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20 Lazy Dog Breeds You’ll Love
If you’re anything like us, the only Olympics you’ll be qualifying for are ones where binge watching Netflix is a medal event. Well, congrats, because this article is tailor made for you- we’re counting down the 20 laziest dog breeds. Running? Jumping? Just… moving? Not for these pups.
Writer Jannah Berkley
11 min read
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So you love dogs. But you’re also more into cuddles and movie nights than running marathons and taking long hikes. Guess what? There are a ton of low energy dogs who love to chill and hang out at home. Of course, like all dogs, they still need to go out sometimes, do their doggy business, enjoy new smells and watch a squirrel or two. But some breeds require a lot less exercise than others and can really suit a lower activity lifestyle.
These dog breeds are not just a good choice for people who don’t love the outdoors. They’re also great for families with young children and older folks. And if you’re allowed to bring pets to your workplace, these breeds are happy to cozy up in a dog bed by your desk. From teacup to massive fluffers, lazy dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Find the easygoing breed that’s just right for you!
These droopy darlings don’t have a ton of sprint after a bunny energy. They do have soft bunny ears and love when you pet them. They’re family friendly and love a midday nap (or two, or three). But they do have some unique characteristics compared to other breeds. Instead of barking, they howl when they’re lonely. And they drool as much as they droop.
Size: 11”-15” tall and weigh between 45-65 lbs
Energy level: 2/5
Exercise needs: 2/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Chow Chow
This dog gets a ton of attention when they’re out and about because of their unbelievably fluffy coats. And yet, they’re pretty aloof. Chow Chows may come off a bit snobby, but they’re sweethearts under all that floof. They’re extremely loyal to their owners and take a while to warm up to strangers. They don’t need a lot of exercise, but it’s good to bring them to places where they’ll encounter new people or dogs to help keep them social.
Size: 17”-20” tall and weigh between 45-70 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
At first glance you may not realize, but these dogs are gentle giants. Bernese Mountain Dogs are patient and affectionate with adults and children. They’re naturally strong since they were originally bred to work as farm dogs. Yet they only require moderate exercise and will choose a couch cuddle over heavy lifting any day.
Size: 23”-28” tall and weigh between 70-115 lbs
Energy Level: 4/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
These gentle dogs have always been a royal favorite. King Charles Spaniels are quite docile and quiet compared to other breeds, so they’re a pleasure to have by your side no matter what you’re doing. Inside the house, they’re pretty consistent and don’t bark often at what they see outside or when there’s a knock at the door. But once they’re outside, they do love to frolic and play!
Size: 12”-13” tall and weigh between 13-18 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Brussels Griffon
With their long beard, a Brussels Griffon can look like a little old man. And in many ways, that can be their personality too! They’re an intelligent, sensitive, and loyal breed. They’re happy to lounge and nap around the house, as long as you keep them company.
Size: 7”-10” tall and weigh between 8-10 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Chihuahuas are one of the most popular pets around the world for a reason. They love keeping their owners company, whether that’s being held, sitting on their lap or being carried around in a tote bag. They don’t require long walks, but they do love to play inside. At home, you’ll hear that tiny pitter patter of paws as they follow you around the house. Even though they’re small, they are watch dogs through and through and they always want to make sure you’re safe!
Size: 4”-9” tall and weigh between 2-6 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 2/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Chinese Crested dogs are gentle creatures. They’re a great breed for small children or elderly people. They do have a sort of wacky look, but their demeanor is kind and sweet. They’re satisfied with a simple walk and they don’t crave a ton of outdoor exploration, as long as they have you by their side when they’re inside!
Size: 11”-13” tall and weigh between 5-12 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are big, heavy, and mellow dogs. At home, they’re happy to rest and laze about. But they’re birddogs by trade and are extremely attuned to smells. So once they’re on the hunt, they’ll do anything to complete their mission. Their eyes are often on the skies, but they also enjoy getting wet and going for a swim!
Size: 17”-20” tall and weigh between 55-85 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
This flat-nosed breed is playful, but quickly needs rest to make sure they can catch their breath. English Bulldogs love people and love making new friends. Their waddle-like run tends to attract attention whenever they walk or run, so making new friends is easy. They love to cuddle and nap near you, but be warned: their flat faces do lead to some heavy snoring!
