Updated on April 16, 2023
It’s nice to think about going for a run in the park, but you know what sounds even better? Relaxing and taking it easy. Some of our canine companions were born to run for miles and miles, while others were bred for nothing more than a good nap.
While regular exercise is important for all dogs, some breeds may not require or even enjoy as strenuous a workout.
If you’re too busy for a really active lifestyle, or if you simply prefer a more sedentary way of life, then you’ll be happy to know that we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of canines who aren’t interested in doing much of anything.
Top 15 laziest dog breeds
If you’re looking for the perfect couch potato companion, go no further than this list of the most sedentary canine breeds.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, despite its small stature and solid build, possesses great strength. However, the breed would much rather sleep the day away than put that strength to use. This breed’s stocky build may betray the fact that they don’t get much physical activity.
Unfortunately, English Bulldogs were originally developed for fighting. Nevertheless, they’ve come a long way since then. No longer do they display any of their ancient warrior traits; instead, they are peaceful, kind, and, most all, sluggish.
This is not the breed for you if you’re hoping for a couch potato that enjoys games of fetch.
Breed stats
- Height: 30-45cm
- Weight: 18-25kg
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Loving, brave, gentle
Just remember, every breed’s temperament on this list would also say ‘lazy’!
Great Dane
Great Danes, historically bred to hunt down wild boar and given the humorous moniker “Apollo of dogs,” are now mostly used for companionship and sport.
They are laid-back and enjoy taking it easy, but picture them if they weren’t! There would be a huge, clumsy beast running and dashing about your house, knocking down everything in its path. Yet, you should be ready for their powerful tail to knock down your lights and picture frames. But, it’s all a complete fluke since they consistently misjudge their own stature.
Despite their formidable look, Danes are known for their warmth and compassion. They’re the quintessential example of a sleepy lapdog, only they’re too big. Spending a lot of time in close quarters with this massive dog would likely leave you with tingling legs.
Breed stats
- Height: 70-90cm
- Weight: 50-90kg
- Life span: 7-10 years
- Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, easy-going
French Bulldog
These floppy-eared Bulldogs have a joyful, goofy demeanour. French Bulldogs are uncomplicated canines that like eating, playing, sleeping, and snuggling. Despite their little stature, they pack a lot of character.
They take pleasure in making their owners laugh with their antics, but they have little interest in strenuous activities like climbing mountains or running laps at the dog park.
They have a brachycephalic (flat-faced) facial structure, thus their slothfulness shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. They won’t leave your side as long as you’re hanging out with them since they’re content. French bulldogs, or Frenchies, are known for their extreme attachment.
Breed stats
- Height: 22-35cm
- Weight: 9-20kg
- Life span: 10-13 years
- Temperament: Loving, clingy, fun
Greyhound
The Greyhound’s inclusion here may come as a surprise, given the widespread belief that the breed is not frequently used for anything other than dog racing. Yet, they just need a quick sprint once a day to get their lengthy legs moving, and then they’re ready for bed.
In general, this is a characteristic of sighthounds, which are dogs bred for hunting and named for their exceptional sense of sight and speed. To get some shut-eye, a greyhound just needs some space and quiet, as long as their person is nearby. A Greyhound will be your faithful companion for life.
Breed stats
- Height: 65-78cm
- Weight: 25-40kg
- Life span: 10-14 years
- Temperament: Affectionate, quiet, gentle
Pug
The Pug is a wonderful companion animal thanks to its deep wrinkles, expressive eyes, and voluminous personality. They’re adorable and hilarious, with a personality that will have you laughing all day long. Yet, when it comes to going on walks, they can become rather stubborn, preferring to stay indoors where it’s warm.
A bunch of Pugs is called a Grumble, and you can bet that they’ll be grumbling about going for a stroll in the park. You’ll have your hands full trying to overcome their resistance, but remember that they’ll quickly gain weight if you don’t take them for regular walks.
Taking your round-faced pal for a quick stroll and then letting him or her sleep for the rest of the day will do the trick.
Breed stats
- Height: 25-35cm
- Weight: 6-8kg
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Cheerful, loving, charming
Saint Bernard
It’s no wonder that the Saint Bernard spends its days moping around the home and collapsing for a good old fashioned slumber, what with all that lovely fur keeping it warm.
They were formerly fearless rescuers who rescued people from the Western Mountains’ freezing weather, but now days they’re more likely to be seen sleeping and cuddling with their human. The Saint Bernard is the quintessential example of the couch potato stereotype.
A stranger might be frightened by the Saint’s massive size, but they soon warm up to their friendly, outgoing personality. You can probably build a warm blanket out of the fur that will be shed, so prepare yourself.
Breed stats
- Height: 70-95cm
- Weight: 60-90kg
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Loving, patient, gentle
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound’s look, with its droopy eyes, wrinkled nose, and long ears that reach over the floor, is the very picture of sloth. This is not a breed that enjoys going for walks; they would much prefer be napping.
But, be aware that they are a scenthound breed with an exceptional sense of smell, so when you do, they will likely have their nose pressed to the ground sniffing.
They have a voracious appetite but little interest in physical activity, so you’ll need to make an effort to keep them in motion. Keep your food completely out of reach because they can smell it from a long distance, and resist the urge to give in to their sad, pleading gaze. Basset hounds are known for their persistent food-related howling…
Breed stats
- Height: 28-38cm
- Weight: 20-30kg
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Temperament: Devoted, loving, stubborn
Newfoundland
It’s not the slobber and dirt that your Newfoundland will track in from a long walk that will require considerable upkeep, but rather the rest of the house.
