Picture this: a calm afternoon, a soft breeze, and a dog curled up peacefully by your side. Not all dogs crave non-stop action, and for those who prefer a slower, more relaxed way of life, there are breeds perfectly suited to match that gentle pace.
These low-energy dog breeds are the ultimate companions for people who value quiet walks, cozy evenings, and a home that feels unhurried. Instead of bouncing off the walls, they prefer snuggling on the couch, strolling at an easy pace, or simply being a steady presence in your day.
Whether you’re retired, working from home, or simply love savoring life’s small joys, these mellow breeds bring comfort without the chaos. They’re not only lower energy but often patient, affectionate, and deeply loyal. Imagine a Great Dane happily lounging after a short walk, or a Bichon Frise snoozing contentedly at your feet.
For those who want companionship without the whirlwind energy, easygoing dog breeds are the perfect fit. Let’s meet the dogs that prove you don’t need constant excitement to find the most heartwarming bond.
Easygoing Dog Breeds For A Slower Life Style
1. Greyhound
Don’t let their racing fame fool you—Greyhounds are the ultimate low-maintenance, laid-back companions.
Greyhounds are a large breed, typically standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing around 60–70 pounds. Their slim, aerodynamic build runs from head to tail, giving them a sleek appearance.
Sure, they’re built for speed, but in everyday life, they’re happiest lounging on a comfy couch or sunning themselves by a window, only breaking into a sprint for a quick, joyful gallop now and then.
Size & Build: Sleek, athletic, but surprisingly easygoing indoors.
Temperament: Calm demeanor, gentle, and content with minimal activity.
Personality: Affectionate nature, quiet, and the ultimate couch companion.
These laid-back breeds make excellent couch companions, provided they get regular exercise. They are generally patient with children and more inclined to walk away than react negatively, though they do appreciate having their own space, which young kids may sometimes overlook.
Fun Fact: Despite being capable of incredible speeds, Greyhounds are true “nap champions,” earning the title of the ultimate canine couch potato. Perfect for curling up with you for a long, peaceful afternoon snooze.
2. Great Dane
Great Danes may look like towering, four-legged skyscrapers, but underneath that imposing exterior lies a friendly, dependable, and easygoing companion.
Known as the “Apollo of dogs,” they are the tallest of the working breeds and among the largest dogs in the world. Known for their calm demeanor and willingness to please, these gentle giants are perfect for families who enjoy a slower, more relaxed lifestyle.
They adore their own family, especially children, and are content to lounge around the house, happily soaking up attention and affection. While they may be cautious around strangers or neighborhood kids, a calm introduction usually wins them over.
Size & Build: Huge and powerful, yet gentle and affectionate.
Temperament: Calm nature, friendly, and willing to please.
Personality: Loyal, loving, and content with relaxed routines.
With their short, low-maintenance coats—available in brindle, fawn, blue, and harlequin—Great Danes are surprisingly easy to care for despite their size.
While they can adapt to apartment living with a committed owner, they do best in homes that provide plenty of space to play and stretch out, ideally with a fenced-in yard.
Fun Fact: Despite their massive size, Great Danes are sometimes called “apartment giants” because they love indoor lounging almost as much as they enjoy a leisurely walk outdoors.
3. Newfoundland
Don’t let their massive size fool you—Newfoundlands are calm, loving, and perfect for a slower-paced life.
Newfoundlands are a giant breed, typically weighing between 100 and 150 pounds and standing 26–28 inches tall. Strong and muscular, they are built for power and endurance. Their thick double coat, with a dense undercoat beneath a longer outer layer, adds to their imposing yet gentle presence.
Known as “nanny dogs” for their gentle nature with children, these giant pups are affectionate, patient, and happiest when lounging with their family after a leisurely walk or swim, says WebMD.
Size & Build: Large, muscular, but surprisingly gentle.
Temperament: Calm, affectionate, and patient with all family members.
Personality: Loyal, easygoing, and content with relaxed routines.
Newfs are intelligent, easygoing, and social, getting along well with children, other pets, and anyone who gives them a kind pat. While they do enjoy some outdoor activity to stretch their big legs, they’re not high-strung or hyperactive. Their favorite hobby? Cuddling and being part of the family’s daily rhythm.
Fun Fact: Despite being built like a small tank, Newfoundlands are often described as “gentle giants”—they’re the kind of dog who could rescue you from water one moment and nap by your feet the next.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is a tiny bundle of elegance, charm, and affection—perfect for those who love a slower, relaxed pace.
The Maltese is a toy breed, typically weighing under 7 pounds and standing 7–9 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, they make both delicate lap dogs and lively companions.
