If you believe that life’s better in pajamas and weekends were made for naps, then you’ll love this next group of dogs. Some active dogs are born with boundless energy and a need to run—but not these lovable loafers.
Sleepy dog breeds are known for their naturally calm nature, laid-back lifestyle, and unmatched ability to curl up and do nothing for hours. And we’re not complaining!
Whether they’re snuggled into a blanket or sprawled across your lap like a furry heating pad, these nap-loving pups are perfect for relaxed households, apartment living, or anyone who’d prefer cuddles over chaos.
These fairly lazy breeds are experts in the art of snoozing. We’ll count down the sleepiest dog breeds that are content to share your bed, your sofa, and most of your day, doing nothing but relaxing. If your spirit animal has floppy ears and snores softly, keep reading.
Sleepy Dog Breeds
1. Basset Hound
Vibe: Low to the ground, high on naps
The Basset Hound has one job—and it’s napping. They are sturdy dogs with short legs, standing no taller than 15 inches and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds. Their low-to-the-ground stature is reflected in their name, as “basset” is French for “short” or “low-set.”
With their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and legs that barely clear the floor, these low-energy dog breeds are biologically designed for life in slow motion. Most Bassets clock in 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day, but some ambitious snoozers can push it to 18 hours, especially puppies and seniors.
Though Basset Hounds are calm and often content to sleep in their dog bed all day, pet parents need to ensure they get enough exercise to prevent obesity and other health issues.
As friendly dogs, some Basset Hounds may struggle with being left alone for extended periods and can develop separation anxiety.
Basset Hounds have a short, smooth coat, but they still require grooming. Daily brushing is necessary to reduce shedding, although professional grooming is not required.
These low-energy dogs don’t move fast unless they smell snacks, and even then, it’s more of a determined shuffle than a sprint. Their low-energy lifestyle makes them perfect for calm households—just don’t expect them to play fetch for more than 45 seconds.
Snooze Points
✔️ Expert-level napper
✔️ Immune to loud noises (yes, even vacuums)
✔️ Will sleep through thunderstorms, doorbells, and probably your entire Netflix binge
2. Bulldog
Vibe: Built like a tank, snoozes like a baby
Bulldogs may look like tiny sumo wrestlers, but they’re some of the most lovable lounge lizards you’ll ever meet. With their stocky build and wrinkly faces, these pups are pros at flopping down and staying there. The average Bulldog sleeps 12–14 hours a day, but let’s be honest—it can feel like more.
Bulldogs aren’t lazy, they’re just a more restful breed. These low-energy dogs tend to mirror your habits, so if you’re a night owl who loves long sleep-ins? Perfect match.
PDSA says Bulldogs need up to an hour of exercise daily. However, it’s important to avoid exercising them during the hottest part of the day, as they are prone to overheating due to their short snouts.
Snooze Points
✔️ Loyal nap buddy with synchronized sleep skills
✔️ Quiet (aside from the heroic snoring)
✔️ Requires short walks and long snuggles
✔️ A+ couch warmer
Warning: If you hear snoring and no one’s in the bed, it’s probably the Bulldog. Or at least, it sounds like it.
3. Greyhound
Vibe: Retired athlete turned professional sleeper
Yes, the Greyhound—poster pup of racing and speed—is secretly a nap-addicted marshmallow. This highly energetic breed can run like the wind… but only for about a minute. After that? It’s nap time. Greyhounds sleep a whopping 16 to 18 hours a day, breaking it up only for a quick walk, meal, or curious sniff outside.
Why so sleepy? They’re built for bursts of energy, not endurance. Plus, with minimal body fat, they need their rest to stay warm and energized, especially in winter, when they go full hibernation mode.
Despite their large size, many Greyhounds do well with children, showing extreme affection for their families and often preferring not to be left alone.
Although Greyhounds are a naturally athletic breed, they can also be quite content as couch potatoes for much of the day and adapt well to apartment living. They enjoy running and sprinting but require only a moderate amount of daily exercise—about an hour, including a 30-minute walk—to stay motivated and fit.
Snooze Points
✔️ Olympic-level napper
✔️ Favorite sleep pose? “Roaching”—lying flat on their back with all four legs in the air
✔️ Quiet, clean, and very low-key indoors
✔️ Ideal for apartment living, despite the tall frame
Due to their high prey drive, they may not be suitable for households with other pets, including cats. Greyhounds are generally not aggressive and tend to be friendly with strangers, but they are sensitive and require patience and understanding.
They may look fancy, but their favorite pastime is acting like a furry sloth.
4. Mastiff
Vibe: Big dog, even bigger nap goals
Let’s be real—Mastiffs are gentle giants with a PhD in napping. These oversized cuddle monsters can sleep up to 16 hours a day, and if they’re feeling extra snuggly (or if they’re a puppy or senior), they’ll push that to a record-breaking 18 hours.
Their sleep schedule is practically a three-part Netflix series:
Episode 1: Overnight snooze (8–10 hours)
Episode 2: Late-morning nap (with snoring soundtrack)
Episode 3: Afternoon/evening couch coma
Weighing between 120 and 230 pounds, these dogs have a thick, well-muscled build. Despite their imposing appearance, their broad, wrinkled heads are adorned with kind and lovable expressions that their owners cherish. They may be massive in size, but they’re minimal in energy. Walk? Maybe. Nap after the walk? Absolutely.
These ultimate companion dogs have a gentle demeanor, making them suitable for families with children who know how to interact with dogs. However, they may be better suited to homes without very young children, as their large size could lead to accidental bumps that might harm smaller children.
