| Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | Calm, gentle, reserved, quick in short bursts | 25-32 | Low – one brisk walk plus short sprints or play, 20-40 minutes |
| Whippet | Canis lupus familiaris | Quiet, affectionate, gentle, swift in bursts | 11-20 | Low – short daily walks and occasional sprint, 20-40 minutes |
| Great Dane | Canis lupus familiaris | Gentle giant, patient, affectionate, laid-back | 45-90 | Low-moderate – short walks and gentle play, 20-40 minutes |
| English Mastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | Calm, dignified, protective, gentle | 54-100 | Low – brief walks and light activity, 20-30 minutes |
| Bullmastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | Protective, calm, devoted, relaxed | 45-59 | Low – short walks and light play, 20-30 minutes |
| Saint Bernard | Canis lupus familiaris | Gentle, patient, affectionate, relaxed | 54-82 | Low – moderate walks and light activity, 20-30 minutes |
| Newfoundland | Canis lupus familiaris | Sweet, patient, devoted, placid | 45-68 | Low-moderate – gentle walks and water play, 20-40 minutes |
| Clumber Spaniel | Canis lupus familiaris | Quiet, loyal, gentle, steady | 26-34 | Low – leisurely walks and light play, 20-30 minutes |
| Pekingese | Canis lupus familiaris | Independent, dignified, affectionate, calm | 3-6 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Lhasa Apso | Canis lupus familiaris | Alert, independent, calm, loyal | 5-8 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Maltese | Canis lupus familiaris | Gentle, affectionate, playful, calm | 3-4 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Bichon Frise | Canis lupus familiaris | Cheerful, affectionate, adaptable, moderate energy | 5-10 | Low-moderate – daily walks and play, 20-30 minutes |
| Boston Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | Friendly, lively but calm, adaptable | 5-11 | Low – short walks and play, 15-25 minutes |
| Japanese Chin | Canis lupus familiaris | Graceful, affectionate, quiet, independent | 3-6 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Chihuahua | Canis lupus familiaris | Alert, devoted, often calm indoors, bold | 1.5-3 | Low – short walks and indoor play, 10-20 minutes |
| Shar Pei | Canis lupus familiaris | Aloof, calm, independent, loyal | 18-30 | Low – moderate daily walks and mental enrichment, 20-30 minutes |
Images and Descriptions
English Bulldog
Stocky, affectionate and famously laid-back, the English Bulldog prefers short walks and plenty of couch time. Suited to apartment living and owners with limited mobility, they need minimal exercise but benefit from gentle daily activity to avoid weight gain.
French Bulldog
Compact and charming, the French Bulldog is an affectionate companion that thrives on short walks and indoor play. Their small size and calm demeanor make them ideal for apartments and low-activity households, though they can be prone to overheating.
Basset Hound
Long-eared and mellow, the Basset Hound enjoys slow, scent-focused walks and lots of lounging. They’re suitable for relaxed owners who don’t mind occasional stubbornness and minimal structured exercise to keep them healthy.
Pug
Small, friendly and comical, the Pug thrives on companionship and short bursts of play. Adaptable to apartments and low-activity lifestyles, they need careful temperature control and modest daily exercise to prevent obesity.
Shih Tzu
A regal little companion, the Shih Tzu enjoys indoor time and brief outings. They suit apartment living and relaxed owners, needing minimal exercise but regular grooming and social interaction to stay content.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Sweet-natured and people-focused, the Cavalier is happy with moderate daily walks and lots of couch cuddles. Their gentle temperament makes them excellent for relaxed households and apartments, though they enjoy some daily activity.
Greyhound
Surprisingly mellow indoors, Greyhounds are couch potatoes that appreciate a daily brisk walk and occasional sprint. They adapt well to apartments if given a secure chance to run sometimes and plenty of soft resting spots.
Whippet
Elegant and calm at home, the Whippet enjoys lounging with brief exercise bursts. Ideal for owners seeking a relaxed companion, they need short walks and occasional safe running opportunities.
Great Dane
A giant with a mellow soul, the Great Dane prefers short walks and lots of sofa space. They’re surprisingly low-energy but need room to stretch and care to prevent joint issues in a relaxed household.
English Mastiff
Massive and composed, the Mastiff is a steady, low-energy companion content with brief walks and day-long lounging. They fit relaxed lifestyles but require space and careful weight management to preserve joint health.
Bullmastiff
Powerful yet mellow, the Bullmastiff is protective and content with short daily exercise and ample rest. Suited to owners seeking a calm guardian, they need consistent, gentle activity without high demands.
Saint Bernard
Big-hearted and slow-moving, the Saint Bernard enjoys calm companionship and easy walks. They’re ideal for relaxed homes with space, preferring leisurely activity and plenty of downtime to conserve energy.
Newfoundland
A devoted, gentle giant, the Newfoundland is calm and tolerant, thriving with gentle daily walks and occasional water activities. They suit laid-back families but need grooming and space for comfortable living.
Clumber Spaniel
Heavy-boned and serene, the Clumber Spaniel moves at a relaxed pace and prefers easy walks and snuggle time. They make excellent companions for owners seeking a calm, low-energy sporting dog.
Pekingese
Tiny and dignified, the Pekingese is an indoor companion content with brief outings and lots of lap time. Suited to apartments and calm owners, they require minimal exercise but daily social contact.
Lhasa Apso
Sturdy and independent, the Lhasa Apso enjoys indoor life with short walks and mental variety. They adapt well to small homes and quieter owners, needing modest activity and regular grooming.
Maltese
Delicate and friendly, the Maltese loves gentle play and short daily walks. Ideal for apartments and low-activity owners, they thrive on attention and light exercise rather than long outings.
Bichon Frise
Fluffy and cheerful, the Bichon enjoys daily short walks and indoor play. Adaptable to apartment life, they’re not hyperactive but benefit from consistent, moderate activity and regular grooming.
Boston Terrier
Affectionate and adaptable, the Boston Terrier is well-suited to apartments and relaxed owners. They enjoy short daily walks and playful indoor time without demanding heavy exercise.
Japanese Chin
Delicate and aristocratic, the Japanese Chin prefers indoor lounging with brief outings. Suited to calm households and apartments, they need limited exercise and enjoy close companionship.
Chihuahua
Tiny and confident, the Chihuahua can be a low-exercise companion who thrives on short walks and plenty of lap time. They fit apartment living well but benefit from socialization and gentle activity.
Shar Pei
Wrinkled and reserved, the Shar Pei is calm and content with short daily walks and quiet time. Suitable for owners seeking a low-energy, independent companion, they prefer routine and limited vigorous exercise.
