There’s something irresistibly charming about dogs that take life at their own pace. While some breeds thrive on constant action, others prefer slow mornings, long naps, and lazy afternoons curled up by your side.
These sleepy dog breeds remind us that rest isn’t just a necessity—it’s an art form. Their calm energy and relaxed nature make them perfect companions for anyone who enjoys a quieter, more tranquil lifestyle.
Research shows that dogs can sleep anywhere from 12 to 15 hours a day, with puppies snoozing up to 20 hours as they grow and learn. In fact, studies suggest that dogs spend half their life asleep, recharging and repairing just like humans.
Interestingly, dogs even have a third eyelid—called the nictitating membrane—which keeps their eyes moist and protected while they sleep. The way they rest, from curling up tight to sprawling out freely, can reveal much about their comfort and mood.
In this article, we’ll explore sleepy dog breeds known for taking it slow—those gentle, laid-back companions that bring peace and warmth to any home. Whether stretched out on a rug, nestled beside you on the couch, or dreaming with eyes half open, these calm canines prove that slowing down truly is a beautiful thing.
Sleepy Dog Breeds Known For Taking It Slow
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound, often affectionately called the “Hush Puppy Dog,” is a low-slung scent hound recognized for its long ears, soulful eyes, and famously laid-back personality.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Basset Hound is one of the most charming and easily recognizable breeds, admired for its affectionate nature and distinctive appearance, making it a long-standing favorite among dog lovers worldwide.
Their short legs and heavy build naturally limit their stamina, meaning they prefer long lounging sessions to energetic play. Basset Hounds can sleep up to 20 hours a day, happily dozing between short bursts of activity.
Despite their love for napping, moderate daily exercise is still essential to prevent obesity—a common issue for this slow-paced breed.
Basset Hounds thrive in quiet environments where they can relax without too much stimulation. Their affectionate, gentle demeanor makes them excellent companions for people who enjoy calm days and cozy evenings.
Fun Fact: Studies suggest that Basset Hounds have an inherent calming, almost sedative-like effect on their owners—perfect proof that these lovable dogs are true masters of relaxation.
2. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, also called the British Bulldog, is a medium-sized, muscular breed recognized by its wrinkled face, short muzzle, and distinctively stocky build.
According to PetMD, the Bulldog—often referred to as the English Bulldog—is easily recognized by its broad stance, muscular and low-slung build, and its distinctive short, wrinkled face featuring a pronounced underbite.
English Bulldogs are often labeled as “lazy,” but their love for sleep comes from practicality — their compact, muscular frame requires extra effort to move around, leading to frequent rest breaks. They’re especially prone to snoozing during warm weather, as their short snouts make heat regulation a challenge.
Despite their sleepy reputation, Bulldogs still benefit from short, gentle walks and light play to maintain a healthy weight. A little exercise helps balance their restful habits without disrupting their easygoing rhythm.
Fact: English Bulldogs can sleep up to 14–16 hours a day, and their trademark snoring is often as iconic as their lovable, laid-back personalities.
3. Great Dane
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the largest yet calmest breeds in the canine world. According to WebMD, the Great Dane is a well-known German breed celebrated for its impressive stature and commanding presence.
Despite their imposing size, they’re gentle, affectionate, and surprisingly lazy. These majestic dogs were originally bred for hunting boar, but today are far better suited to cozy couches than chasing prey.
Their massive size means even minimal movement expends a great deal of energy—making them champions of long naps.
Great Danes are laid-back companions who thrive in peaceful households. They prefer lounging beside their owners over constant activity, bringing a soothing, relaxed presence to any home. Their even temper and patient demeanor make them ideal for families seeking a calm, affectionate pet.
These dogs also tend to sleep more than smaller breeds due to their large frames and slower metabolism. Providing them with a soft bed helps protect their joints and ensures restful sleep.
Fact: The world’s tallest dog, Zeus, a Great Dane, earned his place in the Guinness World Records.
4. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, also known as the Alpine Rescue Dog, is a massive yet tender-hearted breed that originated in the Swiss Alps.
Originally bred by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, these dogs were trained to locate and rescue lost travelers in snow-covered mountains. Today, they are known for their calm temperament, affectionate nature, and love for long naps.
Their large size and heavy build make them less energetic than smaller breeds. Simply walking across the house can tire them out, so Saint Bernards are happiest lounging for hours after short play sessions.
Their slow-paced lifestyle makes them one of the sleepiest dog breeds, perfectly content to take things easy throughout the
day.
These gentle giants are affectionate family companions who enjoy quiet environments. While they adore attention, they are not demanding and often prefer peaceful rest to constant activity.
Fact: The most famous Saint Bernard, Barry, reportedly saved between 40 and 100 lives while serving as a rescue dog at the Great St. Bernard Pass in the 19th century.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland, often called the “Newfie,” is a massive yet tender-hearted breed originally bred for water rescues and heavy labor in Canada.
Despite their impressive strength and endurance, these dogs are known for their calm nature and love of long, peaceful naps.
Unlike high-energy working breeds, Newfoundlands prefer a slow-paced lifestyle, thriving in quiet households where they can rest undisturbed.
They are affectionate companions who enjoy being near their families but don’t demand constant playtime. Their gentle demeanor and low energy make them excellent candidates for relaxed living environments.