Snooze Points
✔️ Sleep strategy: “Why stand when you can sit? Why sit when you can lie down?”
✔️ Calm, loving, and always down for a cuddle
✔️ Needs a large bed—or just takes over yours
Note: Don’t bother arguing about bed space. You will lose.
Like other giant-breed dogs, Mastiffs generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds, typically living between 6 and 10 years.
As per PetMD, Mastiffs have short, dense coats that shed moderately and don’t require much grooming. However, they are known to be excessive droolers, so pet parents should keep a rag handy for quick cleanups.
5. Saint Bernard
Vibe: Fluffy nap machine with a barrel full of chill
Saint Bernards are the ultimate “sleep first, play later” breed.
St. Bernards are a large breed, with males standing 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 140 and 180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing 26 to 28 inches tall and weighing 120 to 140 pounds. Like many large dogs, Saint Bernards have a relatively short lifespan, typically ranging from 8 to 10 years.
These massive furballs average 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day, but let’s face it—they look like they just woke up even when they’re fully awake. Their relaxed nature and lumbering walk make them ideal for laid-back homes, especially ones with strong furniture.
Their huge size means their muscles need more recovery time after even the gentlest activity. Playing fetch? Great. Now let’s nap for five hours.
Snooze Points
✔️ Calm disposition, sweet-tempered, and extra fluffy
✔️ Great with kids—especially those who like story time and naps
✔️ Doesn’t do zoomies, does z-z-z’s
They’re the kind of dog that makes your home feel instantly cozier—just don’t be surprised when your heating bill drops. They’re a living, snoring blanket.
Saint Bernard dogs are excellent bed dogs known for their laid-back nature and require minimal exercise. However, they still need physical activity through play to stay healthy and engaged.
6. Great Pyrenees
Vibe: Majestic guardian meets part-time cloud
The Great Pyrenees is a big, fluffy security guard who takes their job very seriously—but only in short bursts. Great Pyrenees have a calm and composed demeanor, but they are quick to act if they sense a threat.
These less naturally athletic breeds are known to sleep 16 to 18 hours a day, mainly because they like to conserve energy between patrol shifts (aka barking at squirrels and mysterious leaves).
Great Pyrenees are known for conserving their energy during the day and becoming more active at night. This can result in barking and increased nighttime activity, particularly if they live outside.
Great Pyrenees are highly perceptive dogs, capable of sensing subtle mood changes in both humans and animals.
Snooze Points
✔️ High alert… when awake
✔️ Low maintenance, high nap-tenance
✔️ Gracefully ignores your Zoom calls with a snore symphony
Bonus: Their thick coats make them ideal for cuddling—just expect a little shedding with your snuggles.
As per WebMD, the Great Pyrenees was bred to work as a guard dog, protecting and watching over flocks. As a result, they are independent thinkers. While they may not be overly enthusiastic about obedience training, early socialization and puppy training classes can help them develop into a well-adjusted and well-mannered companion.
7. Newfoundland
Vibe: Oversized teddy bear with Olympic-level lounging skills
The Newfoundland may look like a majestic, bear-like swimmer (because, well, they are), but don’t let their rescue-dog rep fool you—they love their naps just as much as their water time.
A fully grown Newfoundland dog weighs between 100 and 150 pounds, roughly equivalent to the weight of some humans. They also stand about 26 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Averaging 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day, Newfies are gentle giants who are as happy dozing on a cool tile floor as they are jumping into a lake. They’re a mellow, friendly breed, and famously low-key indoors, making them perfect for families who value chill vibes and snuggly evenings.
Snooze Points
✔️ Floofy nap monster who needs a king-sized bed
✔️ Will nap with one eye open to “protect” the house
✔️ Drools in peace, snoozes in style
Newfoundlands aren’t just sleepy—they’re heart-melting companions who nap like it’s their life’s calling.
Newfoundlands are calm dogs that don’t require excessive exercise, but they still need daily walks, occasional hikes, or swims to keep them mentally stimulated and prevent obesity. Due to their loving nature, some Newfoundlands may develop separation anxiety when left alone.
Newfoundlands shed year-round, with heavier shedding during their biannual “coat blow.” While regular care is essential to maintain a healthy coat, they don’t require extensive grooming or frequent professional appointments.
Conclusion
Not all dogs are bouncing bundles of energy—some breeds prefer to spend their days lounging in deep sleep or curled up in amusing sleep positions, content to be the couch potatoes of the canine world. It’s generally true that adult dogs sleep more than adult dogs.
Lazy dog breeds like the lighter dog Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and English Bulldog are known for their naturally calm demeanor and low energy, making them perfect companions for those who appreciate a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle. These brilliant little lap dogs and tiny little dogs are perfectly suited for indoor play and happily spend their days in a cozy corner, often snoozing through the heat of warm weather or hot weather.
Very active dog breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, and Clumber Spaniel may be strong and diligent workers by nature, but as senior dogs, they’re more likely to enjoy their recovery curled sleep than engage in high-energy activities. Many of these dogs, including French Bulldogs, Chinese Crested, and Cavalier King Charles, are also part of the brachycephalic breeds—breeds that tend to be lazy due to their short snouts, which can make it harder for them to maintain high levels of activity.
Whether you have a working dog that’s winding down after a day of alert little dog tasks or a low-energy dog breed that prefers the beauty sleep lifestyle, these breeds are wonderful companions for anyone who enjoys a slower pace of life. They’re not about the hustle and bustle—they’re about enjoying those resting times, making them perfect for owners who appreciate a calmer, more relaxing household.
