Not everyone has the time or energy for a high-energy dog. Busy schedules, apartment living, or simply a preference for quiet make constant activity overwhelming. That’s where napping breeds stand out.
These dogs enjoy rest as much as their owners, blending into calm households with ease. Instead of demanding long hours of play, they bring comfort by curling up nearby, snoozing peacefully while life moves around them.
For families who worry about keeping up with an active dog, choosing a breed that naturally leans toward rest is often the best answer. They make loyal companions while asking very little in return.
In this guide, we will highlight the dogs most admired for their napping habits and the reasons they are known as the kings of rest.
Key Takeaways:
If there were an award for the best sleeper in the dog world, these breeds would sweep the competition.
Bulldogs with their charming snores, Chow Chows with their steady lounge routines, and Mastiffs with endless naps show rest is an art.
Each one balances short bursts of life with long stretches of calm, making them perfect for peaceful households.
Stick with it till the end—you’ll see why these laid-back companions redefine what it means to be a true nap king.
Best Napping King Among Dog Breeds
1. Greyhound
Greyhounds are elegant, lean athletes that carry an air of quiet nobility. Their iconic “inverted S” shape, with a deep chest curving into a tucked waist, has fascinated artists and admirers for centuries.
This graceful silhouette is paired with a sweet-tempered and independent nature that makes them perfectly unique.
Masters of Napping
Greyhounds have an extraordinary capacity for rest, often sleeping 12 to 14 hours daily. Some may even stretch that to 18 hours, fitting in multiple naps throughout the day. Their calm demeanor and low resting heart rate make them natural champions of lounging.
Ideal Sleep Spots
These dogs appreciate quiet, cozy environments for their slumber. Soft beds, blankets, and occasionally a favorite stuffed toy create a safe and inviting space. Greyhounds often choose secluded areas where they can curl up and feel secure.
Subtle Energy Bursts
Although they enjoy long naps, Greyhounds are remarkable sprinters when called to action. Short bursts of speed show off their athletic heritage, reminding owners of their racing past.
Can sprint up to 45 mph
Prefer brief, high-intensity play rather than prolonged activity
Easily adapt to calm household routines
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are built for comfort, often found lounging in the coziest spots around the house. Their long ears and droopy expressions add to a sleepy charm that is hard to resist.
Gentle and Easygoing
This breed moves at its own pace, often meandering through the home without urgency. Even when awake, their calm demeanor keeps the environment mellow. Owners notice that a Basset Hound’s energy levels peak briefly before settling back into long stretches of sleep.
Unique Sleep Habits
Some Bassets sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours daily, with exceptional cases reaching 20 hours. Their snores can be surprisingly loud, echoing through the room and providing a comical soundtrack to their naptime.
Fun facts about their habits:
Enjoy curling up on soft surfaces
Snuggle closely with pet parents
Often prefer undisturbed, quiet spaces
Lovable Stubbornness
While they’re undeniably charming, Basset Hounds can be a bit headstrong when it comes to routines or commands, as per the AKC. Their determination shows in both play and rest, making them both amusing and endearing companions. Their focus on comfort often outweighs any urge to hustle around.
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs are famously easygoing and have a natural love for rest. They’re happiest when lounging on soft cushions, stretching out on the floor, or curling up for a midday nap. Their calm demeanor makes them one of the most laid-back breeds in the dog world.
Daily Sleep Champions
On average, adult Bulldogs clock 12 to 14 hours of sleep each day. Puppies often need as much as 18 to 20 hours of rest to support their growth, while seniors tend to nap even longer. This extended downtime keeps them refreshed and balanced.
Why They Tire Quickly
Because Bulldogs have short noses and flat faces, their breathing requires extra effort. This means they become winded faster during activity and naturally seek more rest. It’s common to see them drift into multiple naps spread throughout the day and night.
Snoring Companions at Home
One of their quirks is the unmistakable sound of heavy breathing and snoring. These sounds may seem surprising at first, but soon become part of a Bulldog household’s charm. Many owners even find their rhythmic snores oddly comforting.
A few things pet parents often notice:
Bulldogs nap in short sleep cycles instead of one long stretch.
Warm, cozy spots often become their favorite napping zones.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are often described as gentle giants, and their calm nature is reflected in how much they sleep. Adult dogs usually nap for 12 to 14 hours daily, which helps them recover from carrying such large frames. This restful rhythm keeps their temperament balanced and easygoing.
