Imagine you get back home after a long workday, and you see chewed-up shoes, and your dog is barking loudly. In another scenario, you find your dog snuggled on the couch, barely lifting their head to acknowledge you. Maybe, a tail wag? Maybe not. Then… back to sleep!
These are the dog breeds that nap all day without interaction. They don’t require constant supervision. They don’t beg for attention every five seconds. And they are perfectly happy with alone time. Not every home has the energy for high-maintenance and high-energy pups.
Many pet parents need a furry friend who is laid-back, self-sufficient, and calm. And guess what, some breeds are absolute champions of relaxation.
We have compiled the ten best dog breeds that enjoy their naps, love their own space, and will happily snooze through most of your busy day.
Dog Breeds That Nap All Day Without Interaction
1. Shih Tzu
These little fluff balls may look like pampered lap dogs, but Shih Tzus are professional nappers. The AKC mentions they are defined by mischief and giggles. They will follow you around the house for a bit, then plop down in a sunbeam and drift off.
Their calm temperament and low energy needs are great for people living in apartments and doing busy and long 9-5 jobs.
Key Traits
Size is small but sturdy.
Grooming needs are high (that silky coat is not going to brush itself)
Known for a calm and almost cat-like presence
Can be properly trained early on to avoid separation anxiety
Perfect for pet parents who love lap dogs with a lazy streak
Shih Tzus tend to enjoy lounging more than running laps. Shih Tzu puppies might sleep up to 20 hours daily. Adult dogs sleep less than that, but still 50% more than an average dog. They are one of the best dog breeds for people who want companionship without chaos.
Also, they are hypoallergenic dogs, which means they don’t shed much. Another plus with this “lion dog”.
2. Mastiff
Now, if you want the ultimate couch potatoes, Mastiffs are the right fit. These giants may look intimidating, but their laid-back nature is legendary.
Their size might fool a lot of first-time dog owners, but Mastiffs are lazy at heart and will spend most of their day snoozing if left alone. Large breeds like Mastiff-type dogs thrive on up to 18 hours of sleep in a day!
Key Traits
Massive and muscular dog (Seriously, check your couch space)
Exercise needs are low to moderate: needs less exercise than other breeds
Calm and gentle giants with a wrinkly face
Prone to separation anxiety if not trained
Perfectly well-suited for families who appreciate quiet companionship
Mastiffs are adult dogs that just want to nap at your feet. They are one of the best dog breeds for owners who need low energy levels in the home.
3. Basset Hound
Droopy ears. Soulful eyes. A body built for lounging (it was built to track scents, but never mind!). These dogs love their sleep (12-16 hours daily, on average). They will nap for long periods and don’t demand constant supervision.
Key Traits
Exercise: short walks (nothing too demanding)
Known as couch potatoes with short bursts of play
Calm temperament, great for apartment living
Minimal destructive chewing/behaviors when left alone
A canine companion with one of the best lazy streaks
The Basset Hound might occasionally bark at strangers, but most of the time, they are stretched out on the couch, enjoying their nap time.
4. French Bulldog
Ah, the French Bulldog. One of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. today. They are ridiculously cute, funny, and incredibly lazy. They spend 12-14 hours a day in deep sleep.
Key Traits
Small but muscular dog
Low-maintenance grooming
Adorable snorers who spend a lot of time napping
Low-energy dogs compared to other breeds
Tend to enjoy lounging over long walks
Many pet parents love Frenchies because they are not overly demanding. With enough exercise and mental stimulation, they will nap happily for hours.
5. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a royal breed. Literally. They were bred as lap dogs for Chinese emperors, and their job description has not much changed. PetMD noted they are pretty laid-back at home, but they can develop separation anxiety if you are gone for long periods.
They typically sleep between 12-14 hours, but sometimes, their napping time exceeds more than that.
Key Traits
Tiny in size, royal in personality
Grooming needs are high: that mane requires work
Loves their own space
Calm dogs who thrive in apartment living
Independent nature compared to other dogs
Enjoy lounging more than running, moderate exercise needs
If you want a regal yet lazy dog companion, the Pekingese might just be the right breed for you.
6. Greyhound
Most people think of Greyhounds as racing dogs. But here’s a secret: they are the ultimate couch potatoes in today’s world. These sleek dogs thrive on short sprints, and then they crash for the rest of the day.
They have a unique nickname, “45-mile-per-hour-couch-potato”. They are the fastest, yet love to sleep… maybe up to 18 hours!
Key Traits
One of the tallest dogs
Exercise: quick bursts of running, then nap city
Calm dogs despite their athletic build
Known for long periods of rest after exercise
Low energy levels indoors
Enjoys companionship but also their alone time
Greyhounds are proof that certain breeds can be both athletic and incredibly lazy.
7. Lhasa Apso
Independent dogs with a stubborn streak. Lhasa Apso are also napping experts. They have a calm temperament, provided early training and socialization are given.
Purina mentions they were historically bred as watchdogs in monasteries, which means they enjoy watching the world from their favorite spot… then falling asleep, up to 18-20 hours.
Key Traits
Small dog in size.
Grooming needs are high (just look at that coat).
Reserved nature and independent
Well-suited for pet parents who don’t want a very high-energy dog
Prone to destructive behaviors if not given enough stimulation
If you are looking for more independent dogs that still give companionship when they want, this breed fits perfectly.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, loving, and yes… total nappers! This affectionate, active, and family-friendly dog will happily curl up on the couch or your bed and sleep the day away if left alone (but not so much time alone; they can be anxious, so you need to train them first). And they can sleep for 12-18 hours daily.
Key Traits
Small to medium-sized dog.
Moderate grooming needed.
Low separation anxiety when trained
Perfect lap dogs for parents who work from home
Well-suited for apartment living
They thrive on companionship, but they are also independent enough to enjoy their nap-filled schedule.
9. Saint Bernard
The St. Bernard is a giant dog with a lazy soul. Despite being a large dog, these dogs thrive in calm houses where they can nap in peace. Being a big dog, they tend to sleep for 18-20 hours.
Key Traits
Very large. A fluffball at its best.
Short and regular exercise is needed to keep them healthy
Gentle giants with low energy needs
Well-suited for cold climates
Calm and composed temperament
Needs constant supervision as a puppy; adult dogs mellow quickly
Saint Bernards are one of the best dogs for families that appreciate a loyal but lazy couch companion.
10. Chow Chow
Last but not least… the Chow Chow! These dogs are famously aloof, fluffy, and often described as more like cats than dogs. AKC describes them as an “all-purpose dog of ancient China”. Adult Chow Chows tend to sleep for 12 to 14 hours daily, which includes both nighttime sleep and daytime naps.
Key Traits
Medium to large dog.
Grooming needs are high because of that fluffy coat.
Independent nature and reserved personality
Loves alone time and does not mind being left alone too much
Calm, quiet, and enjoy lounging all day
Chow Chows are the definition of independent dogs. They will nap, observe, and generally act like royalty in your home.
Conclusion
If your lifestyle does not allow you to have dogs due to the constant supervision factor or endless long walks that require a huge time commitment. Then these dog breeds that nap all day without interaction are perfect for you. The right breed will happily nap, relax, and enjoy solo time while you are away.
A BIG DISCLAIMER HERE!! For the well-being of your dog, always train them first so they can live alone for long hours. Even laid-back dogs can feel anxious when their humans are away for too long.
If you are looking for the best dog to fit into your life, think about these breeds that enjoy lounging, sleeping, and loving you, without being overly demanding.
