Not all dogs are bouncing balls of energy. Some are perfectly happy living the slow life — lounging by your feet, taking long naps, and maybe giving you a gentle tail wag now and then. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, you’ll love relaxed dog breeds.
These chill companions are ideal for people with laid-back lifestyles, seniors, apartment dwellers, or anyone who prefers snuggles over sprints. They’re not lazy — they’re just low-key and content with the simple joys in life: a soft bed, a warm lap, and your company.
Here, we’ll introduce you to the most relaxed dog breeds with a gentle temperament out there — dogs that won’t demand five-mile hikes but will happily join you for a cozy evening on the couch. From gentle giants to smaller sofa buddies, these breeds are mellow by nature and full of love.
So if you’re looking for a furry friend that’s more about calm companionship than constant activity, you’re in the right place. Let’s meet the 7 companion dogs that have truly mastered the art of chilling.
Highly Relaxed Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Let’s start with the friendliest dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. With a name this long and regal, you know they’re not about that high-energy life. Cavaliers were bred to lounge on laps in royal courts—and honestly, they’ve never let that legacy go.
Why they’re the MVPs of mellow
These adorable floofballs are happiest when they’re curled up beside you, watching Netflix, judging your snack choices with their big soulful eyes.
They’re affectionate but not needy, quiet but not boring, and low-energy without being lazy (okay, maybe just a tiny bit lazy).
Walks? Yes, but make them leisurely. Exercise? Sure, as long as it ends with belly rubs and a nap.
With their expressive, soulful eyes and silky, flowing coats, they easily capture the hearts of dog lovers. Cavaliers are incredibly friendly and thrive on companionship, making them ideal for first-time owners, singles, and seniors alike.
Cavalier fun fact: Their favorite cardio is following you from the couch to the fridge and back again.
2. Greyhound
Now, hear us out. Greyhounds? Relaxed? Aren’t they the Ferraris of the dog world? Yes—and that’s exactly why they prefer to conserve their energy. After a few years of speed-demon racing, most retired Greyhounds become the most majestic couch ornaments you’ll ever meet.
As per WebMD, the AKC rates them 4 out of 5 for their affection toward loved ones and gives them a 3 out of 5 rating for playfulness.
What makes them so chill
Greyhounds are like elite athletes in retirement—they’ve done the sprints, now they’re here for snacks and soft pillows.
They adore short bursts of activity followed by hours (and we mean hours) of uninterrupted rest.
Despite their long legs and runway-model appearance, they’re incredibly low-maintenance and adapt beautifully to apartment living.
Despite their reputation as racing dogs, Greyhounds are typically quite relaxed and affectionate indoors, often enjoying lounging on soft surfaces after a good run. They are known for being friendly, loving, and generally good with children and other pets, especially if socialized early.
Greyhound fun fact: These racing dogs can go from 0 to 45 mph in 6 seconds, but they prefer minimal exercise, going from 0 to “bed” in 0.2.
3. Whippet
Whippets might have been bred for speed, but don’t be fooled—they’ve traded in their high-speed racing days for a career in soothing the soul with their laid-back attitude.
Imagine pups who can sprint at lightning speeds… but would much rather relax on the couch and watch Netflix with you. Sounds like a dream, right? Enter the Whippet.
Why They’re the Perfect Chill Pups
Whippets can run faster than you can blink, but after the race, they’re all about finding the comfiest spot in the house to take a well-deserved nap. No rush—just pure relaxation.
Whippets are like the introverts of the dog world. They’re calm, cool, and collected, without the need for constant excitement. Just a few quiet walks and some cuddle time, and they’re set.
They don’t demand a lot of attention, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone who doesn’t want a dog that constantly needs a workout buddy.
Whippet is generally considered a healthy and hardy breed. Whippets are known for their slim, athletic build and graceful speed, but they also have an incredibly gentle and calm temperament, especially indoors.
Whippet Fun Fact: While they may look sleek and athletic, Whippets are pretty much couch potatoes who just so happen to be able to break the sound barrier if needed.
4. Pekingese
When it comes to relaxation, the Pekingese takes the crown. They’re the regal lap dogs of the canine kingdom and are perfectly happy taking a leisurely snooze while you attend to the demands of the world.
With their fluffy manes and dignified expressions, Pekingese are like little furry emperors—and they expect nothing less than royal treatment, even around other pets.
Why They’re the Experts in Doing Nothing
The Pekingese isn’t interested in being a wild adventurer; instead, they prefer to rest and reign from the comfort of your lap, with a few gentle sighs of contentment. (If they could, they’d probably request a pillow fort just for themselves.)
These little guys are perfectly happy with short strolls around the block, but their idea of real fun? A luxe nap in the sun or curled up next to you, dreaming of snacks.