Sleep Habits Through Life Stages
These dogs experience shifting sleep patterns depending on age. Puppies can snooze up to 18–20 hours a day as their bodies grow rapidly. Senior Saint Bernards, on the other hand, need extra rest to ease joint discomfort and manage reduced stamina.
Big Dogs with Bigger Dreams
Because of their size, Saint Bernards expend more energy on basic movements than smaller breeds. This is one reason they value their downtime so much. Owners often find them stretched across couches or choosing cool floors as their favorite napping spots.
Resting Well Keeps Them Happy
Adequate rest is directly tied to their overall health and energy levels. A well-slept Saint Bernard is friendlier, more playful, and easier to manage in daily life. To support their sleep routine, pet parents should ensure a quiet, spacious resting area.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are among the oldest dog breeds in the world, with roots traced back thousands of years in China, as highlighted in Britannica. Their lion-like mane and dignified expression reflect this deep heritage. True to their calm nature, they often prefer quiet resting over constant movement.
Natural Sleepers
Adult Chow Chows usually need around 12 to 14 hours of sleep daily. This isn’t unusual for dogs with low-energy temperaments, but their love of lounging makes them stand out. Their steady rhythm of rest helps them conserve energy while staying content indoors.
Extra Rest for Puppies and Seniors
Young Chows require even more sleep, sometimes up to 18 to 20 hours, to support their rapid growth. Senior dogs also nap longer, often because of joint discomfort or reduced stamina. Owners often notice these dogs happily dozing through large portions of the day.
Factors That Affect Their Nap Time
A Chow Chow’s daily rest can be shaped by many conditions. For instance, environment and health make a noticeable difference:
Busy or noisy surroundings often disrupt their naps.
Dogs with arthritis or obesity may sleep longer due to discomfort.
A more active day naturally calls for deeper rest afterward.
6. Great Dane
Did you know? Scooby-Doo, one of the most iconic cartoon dogs, was designed as a Great Dane. His laid-back personality and goofy charm mirror the easygoing spirit of the breed.
Great Danes are famous for their calm and affectionate personalities, often referred to as “gentle giants.” They enjoy being close to their families, quietly watching the world around them. This relaxed nature sets the stage for their equally impressive love of sleep.
Long Hours of Rest
On average, adults snooze 14 to 16 hours a day, which is far more than many smaller dogs. Their massive bodies need this extended downtime to stay strong and balanced. Even short walks or brief play sessions can leave them ready for another nap.
Napping Patterns Through Life
Their sleep needs shift with age, but the pattern of frequent naps remains constant. Puppies may sleep up to 20 hours a day to fuel their growth, while seniors rest often to ease the strain of aging joints. This rhythm keeps them comfortable at every stage of life.
A Breed Built for Lounging
According to the AKC, Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy compared to other large breeds, preferring quiet afternoons on the couch to endless activity. Families often find them stretched out in hallways, beds, or sunny spots around the house. Their towering size only makes their lazy sprawl more charming.
7. Mastiff
Mastiffs carry a reputation for their size and strength, yet their temperament is calm and reserved. They are known for forming quiet bonds with their families, preferring closeness over constant activity. Their gentle nature makes them surprisingly low-energy for such an imposing breed.
Natural Resters
One of the most distinctive traits of Mastiffs is how much rest they require. Adults usually sleep 12 to 14 hours daily, which is considered normal for their build and laid-back personality. This long rest helps conserve energy and keeps them comfortable throughout the day.
Napping Habits Through Life Stages
Puppies and seniors in this breed often need even longer stretches of sleep. Puppies may rest up to 20 hours a day as their bodies focus on rapid growth. Senior Mastiffs also nap more often due to joint stiffness or reduced stamina.
Daily Rhythm of a Mastiff
A Mastiff’s day is usually marked by long naps broken up with shorter moments of activity. They enjoy family time but happily return to lounging when things quiet down. Owners often notice a predictable routine of rest, short walks, and more rest again.
Conclusion
For anyone seeking calm companionship, choosing a chill dog breed can make daily life more peaceful. Many of the sleepiest dog breeds, from Mastiffs to Bulldogs, thrive on long naps and gentle affection.
Even a naturally athletic breed like the Greyhound often surprises owners with how much it loves lounging. Families with busy schedules appreciate that low-energy dogs tend to fit easily into quieter homes.
Some are excellent bed dogs, while others prefer the couch or a sunny floor. Whether brilliant little lap dogs or gentle giants, these napping kings prove that relaxation is an art form.
