If you’re dreaming of a dog that matches your calm lifestyle, you’re in luck; the dog world is full of gentle, low-key, and wonderfully adaptable companions. These laid-back pups are easy to train, love lounging around, and are more likely to join you for a cozy nap than cause chaos in your peaceful home.
With a little support, like early socialization, patient training, and lots of love, these mellow breeds thrive and show off their naturally relaxed temperaments. Thanks to their easygoing personalities and low-maintenance needs, they’re fantastic choices for families, seniors, busy professionals, or anyone who prefers a slower pace.
And here’s a fun fact: the Greyhound may be one of the fastest dogs on earth, but it snoozes for 16–20 hours a day! Talk about an unexpected couch potato with an athletic frame.
Ready to meet the dog breeds that take life nice and slow? Let’s dive in!
Wonderful Dog Breeds That Prefer a Slow Pace for Relaxed Owners
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
British royalty so much loved this small breed that it took the name of King Charles as its official name. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred for human companionship, making it one of the most affectionate dog breeds.
Cavs are low-energy dogs, as they adore their humans and love spending time with themselves. They are mostly content as lap dogs and get along beautifully with kids and other pets in the same household.
With a calm demeanor and less barking habit, they make perfect companions for apartment living. Though physical activities are less, Cavs should be kept busy with mental stimulation via indoor play and cuddling time to avoid destructive behaviors.
2. Newfoundland
Intimidating yet friendly dogs, the Newfoundland is a loving and low-energy dog breed. Surprisingly, these dogs were bred to work with fisherman, where they were used as great water canines, thanks to their webbed paws and a gentle heart.
They have a thick double coat and also tend to drool. However, dog lovers like these gentle giants due to their kind and calm disposition. They are also known for keeping an eye on kids to protect them and are called nanny dogs. Newfies are patient and docile around small dogs and cats as well.
Newfoundland is a perfect dog breed for a laid-back lifestyle since they do not need much exercise. To avoid weight gain in these lazy dogs, short walks, occasional hikes, and swimming are important as mental enrichment, says PetMD.
3. Saint Bernard
Famously known as gentle giants worldwide, the Saint Bernard has a glorious past, as this powerful breed was used to save people in the Swiss Alps from avalanches. Today, with the same zeal and zest, these smart dogs are not only offering their services in homes but also in search and rescue missions.
Saint Bernards have minimal exercise needs compared to their size. Their low maintenance, along with their calm nature, make them a suitable choice for quiet households. These large dogs only excel with 30 minutes of physical stimulation, but with time, their energy levels become calmer.
Saints develop separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. Both early socialization and training are important for a well-mannered adult dog; otherwise, these mountain dogs become difficult to handle. They typically do not go with apartment dwellers, unless provided with ample space and daily exercise.
4. Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are large dogs that are not shy to be called a lazy dog breed. These independent pooches enjoy their alone time by being couch potatoes, and when their owners come home, they want to be their lap warmers, forgetting about their build.
These dogs were primarily developed for guardianship, but are often considered laid-back dogs with a calm demeanor. Ample space and training are the basic needs of this low-energy breed. They thrive in calm environments and excel as quiet watchdogs.
According to AKC, these muscular dogs enjoy relaxing instead of strenuous exercise. Brisk walks and play of fetch are some favorite activities of this breed. As a strong-willed dog, they need consistent training during puppyhood with positive reinforcement methods.
5. Pekingese
Whether it’s the palaces of ancient China or the small living spaces of today’s inhabitants, Pekingese rank among the affectionate small dogs who crave quiet companionship and peaceful routine. However, this toy breed has flat faces, due to which pet owners should be cautious about their health issues.
Pekes are fairly low-maintenance dogs when it comes to their energy levels. But, they carry long flowing coat that needs frequent grooming for better upkeep. These low-energy dogs are better called lap dogs and do well in cold climates only.
Pekingese bond deeply with special persons in the family only, and are mostly suited to apartment dwellers with laid-back lifestyle. Their curious nature makes them watchdogs who have loud barks. A well-trained and socialized Pekes can overcome its barking habit.
6. Basset Hound
From the scent hound group, the Basset Hound gets along well with everyone and everywhere if introduced to various living situations at puppyhood. They are incredibly calm and social dogs and enjoy their couch time with their pet parents, says PDSA.
Basset hounds carry an independent nature and generally do well in their own company. Nevertheless, their training requires consistency and implementation of the right methods from pet parents. Though they need outdoor activities such as long periods of daily walks and playtime, they do not make high-energy dogs.
Overall, basset hounds make low-maintenance dogs, thanks to their low energy levels and smooth, short coats that do not shed much. They are prone to obesity, that is why pet owners should monitor their diet and constant activity to keep them healthy.
7. Pug
This wrinkled face furry friend is another low-energy dog breed, but its desire to get the attention of its owner and every family gathering makes him more appealing. If you are searching for a tiny snuggling partner, Pugs make excellent companions, thanks to their loving and calm aura.
These small but big personalities are full of fun and entertainment. They form strong bonds with their humans and are proud, friendly dogs. Pugs sometimes show themselves as active dogs, but only for cuddling, short walks and fetch playtime with their beloved humans.
Being a brachiocephalic breed, pet parents should aware of their health issues such as overheating and respiratory distress. This low maintenance dog is a perfect choice for first time pet parents. Mental stimulation is vital to avoid their mischievous behaviors.
8. Bulldog
Muscular frame may fool many of us, as Bulldog does not need much exercise and reflects a friendly disposition which makes this breed well suited to people having laid back lifestyles. However, due to short snouts owners experience lots of snoring, snorting and panting.
Bulldogs are loyal companions who tend to form bonds with all including children, pets, seniors and singles; the reason behind their popularity among the inhabitants of USA. Though English bulldogs (another name) are docile, their inquisitive and alert nature make them reserved around strangers.
Bulldog thrives in short walks, indoor paly in yards and snoozing. To avoid weight gain in these medium sized dogs, pet owners should consider their weight management requirements. Bull dog prefer to be your lap dog and you cannot stop them from trying to be the couch potatoes.
9. Clumber Spaniel
A healthy and low energy dog breed, Clumber spaniel originates from England and is known for its loving nature and distinctive appearance. They were also admired by the British aristocracy due to their work as retrievers.
Clumbers are white dogs with lemon or orange patterns. These cheerful and calm companions adore constant stimulation as couch potato does not always mean a lazy dog breed. However, they do not make ideal pets for city living, due to their love for hunting and outdoor activities.
They are intelligent but strong willed dogs. Consistent training with positive reinforcement methods can work best for them. Their calm demeanor make them great family dogs, if socialization is introduced at young age.
Conclusion
Each dog carries its own temperament, but with right guidance owners can enhance its calm behavior. Choosing a right breed brings peace and serenity in your home, but do not forget about your responsibility as a pet owner. Either its a large breed or small pooch, both needs your attention and quality time that ultimately strengthens your mutual bond and you can enjoy harmonious life together. Our list of dog breeds is ending here but there are certainly other dogs as well who can be your perfect companion, such as Japanese chin, Great Dane, Chow Chows, Shih Tzu, bichon Frise, and French bulldogs.