Unlike other breeds that need lots of runs or games, the Pekingese is a “slow and steady wins the race” kind of dog—unless it’s a race to the food bowl, of course.
PetMD notes that Pekingese are generally confident and opinionated, but a happy Pekingese tends to be quite laid-back at home.
Pekingese Fun Fact: Their luxurious coats might look like they require constant grooming, but the truth is, they’re too busy being adorable to care about upkeep. (Though you might want to brush them once in a while…for the sake of their “royal” dignity.)
5. Irish Wolfhound
Let’s kick things off with the majestic Irish Wolfhound. They might tower over other dogs, but don’t let their size fool you—these giants are as relaxed as they come.
Sure, they were originally bred for hunting wolves (talk about a high-energy past), but these days, they’ve switched gears to “I’ll just nap here, thanks,” making them great companions for children.
Why They’re the Kings of Calm
Despite their massive size, Irish Wolfhounds are known for being gentle giants. They’d much rather snuggle on the couch than go for a wild run. They’re the epitome of the “big dog, big heart, big nap” philosophy.
These dogs love their humans, and once they’ve had their daily walk (which doesn’t need to be long—these are not marathon runners), they’re content to just chill with you. The bigger they are, the more space they take up on your couch!
Their gentle demeanor makes them good family dogs for those looking for a chill, low-key dog that’ll just hang out.
Fun Fact: Despite being capable of chasing down large prey, Irish Wolfhounds would rather follow you around the house like a giant shadow. Expect a lot of “accidental” tripping over this giant’s tail.
6. Basset Hound
If you’re searching for a medium-sized, calm dog that looks like it’s already been on one too many adventures, the Basset Hound is your perfect match.
With their droopy eyes, long ears, and the uncanny ability to look perpetually disappointed, this gentle dog breed is are true pro at taking it easy. They may have been bred for tracking, but these dogs know that the best thing in life is a comfortable spot to stretch out.
Why They’re the Definition of “Slow and Steady”
Basset Hounds are incredibly laid-back and take a “slow and steady” approach to everything—except for their ears, which are perpetually in motion (they’re usually too busy flopping to the side).
Bassets are all about the snooze. After a leisurely walk (which they will happily take their time with), they’ll be back to lounging on their favorite bed or couch, eyes half-closed, living their best life.
Basset Hounds may have once been bred to work, but now they’ve fully embraced the art of chilling. They’re one of those dogs who would look at a tennis ball, then sigh and lie down.
Basset Hound Fun Fact: Bassets are expert “sniffers,” but instead of using their talents for a wild chase, they’re more likely to use their nose to sniff out the nearest sunny spot on the floor to nap in.
7. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is the true embodiment of gentle relaxation. These big, calm dogs were originally bred to rescue travelers in the Swiss Alps (talk about heroic), but now they’ve traded snowstorms for soft blankets and warm beds.
If you need a loyal dog who will love you with the strength of a thousand cuddles and help you form strong bonds, Saint Bernards are here for you.
Why They’re the Ultimate Nap Buddies
Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds out there, but they’re as sweet as a teddy bear. Despite their size, they’ve a gentle temperament and are laid-back, with no need to rush anywhere. They’ve got plenty of room in their hearts—and on their bed—for a nap.
After a casual walk (maybe just around the block), Saint Bernards are experts at winding down. They’ll gladly join you on the couch for some quality chill time. You can’t beat the feeling of having this gentle giant curl up next to you.
While they may have a history of life-saving missions, now their life’s purpose seems to be lounging around, being affectionate, and giving slobbery kisses.
According to Britannica, although the Saint Bernard is not overly active, it still requires about an hour of interactive play or walking each day.
Saint Bernard Fun Fact: Known for their “rescue” work in the Alps, Saint Bernards now prefer rescuing you from stress with a comforting snuggle and maybe a slobbery face wash. The bigger the dog, the bigger the heart.
Conclusion
When looking for a highly relaxed dog breed, it’s important to consider those with a naturally calm temperament and the ability to adapt well to various home environments. Breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever are known for their easy-going nature, making them excellent family pets. These dogs often have a sweet temperament, making them not only great companions for small children but also for other pets and other animals in the household.
For active pet parents, these breeds offer the perfect balance—they are extremely intelligent and capable of mental stimulation activities, yet they remain patient and laid-back when it’s time to relax. Breeds such as Great Danes and the Clumber Spaniel are also famous for their calm demeanor and ability to remain relaxed, even in busy environments.
Many of these breeds, including therapy dogs, are specifically known for their ability to remain composed in various situations. Their easy-to-train nature and willingness to follow commands only enhance their suitability as family pets. Early socialization is key to fostering good behavior and ensuring these dogs remain well-adjusted and ready to adapt to new environments or people.