These small, white-coated pups adore lounging in laps, snuggling on couches, and quietly following their favorite humans around the house without demanding constant activity.
Size & Build: Tiny, lightweight, and lap-friendly.
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and sociable.
Personality: Calm, loving, and content to relax at home.
Maltese dogs are affectionate, sociable, and get along well with children and other pets when properly socialized. While they enjoy short play sessions, their true talent lies in being calm, loving, and perfectly content with indoor life. A gentle hand and a cozy blanket are all they really need.
PetMD noted their white coat often earns them the “hypoallergenic” label. This long, silky coat also demands almost daily grooming to stay healthy and tangle-free, so be prepared to set aside regular time for maintenance.
Fun Fact: Despite their small stature, Maltese dogs have a big heart—they’ll happily keep you company for hours, often acting as the ultimate indoor cheerleader with minimal effort required on your part.
5. Bichon Frise
With their fluffy, white coat and perpetually happy expressions, Bichon Frises are basically living, breathing little clouds of joy.
Despite their lively personality, Bichon Frises are small dogs, standing just under 1 foot tall and weighing around 12–18 pounds. They belong to the Barbichon family, making them closely related to breeds such as the Bolognese, Havanese, and Maltese.
Perfect for a slower-paced life, these small dogs are playful when you want them to be, but equally content curling up beside you for a cozy afternoon nap. Bichons are friendly, affectionate, and get along well with children, other pets, and anyone willing to give them a scratch behind the ears.
Size & Build: Small, compact, and perfect for cuddles.
Temperament: Cheerful, affectionate, and easygoing.
Personality: Playful but relaxed, happy to lounge or frolic at your pace.
They require minimal exercise compared to larger, high-energy breeds, making them ideal companions for apartment living or for households that value calm, relaxed routines.
Fun Fact: Despite their tiny size, Bichons are surprisingly social and confident, often charming everyone they meet with their little cloud-like fluff and joyful personality.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If there were a canine award for “Best Snuggle Buddy,” the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would win hands down. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small dogs, usually standing 12–13 inches tall and weighing 13–18 pounds.
They feature naturally floppy ears, a long back, a compact body, and a deep chest. These small, elegant pups are the perfect companions for a slower-paced life, happily curling up on your lap while you read, binge-watch, or sip your tea.
Cavaliers are affectionate, gentle, and social, getting along beautifully with polite children, other pets, and even visitors who can’t resist their puppy-dog eyes.
Size & Build: Small, compact, and perfectly lap-friendly.
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and friendly with everyone.
Personality: Easygoing, loyal, and content to relax at home.
Their long coat needs weekly brushing to reduce shedding and keep it healthy, along with regular professional grooming, so be sure to plan for the time and expense involved.
They love short walks and playtime, but their true talent lies in being chill, loving, and endlessly loyal—the ultimate lapdog without the high-energy demands.
Fun Fact: Cavaliers were originally bred as companions for royalty, so if you find yourself being treated like a king or queen while they lounge on your lap, consider it a historic honor.
7. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are like the ultimate chill roommates—compact, charming, and full of personality without demanding a marathon of activity every day.
With their signature bat ears, muscular little bodies, and short coats, these medium-sized pups are perfectly designed for relaxed living, especially in apartments or cozy homes.
Frenchies are happy, sociable, and make friends effortlessly, whether it’s with polite children, other pets, or even the occasional delivery person.
Size & Build: Medium, muscular, and compact—perfect for apartments.
Temperament: Easygoing, affectionate, and friendly.
Personality: Laid-back, sociable, and effortlessly charming.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they’re quiet, but their alertness makes them excellent watchdogs.
These gentle dogs are easygoing and content to lounge on the couch while you sip your coffee—though they’re always ready to lend a wagging tail and a snuggle when needed. Minimal exercise? Check. Big personality? Absolutely.
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs may look like tiny bodyguards, but they’re really more like four-legged nap experts who excel at cuddles and keeping life stress-free.
Conclusion
For pet parents seeking a slower lifestyle, most calm dog breeds like the Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, Great Danes, Chow Chows, Japanese Chin, Clumber Spaniel, and Saint Bernard offer a gentle nature and sweet nature that fit calm environments and peaceful homes.
Their low maintenance needs—regular grooming, daily walks, regular ear cleaning, and indoor play—combined with moderate activity or short bursts of energy make them perfect apartment dogs or companions for small children.
With unwavering loyalty, soulful eyes, and good-natured temperaments, these breeds thrive on human companionship, require obedience training, mental stimulation, and exercise needs that prevent weight gain, making these lazy dogs the perfect match for a relaxed family life.
