7 Low Exercise Companion Dog Breeds For Relaxed Owners

It’s a myth that all dogs require strenuous exercise. We often think that owning a dog will make our daily schedules harder due to their requirements. But guess what! There are many dog breeds that require minimal exercise and don’t ask for much. All they need is a comfortable spot on a couch or the warm lap of their owners.

If you are a full-time worker, first-time pet parent, or a lover of a quiet environment looking for a low-maintenance dog who can bring peaceful energy to your space, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will discuss 7 different types of low-energy dog breeds.

Low Exercise Companion Dog Breeds

Let’s take a look at some of the best low-exercise dog breeds that don’t ask for much but carry the ability to bring peace and happiness into your home.

1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its royalty, owned by King Charles I and Charles II This breed was named after the monarch. If you are looking for a dog with cute, round black eyes and who easily gets along with children and other pets, this breed is the best choice for you.

According to AKC, these dogs were originally bred as companion dogs, which is why they also tend to be good therapy dogs.

These adorable, cute dogs had different names for years. In America, they were known as English Toy Spaniel, while in the UK, they are known as Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Since they are small, you can also carry them with you. They need minimal exercise daily, like walking for 1 hour, which is enough to keep them healthy and calm.

They are often nicknamed “The comfort Spaniel” as they love to spend their time on your lap. Due to their eager-to-please nature, they are much easier to train and considered low maintenance. PDSA suggests that positive, reward-based training will be enough to prevent this dog from picking up any bad habits.

As for their diets, purebred dogs require full protein from animal sources such as muscle meat, eggs, and fish, which is important to provide them with basic amino acids.

2. Pug

Pugs are considered one of the oldest dog breeds. As per the AKC, they have existed since at least 400 B.C. What makes pugs an excellent companion dog? Well, their original purpose was to serve as lap dogs for Chinese emperors. These little dogs were loved by many famous people, such as Queen Victoria, Rob Zombie, a famous metal singer, Valentino, a renowned Italian fashion designer, and many more.

They have moderate exercise needs, 30 mins to 1 hour, which can be divided into multiple short walks and play time, which is enough to keep them active and maintain a healthy weight. Pugs are a little more stubborn than other dogs, which can make their training challenging. However, as they are the friendliest dogs and good learners, they will do anything to please their owner.

Their friendly and charming nature makes them wonderful companions. They can easily adjust to you and other family members in apartments or small spaces.

When it comes to grooming needs, they don’t require daily or complicated grooming. Just regular brushing and nail trimming is all they ask for. Furthermore, you will have to take care of the wrinkles on their small face, especially in warm weather, as they can get skin diseases if not cleaned daily.

3. Shih Tzu

Imagine coming home after a long, tiring day and opening your door just to see this adorable small dog wagging its tail for you. Their gentle and calm personality brings the pleasant environment you were looking for.

As per All Shih Tzu, their coats have different shades which include white, gray, black, brown, gold, or multicolored. Their low energy level makes them a great choice for someone who can not spend much time on daily exercises and grooming.

These couch potatoes only ask for affection and short daily walks of 30-40 minutes, but they can also relax for long periods.

Due to their flat faces, according to PetMD, they can be affected by brachycephalic syndrome, which can cause them trouble in breathing. To avoid any type of disease, it is important to keep them in a cool temperature, especially in hot weather, as they are prone to overheating.

4. French Bulldog

One of the most sensitive breeds, French bulldogs are popular family pets. But keep in mind, don’t raise your voice on these little dogs as it can throw them into a sad tailspin for hours. These low-energy breeds don’t like to bark loudly, instead, they make playful growls or cute voices when they see you.

They are perfect for city living, apartment life, and country homes. They also serve as amazing watchdogs. Like English bulldogs and Shih Tzu, they also suffer from breathing problems. Due to this issue, Frenchies hate exercise. A short walk or an indoor play session can make them happy and healthy.

As they are a popular breed, many famous celebrities are fond of them. This dog breed is owned by Hugh Jackman, David Beckham, Hilary Duff, Lady Gaga, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

5. Bulldog

Owning a bulldog simply means you are bringing a small, nap-loving companion into your life. These wrinkly-faced dogs just want to give you cuddles and a calm environment. They have a moderate energy level and need about 1 hour of exercise daily to keep them fit.

However, according to Britannica, they require more care than other breeds due to their health issues, such as brachycephallic syndrome, as they are also a flat-faced dog breed.

Bulldogs are stubborn in nature, so it is important to stay patient while training them. It is recommended that training sessions should stay short and focus on positive reinforcement.

6. Maltese

A status symbol and fashion statement for Roman noble women Maltese are known for their beautiful features. Not only are they cute and furry, but Maltese can also be great watchdogs. Their alert and active nature makes them good protectors.

This dog breed was recognized by the AKC in 1888. The friendly breed has always been popular among royal people, like accompanying Queen Elizabeth I. They have a moderate energy level, and exercise from 30 minutes to 1 hour is enough to keep fit and in a good mood.

Maltese are often known for their long, pretty hair, which needs combing every day. They also need a haircut once in 4-6 weeks.

They are normally white in color with a size of no more than 7-9 inches. An adult Maltese needs 12-14 hours of sleep daily. They love to sit near you or on your lap. If you live in a quiet family with a soft environment, this dog breed is ideal for you, as they are too gentle for loud noises.

7. Havanese

The national dog of Cuba, the Havanese, is considered to be only dog breeds native to Cuba. They are one of the friendliest dog breeds, often known as a Velcro dog. They have minimal behavioral problems, they easily get along with family members and other pets.

Their wavy, silky double coat makes them unique from other breeds. They have multiple shades of coats such as white, black, fawn, brindle, chocolate, silver, gold, sable, and more. Their small size and gentle personality make them suitable for apartment living.

There is one thing to keep in mind: Havanese crave attention. You can not leave them alone for a long time, as they can easily develop separation anxiety or harmful habits.

As a moderately active dog, much exercise is not needed. Just take them for 30-minute daily walks, provide mental stimulation, and some playtime tailored to the individual dog, and you are good to go.

Final Thoughts

The above list shows how you can easily manage to pet a dog despite your busy schedule. These small furry dogs are waiting to bring comfort to your lives. This is just a small list of lazy-dog breeds; there are many more, such as chow chows, English bulldogs, Brussels Griffons, Bernese mountain dogs, Basset hounds, and many more. Whether you are busy or too lazy to get a pet, think about it again and wait no more; choose the best companion for you.