Not every dog is built for speed. There are many dogs around us that just love to run. But many other dogs prefer a slow and relaxed way of life. These calm pups are okay with just a short walk. They love to sleep in their soft beds and spend lots of time in their owner’s lap. Yes, we know what you are thinking: “These dogs are so lazy!” But trust us, they are not. They just enjoy their lives at a gentler pace.
Here’s a fun fact: Dogs usually sleep around 12 to 14 hours per day on average. Many slow dog breeds can sleep even longer, especially when kept indoors. That might sound A LOT, but their ancestral genetic coding tells them to spend their energy only when needed.
In this blog, we will take a look at the slowest dog breeds in the world. These dogs may not win races, but they will definitely win your heart!
Most Slowest Dog Breeds in the World
1. Basset Hound
Average Speed: 5 to 10 miles per hour
Looking at a Basset Hound, you can never associate it with speed. But you can definitely picture these short dogs: floppy ears, wrinkled brows, and stubby legs. These dogs have a calm and very laid-back way of living. They are not the type to race across the park or chase after rabbits just for fun.
But everything will change as soon as they catch a scent (yeah, that might be a bit problematic for you). They will follow that smell with full focus, no matter how slow their bodies move.
Bassets just love to lie around. They enjoy being close to their favourite humans, especially in a quiet house. They are also known for being patient. They will stay calm, even with children pulling on their ears.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Short legs make them walk slowly
Long and heavy body keeps their speed slow
Wide chest and low posture
Heavy bone structure and low prey drive
2. Chihuahua
Average Speed: 5 to 10 miles per hour
Chihuahuas may act like they own the park, but their little legs tell a different story. These dogs might think they are flying when they run, but if you put them next to a bigger breed, they are clearly one of the slowest dog breeds on earth.
Their boldness makes up for their lack of speed. These pooches are independent and very devoted to their owners. PetMD mentions that they can be a little stubborn and strong-willed as well due to their high intelligence.
Some people say they don’t get along with other pets. But they really just like their own space. You can train Chihuahuas to be great little companions with positive reinforcement and mental stimulation.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Tiny body limits their stride length
Short legs that slow down their movement
Small muscles that give less running power
Lightweight build that can’t hold a fast pace
3. Pug
Average Speed: 5 to 10 miles per hour
When you look at a Pug, you will see that they always look a little worried. But don’t be fooled. That’s just how their faces are. In fact, these pups are fun and love to explore.
They enjoy playtime and short walks, but they are not made for long hikes or anything too active. It’s not because they are lazy dog breeds, but because their little bodies can’t move fast.
These dogs are friendly and affectionate. They can be great around children and other animals as well. Their sweet nature and low exercise needs make them ideal for owners with busy lives. Yes, they may not have a runner’s body. But these pooches are full of love for you!
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Stubby legs that slow them down
Round and plump bodies
Smushed faces that make them prone to respiratory problems during exercise
Low energy levels compared to active breeds
4. Shih Tzu
Average Speed: 6 miles per hour
The Shih Tzu (also called a “little lion”) may be your match if you are looking for a dog that takes it all easy. This little pup is not made for jogging or chasing anything. A slow walk is enough for them.
These pooches love staying clean and cozy. They enjoy just lying around and soaking up all the attention. But when getting a Shih Tzu, it is important to remember that they need a lot of brushing. Their fancy coats really do need some high maintenance.
But the good part is that they are hypoallergenic and don’t shed much. If you ask us, it is a pretty good deal. You brush, and they keep things calm. No wild zoomies, no daily exercise. Just quiet company.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Small stature that makes them walk short distances only
Low to moderate energy levels
Bred to be a companion dog, not a runner
Flat face limits how fast they can breathe
5. Japanese Chin
Average Speed: Under 10 miles per hour
The Japanese Chin is the type of dog that will prefer relaxing over anything else. It is not a fan of running or daily exercise. And you will definitely not see this breed running next to a jogger. They just can’t keep up!
They may be slow, but AKC states these dogs are super clean and share many characteristics with a cat. They groom themselves often and don’t even bark much.
This breed will be perfect for you if you are into peaceful pets that stay neat and don’t make a fuss. They will entertain you and then head back to their favourite soft spot.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Low energy and relaxed style
Not built for speed or exercise
Tiny body that keeps its pace low
Lack of athletic ability
6. Chinese Shar-Pei
Average Speed: 20 to 25 miles per hour
Shar-Peis are never in a rush. These dogs are not quick, and they are definitely not the most agile. They take their time and like to do things their own way.
You won’t see these pooches running through park trails or in dog racing events. And here’s something fun to know: the Chinese Shar-Pei didn’t earn an AKC speed title until 2014!
They can seem a bit proud and don’t always warm up to kids or strangers. But that doesn’t mean they are bad pets. These pups are pretty smart and can be great pets with the right kind of training. They can become loyal and calm companions if you give them time and teach them well.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Naturally stiff and heavy build
Not very flexible or athletic
Low speed and movement ability
Poor agility compared to most dogs
7. Poodle
Average Speed: 10 miles per hour
Not all poodles are slow. It just depends on their size. As we know that there are three varieties of Poodles: Toy, Standard, and Giant. The Toy Poodle doesn’t move very fast.
They usually struggle to reach speeds of more than 10 miles per hour. But if you are talking about a Giant Poodle? That is a different story. Bigger ones can run much faster.
But no matter the size, one thing is true for all Poodle types: they are some of the smartest dogs in the world, as stated by Purina. They are easy to train and learn things at a faster pace. So while the little Poodles may not be the fastest dogs out there, they can still bring a lot of charm and clever tricks to the table.
WHY THEY ARE SLOW:
Toy Poodles have short legs that slow them down
Small size limits how fast they can move
A tiny frame that cannot handle long exercises
Lack the muscle power of larger breeds
Conclusion
So what did we learn? Not all breeds are the same in speed. And that is perfectly okay. Compared to faster dogs like the Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, Vizslas, and German Shepherds, these slowest dog breeds are just happier living their life at a slower pace.
Apart from the breeds mentioned above, there are other slow dogs as well. These include the French Bulldog, Dachshund, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These pooches may not race around the park, but they are just as loving and affectionate.
So if you are also one of those people who prefer calm over chaos, one of these breeds might just be perfect for you! They are loyal, gentle, and easy to care for. These dogs will bring joy and comfort into your lives at their own pace. And honestly, sometimes being slow is the best way to enjoy life, especially if you have a furry friend by your side.
