Ever heard of a dog that can sleep for up to 20 hours a day? Believe it or not, some breeds have turned laziness into an art form. While most dogs are bursting with energy, eager for fetch marathons and long walks, others would much rather spend the day snoring on the sofa. These aren’t just mellow pets—they’re professional nappers, and they wear their “lazy” label with pride.
With more people living in apartments, working from home, or just preferring a chill lifestyle, low-energy dogs are rising in popularity. Why chase a hyperactive pup when you can have a gentle companion who’s perfectly happy binge-watching your favorite show right beside you? It’s no surprise that breeds like the teacup dog breeds are also trending—small in size but huge on companionship, they’re a perfect fit for relaxed living.
So if your dream dog is more of a cuddle buddy than a jogging partner, you’re in the right place. Meet the laziest pups around—adorably sleepy, comically slow, and totally irresistible.
Extremely Lazy Dog Breeds
1. Bulldog
English Bulldogs are the royalty of relaxation. Known for their squishy faces and lovable demeanor, these lazy dog breeds are happiest flopped across your rug or lounging under a sunbeam. Their minimal exercise needs mean a few short strolls are plenty to keep them moving.
These pups are compact and surprisingly sturdy, making them ideal for apartment dwellers and equally appealing to busy pet parents. Don’t be fooled by their grumpy frown—they’re famously affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.
Bulldogs are classic low-energy pups that still enjoy the occasional play session, but they tire quickly and are perfectly fine trading zoomies for a good snooze. They’re not exactly into retrieving toys… unless it involves fetching a snack.
Thanks to their squashed face, excessive physical activity—especially in hot weather—is a no-go. Their sleepy tendencies aren’t laziness so much as lifestyle.
If you’re looking for an easy-going dog that is loyal and full of charm, English Bulldogs are a sweet, sleepy match made in heaven.
2. Basset Hound
With their iconic droopy ears, big brown eyes, and short legs, Basset Hounds look like they were designed for loafing—and they lean into that look with style. As Britannica claims, these puppies are the textbook definition of a low–energy dog breed, often found napping in corners you didn’t know they could reach.
Bred originally as scent hounds, Bassets have a nose for sniffing but not for speed. Despite being a low-energy pup, they still enjoy regular walks filled with sniff-worthy adventures. But after that? Straight back to the couch.
Their unique shape makes them adorable, but it also means they’re low-maintenance dogs when it comes to activity levels. Though Bassets love being around other dogs, they’re just as happy snuggling solo.
Because of their slow metabolism and heavy build, they’re prone to weight gain, making portion control and light daily exercise essential to stay healthy. Think more sniff strolls, less sprints.
Perfect for homes that appreciate mellow vibes, Bassets are gentle, sweet-natured companions with an irresistible “nap-now, sniff-later” attitude.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Don’t let their grand, majestic appearance fool you—Bernese Mountain Dogs are surprisingly mellow giants. According to WebMD, these gentle giants might have worked in the Swiss Alps, but today, they’re more into backyard naps than mountain treks.
Despite their size, Berners are among the most easy going dog breeds. They enjoy being near family, especially if it involves lounging by your side. Known for their gentle temperament, they’re excellent family pets, even with children or cats around.
They do require some regular exercise—usually a daily walk or light play session—but they’re definitely not fans of intense activities. This makes them ideal for owners who love quiet companionship without high demands.
Their fluffy coats mean regular grooming is a must to avoid tangles, but their sweet nature makes brushing feel more like bonding. Berners are sensitive and affectionate, often following you around just to be near.
For those seeking a low-energy but deeply devoted pet, this breed brings both fluff and heart in equal measure.
4. Pug
Pugs are pint-sized charmers that have perfected the art of lounging. Known as one of the laziest dog breeds, they thrive in cozy spaces, ideally as close to their humans as possible. Their happy place? Snuggled into a warm blanket on your owner’s lap.
These small dogs are all about low-key living. A couple of slow-paced, short strolls a day is all the movement they need to stay content. Anything beyond that might be pushing it, especially in warmer weather, due to their flat faces and sensitive breathing.
Their playful side comes out in short bursts, usually inspired by treats or a squeaky toy. But the Pug quickly shifts back into chill mode, often choosing snoozing over running around.
