Are you a dog lover but don’t have the energy to keep up with those hyper ones? Fortunately, there are some laziest dog breeds to suit your lifestyle.
Some low-energy dogs can sleep up to 20 hours a day. It means they can spend more than half a day sleeping. But why do they sleep so much? The answer is pretty simple. Like humans, their bodies also repair, recharge, recuperate, and prepare themselves for the upcoming day.
Do You Know? Dogs have a third eyelid called nictitating membrane. It is a pinkish tissue in the lower corner of the eye that keeps the eyeball moist when dogs are asleep. So, when you get an impression that your dog is sleeping with its eyes wide open, it’s the nictitating membrane.
In this article, we present the seven laziest dog breeds out there.
Most Lazy Sleepy Dog Breeds Are Here!
1. Great Dane
The original ‘gentle giant,’ the Great Dane, is a calm and quiet dog breed. This large dog spends a lot of calories just moving its body. So, it conserves the remaining energy by napping. These lazy dogs have a slow metabolism. They are happy to stay indoors and can sleep up to twenty hours a day.
Low Exercise Needs: Great Danes require low-impact exercise, including gentle walks. Extensive physical activity, such as running on hard surfaces and jumping, should be avoided during puppyhood.
Suitable for Indoor Living: Due to their low energy levels, Great Danes are suitable for indoor living despite their large size.
Personality
Great Danes are sociable, friendly, and loyal dogs. These intelligent and eager-to-please dogs have a laid-back demeanor. They do not possess the rambunctious energy like some other breeds. Great Danes thrive on human contact and bond closely to their owners.
2. Greyhound
Finding Greyhounds in the list of low-energy dog breeds might surprise you. Estimates suggest that they can sleep more than 18 hours a day. Greyhounds may be the fastest pooches on Earth, but they are the literal couch potatoes at home.
Moderate Exercise Needs: While they still have lightning-fast reflexes and a strong prey drive, Greyhounds are not overly energetic. They need only 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day to stay fit.
High Speed, Low Stamina: They are built for speed, not stamina, so they use their energy in short bursts. These “40 mph couch potatoes” are happy with two twenty-minute walks a day.
Personality
Greyhounds are the noble and sweet-tempered pooches with a gentle yet independent nature. These quiet dogs were originally bred for hunting, but now they make excellent family pets and wonderful playmates for children.
3. Japanese Chin
One of the laziest mutts out there, Japanese Chins have been serving as companions and travel partners for centuries. They like being pampered and are perfectly content to warm laps.
Minimal Exercise Needs: These active little pooches do not require much exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They tend to enjoy going on slow walks with their pet parents or exploring the fenced yard, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club.
Cat-Like Traits: Japanese Chins are described to have a cat-like temperament: alert, clean, and often found sleeping. Additionally, they have an independent nature.
Personality
Japanese Chin is an affectionate, easygoing, and happy dog. These fun-loving, playful, and intelligent canines are quite even-tempered. You can often find your Japanese Chin relaxing on the arm of a chair or the back of the couch.
4. Pekingese
Having a long history as lapdogs, Pekingese are self-assured, tiny pups. They are usually very comfy on the couch, need lots of cuddles, and sleep for long periods.
Little Exercise, More Sleep: Pekingese do not require copious hours of exercise. Their endearing snuffles and snores and high potential for daydreaming make them even more irresistible.
Brachycephaly: It is a flat-faced breed, meaning you need to stick to moderate or light exercise. Take your Pekingese for short walks or engage them in indoor play sessions (especially in hot weather).
Personality
Pekingese are warm-hearted and outgoing dogs who stay loyal to their loved ones. But they are aloof with strangers, due to which they make excellent watchdogs. These devoted canines are quite smart, but have an independent streak as well. Therefore, training a Pekingese requires patience.
5. Basset Hound
Those short legs and heavy bones belong to one of the laziest canines! They need plenty of sleep to cope with their active periods. A playdate with a canine pet can be a great way to help them prepare for an afternoon nap.
Low Energy Levels: Basset Hounds are low-energy dogs. They typically require an hour of daily physical activity to stay healthy and content. They enjoy running and sniffing on daily walks. Regular exercise keeps them from getting obese.
Natural Born Couch Potatoes: These laid-back and gentle pups with floppy ears are famous for their slow, methodical nature. They would like to nap rather than engage in vigorous activities. Their droopy eyes are reflective of their laziness.
Personality
Basset Hounds are the friendly and easygoing dogs that do surprisingly well on a scent trail, due to their hunting history. They make a perfect partner for individuals who prefer a relaxed pace in life.
6. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are the stocky canines with endearing wrinkled expressions. They require much more energy than they possess to undertake a strenuous activity. So they prefer sleeping above anything else, especially in the summer season.
Brachycephaly: These lazybones are known for their flat faces that will melt your heart. But the squishy faces limit their tolerance towards heat and exercise. As a result, they have minimal exercise needs.
Low Exercise Needs: According to Petplan, English Bulldogs are low-maintenance in terms of exercise. Two 15-minute leisurely regular walks would suffice.
Personality
English Bulldogs have a sweet and gentle temperament. They are quite dependent and people-oriented fellows who like spending time with their humans. English Bulldogs are loving towards children as well. However, they may exhibit stubbornness and high energy bursts sometimes, causing behavioral issues.
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chows can be easily characterized by their lion-like manes, round faces, blue tongues, and compact build. These adorable fluffballs like cuddling their favorite humans and sleeping most of the time.
Minimal Exercise Needs: Chow Chows have medium energy levels and do not require extensive physical activity to stay healthy. They need one hour of daily exercise, including a couple of short walks and off-lead play time in a secure area.
Love for Napping: Chow Chows can spend more than half of their day sleeping. They prefer lying in a cool corner inside the home, instead of running around.
Personality
Chow Chows are extremely loyal pooches known for their low-maintenance personalities. They are quite independent but not very social. Chow Chows tend to be aloof towards strangers and can get aggressive with other dogs.
Conclusion
If you cannot keep up with the exercise needs of a high-energy pup, go for a lazy dog breed that can spend all day snoozing. These laid-back canines can spend more than half of their day sleeping. They prefer lounging and napping over outdoor play sessions.
However, having a lazy dog does not mean you do not need to exercise them. Even the laziest dog stays healthy with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity or undesirable behaviors.
