Some dogs are perpetual motion machines, but others are content being serene sidekicks. If you’re seeking a canine companion that enjoys lounging as much as you do, you’re in luck—many breeds thrive in low-key environments and don’t require constant stimulation to be happy.
These calm, low-energy dogs are ideal for apartment dwellers, older pet parents, or anyone who simply enjoys a peaceful household. While they might perk up for a short walk or a treat, their true passion lies in cuddling on the couch or curling up quietly by your feet.
Surprisingly, many large breeds fall into this category. Their mellow nature indoors may catch you off guard, especially when compared to their more hyperactive counterparts. While daily exercise remains important for physical and mental health, these breeds are masters at switching into relaxation mode once inside the home. They make for wonderful companions with minimal chaos.
Still, it’s important to remember that every dog is an individual. Calm behavior isn’t guaranteed by breed alone. With positive reinforcement and consistent routines, even the most chilled-out dogs benefit from a nurturing, stable environment where they can truly unwind.
Calm Dog Breeds That Are Surprisingly Low-Energy Indoors
1. Basset Hound
Originating in France and Belgium, the Basset Hound was developed as a slow-paced scent hound for tracking small game like rabbits. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, this hound breed is known for its short stature, long droopy ears, soulful eyes, and deliberate nature. The AKC explains that the Basset Hound stands at a maximum of 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Basset Hound is one of the calmest and most easygoing dogs. Despite their tracking prowess outdoors, they are incredibly low-energy when inside, preferring to relax for hours on a cozy dog bed or sofa. Bassets live about 12–13 years and are part of the Hound group.
Care Needs
While their indoor demeanor is low-key, these low-energy dog breeds do require regular care to stay healthy. Their long ears and skin folds must be cleaned to prevent infections, and their joints benefit from moderate daily activity like short walks.
They can be prone to obesity, so balanced feeding and regular vet checkups are essential. Grooming is fairly simple—occasional brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat tidy.
Fun Fact: The iconic Basset Hound helped inspire the Hush Puppies shoe brand and even shared the stage with Elvis Presley in a 1956 TV performance.
2. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, also known as the “Little Lion” or “Chrysanthemum Dog,” is a centuries-old breed originally gifted by Tibetan monks to Chinese royalty. This toy group companion stands about 10 inches tall and weighs between 9 to 16 pounds.
Recognized for their flowing coat and sweet, expressive face, Shih Tzus were bred to be lapdogs, and it shows in their affectionate, low-energy nature indoors.
They are especially fond of calm environments and thrive when close to their human family, often trailing behind or curling up nearby. WebMD describes Shih Tzus as friendly and fun-loving companions, making them an excellent choice for family households.
Care Needs
Despite their laid-back demeanor, Shih Tzus require consistent grooming due to their long double coat. Daily brushing helps prevent mats and tangles, and regular eye and facial care is essential to keep them comfortable.
Routine vet visits are also important, as they may be predisposed to breed-specific health concerns. Their compact size and docile temperament make them a great fit for apartment living and quiet households.
Did you know? All modern Shih Tzus can trace their lineage back to just 14 dogs—seven males and seven females—used to revive the breed in the 1930s.
3. Greyhound
The Greyhound, one of the oldest and fastest dog breeds, is a paradox of power and peace. Originally bred in Ancient Egypt for hunting and racing, this breed is built for speed yet surprisingly prefers serenity once indoors.
With a height of 27–30 inches and weighing between 60–70 pounds, Greyhounds are tall, lean, and incredibly graceful. Their sleek, short coat comes in a variety of colors and requires minimal upkeep.
Despite their athletic background, they are famously known as “45-mph couch potatoes” due to their love for lounging and their gentle, quiet nature. PetMD notes that these dogs possess sharp eyesight for spotting movement and a slender, lightweight build that enables them to sprint swiftly during a chase.
Care Needs
Greyhounds thrive on short bursts of exercise—think daily sprints or brisk walks rather than long hikes. Indoors, they are calm and content with ample rest.
Their short, smooth coat is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing. However, training can pose a challenge, as these dogs are sensitive and need time to adjust to new environments and routines. A peaceful household suits their mellow temperament best.
Did you know? Greyhounds have been immortalized in ancient literature, appeared in biblical texts, and even sailed with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas in 1493.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately called the “Berner,” is a majestic working breed hailing from the Swiss Alps. Originally used for pulling carts and herding cattle, this gentle giant is now cherished for its affectionate temperament and easygoing nature. Males typically stand 25 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh between 80 and 115 pounds, while females are slightly smaller.
Berners boast a striking tricolor coat—black with white and rust markings—and a broad, expressive face framed by floppy ears.
Though large and strong, they are among the calmest breeds when indoors, often choosing to lie quietly near their owners. Their peaceful presence makes them a wonderful fit for families, even those with young children.
Care Needs
Despite their low energy indoors, Bernese Mountain Dogs require regular grooming due to their thick, double coat. Brushing several times a week is essential to prevent matting and control shedding.
Tools like a de-shedder and a reliable vacuum cleaner are must-haves for Berner households. These dogs are known to respond positively to affection and often engage in goofy antics, earning their reputation for the lovable “Berner chuckle.”
5. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound, often referred to as the “gentle giant,” is the tallest dog breed recognized by the American Kennel Club. This noble hound has roots dating back to ancient Ireland, where it was once prized for hunting wolves and elk.
Despite its impressive stature—males can stand up to 33 inches tall and weigh up to 180 pounds—the breed is known today for its quiet demeanor and affectionate nature. Gracefully built like a Greyhound but far more imposing, the Irish Wolfhound is serene, loyal, and thrives in a calm, loving environment.
