25 Lazy Dog Breeds For Laid-Back Dog Lovers

When considering a dog for a pet, it is sometimes better to get one that matches your personality. Like humans, dogs have various characters, from the confrontational-like chihuahuas to the reliable pal that is a Labrador. Always get a fuzzy buddy that you can handle.

You may opt for a lazy dog breed if you are chill and prefer to spend your time indoors. However, that does not mean that you will totally abandon taking walks or exercising. While lazy dogs are the ultimate definition of couch potatoes, they also need some play and exercise time, though not as much as the energetic breeds.

Are you looking for a lazy dog to match your energy? We present you with popular breeds to consider as your housemate.

1. The English Bulldog

Medium-sized and muscular with its signature wrinkled face, the English Bulldog is the utter definition of lazy. It is a family-friendly breed that loves chilling most of its time; you may think it is ignoring your presence.

The dog tends to form strong bonds with children and can be excellent companions for the hyper types.

You must regularly groom the English Bulldog as it is a constant shedder. Plus, it is a heavy drooler.

2. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard is a gentle giant famous as a rescue dog in the alps. Despite being bred as a working dog, sleeping is its favorite hobby unless there is an emergency.

This doggo is friendly, loyal, and an excellent companion for kids.

You should note that Saint Bernard is not lazy by default. It is native to cold and mountainous regions, so it is probably trying to bear the heat by keeping calm.

While adult saints are couch potatoes, puppies are very energetic and playful, and you may have difficulty containing them. Nevertheless, the pups will grow into adorable sweethearts that value their family.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

This tri-colored breed is from the Swiss Alps and was originally a farm dog. It is a beauty, sporting a muscular body and a black coat punctuated with rusty and white patches. The Bernese Mountain dog is a dry-mouthed breed, meaning you do not have to deal with its drool.

This slothful canine loves the outdoors but will remain calm in the house. Described as docile, it reacts fast when there is danger, especially if it notices its owner is in trouble. Furthermore, this doggo is gentle with children and gets along with other pets.

While the Bernese Mountain dog values its siestas, you should offer it ample exercise time. Lack of mental and physical stimulation leads to a barking session due to anxiety and stress.

4. Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds, growing to heights of 35-inches, and can weigh as much as 180 pounds. Its build can be intimidating, but it is cordial and craves physical affection.

The couch is the Great Dane’s go-to spot. It will hop onto the couch and join you in your slumber on a lazy afternoon. The friendly nature of this breed extends from children and other dogs to non-canine pets. Like most dogs, the Great Dane needs proper socializing to cover its aggressiveness to new environments and people.

Get this Apollo of the canine world if you have adequate space that you are willing to share.

5. Bichon Frise

Picture a fellow slacker that is also a beauty: that is the best definition of the Bichon Frise. This breed originates from the Canary Islands, but its further development was in France and Belgium. This explains the dog’s deep association with the French.

According to the American Kennel Club, this canine is not a drooler and does not shed a lot of fur; thus, you won’t break a sweat cleaning after it. Moreover, it is friendly to strangers and other pets.

The Bichon Frise is a social and energetic dog that takes long naps after short exercises, like walks and playing fetch. Its striking curly coat is a conversation starter among fellow canine lovers.

6. Pekingese

You may consider having the Pekingese as your roommate if you are into toy dogs. This tiny canine has a long coat that may be gold, red, sable, black, or tan, with some having a black or colored face. It is quite a looker and can enhance your style when you take it out for a walk.

Pekingese have short legs, meaning exercising is not their thing. They would rather rest on your lap. Also, note that the Pekingese is stubborn and independent; hence, it won’t exactly get along with kids or other pets. Plus, training can be challenging, requiring your patience.

7. Boston Terriers

The American Gentleman, also known as the Boston terrier, is one of the most intelligent dogs, and training them is a walk in the park. This canine is the perfect laid-back buddy, with a friendly nature to boot.

The Boston terrier is a medium-energy dog; it can get playful for some time and will take a long time off once its energy depreciates. This terrier loves cuddles and will do anything to get your attention.

Owning a Boston terrier is a wise decision if you live in an apartment, as it only barks when necessary. Thus, you won’t be dealing with neighbors’ complaints of a noisy dog.

8. Dachshund

The Dachshund is a unique-looking canine, having an elongated body with short and stubby legs supporting its frame. The legs are the primary reason the Dachshund does not like exercising, instead opting to rest on its owner’s lap.

You must dedicate some playtime for Dachshunds as they are playful. While you may fall in love with their adorability, be ready to handle their stubbornness from their hunting character.

Moreover, Dachshunds can be aggressive to strangers and other dogs. Train them when young, focusing more on socialization to tone down their aggression.

9. Basset Hound

Talk about having a sluggish look already! The basset hound’s long ears and hanging skin around the face give it a sleepy appearance. This pup is not a fan of exercising due to its short legs and heavy stature. It loves sleeping and may spend most of its time on its cot.

The basset hound is also friendly and outgoing: it is good with kids and other pets. Dog experts categorize this hound as extremely vocal; thus, it’s not ideal if you are in an apartment or hate noise. Moreover, you should know that it constantly sheds and drools a lot.

