Some dog breeds are just not the type to be always up for a game of fetch or go for a run. They would much rather snooze the day away. These sleepy dog breeds are known for their love of lounging, often preferring a cozy nap on the couch over outdoor adventures.
While all dogs need daily exercise, some breeds are naturally low-energy and happiest when they’re resting beside their favorite human. Their calm nature makes them perfect for laid-back families, apartment living, or anyone who enjoys a slower pace of life.
If you’re looking for a low-energy dog breed who would rather snuggle than sprint, these sleepy pups might be your perfect match. In this list, we will explore the top dog breeds known for their mellow attitudes and love for long, peaceful naps.
Very Sleepy Dog Breeds
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is one of the sleepiest and most laid-back, lazy dog breeds you will ever meet. They have long ears, droopy eyes, and short legs, with a personality that is calm and gentle. Bassets do not need much exercise; they are happy with a good walk in the daytime, but they love lounging around the house for most of the day. In fact, they can sleep up to 18 hours a day if given the chance.
These dogs are known for being friendly, loyal, and great with kids. They get along well with other pets, too. Because of their strong sense of smell, they may wander off on walks or chase scents, which makes it necessary to have them on leash.
Their low-energy levels make them perfect for people who want a calm and steady dog. Just be sure not to overfeed them as they can gain weight easily due to their love for food and naps.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dogs are big, fluffy, and gentle. Even though they were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, most Berners today are known for their calm and sleepy nature indoors. They are gentle giants, loyal and affectionate with family, great with children, and with other animals.
They enjoy being outdoors, especially in cold weather, but their burst of energy is usually short-lived. After play sessions and walks, they are ready for long periods of rest.
They do have thick coats that need regular brushing and do best in cooler climates. They are eager to please, too, which means they can be trained easily according to your lifestyle. Bernese Mountain Dogs are all-arounders as companion dogs, happy on hikes as well as on the couch!
3. Mastiff
Mastiffs are huge dogs with even bigger hearts. Despite their large size, they are known for being gentle, calm, and often quite sleepy. These dogs love to relax and spend most of their day lying around. They are not very active and do not demand much exercise. Just short walks and attention from their families are enough.
Their large size contributes to low energy. Heavy breeds use more energy to move around and get tired easily. Hence, they take naps to charge up and require plenty of space and soft places to rest. While Mastiffs may look serious at first, they are great with family and act like natural guardians and protectors.
Early training and socialization are mandatory for them. They get bored easily with routines. Hence, short training sessions, praise, and communicating by making contact with their soulful eyes prove to be the best.
4. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a massive, wrinkly dog breed with a calm and sleepy personality. These dogs are slow-moving, quiet, and love to spend most of their time napping and relaxing. Their heavy build and relaxed nature make them the sleepiest of the giants.
As per PetMD, even though they were bred to look ugly and intimidating, that hasn’t stopped people from loving them. They are loyal and protective of their families, not overly playful, but incredibly affectionate.
They are only recommended for expert owners who understand the needs of big dogs and can handle their size and strength. These dogs are a bit stubborn, so gentle, consistent training is important from a young age.
Also, with all those folds and droopy jowls, they tend to drool a lot and snore too. Which means you need to take special care of their cleanliness, keeping a wiping towel handy at all times.
5. Newfoundland
The Newfoundlands are gentle giants with an incredibly calm and patient nature. They are especially great with kids and act like baby sitters, earning them the name ‘Nanny dogs.’ While they have been historically used as working dogs, built for cold water rescues and retrieving, they also prefer a slower pace of life and enjoy relaxing at home.
As per WebMD, they are natural swimmers, so the best way to fulfill their exercise needs is by taking them for a dip in the water or maybe short walks. They are usually not high energy and tire easily due to their size. They love their nap times, snoozing for hours at a time.
Their thick double coat means they do not do well in warm or extreme temperatures, making them more suitable for colder weather. Regular brushing keeps their fur in shape.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the most famously gentle and sleepy dog breeds, known for their love of children, especially. They are big, fluffy, and very patient. Originally bred for rescue work in the snowy Alps, they are now better known as loving family pets who enjoy relaxing more than anything.
Their large size means that they are not very active dogs. They prefer walks, short play sessions, and plenty of rest. Most of their day is spent napping close to their people. Because of their thick coats, they are unsuitable for warm weather and need regular brushing to stay clean and comfortable.
Training a Saint Bernard needs patience and consistency. They are smart and eager to please, but they can be a little stubborn. Puppies are easier to train, and positive training methods with rewards work best. Socialization is also important for big dogs, they need to be aware of their size and get used to people, pets, and new places.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are small, fluffy dogs that were bred to be royal lap dogs, and they still take that job seriously. These little dogs love being close to their families and are happiest when snuggled up. They do have short bursts of playfulness, but they are mostly calm, sleepy, and low-maintenance.
Their size and gentle nature make them perfect for apartments and laid-back lifestyles. They do not need much exercise; short daily walks and some indoor play are enough for them.
The long, silky coat needs regular grooming. It is hypoallergenic as it does not shed much. Keeping it in a short puppy cut makes it even more manageable. As per Hill’s Pet, pet parents must limit their treats as they can get obese easily.
Conclusion
Some dogs love to run and play all day, but not these ones. The breeds we have talked about are calm, gentle, and love to sleep more than anything else.
They are perfect for people who enjoy a quiet life and want a low-maintenance dog that is just happy to be close by. Some other famously low-maintenance dog breeds include the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Great Dane, and French bulldog.
Of course, even sleepy dogs need a bit of daily exercise, love, and care. But if you want a dog who is happy just being by your side and is happy with minimal exercise without demanding playtime every two seconds, one of these pups could be right for you.
