Ever wish your dog loved lazy weekends as much as you do? Maybe you dream about calm dogs who are happy to snooze while you scroll or work. Real life is busy, and most pet parents do not want to feel guilty about skipping a long hike after a long day.
You are in the right place! Low-energy dog breeds enjoy short walks, indoor play, and long naps more than constant action. When you understand your dog’s behavior and energy levels, you can pick dog breeds that fit apartment living, family life, and even more active breeds in the same home.
This blog will walk you through friendly choices so you can manage daily care and still stay happy yourself.
Dog Breeds with Easygoing Temperaments and Low Energy
1. Bulldog
Bulldogs are the classic couch potatoes of the dog world. They are calm dog breeds with a sweet temperament and an easygoing nature. Many pet owners love how relaxed they look just hanging out and how quickly they form strong bonds with their people.
Most Bulldogs prefer human companionship and time sleeping over big adventures. They are sensitive dogs with flat faces, so breathing difficulties can show up if you push them into vigorous exercise or let them overheat.
Short and leisurely walks in cool hours, and low exercise games indoors usually suit them best.
According to the AKC, Bulldogs are also low-maintenance dogs in many ways. Give them regular exercise at a gentle level, simple mental stimulation, and clear routines, and they feel secure. They mostly want to spend time close to you, enjoying quiet relaxation and snacks.
2. Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel looks serious and sleepy at first, but inside is a real softie. This dog is generally calm, with a relaxed temperament and gentle demeanor that feels perfect for laid-back homes. Many people see them as lovable dogs who enjoy human company and do not ask for much drama.
Behind that relaxed mood is a real hunting lineage. These dogs were made to move slowly and think, not sprint all day. These breeds naturally enjoy regular outdoor excursions, steady walking in safe places, and mental stimulation like scent games far more than wild sports.
With the right guidance, Clumber Spaniels become amazing companion animals. Early socialization with other dogs and kind but firm training help them grow into well-adjusted, well-behaved adults.
Add regular grooming, enrichment toys, and plenty of praise, and you get a calm friend who fits beautifully into family life.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds might be the quiet comedians of lazy dog breeds. With long ears and soulful eyes, they always look a little confused by the rush of modern life. Pet parents who like a calm, slow rhythm often fall hard for these laid-back friends.
These dogs have a strong hunting lineage in their nose, so sniffing is a full-time hobby. They are low-energy dog breeds, but they still enjoy walking at their own slow pace and checking every smell on the sidewalk.
Short walks with time to sniff and low exercise games are enough to keep most basset hounds happy.
According to Britannica, because of their shape, joint health, and weight gain, they need a bit of extra care. Consistent exercise and careful food portions protect their backs and legs. Keep things quiet, steady, and positive, and you will see how quickly they relax into true couch potatoes.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is tiny in size but huge in heart. Cavaliers are small in size with a calm demeanor, sweet temperament, and affectionate nature that can melt you in seconds. Many people say this lap dog feels like a warm little cloud that also makes eye contact with your soul.
These affectionate dogs are generally calm indoors and love human companionship more than anything. They tend to be social dogs who get along with other pets and other dogs when properly socialized.
Their adaptable nature and easygoing nature make them fit almost anywhere, from family homes to city flats.
With early socialization, gentle games, and proper training, cavaliers grow into well-adjusted companion animals. They enjoy light indoor play, soft enrichment toys, and lots of cuddles more than loud chaos.
5. Pug
Pugs are small dogs with big main character energy. They count as low-energy dog breeds because they get tired quickly and love a good nap. Many pet parents think of them as lazy dog clowns who enjoy indoor play and human company more than anything else.
Because of their flat faces, Pugs are sensitive dogs who can struggle in warm weather or extreme temperatures. They need short walks, minimal exercise, and a cool, quiet spot for relaxation. Regular exercise at a gentle level plus smart food choices help you manage their weight gain and overall health.
In daily life, they often feel like low-maintenance dogs, as long as you respect their limits. They suit apartment living, calmer active lifestyles, and people who like to chill at home. PetMD suggests giving them toys for enrichment and plenty of cuddles, and they will nap happily by your side.
6. Irish Wolfhound
Irish Wolfhounds are true gentle giants. These large dogs look dramatic outside, yet inside, they are usually calm, relaxed, and easygoing. Many Irish Wolfhounds move through the house with quiet grace, then happily nap for hours.
Once their exercise needs are met, they become classic couch potatoes. Regular exercise in safe spaces, steady walking, and regular outdoor excursions give them balance. After that, they are happy to trade high-energy games for a long time sleeping near the sofa.
Their gentle demeanor and calm nature suit thoughtful homes. Irish wolfhounds are devoted companion animals for experienced pet parents, a confident senior dog family, or even someone who wants to offer a safe space to a senior rescue.
They handle cold weather better than heat and reward your care with deep loyalty and soft eyes.
7. Greyhound
Greyhounds look like pure high-energy missiles, but at home, they are often the biggest couch potatoes in the room. Many retired greyhounds are naturally calm indoors and spend a lot of time sleeping on soft beds.
They have an adaptable nature that can suit apartment living when you meet their simple needs.
These dogs are social dogs who enjoy human company and gentle routines. A bit of regular exercise, some enrichment, and consistent exercise in safe spaces are usually enough to manage their energy. After that, Greyhounds often become relaxed, quiet, and well-behaved shadows who follow you around.
Their adaptable spirit makes them lovely companion animals. Greyhounds do well with other dogs and other pets when properly socialized. Give them walking time, a cozy place to nap, and friendly people, and you will see how quickly they settle into a calm, easygoing life.
Conclusion
By now, you can see how many dog breeds with easygoing temperaments and low energy are out there. Some are small dogs who curl up like a lap dog, while others are gentle giants like Irish Wolfhounds who take life slow.
Many of these calm dog breeds are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to minimal exercise needs and low exercise plans, as long as pet parents give them love, enrichment, and simple structure.
There are other calm dogs with the same easygoing nature, too. Think about Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard, Chow Chows, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, Japanese Chin, or Chinese Crested with a thick double coat, a cat-like personality, or a naturally calm vibe.
When pet owners match active breeds and low-energy dog breeds to their own active lifestyles, use early socialization, proper training, regular grooming, and mental stimulation, and adopt or support a senior dog when they can, they build companionship, loyalty, strong bonds, and a friendly home where everyone can stay happy!
