A popular misconception about dog breeds involves their energy levels. For example, many believe Great Danes are low-energy dogs because of their size. In truth, though, they need plenty of exercise to maintain their fitness and weight levels and will be lethargic if not allowed to get the regular activity they need.
Similarly, Jack Russell terriers are often considered low-energy dogs, but this isn’t the case — they require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. They will become destructive if given too much free time or the wrong type of playtime activity.
This article lists 15 low-energy dog breeds for anyone who likes a lazy dog that snuggles on the couch!
Why Should You Get A Low-Energy Dog Breed?
You may think you need a high-energy dog because it will protect you and watch over your home. This is only sometimes the case. Many low-energy dog breeds would be perfect for your lifestyle and won’t require as much exercise or attention.
Low-energy dogs can be great guard dogs, but they also make excellent pets because they are happy to sit on the couch with you all day long. They don’t get overexcited when new people come over and love meeting new people. They enjoy being around other dogs at the dog park and participating in the dog world, but they’re usually too lazy to play with them.
Low-energy small dogs have been bred specifically for people who want a smaller breed without sacrificing the cuddliness of larger ones. In contrast, large breed dogs are slower moving than smaller ones and often enjoy being close to their humans, so they have time to explore everything in their environment.
#1. Great Dane
Although the Great Danes are one of the larger dog breeds, that doesn’t mean they need a lot of exercises. The breed isn’t as active as others of its size, but it still has a reputation for being silly and lively, so it must be kept stimulated at home.
Remember that while it may not be as active as some other dog breeds, it still needs exercise daily. A daily walk is enough to meet its activity requirements, so long as you remember to get a harness or head collar. (*)
The Great Dane is not a breed known for longevity, so you should be prepared to say goodbye sooner than with other dogs. The cost of keeping a Great Dane will be much higher than that of a toy breed.
#2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Because of their versatility, this breed is often chosen for emergencies. While they enjoy going on longer excursions and adventures with their owners, they are satisfied with a shorter daily stroll and affection if their owners are less active.
The only downside to owning a Cavalier King Charles spaniel is their love of comfort. This breed is relatively low-energy and loves taking naps throughout the day, so they are not very well suited for apartment life unless they have daily access to a yard.
They are well-liked for their mild demeanor and amiable personality, making them excellent family pets. They are a breed of dog that thrives on the attention and affection of its owners. They are eager to learn and tend to take direction well.
This breed has a history of heritable health issues, some of which are rather severe; they should only be obtained from a reputable breeder if you’re not planning to adopt.
#3. Basset Hound
The reputation of the Basset Hounds for laziness is widespread. They are calm and relaxed, and they don’t need a lot of activity. Because of their innate ability to track scents, most scent hounds will be content with a short, easy daily walk.
One of the most well-liked dog breeds is the Basset Hound. However, they have a reputation for stubbornness and may require additional reward-based training under specific conditions.
Ear issues are common due to their long, floppy ears, while back and joint issues are common due to their long, slender bodies and short, stocky legs. Weight gain can further stress their joints, so keeping an eye on their diet is essential.
#4. Newfoundland
Numerous large-breed dogs are low-energy varieties, which may come as a surprise to some. One of these low-energy dogs is the Newfoundland.
As adults, both sexes consistently exceed 100 pounds. It’s a lot of work to move this heavy stuff around. If they have the time, they prefer to stay put and watch TV together on the couch.
Among working dogs, Newfoundlands are the giant breed. They do have impressive levels of energy and perseverance. They believe taking things slowly and steadily will yield the best results. If they need to get some exercise, taking them swimming is a great idea that will make them adore you even more.
#5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a toy dog with a big, happy heart. They are low-energy dogs, making them ideal for apartment life.
For the sake of their brachycephalic skulls, Frenchies should never be overworked. In hot temperatures, it can be hazardous. They overheat easily due to their inability to take deep breaths and shorter snouts.
These adorable little dogs need daily exercise of around an hour. They need multiple shorter walks throughout the day, with plenty of time for cuddles. If you are interested in finding a dog that would happily settle at your feet all day and doesn’t require much more than food and water, this breed might be perfect!
#6. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is famous for its enormous size. This giant canine breed may reach an astonishing height of 25 inches at the shoulder. They were initially created to move animals and supplies across the Bernese Mountains, where they got their name.
Because of their size, they usually encounter difficulties with their bones and joints when they age. They are more durable than other dogs of the same type due to a combination of having powerful muscles and coming from solid breeding.
To maintain good health, your dog requires at least thirty minutes of daily activity, and closer to ninety minutes is optimum.
#7. Greyhound
Great Danes and Greyhounds have personalities and exercise requirements that are very comparable. They are dogs explicitly bred for speed and used in dog races in Great Britain and the United States.
These competitions are less popular than once, and greyhounds are commonly kept as cherished pets in their new homes. Walk them numerous times throughout the day. It would be ideal if you could locate a place for them to run.
Not only are greyhounds famous for their propensity for racing, but they are also famous for their passion for cuddling up in blankets. You will likely find them tucked into bed with any blanket on which they can get their hands when they are at home.
#8. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are a toy dog breed similar to the Maltese in size and appearance. In contrast to their cousins, who are all white, they typically have coats with a more significant amount of brown and gray.
Even though they only require a small amount of daily exercise, Shih Tzus need it to maintain their happiness and good health. They never appear bored and constantly get into mischief, making them an excellent choice for living in flats.
