Some of us are not meant for daily 5-mile runs or endless games of fetch. And that is totally okay. Because not every dog needs that either. If your ideal day means cozy mornings, a few short walks, and movie nights with a furry friend snoozing beside you, then you are going to love this list of lazy dog breeds that are loyal and loving.
These canine companions are all about calm energy levels, gentle affection, and low-maintenance companionship. They are the perfect match for all dog lovers and pet parents who want a laid-back lifestyle with lots of love (and a little bit of drool here and there).
Fun Fact!
Did you know dogs can actually mirror your lifestyle?
According to BBC, dogs can mirror owners’ personalities. People who live calm and more relaxed lives can pass this on to their dogs that share the same energy levels. So yes, your chill personality might just be contagious to you furry friend.
But, mind you, they can mirror the negativity and pessimism as well. So, watch out!
Lazy Dog Breeds That Are Loyal And Loving
1. Basset Hound
Low and slow!!! That’s the Basset Hound motto.
Those droopy ears. Those soulful eyes. Those long bodies. Basset Hounds are pretty famous for their laid-back nature and affectionate hearts. They are one of the best lazy dogs for people who enjoy quiet company and don’t want to deal with high-energy dogs. We should say, they are #1 in the lazy department.
Why pet parents love them?
Calm demeanor makes them perfect for smaller living spaces.
Needs only a few short walks a day to stay healthy, as per AKC.
Loyal and affectionate dogs; love being close to the family.
Can you believe this dog is one of the best scent tracking breeds, second only to the Bloodhound? Yes, gone are their days of long field hunting trips. Now, they dwell in laziness.
They might look sleepy (and they usually are), but their loyalty runs deep. They will happily lounge beside you all afternoon, occasionally raising an eyebrow to check you are still around.
Just be careful with snacks; they are masters of puppy eyes and weight gain.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is truly the definition of gentle affection.
Small, sweet, eager to please, this breed melts hearts wherever it goes. And safe to say, they are happy to tuck inside near the fire, and just be lazy dogs. As per PetMD, they do have some exercise needs to stay healthy and mentally balanced. But once that’s done, they are sleeping.
Why pet parents love them?
They are adaptable to your energy levels. If you want to nap, they will nap too. We think this is the #1 appeal of a King Charles Spaniel, other than that cutest face.
This Spaniel dog is ideal for apartment living and small spaces.
Low-maintenance dogs with moderate grooming needs.
These small dogs love being lap dogs. No matter if you are watching TV or sipping coffee on the porch, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will quietly curl up beside you. Their calm nature makes everything soothing. And oh, that loving spirit.
Truly one of the most wonderful companions you could ask for.
3. Shih Tzu
Meet the royal of the “lazy breeds”.
The Shih Tzu, with its silky coat and big, round eyes, is all about affection and easy living. These small dogs were originally bred as palace pets in ancient China, so their laid-back attitude is practically royal tradition. They were favorites of the nobles and royals, and that’s why they still crave being lap dogs.
Why pet parents love them?
One of the small dog breeds is perfect for indoor play and gentle walks.
Low energy lifestyle with bursts of cheerfulness.
Loves being pampered and spending time near their humans.
That calm disposition and friendly personality make them perfect for relaxed homes. Plus, their little snorts and wiggles are guaranteed to make you smile.
This is a short-legged Asian dog breed, so only minimal exercise and short walks are required for them. Never intense exercise, they were born to be companion dogs.
4. Greyhound
SURPRISE!! The world’s fastest dog is also one of the laziest.
While most people imagine Greyhounds sprinting across open fields. In reality, they are total couch potatoes at home. And do you know, they have earned a nickname for that? 45-mph couch potatoes!
As per Britannica, they are one of the very ancient dogs, and their roots go back to 3000 BCE, and they are basically hunting dogs. Nowadays, they just sprint around the house a bit.
Why pet parents love them?
Despite their athletic looks, they are low-energy dogs indoors.
Love lounging for hours between short walks.
Calm and gentle giants around family and visitors.
Greyhounds are what some call “medium lazy dogs”. They enjoy a quick run or walk, but after that, they are all about relaxation. Their laid-back personality is ideal for any dog parent who wants a quiet and loyal canine companion without constant physical activity.
5. Great Dane
The ultimate gentle giants.
Despite their massive size, Great Danes are among the most low energy dog breeds. And by massive, we mean massive (up to 175 pounds in weight, and they are one of the tallest dog breeds).
They adore their families, and their calm demeanor makes them perfect for dog lovers who love large dog breeds but prefer peace over chaos.
