Not every dog lives life on fast-forward, and honestly, that’s a blessing for many of us. Some people want a furry friend who’s more into napping on the sofa than running like there’s no tomorrow.
If you’re someone who prefers slow mornings or is naturally a night owl, low-energy dog breeds might be your perfect companion.
Don’t mistake them for being lazy; they just believe life is better when enjoyed at a slower pace. They love being couch potatoes, getting gentle belly rubs, and sticking with their humans without demanding heavy workouts.
Whether you live in a small apartment, have busy schedules, or just enjoy a laid-back lifestyle.
We are here to introduce you to the seven best low-energy dog breeds that are ready to fit right in. Of course, they’ll need some daily movement and love, but they truly thrive on quiet moments and a cozy place to snooze.
Peaceful Dog Breeds Perfect for Low Energy Households
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are recognized for their short, sturdy legs, soulful eyes, and long, floppy ears. Known for being one of the lowest-energy dog breeds, they are still beloved by dog lovers all around the world.
Personality & Temperament
Basset Hounds are true lounge lizards (dogs, actually!), with a calm nature and charming personality. They enjoy taking life at their own pace, roaming around slowly, and napping after getting tired from a short walk.
While they enjoy relaxing, it’s important for an owner to give them moderate exercise, just to avoid weight gain. Obesity can badly affect their short legs and lead to certain health issues.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
They were bred to be hunting dogs, more like scent hounds. Their strong sense of smell is their superpower, which makes them popular. This breed is more into chasing rather than playing around, but at their own deliberate pace.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
King Charles II’s favorite lap dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is a royal and the most popular dog breed with a calm lifestyle. This toy breed was bred for warm laps and to show unwavering loyalty towards their owner.
Personality & Temperament
CKCS is an affectionate breed known for its nobility and gentle, people-loving temperament. Give these tiny dogs constant attention, and they are happiest! They adapt easily to any living situation, whether it’s apartment living or spacious homes.
Cavaliers have a friendly disposition for children, strangers, and other pets alike. They are less likely to be high-energy breeds, but still, daily walks and playtimes are necessary. These dogs have an easygoing nature and love napping, snuggling, and staying close to their family.
They are well-suited for quiet households.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
Puppy Cavaliers tend to have boundless energy as compared to adult ones. They are generally considered moderate energy dogs. Some may be more mellow; it depends on their age and breed’s characteristics. Still, they need proper physical and mental stimulation.
3. Bulldog
Bulldogs, including English or French Bulldogs, are famous for their calm, easygoing personalities. These lazy dog breeds thrive in small living spaces and spend most of the day curling beside their favorite humans.
Personality & Temperament
Bulldogs make wonderful family companions, thanks to their relaxed temperament and sweet, affectionate nature. They are low-energy dogs, needing only short walks and light playtimes to stay happy and healthy.
These lovable dogs form strong bonds with their families. According to Hill’s Pet, these brawny little dogs are totally dependable and people-oriented. They get along with other dogs, too, if raised together.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
These dogs have short noses, making them prone to overheating. They do best in cooler environments with less activity. Despite their huge build, the flat faces don’t allow them to do strenuous exercises, as it can lead to exhaustion.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small, sturdy dog, bred to be in the laps of Chinese Emperors. They are famously known for their short snouts and large, brown eyes. Shih Tzus are great for apartment dwellers or someone with limited space.
Personality & Temperament
Shih Tzus are lively and cheerful dogs that enjoy human companionship. They were historically bred as lapdogs and still carry those lovable traits with them. They can snooze near you for a while and won’t need much activity to stay satisfied.
Shih Tzus are fun-loving and social dogs. They are ideal for anyone seeking a low-energy dog with low maintenance and more companionship. The best thing is that they won’t demand spacious yards or outdoor activities.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
These dogs were originally developed as companion dogs, often living in palaces. They are inherently less active and enjoy 20-30 minutes of walking. Also, the small size and low stamina make them well-suited for indoor play only.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are easygoing companions with a loving and loyal nature. They have a reputation for being excellent racing dogs, but at home, they’re typically content to lounge. Adopting a retired Greyhound is a wonderful way to give them much-needed love and attention.
Personality & Temperament
These hardworking dogs are surprisingly laid back and make excellent pets. Greyhounds have a calm demeanor but an independent nature. They do need daily exercise to stay fit, but are generally low-energy breeds. Greyhounds are perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful, gentle companionship.
According to Royal Canin, these low-maintenance companions are happy to spend their time with family. Their affectionate nature makes things easier while maintaining a quiet household. However, these dogs need to stay with handlers who understand their needs.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
Greyhounds’ energy levels vary from one dog to another. Low-energy Greyhounds require minimal exercise only. They love spending time indoors, prefer staying on the couch, and are less demanding. Owners should provide them with mental enrichment and a comfortable spot to relax and nap.
6. Great Dane
Great Danes are gentle giants with a gentle demeanor. Great Danes enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with minimal exercise needs. They are ideal dogs who contribute to a peaceful, low-stress home environment.
Personality & Temperament
Despite their intimidating appearance, they are incredibly loyal, and their calm nature makes them excellent housedogs. Danes show a sweet disposition and only show aggression in threatening situations.
Purina notes that Great Danes are actually people pleasers that respond best to training just to make their owners happy.
It’s important to set boundaries early, particularly around children, to ensure they remain calm around them and don’t accidentally hurt them with their tall stature.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
Great Danes are quite lazier than other large dogs, sleeping 16-18 hours a day. You might be thinking that with this tall, muscular frame, they may be overly active. But the massive size is actually the reason they lack energy and avoid intense physical activity.
7. Maltese
The Maltese is a perfect choice for leisure lovers or anyone who needs a friendly, outgoing dog. These tiny white dogs have long been adored for their charming personality. They love their human families and are always a high priority for pet owners.
Personality & Temperament
Malteses are not your typical marathon dogs. These pups were bred to get warmth from human laps only, and trust me, they love their job! A little bit of exercise and constant activity keeps them satisfied.
These show-stoppers are also highly adaptable and can live anywhere. They are also hypoallergenic, which makes them ideal for people with fur allergies.
If you think your Maltese is diminutive in size, and do nothing except gain attention. Let me wrong you, they are actually very alert and fearless, they even excel in mini agility courses, and respond well to training, as noted by the AKC.
What Makes Them Low Energy?
Toy dog breeds usually have less stamina and cannot handle regular exercise. They were bred primarily just to lounge, cuddle, and provide companionship. Maltese dogs naturally have low exercise needs and are happy resting or snuggling.
Conclusion
Pet parents are often seeking high-energy dogs that not only provide constant affection but also offer adventures. But low-energy dogs hold their own special space. Some people with a lazy lifestyle (like you) are seeking a pet like themselves that barely puts a foot outside the bedding.
But then…there are some busy owners too, who need some relaxed breeds that don’t show anxiety in case the work gets scheduled for long. Some moderately active dogs, such as Chow Chows, are as rewarding as any other energetic breed.
They can live in condos, suburban areas, or any household that truly understands their needs and, in return, provides them with never-ending charm and care. A low-energy dog breed can bring peace to your home and you (just as Oogway from Kung Fu Panda said).