Perfect for apartment dwellers, Pugs don’t need a yard to be happy. They’re loyal, loving, and their low-maintenance routines make them ideal for dog owners with calmer lifestyles.
Their expressive eyes and clownish antics offer constant entertainment. Whether curled up next to you or snoring midday, they make excellent lazy breed companions.
If you want a lovable shadow who chooses naps over nature hikes, the Pug might just be your dream dog.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds may be built like sprinters, but their daily routine leans more toward professional napping. Surprisingly, they’re among the top low-energy dog breeds, favoring long stretches of rest over rigorous activity.
Known for their gentle demeanor, Greyhounds are calm dogs who are happy with a few short strolls a day. They’re not fans of constant playtime and are much more interested in securing the comfiest spot on the couch.
Though they once raced, they’ve retired into a lifestyle that would make any relaxed pet parent proud. These pups enjoy their peace and quiet and often do well with cats and older children, provided they’ve had proper introductions.
With sleek coats and little grooming needed, they’re an easygoing dog choice for those seeking companionship without constant upkeep.
They adapt well to apartment dwellers and are surprisingly reserved indoors, often described as elegant couch potatoes.
Gentle, affectionate, and easygoing, Greyhounds prove that even the fastest dogs can have the slowest home lives—and that’s exactly how they like it.
6. Great Dane
Despite their towering height, Great Danes are some of the most laid-back breeds you’ll ever meet. These gentle giants choose soft beds over wild play, making them an excellent fit for anyone seeking a relaxed, devoted companion.
While their size might suggest high activity needs, these mellow dogs are surprisingly low energy. A few leisurely strolls and some cuddles are more than enough to keep them happy and healthy.
According to PetMD, they’re perfectly suited to apartment living as long as they have space to stretch out. Their patient nature makes them great around kids, and they’re often more careful and affectionate than you’d expect from such a large breed.
Danes do need regular walks to avoid stiffness, but long treks or intense games aren’t their style. A short walk followed by an epic nap is more their speed.
They also benefit from obedience training, not because they’re unruly, but because their size can unintentionally cause chaos without guidance.
If you’ve got room in your home—and on your couch—for a massive, mellow best friend, this dog might be just the one.
7. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is the ultimate stoic soul among relaxed dog breeds. With their lion-like manes and confident gait, they carry themselves with dignity, and favor their routines slow and peaceful.
Known for their independent nature, Chows enjoy affection, but only on their terms. They’re not lapdogs, but they’ll quietly follow you from room to room, offering relaxed companionship without being clingy.
While they require a couple of short strolls a day, these dogs are not fans of long adventures. They’re perfectly happy spending the rest of the day lounging near a window or on their favorite mat.
Their thick coat demands daily grooming to prevent matting, but aside from brushing, their maintenance needs are pretty straightforward. Still, a Chow’s regal attitude might mean they’ll resist grooming now and then—patience is key.
They aren’t the best match for high-energy households with young children, but they thrive with owners who respect their space and temperament.
For those wanting a calm, clean, and reserved companion with a dose of fluff and pride, the Chow Chow is a dignified fit among lazy breeds.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned homebody or just someone who values peace over chaos, there’s a special kind of joy in sharing your space with a dog that naps more than it runs. From the soulful-eyed Basset Hound to the elegant, sleep-loving Greyhound, each breed we’ve explored brings its own blend of calm companionship, subtle humor, and unwavering loyalty to the couch.
These extremely lazy dog breeds aren’t just adorable—they’re a reminder that you don’t have to be high-energy to be full of love. They’re the kind of pets that happily join you for a movie marathon, patiently wait by your feet during lazy Sundays, and never judge you for pressing snooze (again).
While their exercise needs may be modest, their capacity to steal hearts is anything but. These low-energy legends prove that the best things in life sometimes come in the quietest, droopiest, or most snuggly of packages.
If you’re ready to welcome a four-legged nap enthusiast into your life, one of these easy-going breeds might just be your perfect match. After all, in a world that moves too fast, every home could use a little more fluff, calm… and snoring.
Now go ahead—find your furry soulmate. Just don’t forget to leave room on the couch.
