Sleep is important for dogs—it enables their brains to process information they have collected during their busy hours. It allows the body to have some rest and supports a healthy immune system. An average dog spends half of its day sleeping. Some lazy dog breeds can sleep even more.
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs spend only 10% of their time in REM due to their irregular sleep patterns, which means they require more sleep. They tend to doze off whenever they want, usually out of boredom. But they also wake up quickly and jump to alertness.
Lazy dogs have a stronger affinity for napping than other breeds. These laid-back pups love nothing more than curling up on the couch, basking in the sun, or cozying up under the warm blankets. They enjoy their quiet downtime and make ideal pets for individuals looking for a calm and relaxed partner.
Have a look at these lazy dog breeds content to nap all day long.
Lazy Dog Breeds Content to Nap All Day Long
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are famous for their ability to sleep. These low-energy dogs spend 12 to 16 hours a day napping. However, some Basset Hound owners report that their dog can sleep for about 20 hours every day.
Basset Hound’s short legs and heavy bodies can turn exercise into a marathon. So, they need lots of sleep to compensate for their active periods.
While Basset Hounds may not be as high-energy as some other hound dogs, they are still active. These curious doggos want to explore the world with their keen noses.
They get short bursts of energy and need regular physical activity to prevent obesity. According to PDSA, Bassets require at least an hour of daily exercise.
2. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is another breed that has a strong desire for copious sleep. These stocky fellas need much more energy to undertake any activity, so they will preferably sleep it off. Bulldogs are docile, calm, and affectionate dogs known for their squished faces.
Have a look at how Pancake, a cute English Bulldog, loves napping more than anything else!
Adult English Bulldogs can spend 12 to 14 hours a day lounging and napping, and if your pup is getting older, it might sleep even more. Hot weather, too much eating, and tiredness are some of the reasons why your English Bulldog might want to nap.
English Bulldogs are brachycephalic, having a flat face and short muzzle. These features can lead to obstructed airways during sleep, as a result of which, the dog may experience sleep apnea. They might snore, snort, or face some breathing issues.
3. Shih Tzu
These small dogs love relaxing by their favorite human’s side. Shih Tzus are lively and friendly canines who get along nicely with everyone, including people of all ages, other dogs, and pets, explains Hill’s Pet.
These low-energy dogs are the literal couch potatoes, who can happily spend the entire day sleeping. A Shih Tzu puppy can sleep up to 20 hours every day, while adult dogs sleep nearly 16 hours a day, explains All Shih Tzu.
Shih Tzus love spending time with their owners and warming their laps. These wonderful companions do not shed much but require extensive grooming. Their silky coat needs to be brushed regularly to prevent mats and tangles.
Due to their laid-back attitude, they make excellent pets for first-time owners and apartment dwellers.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are not typically active dogs. It is more of an observer, who tends to lie down in a cozy corner and chill. These round-faced pups are recognized by a lion-like mane around their neck and an independent personality.
Chow Chows can spend more than half of their day sleeping. Their laid-back nature makes them a perfect pet for couch potatoes. However, if you are looking for a dog to curl up on you while it sleeps, a Chow Chow may not be the right dog for you, as it prefers its nap time solitary.
According to PetMD, they are more likely to overheat because of their short snouts and dense coats. So, they need only 40-60 minutes of exercise per day, and that too, in short spurts. Exercise can include short walks and off-lead playtime in a secure area.
5. Pekingese
Pekingese were originally bred as companions for Chinese royalty. Having a long history as lap dogs, Pekingese are known for their outgoing and friendly personalities. This low-energy dog breed is devoted and affectionate to its owners.
Pekingese typically sleep 12 to 14 hours a day on average, but due to their brachycephalic nature, they might encounter breathing difficulties during sleep. These adorable pooches can spend most of their day snuggling under the cozy blankets.
They cherish the comfort and warmth of close companionship, so they curl up tightly beside their owners. Pekingese have a relaxed nature, and they love serene environments where they can share quiet and cuddly moments with their humans.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are the low-energy dogs who love sleep. They are quite lazy, especially when indoors. Their calm temperament, combined with their large size, takes lots of effort to move around. So, these big fluffy pooches would rather lie down and chill out.
However, do not take their laziness as their weakness. These muscular dogs are one of the strongest breeds in the world. They can pull weights a lot heavier than their own body weight. Saint Bernards are quite friendly and sociable, having an eagerness to please.
These laid-back pooches do not need extensive exercise despite their large size. Moderate exercise, including a long walk or half-hour play session per day, would suffice. Their low energy levels and limited heat tolerance make them poor jogging or hiking dogs.
7. Great Dane
Despite their large size, they have a calm and gentle nature. Great Danes are not typically active dogs, but they have a laid-back attitude. According to the AKC, Great Danes are the gentle giants standing up to 32 inches tall at the shoulder.
Great Danes can spend lots of calories simply by moving around their massive bodies. They can conserve lots of energy by resting and sleeping, and don’t like to waste it by being over alert. These lazy dogs don’t tire themselves out by being over-alert.
Great Dane puppies can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day as they need more rest to support their growth. At the same time, they are quite athletic and have high mental stimulation needs, but keeping them busy is not hard, explains WebMD.
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs have a reputation for being wild and crazy. They are not inherently lazy, but tend to get lazier as they age. However, traits of these squished-faced cuties might be reflective of their laziness. Frenchies are affectionate dogs with a laid-back nature.
French Bulldogs love taking naps; in fact, they require several naps throughout the day. These low-energy dogs do not require extensive exercise to stay active. Frenchies need only one hour of physical and mental stimulation, including regular walks and playtime.
However, it is a brachycephalic breed, making them prone to breathing problems and overheating. So you must not over-exercise them. Frenchies are best suited for apartment dwellers because of their low exercise needs and natural inclination towards sitting and chilling.
9. Mastiff
As a rule of thumb, large dogs need more sleep than small breeds. So, Mastiffs definitely need lots of sleep due to their size. These lazy doggos look tired all the time due to their wrinkled faces and droopy eyes.
In a Reddit thread, a Mastiff owner explains how their dog spends over 20 hours a day napping.
Mastiffs are one of the low-energy dog breeds that enjoy a couch potato lifestyle. They are the true gentle giants.
These good-natured, dignified, and muscular dogs make lovable companions and protective guardians who should not be taken lightly. Mastiffs do not need lots of exercise and are more than happy with around one hour of physical activity a day.
Conclusion
While some dogs are known for their athleticism, active nature, and boundless energy, others have a laid-back demeanor. These low-energy dogs spend most of their day sleeping and do not require extensive exercise.
Usually, large dogs need more sleep, but some small dogs also love napping and lounging. If you are a lazy person who loves dogs, you can adopt one of the breeds mentioned in this article. But remember, even the laziest pet dogs need regular exercise (though not extensive) to stay happy and fit.
