Not all breeds are meant for endless running, lots of fetch games, and off-leash hikes. Some prefer to spend most of their day sleeping. All they need is a plush bed or a cozy corner to lay down. These laid-back pooches are the kings and queens of relaxation.
Lazy doggos love napping; they are not much for playtime and do not have high exercise requirements. Such dogs make ideal pets for the elderly, individuals with mobility issues, and those who do not have a lot of extra time to exercise their pups.
These canine couch potatoes are born to be professional nappers. They value cozy snoozes and happily dozing off next to you during Netflix binges. However, they do need regular walks and at least some exercise to stay healthy.
Here are 11 nap-loving dog breeds that love a solid nap schedule.
‘Nap-Loving’ Dog Breeds That Love A Solid Nap Schedule
1. Newfoundland
Newfies are heavy droolers and pro-nappers, known for their devotion to kids. Despite being strong workers, these gentle giants ensure to recharge all the expended energy with a thorough, deep sleep.
Newfoundland dogs are not as energetic as some other breeds in the dogdom. They require moderate, low-impact exercise of only half an hour to one hour every day to stay fit. Newfies enjoy being outdoors and make excellent swimmers, but they are surprisingly lazy at home.
Due to their large size, Newfies are vulnerable to certain health problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, GDV, and atopy, explains PDSA.
2. English Bulldog
English bulldogs are one of the laziest breeds out there. While they are not entirely lazy, English bulldogs cherish short naps. Their unmistakable charm, ability to bond deeply with their people, and affectionate nature make them stand out.
Their stocky build means they require much more energy to undertake any strenuous activity. So they prefer sleeping it off, especially in warm weather. According to a comment on a Reddit thread, they can sleep for 16 to 20 hours.
English Bulldogs do not need a copious amount of exercise, but like to go for walks and shorter hikes. However, they are brachycephalic and cannot tolerate excessive heat. So, you can take them for a walk in the early morning or late at night.
3. French Bulldog
Recognized by their bat-like ears and wrinkled faces, French Bulldogs have a big personality. These little yet muscular doggos are brachycephalic and prone to breathing issues, which in turn affect their energy levels and make them more sleepy than other breeds.
Frenchies’ even temperament and quiet nature enable them to adapt well to apartment living. They are friendly, playful, and tend to bark excessively. Frenchies are usually content with short bursts of exercise combined with long naps.
They sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, but some Frenchies can clock up to 18 hours a day, if they have nothing better to do.
Their love for napping and laid-back nature necessitate that you provide them with a balanced diet and proper exercise to avoid obesity and other health issues.
4. Pekingese
These calm and dignified dogs are a perfect match for couch potatoes due to their surprisingly slow pace. Pekingese are popular for their loving personality, outgoing nature, and lion-like mane. These affectionate pups are known for being lazy and sleeping a lot.
Pekingese puppies can sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day. When not asleep, they are quite alert. According to Hill’s Pet, these little watchdogs have a bark bigger than their size. Pekes have an independent nature, similar to the royals who owned them.
Sometimes they can be a bit stubborn, so you need patience and consistency for training them. Pekes are fairly sedate and have modest exercise needs.
5. Pug
Pugs are mini clowns with a charming and happy-go-lucky personality. These fairly lazy pooches love snuggling with their owners. Pugs like to have a warm and comfy spot to curl up next to you or on you. They can spend more than half of their day sleeping.
Pugs can sleep up to 14 hours a day, which seems to be a little too much for a little dog. However, it is actually very normal. Some Pug owners do not agree with this popular belief that Pugs are super lazy due to their playful nature.
Their laid-back nature, moderate exercise needs, and compact size make them a good choice for apartment dwellers. These little yet sturdy doggos make excellent watchdogs.
6. Basset Hound
Originally bred to hunt rabbits and hares, Basset Hounds are the low-key dogs with long bodies, stubby legs, and floppy ears. Their signature droopy eyes and slow-moving charm make them appear super lazy.
These polite and calm dogs might look sluggish, but they have impressive stamina when motivated. According to Purina, Basset hounds are companionable dogs who tend to be affectionate with children, love their humans, and get on well with other dogs.
Basset hounds love napping and can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping. They may not be as active as some other breeds, but they require regular moderate exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
7. Greyhound
World’s fastest couch potatoes, Greyhounds, can spend more than half of their day sleeping. Their sleek appearance, long legs, and history as hunting dogs make them quite robust. But when home, they are calm and quiet.
Greyhounds can sometimes sleep for up to 18 hours a day. All they need is a cozy bed and peaceful surroundings. Although they are agile and energetic, Greyhounds do not require tons of exercise to stay happy.
These sweet-tempered companions have an independent nature. If you are looking for an easygoing, well-behaved, and smart canine companion, Greyhounds may be a great choice for you.
8. Whippet
Having a speed of 35 miles per hour, Whippets are one of the fastest breeds for their size. Think of them as sprinters who are speedy when they choose to be. Otherwise, they are lazy and do not require extensive exercise.
When they find the weather unfavorable, Whippets would prefer to have a long nap in a cozy bed. They love to curl up against you, whether you are sitting on a sofa or working from home. Their laziness makes them a good option as pets for individuals living in the city.
Whippets form strong bonds with their owners and love to be a part of their daily activities. These quiet dogs do not bark much, and it makes them ideal for apartment living.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
While most Spaniel breeds are known for being busy working dogs, Cavaliers are more relaxed pooches. It is because they were primarily bred to be companions. These lapdogs love to run in the fields, but also enjoy snuggling by your side on a couch.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the most loving, gentle, and affectionate breeds you’ll ever meet. These easy-going dogs bond closely with their humans and are quite adaptable. They will easily adjust whether you live in an apartment or a bustling family house.
Despite being lazy to the core, Cavaliers are smart and easy to train. They excel at various canine sports, including obedience, rally, and agility.
10. Great Dane
Great Danes are big dogs, but they don’t have big needs. They have a history as hunting dogs and are quite playful, but have fairly low energy levels. These gentle giants enjoy running, hiking, and playing tug of war.
Great Danes have a natural affinity for napping. Elderly dogs can sleep for up to 18 hours, while puppies can sleep as much as 20 hours a day. Despite their large size, these mutts love to cuddle. They often think of them as lap dogs, which can lead to funny situations at times.
They are wonderful family dogs and do great with children. They are sociable and eager to please, but due to their large size, Danes are prone to certain health problems.
11. Chow Chow
These heavy sleepers love nothing more than their nap time. Chow Chows are not as active as some other breeds. They only need a couple of 20-minute walks every day and are not well-suited for vigorous exercise.
Chow Chows are one of the most easygoing breeds that spend most of their time sleeping. Whether they get a comfortable sofa or a cold floor, they will simply lie down and doze off. However, Chow Chows are stubborn and require experienced owners for handling.
Chow Chows are independent and intelligent, yet immensely loyal to their owners. Training requires a lot of patience and consistent positive reinforcement.
Conclusion
While some dogs are literally night owls, others love napping. Such breeds can spend almost their entire day sleeping. They are the real definition of “lazy dogs” due to their laid-back demeanor, love for snoozing, and low energy levels. And that has nothing to do with their size.
Whether they are compact and sturdy like Pugs or big like Great Danes, they are professional sleepers. However, even the laziest pooches do have basic needs for physical activity and mental stimulation.
At the same time, they are prone to obesity. So, make sure to give a balanced diet and proper exercise to your dog.