Size: 15”-19” tall and weigh between 50-60 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Frenchies love a lap (and they’ll warm it up with their fresh bread loaf bodies). They’ll also grunt and snore by your feet longingly until you pick them up for pets. Frenchies love to be close to their owners and families. They’re super social, but don’t need that much outdoor movement. They only need short walks during the day to take care of business.
Size: 11”-13” tall and weigh between 16-28 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 2/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Havanese
This is a silly breed. Havanese dogs love to clown around and entertain their owners. They’re cheerful and social in all kinds of environments. This is why so many people choose them as city pets. They’re jokesters, but they’re also watchdogs. They don’t bark often, but when they do it’s because they’re defending their territory.
Size: 8.5”-11.5” tall and weigh between 7-13 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Identity crisis much? These large dogs often think they’re lap dogs, even though they’re bigger than many of their owners’ entire bodies! Great Danes do love activity and need more than other dogs on this list. But once they get it, they’ll cuddle up on the couch for the rest of the day. If you want to get on there too, though, you might need a bigger couch…
Size: 28”-32” tall and weigh between 110-175 lbs
Energy Level: 5/5
Exercise Needs: 5/5
Required activity: More than 2 hours a day
This breed is notoriously fast and known to sprint like the wind. But when they’re not sprinting, they’re happily recovering on a couch or curled up by the window. Italian Greyhounds are elegant and sweet family dogs. If they get that burst of energy each day, they’re happy to enjoy lots of home time.
Size: 6-15” tall and weigh between 6-15 lbs
Energy Level: 4/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Japanese Chin
This is a dog breed that comes with some seriously cat-like behavior. Japanese Chins often groom themselves and stay relatively quiet compared to other dogs. They’re indoorsy and love to be pet and to sit on your lap. Who wouldn’t want to stare deeply into those cute boba-looking eyes?
Size: 8”-11” tall and weigh between 7-11 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Maltese dogs are a super sweet and affectionate dog breed. They’re a first pick for many families because of their kind and playful nature. Their little legs don’t need epic walks, but they do love to jump and play. Bonus? They are light shedders, so they’re easy on the allergies as well.
Size: 8”-10” tall and weigh between 3-8 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Newfies are pretty massive but a very tranquil breed. After they’ve burned off their daily energy, they’re serious snugglers. They may be big, but they love little ones and they rarely bark. In essence, they’re big ole teddy bears who love to love. As long as you’re there for them, they’ll always be there for you.
Size: 28”-32” tall and weigh between 100-150 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Pekingese
These regal dogs look like little lions, and in some ways they share some of the same energy. Pekingese dogs can have a bit of a standoffish attitude towards strangers, but they’re extremely loyal to their owners and family. They were originally bred for Chinese royalty and they definitely live up to the legacy.
Size: 6”-9” tall and weigh up to 14 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
Pomeranians look like stuffed animals- and they act like them too! They love to be held, pet, and carried around. The main difference between them and your teddy bear? They love to talk. At home or during walks, they tend to bark and make quite a bit of noise. They also think they’re a lot bigger than they are and tend to act like guard dogs. They’re more bark than bite and they’re a lot more verbal than they are active.
Size: 4”-7” tall and weigh between 13-17 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 2/5
Required activity: Up to 30 minutes a day
This is a working breed, but Saint Bernards are surprisingly quiet and sleepy when indoors. These large dogs don’t require much indoor space. Once they’ve had their walk, they will make themselves comfortable wherever. They are sweet and slobber in equal measure. And all that fantastic fluff comes with some serious shedding!
Size: 26”-30” tall and weigh between 120-140 lbs
Energy Level: 2/5
Exercise Needs: 2/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Tibetan Spaniel
Bred for Tibetan monasteries, these dogs love their owners so much it may even feel like worship. Tibbies have eyes that beckon you to pet them, and they’ll stay with you everywhere you go. They can definitely keep up with you if you take them on an adventure, but they’re equally happy relaxing with you at home.
Size: 10” tall and weigh between 9-15 lbs
Energy Level: 3/5
Exercise Needs: 3/5
Required activity: Up to 1 hour a day
Lazy dog breeds are a lot less daily work, but they still need your special care and attention when it comes to their overall health. Animalia Pet Insurance’s dog insurance can help cover a range of unexpected medical expenses. Without surprise medical bills, you can keep your cool as much as your sweet doggo does.
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