If you’re anything like me, there are days when staying curled up in bed feels like the ultimate luxury—and some dogs are more than happy to join you in that cozy lifestyle.
Not every owner wants a dog that jolts you up at 5 am and needs a marathon. Some wish to keep their lives mellow, calm, and slow-paced with a dog that equally enjoys cuddles and nap time.
While some breeds are always on the go, others would rather snooze beside you, stretch out on the couch, or lounge lazily in the sunshine. These laid-back pups are the perfect companions for anyone who appreciates slow mornings, afternoon naps, and quiet evenings at home.
Forget hours of endless exercise and bouncing off walls; these dogs are happy being your companion on lazy mornings. Some of them are tiny little dogs with fluffy coats, others are big dogs with long legs to stretch. But they all share a common trait: their love for deep sleep.
Let’s meet the sleepy dog breeds that adore relaxation just as much as you do.
Sleepy Dog Breeds Most Likely to Stay in Bed
1. Bulldog
Bulldog is in an extraordinary relationship with sleep. This wrinkly-faced dog is one of the laziest dog breeds that can make a long nap look like an art form. They don’t need constant physical activity and have perfected the slow life.
With a stocky build and a body designed for minimal movement, this is a breed that knows how to prioritize comfort.
They thrive in compact spaces, making them ideal for apartment living where daily exercise is minimal. Bulldogs are known to be couch potatoes, but they are not aloof. They want nothing more than to curl up next to their owners and share every ounce of sleep with you.
Centuries ago, they were diligent workers, tough, determined, and used in brutal sports. The breed transformed into a gentle, affectionate, and restful breed. They don’t demand adventure; they simply want to be by your side, but they stay reserved with strangers, as highlighted by PetMD
No other restful breed offers such comedy while unconscious. Their amusing sleep positions are pure gold with the snores, wheezes, and dream barks.
They are the true embodiment of leisure, turning every lazy stretch into a reminder that not all souls bred need to be busy to be valuable.
🎧 Dogcast
Episode 5 — Are Squirrels Secret Agents?
If you don’t hear sound, tap the button above to enable audio.
2. Chow Chow
Chow Chow stands out for its sheer regal indifference. This is not a dog that will follow around begging for playtime; they would love to lie around the most luxurious surface in the house.
Bred in China as guardians and companions, the Chow Chows were known for their majestic appearance and watchful loyalty. They’ll still keep a protective eye on their owners, but they’ll do it from the comfort of a plush dog bed.
These dogs have a lion-like mane and a dignified gait, making the act of long nap feel like a royal decree. Also, they’re prone to lounging in cool areas and become restless when it’s hot due to their thick coats.
Chows thrive with minimal fuss. They’re made for owners who appreciate quiet companionship and more sleep than chaos.
3. Pug
The Pug is the comedian among all the sleepy dog breeds. They are walking cartoons that manage to turn nap time into a full-blown performance. They sleep loudly, dramatically, and often in the most laughable positions.
These dogs were originally known to be lapdogs for Chinese emperors. This means they were always destined to be close to their favourite humans. This dog is all about comfort, companionship, and endless snuggles.
Being a brilliant little lapdog in the truest sense, they love to nap on you, and their tiny size makes them perfect for small spaces. They’re like a shadow that follows you from room to room and settles into your personal sleep couch.
They’re also ideal for senior dogs or less-active households, as they need only light daily exercise, and then they happily collapse into a long nap time.
These dogs are sensitive to warm weather due to their short snouts, making them included in one of the brachycephalic breeds clubs.
4. Havanese
A breed that takes sleeping to a whole new level of charm, the Havanese is described as having a cheerful, outgoing nature and attractive look, as noted by Purina.
Originating in Cuba as the ultimate companion dog, the Havanese was bred to be a house pet. They have always been about elegance, comfort, and style.
The Havanese is famously people-oriented. They’re rarely content to nap alone and always find the sleeping spot beside you. Their balance of activity and downtime makes them ideal for households that love energy in doses. not in marathon sessions.
These dogs are playful and cheerful when awake. They’ll chase a toy, wag their tails with glee, and then fall dramatically for another snooze.
Their silky, hypoallergenic coats mean they won’t leave your dog bed or couch covered in fluff after hours of snoozing, making them practical as well as adorable.
5. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog with a big love for naps. Unlike some active dogs that can’t be still, this breed is calm, gentle, and happiest when curled up in a warm corner. They bring a sense of royalty to nap time.
They don’t need big yards or heavy physical activity to be content. A little walk is enough before they return to their favorite spot for a long nap.
Shih Tzus love staying close to their favourite humans. AKC mentioned these dogs are happiest when they are a lapdog. They’ll happily spend the day moving from your lap to the dog bed and back again.
Being small means they fit perfectly into city life and smaller spaces, making them one of the best low-energy dog breeds.
This breed was treasured by Chinese royalty for centuries as lap dogs, living a life of luxury. They were bred to bring joy and comfort indoors, not to chase or work. They’re also great for senior owners who prefer a calm, quiet companion.
The Shih Tzu sleeps because it knows it was born to stay comfortable and be adored. Their low-energy dog tendencies make them the ultimate excellent bed dogs.
6. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard stands out as a gentle giant among the sleepy dog breeds. They may look powerful, but indoors, they act more like calm, sleepy roommates. They know how to turn their huge size into a comforting, warm presence during nap time.
These dogs became famous for their bravery in Switzerland, guiding lost people to safety. But while their past was full of action, their present is much calmer. These gentle giants are happy with short walks followed by hours of deep sleep.
They adore being close to their owners and will often nap at your feet or stretch across the couch like it’s their personal spot.
Life with a Saint Bernard means adjusting to their size because they take up space. They’ll stretch out across the floor or the couch, but having low energy levels, they are surprisingly easy to live with. PDSA warned that these dogs are heavy shedders. So be prepared to collect hair from every corner.
The Saint Bernard embraces being lazy proudly. They own every nap, reminding you that comfort and calm are just as important as adventure.
7. Basset Hound
Short legs, droopy eyes, and long ears, the Basset Hound looks like it was designed for napping. They make napping look both funny and natural; no other breed does it quite the same.
Unlike naturally athletic breeds like the Greyhound, the Bassets, being heavy built and low energy, tend to lounge rather than run. A short walk or sniffing session is enough before they go to sleep.
They used to hunt big game and work as strong and diligent workers in France, but now, Bassets only like to hunt down the softest spot in the room. Their sharp noses may get the moving, but their favourite activity has always been more sleep.
Bassets are the true master of comfort, always suggesting to their owners that sometimes the smartest move is to sleep the day away.
Conclusion
Active breeds are commonly preferred as companion, but these sleepy dog breeds, most likely to stay in bed, steal the spotlight with their easygoing and lazy nature. They would still like to play with you and have a walk outside, but not at the expense of their nap time.
These sleepy dog breeds are evidence that joy does not come with action only; it can come from warmth, comfort, and stillness of having a furry partner who snoozes by your side.
Having a sleepy pup by your side is like having a built-in relaxation partner who reminds you to slow down and enjoy the simple comforts of life.
Whether it’s a lazy morning spent under the covers, a quiet afternoon nap, or just unwinding on the couch, these breeds are happiest when they’re sharing those calm moments with you.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a furry friend who matches your love for cozy downtime, these sleepy dogs are sure to make every cuddle session even more special.
