You know that friend who happily texts you at 2 a.m. because they’re also wide awake and binge-watching a documentary about time travel? That’s the kind of energy night owls need in a dog.
Not every pup is thrilled about your midnight snack routine or late-night work hours, but some breeds are surprisingly in sync with your nocturnal rhythm.
Whether you work night shifts, are a born night owl, or just function better after the sun goes down, your lifestyle deserves a furry co-pilot that doesn’t mind sleeping in and going on twilight walks. Some dog breeds are naturally adaptable, mellow, and don’t freak out if the schedule’s a little “off-normal.”
Today, we’ll round up the best dog breeds for night owls — from laid-back loungers to curious canines who don’t mind a little moonlit mischief. These pups won’t bark you awake at 6 a.m. — they’ll be happy to share a snack and snooze till noon.
Best Dog Breeds For Night Owls
1. Shih Tzu
If mornings aren’t your thing, no worries! The Shih Tzu has got your back (or more likely, your lap). These little fluffballs are experts in the art of taking it slow. They’re perfectly happy snoozing past sunrise, giving zero judgment as you hit that snooze button again and again.
Height: Around 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 9 to 16 pounds
With their calm, laid-back nature and low exercise needs, Shih Tzus are excellent companions for night owls who prefer a relaxed start to the day.
And don’t let their sleepy vibes fool you—they’re affectionate little charmers who know how to make every lazy morning feel special.
Why Shih Tzus Are Perfect for Night Owls:
Low energy means no early-morning Zoomies demanding your attention
Affectionate lap dogs who love lounging (and snoozing) with you
Adaptable and patient with your “just five more minutes” mornings
WebMD says Shih Tzus require minimal exercise since they were originally bred to live indoors. Historically, they were cherished royal companions who spent most of their time inside palaces.
Their small size means they don’t need much space, making them great for owners in homes of any size. Just be sure to provide them with enough room to play so they stay content.
Whether you’re brewing your coffee or scrolling through your phone, your Shih Tzu will be right there, content to chill, cuddle, or offer a gentle paw nudge when it’s finally time to get moving.
2. Italian Greyhound
Not a morning person? No problem—Italian Greyhounds get it. These graceful pups are all about peaceful, slow starts.
Height: About 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 7 to 14 pounds
The Italian Greyhound is a small, graceful dog known for its sleek, slender build and incredible speed. With a history dating back thousands of years, this breed combines elegance with a playful, affectionate personality.
With their calm, low-energy nature, they’re perfectly content to snooze alongside you until you’re ready to face the day. Quiet and gentle, they rarely bark and don’t insist on early walks, making them ideal companions for late risers and apartment dwellers alike.
Why Italian Greyhounds Are Perfect for Night Owls:
Calm, low-energy pups who love to snooze late
Quiet and gentle—no early morning barking alarms here
Perfect apartment dogs who don’t demand dawn exercise
But don’t be fooled by their relaxed attitude—when they decide it’s playtime, these pups can rocket around at lightning speed, earning their hilarious nickname: the “45 mph couch potato.” They sprint hard, then flop right back down for a well-deserved nap.
3. French Bulldog
If you’re all about those slow, cozy mornings, the French Bulldog is your perfect partner in crime.
Height: Around 11 to 12 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 16 to 28 pounds
Known for their distinctive bat-like ears and adorable wrinkled faces, they make loving, playful pets who thrive on human interaction. According to AKC, Frenchies are perfect for city living thanks to their low exercise needs and adaptable nature.
These adorable little charmers have low energy and are totally content with a couple of short walks—no marathon jogs required. They’re happy to lounge by your side, making them the ultimate buddies for night owls who cherish a leisurely start to the day.
Why French Bulldogs Are Night Owl Friendly:
Low-energy pups who prefer short strolls over early runs
Lovable couch potatoes who love hanging out and relaxing
Easygoing nature and patient with your “just five more minutes” mornings
Frenchies won’t bark you awake or zoom around at dawn demanding attention. Instead, they’re all about that relaxed vibe, ready to cuddle up as you sip your second cup of coffee and ease into your day.
4. Great Dane
If you’re someone who treasures sleeping in, the Great Dane is your perfect partner in crime. These majestic, gentle giants sleep 12 to 14 hours a day and are happiest taking it slow in the mornings.
Height: 28 to 34 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 110 to 175 pounds
With their low energy needs, they’re content to lounge beside you while you savor those precious extra minutes of shut-eye. Just make sure you’ve got a bed big enough—because these regal snoozers need room to stretch out (and maybe accidentally kick you with a giant paw).
Great Danes understand that mornings are meant for lingering, relaxing, and plenty of cozy cuddles. If you prefer a calm start to your day, this gentle giant has your back—and probably your lap, too (even if you’re not quite ready for it).
Why Great Danes Are Night Owl Friendly:
Sleepy by nature, clocking 12–14 hours of daily rest
Low energy means no early morning demands
Big enough to make every morning cuddle feel like a royal affair
Great Danes are somewhat playful and need plenty of space to move around and stay active. To meet their exercise needs, plan on taking them for long walks at least twice a day.
5. Chihuahua
If your idea of a perfect morning involves staying wrapped up in blankets with zero sudden movements, meet the Chihuahua, your new spirit animal.
Height: Typically 5 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually between 2 to 6 pounds
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, but pack plenty of personality into their tiny frames. Known for their bold and confident nature, these little dogs often act much bigger than their size suggests.
Loyal and affectionate with their owners, Chihuahuas make perfect companions and excellent watchdogs. Despite their size, they’re tough, alert, and full of energy. These teeny companions are big fans of burrowing, snuggling, and sleeping in. Their favorite hobby? Nestling under covers like a warm little tortilla of love.