With a shaggy, wiry coat in colors like gray, black, fawn, or red, and a naturally dignified presence, this breed fits surprisingly well into low-key households that appreciate gentle giants.
Care Needs
Though they enjoy occasional gallops in open spaces, Irish Wolfhounds are generally content with relaxed indoor living. They require moderate exercise and should not be overexerted as puppies due to their rapid growth.
Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their rough coat, especially around the face and jaw. This breed’s size calls for thoughtful management, including soft bedding and joint care.
Did you know? The Irish Wolfhound was once so esteemed that it was gifted between royal families and even mentioned in ancient Roman texts.
6. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel is one of the calmest and most easygoing breeds in the spaniel family. Originating in France and later refined in England’s Clumber Park, this breed is known for its royal lineage and was favored by monarchs such as Prince Albert and King George V.
A member of the sporting group, the Clumber Spaniel is stocky and low to the ground, standing between 17 and 20 inches tall and weighing 55 to 85 pounds.
It is the heaviest of all spaniels, sporting a dense, silky coat typically white with orange or lemon markings. Its characteristic droopy eyes and broad, low-set ears give it a distinctive, endearing expression.
Care Needs
Despite their low-energy demeanor indoors, Clumber Spaniels benefit from daily outdoor play to stay mentally sharp and fit. Their thick, feathered coat requires brushing several times a week to prevent matting and debris buildup, especially around the ears and legs.
Regular baths are also essential to keep their coat in top condition. Known for their quiet and affectionate nature, they coexist well with children and other dogs, especially fellow Clumbers. Interestingly, these low-energy breeds tend to hunt without barking, showcasing their composed and focused temperament.
7. Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as the German Mastiff or Grand Danois, is a breed that combines impressive stature with a gentle soul. Originally developed in Germany over 400 years ago for boar hunting, this giant breed is now cherished for its affectionate temperament and dignified demeanor.
These towering canines stand between 28 and 32 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 110 to 175 pounds. Despite their massive frame, Great Danes are among the calmest of breeds indoors and are known to be friendly, dependable, and excellent with children when properly trained.
Their short coat comes in various colors, including harlequin, fawn, brindle, and blue-gray, and they typically live 7–10 years.
Care Needs
Though they don’t require endless energy outlets, Great Danes benefit from a couple of short walks daily to maintain a healthy weight and mobility. Indoors, they relish sprawling on a comfy couch.
Owners must monitor for common health concerns such as bloat and heart disease. Regular veterinary checkups and preventive care are essential to keeping them in peak condition.
Did you know? The Great Dane is Pennsylvania’s official state dog and has starred in pop culture favorites like Marmaduke and Scooby-Doo.
8. English Bulldog
With its trademark stocky frame, wrinkled face, and unhurried demeanor, the English Bulldog is the epitome of a laid-back house companion. Also known as the British Bulldog or simply “Sourmug,” this breed originated in 13th-century England, where it was once used in bullbaiting.
Over time, it evolved from a fierce competitor to a gentle, loyal companion. Standing 13–15 inches tall and weighing 40–50 pounds, Bulldogs belong to the Non-Sporting Group and typically live 8 to 10 years.
Despite their intimidating ancestry, they are affectionate and thrive in calm home environments, often content to nap near their humans without demanding much interaction or activity.
Care Needs
Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately and comes in colors like red, white, brindle, and fawn. Their wrinkled skin requires consistent grooming to avoid irritation or infection; daily cleaning of folds is essential. They also need to be kept cool, as they are prone to overheating.
Though their exercise needs are minimal, maintaining a healthy weight with short walks and indoor play is important for their well-being.
Fun Fact: The Bulldog is a national symbol of Great Britain and is famously associated with Winston Churchill, who owned a Bulldog named Dodo.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Elegant, affectionate, and ever so charming, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel—also known as Cavalier, Charlie, or Cavy—was bred to be a loving lap companion. Originating in England, this toy breed descends from the English Toy Spaniel and was officially recognized in 1945.
Standing 12–13 inches tall and weighing 13–18 pounds, Cavaliers are beloved for their expressive eyes, feathered ears, and silky coats that come in four rich color varieties. Though small, they carry a dignified presence and a warm heart, thriving on human companionship. Their calm demeanor makes them ideal for households seeking a peaceful and loving canine presence.
Care Needs
Despite their laid-back indoor nature, these small dog breeds need regular exercise such as walks and gentle play. Their luxurious coats require frequent brushing, especially around the ears, where mats can form. Regular grooming sessions help keep their appearance tidy and their skin healthy.
Early training and socialization enhance their naturally friendly temperament, making them great with children and other pets.
Did you know? President Ronald Reagan gifted a Cavalier named Rex to his wife, Nancy, in 1985. Rex famously turned on the White House Christmas lights that same year.
Conclusion
Some dogs bring excitement and endless activity, but there’s a special charm in lazy dog breeds that bring peace instead of chaos. These calm companions thrive indoors, offering quiet companionship to those who prefer serene evenings over constant play sessions. Unlike high-energy dogs that need hours of activity, these mellow pups are content with short strolls and cozy naps, making them perfect for apartments, retirees, or anyone who values a slower pace of life.
While these breeds require minimal exercise, they still benefit from a bit of mental stimulation—whether it’s puzzle toys or gentle training sessions—to keep their minds engaged. Choosing one of these easygoing dogs doesn’t just mean less work; it means more space for connection and relaxation. By welcoming one of these calm canines into your home, you’ll find a loyal friend who proves that not every dog has to be part of the high-energy breeds club to fill your life with joy.