The massive fur balls have a habit of picking up random objects and dumping them all over the place. Yet, if you have the space for this gentle giant, a Newfoundland would make a wonderful addition to your family!
The breed has a way of winning over people’s hearts since they are placid, kind, and tolerant. They’re big fans of lounging on the couch, which means you might have to squeeze onto the edge of the sofa to make room for your Newfoundland.
Breed stats
- Height: 60-85cm
- Weight: 50-75kg
- Life span: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Loving, brave, gentle
Pekingese
The Pekingese, sometimes known as a “Peke,” is a charming tiny lapdog that was formerly the preferred pet of China’s nobility.
The modern member of the breed still takes great pleasure in the role of lapdog, but they are more likely to be found on the couch than the throne. This lovable little thing is so desperate for attention that they will leave their sofa kingdom to come sit on your knee.
They require little in the way of physical activity because they are toy dogs, but their enormous puffball coat does want frequent grooming, so make sure your comb and brush are close at hand.
Breed stats
- Height: 15-23cm
- Weight: 3.2-6.4kg
- Life span: 12-15 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, stubborn, affectionate
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, remarkably calm for a working dog, was originally developed to accomplish a wide variety of jobs. Because to their strength and durability, they were historically widely used to draw carts.
These days, they’d rather just relax in close proximity to their owner, whether it be on their lap or the floor.
Although “lazy” might not be the best word to describe a Berner, as they are always game for a game or stroll whenever you want, they are quite content to lounge around all day long so long as they are showered with love and attention. The best way to characterise this breed at home is as calm and relaxed.
Breed stats
- Height: 58-70cm
- Weight: 38-50kg
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
- Temperament: Devoted, intelligent, loving
Bullmastiff
In spite of its reputation as a guard dog, this massive breed is actually rather mellow and enjoys a good nap.
The Bullmastiff’s height and appearance could make some people wary, yet this enormous gentle giant has a kind heart at heart. They called the’silent watchdog’ because they are so laid-back and uninterested in jumping on furniture or making a lot of noise.
Your Bullmastiff probably wouldn’t attract much attention inside the house if it weren’t for its massive size and constant drooling. Upon waking, they will gladly accompany you on a slow morning stroll before settling into a comfortable position on your lap for a lengthy siesta.
Breed stats
- Height: 60-70cm
- Weight: 45-60kg
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Temperament: Courageous, quiet, devoted
Chow Chow
A Chow Chow might be the ideal dog for you if you want a fiercely devoted friend. They don’t make fast friends with outsiders, but this breed develops an unbreakable tie with its human family, whom it serves with devotion and a fierce sense of duty.
Independent, aloof, and a huge fan of napping all day, chows are sometimes characterised as appearing like a cross between a lion and a bear.
Dignified, one-of-a-kind, and royal when they stroll around the home, they lose all of that when they hit the hay. Chow chows are known to snore loudly and slobber profusely while they sleep.
Breed stats
- Height: 45-60cm
- Weight: 20-40kg
- Lifespan: 11-15 years
- Temperament: Quiet, loyal, independent
Shih Tzu
In contrast to the vast majority of canine breeds, the Shih Tzu was developed specifically to be a lap dog for its human companions.
Shih Tzus are a breed with a long history in China, and the name of the breed translates to “small lion” in Chinese, which is both endearing and indicative of the dog’s origins. However, this dog’s only lion-like trait is its look; in terms of temperament and activity, it’s a far cry from its namesake. They would much rather spend the day lounging about.
Because they are social creatures, Shih Tzus like becoming their owners’ own hot water bottles. While they don’t require much physical activity, they do require regular maintenance on their long hair. You may even want to give their sweeping strands a small top knot.
Breed stats
- Height: 20-28cm
- Weight: 4-7.2kg
- Life span: 10-16 years
- Temperament: Cheerful, loving, stubborn
Japanese Chin
Many people make the comparison between cats and Japanese Chins since both are small, calm, and quiet dogs who enjoy lounging about on the couch. When you get home, your Japanese Chin may also be striking a pose on the counter tops or perched on a bookcase.
Being so light and nimble, they are masters at leaping to great heights, much like a cat.
Your Japanese Chin will spend the most of their time cuddled up on your lap or on their bed when they aren’t strutting around on the surfaces. They like being around their loved ones very much.
Breed stats
- Height: 20-27cm
- Weight: 2-7kg
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, quiet, loving
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
They might not be the most slothful of the bunch, but they’re prepared to give it a shot. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are fairly easygoing, and they will happily follow their owner’s lead.
Your Cavalier King Charles would be delighted to accompany you on a long stroll, but he won’t object if you’d rather stay home and relax all day.
A Cavalier will always be ready to shower you with love and affection, greeting you with a lick and a wagging tail whenever you come home. A multi-best mutt’s friend.
Breed stats
- Height: 30-33cm
- Weight: 5.5-8.2kg
- Lifespan: 10-14 years
- Temperament: Loving, cheerful, gentle
Recap
There is a breed of lazy dog for everyone, whether they desire a little lapdog or a large hound who still believes they’re a lapdog.
A dog that is a chronic snoozer may be resistant to going on walks. Your canine couch potato has to be exercised frequently despite their complaints.