Why Chihuahuas Are Night Owl Friendly:
Masters of the blanket burrow—your bed will become their fortress
Cuddly, low-energy snugglebugs that love a slow, warm start
Prefer lounging to leaping—especially before noon
Thanks to their ancestral denning instincts, Chihuahuas seek out warmth and comfort, usually by curling up as close to their human as possible. They thrive on connection, calm, and cozy vibes, making them ideal for sleepyheads who aren’t looking for a high-energy start to the day.
6. Pug
If you’re the type who hits snooze more times than you care to admit, the Pug is your spirit animal in dog form. These wrinkly-faced little legends are built for lazy mornings. The Pug is a historic breed that dates back about 2,000 years to ancient China. Once beloved by royalty across the globe, Pugs remain a popular breed today.
Height: About 10 to 13 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 14 to 18 pounds
Pugs are famously laid-back and more than happy to stay curled up in bed long after the sun’s up—bonus points if they can snuggle under the covers with you.
Sure, they snore like a tiny freight train, but honestly? It just adds to their charm. They’re affectionate, a little silly, and totally fine with skipping the early-morning hustle. A quick potty break and they’re right back to nap mode.
Why Pugs Are Night Owl Friendly:
Low-energy snuggle buddies who adore sleeping in
Require minimal exercise to start the day (or end it)
Snore softly beside you like a warm, fuzzy sound machine
According to PetMD, they are best kept mainly as indoor dogs with supervised outdoor time. Owners should watch carefully for any signs of breathing difficulties or overheating in their Pug.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If your mornings involve slow stretches, cozy blankets, and a solid refusal to leave bed before 10, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is your perfect co-pilot. These gentle and affectionate nature pups are known for snoozing up to 14 hours a day—and they’ll happily match your late-sleeper lifestyle like a pro.
Height: About 12 to 13 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 13 to 18 pounds
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, elegant dog known for its loving and gentle nature. With a history linked to British royalty, Cavaliers are affectionate lap dogs who thrive on human companionship. They are friendly, adaptable, and make wonderful family pets, easily bonding with kids, seniors, and other animals alike.
Why Cavaliers Are Night Owl Friendly:
Big sleepers—12 to 14 hours a day of royal rest
Affectionate and cuddly, especially under the covers
Calm demeanor, quiet, and totally fine with a slow start
With their soft, silky coats and “always ready for a snuggle” nature, Cavaliers are expert cuddle companions. Whether you’re binge-watching late-night shows or hitting snooze for the fifth time, they’ll be right there beside you, wagging gently (but quietly) when you’re finally ready to face the world.
8. Bulldog
If your idea of a good morning starts at noon, the Bulldog is already halfway through his nap schedule—and loving it. These squat, snuggly companions are experts in the art of sleeping in, logging 12 to 14 hours of shut-eye a day (sometimes more if the couch is extra comfy).
Height: Around 14 to 15 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 40 to 50 pounds
Bulldogs are famously low-energy, making them perfect for night owls who’d rather ease into their day with coffee and cuddles. They don’t do mornings in a rush, and frankly, they wouldn’t want you to either.
Bulldogs need extra care compared to many other breeds because their short muzzle and flat facial structure make them prone to health issues. They are especially vulnerable to overheating, particularly in warm weather or when they overexert themselves.
Why Bulldogs Are Night Owl Friendly:
Sleepy by nature—no early alarms needed
Low exercise needs = more lounge time, less leash time
Happy to snore through the morning by your side
As per Britannica, Bulldogs are not reliable guard dogs or watchdogs. They don’t tend to bark much, and although their fierce look might deter intruders, they’re more likely to sleep through a break-in than raise an alarm.
Bulldogs are especially suited for those who enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, as they tend to prefer calm environments over high-energy activities. Just be prepared: their snoring sounds like someone revving a tiny motorcycle under a blanket—but somehow, it’s oddly adorable.
9. Basset Hound
If mornings feel like a personal insult to your sleep schedule, the Basset Hound totally gets you. These droopy-eyed, long-eared lounge legends can sleep up to 16 hours a day—and they do it with style.
Their name comes from the French word “basset,” meaning “short” or “low-set,” which perfectly describes their low-to-the-ground build.
Height: Around 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder
Weight: Typically between 40 to 65 pounds
Basset Hounds are famous for their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and laid-back attitude. Originally bred for hunting, they have an incredible sense of smell and a strong tracking instinct. Despite their slow and steady pace, Bassets have an affectionate nature and are loyal companions who thrive in a calm, loving home.
With a famously laid-back personality and low energy levels, Basset Hounds won’t be dragging you out for an early jog. In fact, you’ll likely be the one trying to convince them to get out of bed. They’re content to start the day slowly, matching your yawn-for-yawn energy like the best kind of sleepy soulmate.
Why Basset Hounds Are Night Owl Friendly:
Champion sleepers: 14–16 hours a day is just the baseline
Super chill and love a slow start (or no start at all)
Low exercise needs + high cuddle needs = perfect snooze buddy
Whether it’s snoozing on the rug or snuggling into a blanket fort, Bassets are all about that slow, gentle wake-up life.
Conclusion
For night owls, choosing the right canine companion is essential. Breeds like the Siberian Husky are naturally inclined toward nighttime activities, making them the perfect match for those who enjoy late-night walks, playing, or even just lounging with a furry friend. These active, high-energy dogs thrive when they can explore after dark and often serve as both security and protection, especially in the country.
While cats may be quiet and low-maintenance, night owls frequently need a dog that will join their rhythm without concern. Whether you’re talking, relaxing, or on the search for a bit of adventure, these dogs help in making mornings optional and companionship crucial. Just be aware of the risk—once you bond, your nocturnal pup might just keep you up talking all night.