Why pet parents love them?
Low-maintenance dog despite their size.
Needs only regular walks and mild play sessions.
Friendly, loyal, and always protective without being overbearing.
Their sheer size might look intimidating (known as “Apollo of the dogs” for this reason), but inside, they are soft-hearted couch snugglers who will try to sit in your lap. Yes, even though they weigh 170+ pounds.
6. Maltese
Small. Fluffy. Adorably lazy dogs with perfect long coats.
The Maltese, a cute, small white dog, is a low-energy dog that thrives on love and attention. Purina describes them in the best words: “a small dog who has spent 25 centuries in the lap of luxury”. So, why wouldn’t they be low energy and lazy? They love to nap and rest, and chill.
Why pet parents love them?
Needs just a few short walks each day.
Great for smaller living places and apartments.
Loves indoor cuddles and light play sessions.
Their calm disposition and affectionate temperament make them a top choice for anyone who wants lazy dog breeds perfect for cuddling and company.
Their silky coat needs regular grooming, yes! But most Maltese enjoy the brushing, as it is the bonding time. They are one of those affectionate dogs that never stop showing love, no matter what.
7. Saint Bernard
Massive and mellow! That’s the Saint Bernard in a nutshell.
These gentle giants (weighing up to 180+ pounds, but oh-so-cute) are famous for their patience, loyalty, and calm disposition. Despite being one of the large dogs, they don’t need much intense exercise to be happy. Loving and placid, as per Hills Pet Nutrition, they are very eager to please.
Why pet parents love them?
Enjoy lounging indoors more than running outdoors.
Need just one long walk or half-hour play session per day.
Protective and incredibly devoted to their families.
They are the type to sprawl out on the floor (or couch if you let them) and snore contentedly for hours. They have a surprisingly laid-back personality, and gentle play makes them happy and healthy. Also, they are one of the big dogs that don’t shed much, only twice a year.
8. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow with a double coat looks like a teddy bear, but you can’t expect them to play fetch all day.
This is one of the large breeds with an independent nature. They are loyal and naturally reserved and perfect for owners who need calm companionship over constant attention. But, mind you, they can be a bit stubborn dogs.
Why pet parents love them?
Independent nature, they don’t need or demand too much play time.
Love peace and quiet, perfect for calm homes.
Need minimal physical stimulation or intense exercise. An hour daily would do. But make it a consistent exercise.
Their calm nature is a dignified look for them! Yet, they are deeply affectionate toward their families. They might not jump for joy at every command, but their loyalty is unwavering.
9. Pug
Oh, the lovable Pug!!
With their wrinkled faces, curly tails, and funny personalities, Pugs are the kings of comfort. They are also one of the best low-energy dog breeds out there. Perfect for pet owners who want lap dogs full of love (and snoring). Well, not so much snoring, but calmness.
Why pet parents love them?
Needs minimal physical activity; a few short walks are enough.
Great for apartment living or small homes.
Laid back attitude and clownish nature bring daily smiles.
Just watch their diet. These little charmers love snacks and can gain weight easily without daily walks and exercise. But honestly, who could say no to that face?
Plus, they are a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced dogs), so they are prone to health issues and breathing problems than other breeds on this list.
10. Clumber Spaniel
One of the most underrated low-maintenance and low-energy medium-sized breeds. The heaviest and stockiest of all Spaniel breeds, and perfect at hunting and retrieving.
The Clumber Spaniel is calm, affectionate, and happiest just being near you. As per Omlet UK, they are very easygoing with the family and love to sleep and need encouragement to be up and go for a walk.
Yesterday’s hunters, today’s snorers.
Why pet parents love them?
Easygoing, polite, and deeply loyal.
Enjoys gentle games and regular walks, not strenuous regular exercise.
Great fit for families and seniors alike.
Climbers have a calm demeanor that makes them ideal for quiet houses. They adore mental stimulation like puzzle toys and scent games, but never demand intense exercise. You can give them obedience training, and they will comply. All they want is soft affection and your company, like many lazy breeds.
Conclusion
Not every dog needs miles of running or high-intensity training. Some are lazy dog breeds that are loyal and loving and prefer staying by your side.
They are low maintenance, calm, and content with regular walks and gentle affection. And a cozy spot next to their humans.
SO, if you want to slow down a bit and match your vibes with a dog’s energy level, one of these lazy dog breeds for a relaxed life might be a great fit for you. Your dog search ends here with these small and big lazy dogs.
Because sometimes, love does not need to run. It just needs to snuggle.