This breed can be pretty stubborn at times, making training challenging. Nevertheless, it is an excellent pet if you want a lazy housemate due to its laid-back demeanor.

10. Shih Tzu

Several factors contribute to Shih Tzu’s slackness. Its short legs make walks or running tedious, as they tire fast. Furthermore, the shape of its face hinders rapid panting if they want to cool off. It is not the breed to go for if you want hiking or exercising partner.

While you cannot expect morning runs or walks with this toy dog, you will enjoy its active and friendly presence.

The Shih Tzu has ever-growing long hair, giving it a unique appearance.

The dog adapts quickly to different environments and has an independent attitude, making it a little stubborn.

11. Chow Chow

Rarely will you find a listing of lazy dog breeds without the Chow Chow. A Northern China original, this breed has a sturdy frame, a square profile, and a dense double coat. The Chow’s thick coat coloration can be light gold, red-brown, tan, cinnamon, or ivory.

This dog is typically quiet and reserved but can be mulish at times, especially in the presence of strangers or new places. Due to its stubbornness and cat-like behavior, it is better to train this canine when it’s still a puppy.

12. French Bulldog

Like its English cousin, the French Bulldog is a lazy dog but an excellent companion. It is a toy dog you would rather carry than walk, as exercising is not its thing.

This breed is loyal and spends most of its time next to its owners, looking for cuddles. You should dedicate ample bonding time to it as it is prone to separation anxiety.

Handling French bulldogs is effortless, as they are low-shedders and rarely bark unless in distress.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Our next entry is one of the most popular lap dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It is famous for its playful and friendly nature, with its beauty adding to the bargain.

While they are curious and won’t easily pass a playtime, they cherish sitting cozy on a soft cushion or sofa.

Another thing to love about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is its loyalty and eagerness to please. This is the primary reason why it is a great companion for the elderly or medical patients.

This breed is affectionate with its family and is suitable for kids. Plus, it is welcoming to other dogs and non-canine pets.

Get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel if you want a chill lap dog, and do not mind the recommended weekly hair brushes.

14. Pug

A 14-hour sleep time, isn’t that pure slothfulness? Pugs can sleep for more than 14 hours, two more hours than the naptime of an average doggo.

Pugs resemble the English Bulldog, with similarities like wrinkled faces and stout bodies. A close comparison between the two breeds reveals several differences, such as the body size. The English Bulldog is bigger and has a squared head; the pug’s head is round.

The pug has a charming personality and is less aggressive despite its small size. The dog cot is its favorite place, and it will keep off any trouble for its highly-valued siesta.

Pugs are good with children owing to their patience. In addition, they can learn your mood and act accordingly. If you are feeling low, it will try and please you with cuddles, which can lift your mood.

15. Japanese Chin

Picture a dog with cat-like characteristics, and you have an abstract concept of the Japanese Chin. Some of the feline traits you will notice from this breed include its attitude, intelligence, a great sense of balance, and fondness for resting on high surfaces. Furthermore, it loves an uninterrupted napping time.

The Japanese Chin is friendly and loves familiarity, though it can adapt well to new environments. The Chin’s social nature and small size make it an ideal therapy dog.

This canine is usually quiet and will bark to alert you of strangers or anything out of the ordinary.

16. Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire terrier is a companion dog and among the smallest terriers. It is a stunner with silky straight hair, which comes in various shades.

This dog, described as having an air of importance, is easygoing and welcoming to adults and children. If well trained, it can be an excellent play buddy for your kids. Yorkies are very intelligent; thus, training them is an effortless affair.

The Yorkshire Terrier is small, and a little exercise will do for its physical stimulation. However, it loves attention and is prone to separation anxiety. Plus, it can bark a lot, especially if anxious due to strangers or in a new place. The dog needs regular interaction with people for its contentment.

A Yorkie is a considerable lazy pet if you can fulfill its craving for love and attention. A satisfied Yorkshire terrier will remain quiet most of the time.

17. Tibetan Mastiff

If you are an experienced dog owner, the Tibetan mastiff is a lazy dog breed you may opt for. This giant needs a sizable outdoor space, like your backyard, for its comfort. While it is energetic, it may spend most of its time napping, but it will be alert if it notices any anomaly.

Do not go for this breed if you are a novice dog owner or stay in an apartment. There are much better choices for big dogs suitable for apartment living.

18. Havanese

Enter the national dog of Cuba, whose hobby is lazing on the sofa. Many people regard the Havanese as the perfect family dog, courtesy of its friendly and lively attitude. It has a small stature, and a walk around the house or backyard is enough for its physical stimulation.

“If you are satisfied, the Havanese is satisfied” is a common saying among Havanese owners, showing how it is easy to care for. This canine breed easily adapts to new environments and is healthy with few health conditions bothering it.

The Havanese is a suitable canine to get if you are an indoor person. It is also perfect for suburban and apartment living as it is not noisy.

19. Maltese

The Maltese are lazy dogs ideal for urban dwellings as they do not require much roaming space. This breed is a beauty and one of the most mild-tempered. Proper training of Maltese puppies will reduce their barking and aggression toward strangers.

