Some dogs take loyalty to their nap time a little too seriously—so much so that even when you call them again and again, they barely twitch an ear. These laid-back breeds are known for their love of sleep, often snoozing through household noise, family chatter, and sometimes even their own name being called.
Did you know that according to a 2022 study, an owner’s lifestyle predicts his or her dog’s exercise habits? This study is based on an online survey conducted across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, and France.
The researcher found that owners who did not work out for more than 15 minutes vigorously were less likely to have doggos exercised a lot.
Not to lazy shame your pup, but some dogs are just all about taking that nap in their favorite spot instead of rushing to grab their favorite toy. They’d rather just be given a toy to cuddle with.
There can be different factors behind why a dog is all snooze and less play; from the owner’s lifestyle to aging or illness, but some breeds are just made this way.
If you’re wondering which dog breeds are more likely to prioritize rest over physical activity, this article is all about guiding you on them.
Dog Breeds That Fall Asleep Even When Called Repeatedly
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are one of the most adorable and unique doggos with their sturdy but low-slung bodies. Their droopy ears move comically as they put their scenting abilities to use and try to track their object of interest.
These small dogs can be up to 15 inches in height and weigh between 40-65 pounds. While you will see them playing fetch and doing agility training with their pet parents, these doggos are quite fond of taking a snooze on the grass or floor… literally wherever they can.
Basset Hounds make loving pets to their families, but can also exhibit some stubbornness. AKC mentions that they are prone to letting out loud barks to communicate their different feelings and moods.
2. English Bulldog
These dogs can easily camouflage on a blanket while they’re sleeping on it due to their wrinkly and plentiful skin. These stocky dogs look funny but adorable with their flat faces, but their wrinkles also need regular cleaning to keep off dust and infections.
English Bulldogs are high snoring, high drooling pups that love an easygoing life. They’ll take any opportunity to dive into the world of doggo dreams; having a comfy space for them in the house will make them happy pups.
The small dogs tend to be no taller than 14-15 inches with a weight of 40-50 pounds. According to Hill’s Pet, these pooches are dependable and sweet dogs that get along well with children. They might not be just as accepting of other dogs and need early socialization training when they’re puppies.
3. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs were originally bred and developed in France by crossing Bulldogs with native dog breeds. These pups have some features and sleeping habits similar to English Bulldogs (though, they’re not the same breed); the signature flat face in these pups also demands being taken care of in hot weather.
Frenchies are nonsporting dogs that live well in limited living spaces like apartments and college dorms. They’re chill in nature and need moderate physical activity, which can be provided to them in a small yard or indoors.
Though they look like they’re eternally sulking, Frenchies are quite cheerful and sweet-natured doggos. They can show some spunk when they’re in a playful mood, and love being around kids, as per Britannica. Despite being eager to please pups, they do exhibit some strong-headed temperament while being trained.
So, if they want to take a nap instead of using their tiny legs to run to you while you’re calling, it’s going to be hard to convince them to do otherwise.
4. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are bigger dogs with a heart of gold; they love their human family members and get along well with other pets. Saints hail from Switzerland and were developed by monks to be their companions; these fabulous mutts used to help track people lost in the snow in the Swiss Alps.
Saints are still used as service and search and rescue dogs due to their amazing instincts. The American Kennel Club recognized Saint Bernards in 1885; now they’re one of the most popular doggos of large size. Saint Bernards can be 120-180 pounds in weight and stand between 26-30 inches tall.
These dogs are quite sensitive in nature and react better to positive reinforcement over harsh training methods. Despite being large doggos, they are very calm and possess medium energy levels and would rather lounge next to you on the floor than run trails.
5. Great Dane
Great Dane has a very impressive stature that can look intimidating, with their size range of 28-32 inches and 110-175 pounds. These mutts are, however, one of the most affectionate and loyal dogs with an easygoing nature.
Dane puppies grow into adult dogs pretty fast, and soon enough, you’ll have the full-blown “Apollo of Dogs”. They need some weekly brushing and occasional bathing sessions; they’re not heavy shedders, though.
This pup is a great companion for introverted pet parents who want a relaxed and gentle pet (having enough space in the home to keep them is a must, though). They do need some moderate play sessions and daily long walks as big doggos, to keep off health issues.
Though they’re well-behaved dogs, it’s important to watch them around children, small dogs, and smaller animals due to their size. Danes are also quite fond of taking their beauty sleep and need ample rest to stay happy.
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is one of the most distinct breeds with a fluffy coat and its signature blue tongue that makes it stand out. This fluffball can be traced back to the Chinese Han dynasty in 206 BCE to 220 CE, as per PetMD.
Chow Chows stand 17-20 inches tall and weigh between 45-70 pounds. Their thick fur sheds a lot, so make sure you take some time weekly to hold your pup in your lap and brush it.
With their beady eyes and chubby statures, it’s easy to want to hold them close and cuddle with them, but these pooches love their personal space.
They’re not overly active dogs and do well if given brief daily walks and some playtime. These pups would rather slide into the bed early at night and even prefer a laid-back routine during the day.
Their tactics make them prone to obesity, so make sure to watch what they’re eating, and don’t let them be completely sedentary.
7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is one of the most adorable toy breeds that dog lovers adore due to its silky, long coat and affectionate face. These little pooches stand no taller than 8-11 inches and weigh between 9-16 pounds.
These pups are small but quite alert and have a keen sense of their surroundings; no wonder these “little lions” have been favored companions of Chinese emperors.
Due to their background with aristocrats, these pups enjoy a life of being pampered; give them a soft mattress and they’ll be more than happy.
Shih Tzu’s long coat needs some regular combing and occasional bathing to stay tangle-free; trimming is also a great way to make it manageable. Though they love a good night’s sleep, these pooches won’t mind walking outdoors with you in the morning or playing games like agility.
Conclusion
All dogs are amazing in their own way, regardless of their personality and activity level. These easygoing breeds make great companions for people who prefer medium energy of comparatively quiet dogs.
At the end of the day, some dogs just aren’t built for endless activity or instant responses, and that’s part of their charm. Breeds that happily snooze through your repeated calls bring a calming balance to busy households, teaching us to slow down and embrace stillness.
While they may not win awards for attentiveness, their easygoing nature, warm companionship, and unmatched cuddle potential make them just as lovable as any high-energy pup. After all, a sleepy dog is often the coziest friend you could ask for.