This breed’s massive frame means they expend plenty of energy when active, which explains their need for deep, restorative sleep—often up to 18 hours a day. Their steady rhythm of rest and relaxation embodies what it means to take life slow.
Fact: Newfoundlands are exceptional swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet and muscular build, making them one of the best natural lifeguard breeds in history.
6. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow, also known as the Songshi Quan or “puffy-lion dog,” is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. With its dense double coat, lion-like mane, and deep-set almond eyes, this ancient Chinese breed carries an air of nobility and calm.
These dogs prefer serenity over chaos, making them ideal for owners who enjoy peaceful, unhurried days. Rather than racing around the house, they’re often found lounging in their favorite spot, observing the world in dignified silence. Their independent nature also contributes to their love of long naps and leisurely routines.
While loyal to their families, Chow Chows tend to be aloof with strangers and prefer solitude during rest time. They aren’t cuddle-seekers, but their steady companionship brings comfort to calm households.
Fact: Despite their sleepy demeanor, Chow Chows were originally bred as multipurpose working dogs in China—used for hunting, guarding, and even pulling carts.
7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, also known as the “Lion Dog,” is a small yet dignified breed originally bred as a royal companion in ancient China.
With its long, flowing coat, short muzzle, and affectionate temperament, this little dog is the definition of comfort and companionship.
Known for their charming personalities and adaptability, Shih Tzus thrive in calm environments where they can enjoy long naps beside their favorite humans.
A mature Shih Tzu can sleep for up to half the day, making them one of the sleepiest dog breeds. Their laid-back attitude means they’re perfectly suited for apartment living or quiet households, where a slow-paced routine fits them best.
Their gentle nature and minimal exercise needs make them a joy to live with, but they still appreciate light playtime and affectionate grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy. They’re also highly social, forming strong attachments to their families and seeking frequent companionship.
Fact: The Shih Tzu’s name translates to “Lion,” and these dogs were once bred by Chinese emperors to resemble the regal lions depicted in traditional art.
8. Greyhound
The Greyhound, also known as the English Greyhound, is a graceful and athletic breed celebrated as the fastest dog in the world.
Despite their racing heritage, these dogs are surprisingly calm and gentle at home. Standing tall and lean, they possess a short, fine coat that gives them an elegant, refined appearance.
Greyhounds are famous for being “40-mph couch potatoes.” While they can sprint at incredible speeds outdoors, they spend most of their day lounging around, often sleeping up to 18 hours a day. Their relaxed demeanor and love for soft bedding make them one of the best breeds for laid-back families seeking a low-maintenance pet.
Because of their sensitive and affectionate nature, Greyhounds thrive in peaceful environments where they can bond closely with their owners. They rarely bark and are content with short walks, making them ideal for apartment living or calm households.
Fact: Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, yet they’re happiest napping beside their owners after a brief burst of energy.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, also known simply as the Cavalier, is a toy breed that beautifully blends elegance and ease. Once the cherished companion of British nobility, this gentle dog is recognized for its silky coat, expressive eyes, and affectionate nature.
While they enjoy short bursts of play or brisk walks, Cavaliers are happiest when lounging beside their owners. Their calm temperament and adaptable energy levels make them ideal for families or individuals who appreciate a slower pace of life. After a brief spurt of activity, this breed often retreats for hours of peaceful rest.
Known for their sweet, patient demeanor, Cavaliers thrive in relaxed environments where comfort is abundant. They’re social dogs but far from demanding, often curling up near their humans for quiet companionship.
Fact: The red-and-white variety of this breed, known as the Blenheim, was named after the Duke of Marlborough’s estate following his victory at the Battle of Blenheim.
10. Mastiff
The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is a colossal breed with an equally massive love for rest. Originally bred as guard dogs and war companions, these gentle giants now prefer a peaceful home life filled with naps and affection.
Their immense size demands a lot of energy, which means long stretches of sleep are essential to recharge their powerful bodies.
Known for their calm and easygoing nature, Mastiffs make ideal pets for quiet households that appreciate a slower pace. Despite their intimidating appearance, they’re affectionate, loyal, and happiest when lounging beside their owners.
Their relaxed demeanor makes them well-suited to families seeking a low-energy, comforting companion.
Mastiffs thrive in cozy environments where they can stretch out and snooze without interruption. They don’t require constant activity—just moderate walks, soft bedding, and plenty of downtime to keep them content.
Fact: Due to their sheer size, Mastiffs can weigh over 200 pounds and often need more than 14 hours of sleep each day to stay rested and healthy.
Conclusion
In the end, understanding sleepy and low-energy dog breeds helps pet parents choose companions that truly match their lifestyles. These calm dogs and lazy dog breeds—like the French Bulldogs, Chinese Crested, or Great Pyrenees—are ideal for families or individuals who prefer relaxed days and cozy evenings.
Many of these low-energy dogs tend to nap frequently, making them excellent bed dogs that enjoy curling up on a soft dog bed after a leisurely walk or brief playtime. Unlike highly energetic breed types that thrive on constant activity, these brilliant little lap dogs, tiny little dogs, and gentle large dogs embrace rest as a way of life.
While adult dogs sleep much of the day, these breeds take it to heart—showing off amusing sleep positions that never fail to charm. Remember, giving too much exercise to a naturally athletic breed may tire them, but for these mellow companions, rest truly defines happiness.