This breed adapts well to environmental changes and is highly tolerant of kids and other pets, particularly cats.

20. Newfoundland

Large, powerful, intelligent, a good swimmer, but very docile and lazy are befitting adjectives to describe the Newfoundland. Originally bred as working dogs for fishermen, they are presently found in many households and appreciated for their loyalty.

Training Newfoundlands is straightforward, more so when they are young. They are good with kids and can keep them company as you go on with your household duties.

However, be careful when leaving this dog breed with young toddlers to prevent them from getting knocked over or leaned on.

The Newfoundland is also a great therapy dog, often going by a nanny dog.

You will need a sizable dog cot for this breed and a towel on standby to clear its drool.

While this breed hates exercising, it won’t turn down the urge to swim.

21. Chihuahua

If you are a first-time dog owner, the chihuahua is a great pick, as it is easy to care for, but be ready for its big personality, which may be fun.

It is one of the smallest dogs and is perfect for companionship. This Mexican toy dog is energetic and loves to play or follow its owners around the house. That is enough exercise for this doggo, as its tiny legs cannot handle too much activity.

Chihuahuas love to sleep, with puppies spending up to 20 hours in slumber. They are intelligent canine species; therefore, training is hassle-free. You must show that you are in charge while training to prevent ‘terrier-like behavior’ when they grow.

Monthly grooming is fine with chihuahuas, primarily the smooth-coat breed. In addition, they are not over-droolers, meaning you do not have to deal with dog spit everywhere they step.

It is advisable to regularly clean this doggo’s ear to avert ear infections.

Please note that chihuahuas are not very friendly to children, and other pets, including dogs.

22. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan mastiff or Mastino Napoletano is a large and powerful Italian breed. Despite its power and intelligence, this mastiff can be an ardent couch potato to the point of being overweight. Nevertheless, puppies are very energetic and curious, a contrast to the laid-back nature of adults.

This muscular dog has loose skin, mainly around the head and face, and ends up in massive wrinkling. It is a heavy drooler, requiring you to have a towel to clear its mouth.

The Neapolitan mastiff is robust and less prone to health issues, though it may occasionally contract cherry eye.

You can get this canine breed as your couch buddy if you are an experienced dog owner.

23. Bullmastiff

Talk of a dog that would rather use its energy for the important stuff: the bullmastiff is large and solidly built and was initially bred to be a guard dog. When not on guard, this mastiff will sprawl itself on its cot or mat to catch a nap.

Do not mistake the bullmastiff’s apparent docility and calmness for weakness; it will be on its toes when it senses danger. This breed is dependable and coupled with its intelligence. It lives up to its tag of being a natural guardian.

Its mild personality extends to kids and small pets but may be dangerous and aggressive to strangers and male dogs. You are sure of your household’s security with the bullmastiff around.

24. Clumber Spaniel

The clumber spaniel is the largest spaniel and loves to sleep to the point of snoring. This canine, developed in the United Kingdom, has a long and heavy body. Its coat is typically white, though some may have orange spots.

Clumber spaniels are loyal and affectionate but can be unwelcoming to strangers. Once it identifies a comfortable spot, it will curl up and take long naps, especially after a meal.

They are okay indoors and outdoors but will mostly favor their owners’ location. As with some breeds highlighted in this piece, the puppies are more energetic and curious than adults.

The clumber spaniel is an easygoing companion that rarely barks; thus, great for an apartment. Nonetheless, you must deal with its drooling, snoring, and constant shedding. Regular grooming, maybe weekly, will help with the shedding problem.

25. Lhasa Apso

Boasting an elegant coat and a rich history is another sofa spud, the Lhasa apso, which originates from Tibet. This canine was a common presence in palaces, and monasteries, where it served as an interior sentinel.

You can get the Lhasa apso if you want a pooch that is both entertaining and reserved. It is full of energy, evident from its pacing around the house or yard. After having its fun moments, it will retire for its slumber.

On friendliness, we can describe this Tibetan doggo as moderately welcoming to children and other dogs due to its protective nature.

While the Lhasa apso has long fur, it is not a constant shedder. You can groom it every two weeks.

Related Questions

Why is My Dog So Lazy?

Dogs can be slothful due to many reasons. It may be time to recoup its energy after exercises like playing catch, walking, or running. Other times it is its nature to be docile and reserved, noticeable in breeds like Saint Bernard and Great Dane.

Sickness is another reason your dog is lazy, especially if it is typically energetic. It is a sign of lethargy, which comes with conditions like allergies, poisoning, and more. Try and get to the root of the problem to make your furry buddy lively again.

Climate change and stress are other possible explanations for your dog’s lack of enthusiasm.

How Do I Make My Dog More Active?

You can make your lazy dog more active by taking it for a walk or playing with it. This can work for a bored or stressed dog. Other times, it is better to let it laze off, especially if the weather changes. Do not force your dog to be active if it does not want to.

Final Thought

Are you looking for a lazy dog to match your reserved personality? No need to stress about looking for a befitting furry housemate as we present you with several breeds to consider. Despite the dogs being lazy, you should dedicate some regular exercising time for their physical and social health.