The daily activity needed for a Shih Tzu is only 15 minutes, which can be broken up into two 5-minute walks. If you’re out of time during the day or live in a flat, you could substitute short periods outside with some indoor playtime. As long as your pet gets some form of movement daily, he will remain happy and healthy!
#9. Saint Bernard
In the early 2000s, Saint Bernards, known for their excessive drooling, were increasingly popular as movie stars. During this period, they had a surge in popularity across the United States and Europe.
Saint Bernard is a breed of big dogs that experiences rapid growth from the time they are puppies until adulthood. As a consequence of their fast pace of development and their eventual size, which can be well over one hundred pounds, they are susceptible to many different health problems. Problems with their bones and joints are included in this category.
For this reason, it is advisable to limit the quantity of exercise a Saint Bernard receives daily. Be wary of the activity you choose to participate in as well. It is recommended that you go for a walk or a gentle trek rather than going for a run.
#10. English Mastiff
The appearance of an English Mastiff, like that of most other Mastiffs, can be pretty imposing. They are gigantic canines that appear to be composed primarily of muscle. Even though they are considered working dogs, they have characteristics typical of giant dog breeds, such as having lower energy levels when they are not doing a job.
They have tender hearts and a guardian spirit. When you own one of these giants, you are responsible for providing them with lots of mental stimulation and physical exercise so they don’t become bored or restless.
Not only will this make your pet happy, but it will also help them stay calm in public settings. These gentle giants love spending time with their family around the house or taking strolls outside on a nice day.
#11. Pugs
Over the past several years, the popularity of pugs has skyrocketed to new heights. Only in the UK did they come in at number four on the list of most popular breeds in 2018, though. They have one-of-a-kind personalities that are frequently affectionate and occasionally naughty and have one-of-a-kind appearances.
They can get along with less physical activity and don’t shed much hair or dander, which makes them perfect for those with allergies. Pugs also need only short walks to get their daily routine. Still, because of their short legs, it’s essential to avoid taking them on long hikes or other more strenuous outdoor activities because it can be difficult for them to maneuver themselves up hills or stairs if needed.
#12. Maltese
Malteses are lovable little dogs, always eager to put on a show for their owners. They have an insatiable urge to be the focus of attention and need to be surrounded by other people. However, because they are toy-sized, a walk will feel like it involves far more steps for them than it does for you.
Due to their diminutive size and limited activity, they are ideally suited for living in urban and apartment settings. They have a lot of energy, but it doesn’t take much to wear them out to the point that they require a rest.
If you exercise your Maltese for around half an hour daily, you may ensure that they remain in excellent physical condition. Keep in mind that these small dogs aren’t able to withstand the cold very well, so if you live in a climate with cold winters, this may not be the best breed for you.
An interesting fact about these adorable little furballs is that their hair is unusually silky, which has led many dog lovers to use this breed as a fashion accessory!
#13. Chow Chow
This one-of-a-kind and uncommon breed is renowned for being extremely loyal to their owner, generally quiet, and not having high requirements for their daily amount of exercise. On the other hand, they are only recommended for first-time dog owners in some cases.
They have a lot of intelligence but can also be stubborn and possessive, and they do not always get along well with other dogs or new people. Training and socialization may be areas in which they require further assistance from you.
If you are seeking a dog who thrives on human companionship and adoration, you probably will need help finding what you’re looking for in this breed. The Chow Chow has a reputation for being distant and independent, even though it frequently displays unwavering loyalty to its people.
Chow Chows are a breed that needs a lot of care to keep their coat in good shape and free from tangles, which is another trait of this breed.
#14. Pekingese
Regarding dog sizes, the Pekingese falls in the small range. The Pekingese is well-known for its friendly and loyal nature, as well as its intelligence and relatively moderate activity level. They are another breed that tends to be stubborn. Therefore a great deal of training centered on rewards can be necessary to keep them on your side.
With a life expectancy of 15 years or longer, these lap dogs can be great companions as long as you are up to their demands for attention. As with many small breeds, however, they can suffer from hip dysplasia and may also struggle with dental issues if not provided with regular professional cleanings.
Their coats need a lot of maintenance, but the good news is that this breed doesn’t require much exercise. If you’re looking for an indoor pup who wants nothing more than to lounge around with you all day, this might be the perfect match!
#15. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is recognized for its low-key demeanor, amiable nature, friendly demeanor toward youngsters, and low-key requirements for physical activity.
They do, however, have a strong desire to hunt prey. Thus extreme caution is required when they are near smaller animals or pets. As a breed, they thrive with human company and suffer from separation anxiety if abandoned for too long.
They can also be prone to large-breed health disorders such as torsion of the stomach (bloat) and arthritic pain, and you need to consider the added cost of feeding such a vast breed as well. Large breed dogs can be expensive to feed.
Conclusion
Low-energy dog breeds can be a great choice if you have a small home or live in an apartment. They are more likely to be content being left alone at home while you’re out of the house.
Low-energy dog breeds generally require less exercise and activity than other dog breeds, which is convenient for those who don’t have as much time to spend with their dog during the day. They are typically calmer than other breeds and may not exhibit typical hyper behaviors such as jumping up on people or playing too enthusiastically with children or other dogs they meet on walks.
If you had doubts about owning a low-energy dog breed, I hope this post helped clarify some questions you might have. These breeds make excellent companions for owners living in apartments, condos, or smaller homes where limited space and high-energy dog breeds wouldn’t work.
Related topic: The top 12 belgian dog breeds
*photo by t.tomsickova – depositphotos