Did you know the average dog sleeps between 12 to 14 hours a day, but some breeds snooze up to 20? Not all dogs are tail-wagging tornadoes, some would rather watch you jog from the sofa! If you don’t have enough time to give your furry buddy, then you should be looking for lazy dog breeds.
While Border Collies are chasing sheep, these dogs are chasing dreams, literally in their sleep. If this sounds like your spirit animal, keep reading!
7 Laziest Dog Breeds
Ever heard of a dog breed that refuses to fetch? Yes, they exist, and they are adorable. If energy were a currency, these breeds would be bankrupt, but cuddly millionaires in affection. Let’s explore the laziest pups around.
1. Pug
Pugs are known to be one of the laziest dog breeds. Moreover, they are affectionate, loving, and calm, making them great for families, especially with children. They also get along with other pets.
While pugs are not known for aggressive behavior or excessive barking, they try to mouth things when they are puppies. This is because they are naturally curious and also to comfort their teething problems. It is better to provide them with chewable treats and sticks to relieve the discomfort.
As Pugs grow older, their energy levels reduce. Senior pugs are often found eating or lying on the comfiest spot on the sofa! Moreover, when it comes to grooming needs, a pug needs to be brushed at least 3 times a week.
Pugs can easily gain weight due to their obsession with eating and lying around. It is recommended that they receive at least 40 minutes of regular exercise. However, excessive exercise may also lead to joint issues. Balance is the key!
Another important factor is their diet. As pugs are lazy, being cautious with diet is vital. High calorie intake is linked with health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia. The right diet can help prevent these diseases.
2. Chow Chow
Chow Chow, one of the fluffiest dog breeds that loves to snooze! It is not a dog that greets you when you come home and is eager to go out with you. Instead, it wants you to cuddle with it on the couch!
Chow Chow is close to its family members but doesn’t get along with strangers. Hence, early socialization training is crucial. Try introducing your furry dog to as many people as possible.
This dog can overheat quickly due to its thick coat. Therefore, it is recommended to take breaks between daily exercise. Moreover, its coat needs regular brushing. Be prepared to devote a good amount of time weekly to bathe and groom this big furry ball!
According to CIDD, Chow Chows can develop genetic disorders. So, before getting one, make sure to get its parents tested for hip, thyroid, and eye problems. Moreover, don’t forget to get your puppy tested by a vet within 2 weeks of coming home.
3. Pekingese
Pekingese is a little dog bred for loyal companionship and not laborious tasks. Hence, they have minimal exercise needs. However, they can have breathing problems during physical activity. It is important to take breaks during regular walks or exercise.
Though they are known to be low-energy dog breeds, they can be vigilant and alert. Therefore, they tend to be great guard dogs too.
Pekingese are loyal and affectionate towards their family members. They get along with people of all ages. However, they can have a stubborn temperament sometimes.
Overall, they make great pets for people with busy schedules who cannot high high-energy dogs. You will find this dog mostly lying on the sofa and taking a nap.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for low energy levels and laziness. However, every Spaniel has a unique personality. Some can be very quiet and lazy, while others can be energetic.
However, all of them are attention-seekers and want affection from their owners. Other than that, they don’t have any barking or behavioral issues. The Kennel Club notes that they also get along with other pets.
It is one of the small breeds that require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. Daily walks and occasional play sessions are enough to stay healthy and avoid health problems.
Moreover, this breed is intelligent but sensitive. It is easy to train, but requires gentle training. Positive reinforcement is a good method to train it without hurting its feelings!
5. Newfoundland
These large dogs are known to be couch potatoes and gentle giants. This breed is very intelligent and highly trainable, especially if positive reinforcement is used.
Though they are not hyperactive breeds, they are not at all low maintenance. Their thick coat needs regular grooming. Moreover, their daily food intake can be expensive. They also require moderate but consistent exercise.
It is important to start training this giant dog as soon as it comes home. It requires early leash training because it can weigh more than 100 pounds once a fully frown adult.
Like all large dog breeds, the Newfoundland is prone to developing several health issues. Common problems include hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease, and elbow dysplasia. Be sure to go for a reputable breeder who can give health clearances.
6. Basset Hound
Meet another couch potato: the Basset Hound with droopy ears! Though they are descendants of Bloodhounds, they have short legs and are bred for hunting rabbits.
Basset Hounds are popular dog breeds as they are calm, friendly, and shed moderately. However, they may develop health problems like skin, ear, and joint issues. If you take care of them with regular vet visits, they can live longer, happier lives.
Being a lazy dog breed, it still requires regular exercise to stay healthy and active. The Basset Hound Club of America (BHCA) suggests at least one walk daily.
Even though this dog breed is calm, you will have to deal with loud barking and regular shedding. Hence, early training is important to avoid excessive barking, and regular grooming is essential for its thick coat.
7. French Bulldog
It is a smaller and lazier version of the English Bulldog. It is a popular low-energy dog breed among households due to its cuddly nature. It requires attention and love from its owner to be perfectly content.
Contrary to the common belief, French bulldogs may be lazy, yet they require exercise. It is difficult to resist cuddling with them, but lying with them all day will cause health problems, as per PetMD.
Bulldogs sleep a lot. If allowed, they may sleep for 20 hours straight! Moreover, as they grow older, they get lazier. However, they need adequate exercise to manage their weight.
But they can be stubborn when it comes to exercise time. It is very moody. If it is hyperactive, it will run and whizz around, but will refuse to move an inch if you want it to.
Conclusion
In a world full of stress and hustle, sometimes the best companion is one that knows how to pause. These 7 lazy breeds may not hike mountains, but they climb hearts with ease. Ready to get a dog who won’t drag you on a 5-mile run and would rather cuddle with you? These lazy breeds might just match your lifestyle perfectly.
