There’s something endlessly endearing about a dog who loves to snooze. While every pup enjoys a good nap, some breeds are especially known for their impressive ability to drift off into dreamland—and stay there for hours.
These sleepy companions often prefer cozy corners and soft blankets over constant activity, making them perfect for pet parents who enjoy a calm and restful household.
Dogs naturally need far more sleep than humans, often averaging 12–14 hours a day. Puppies and senior dogs take this even further, sometimes sleeping up to 18–20 hours as their bodies grow or recover.
However, certain dog breeds are simply more inclined to lounge than leap, happily snoozing away as the world bustles around them. From gentle giants who sprawl across the couch to smaller pups who curl into tiny balls of fluff, these sleepy dogs prove that sometimes the best activity is no activity at all.
In this article, we’ll explore the dog breeds most famous for their love of long naps.
Sleepy Dog Breeds Known For Extending Their Zzz’s
1. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog, also known simply as the Bulldog, is a medium-sized breed instantly recognizable by its wrinkled face, short muzzle, and sturdy, muscular frame. These dogs are often content to lounge for hours, making them ideal companions for a laid-back household.
The Hills Pet notes that English Bulldogs are known for their calm and affectionate nature. While they usually coexist peacefully with household pets, they may show aggression toward dogs they don’t know.
Their stocky build and low energy levels contribute to their famously sleepy demeanor. Because moving around requires more effort for them, they often nap to recover, especially after even short bouts of activity. This tendency is more pronounced during warm weather, when they prefer resting in cool spots.
Bulldogs are also not highly athletic, so they don’t burn energy as quickly as more active breeds. This low activity level naturally translates into longer periods of rest and deep sleep, which they thoroughly enjoy throughout the day.
Interestingly, while most dogs average 12–14 hours of daily sleep, English Bulldogs often surpass this due to their unique body structure and slower metabolism, earning them a reputation as one of the laziest—and sleepiest—dog breeds.
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound, often simply called the “Basset,” is a charming scent hound recognized for its long ears, droopy eyes, and stout frame. Originally bred in France and Belgium to hunt small game, this breed’s calm and mellow personality now makes it a favorite household companion.
According to PetMD, Basset Hounds make easygoing and pleasant companions. They are typically loving and sociable with children and other animals, particularly when given the right introductions, socialization, and supervision.
Basset Hounds are among the sleepiest dog breeds, known for snoozing hours on end between short bursts of activity. Their heavy bones and short legs make even a moderate walk feel like a workout, so they naturally spend plenty of time resting to recharge their energy.
Their laid-back temperament also contributes to their love of lounging. These dogs are rarely in a hurry, preferring to curl up beside their owners for long, peaceful naps, which makes them ideal for people who enjoy a slower pace at home.
Despite their sleepy habits, Basset Hounds are affectionate and sociable, usually getting along well with other dogs and people.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu, often called the “Lion Dog,” is a toy breed known for its long flowing coat, compact build, and charming expression. Originating from Chinese royal courts, these little dogs were bred primarily for companionship, which explains their laid-back personalities.
Britannica explains that Shih Tzus don’t require extensive exercise, as their needs can be satisfied with daily walks and space in a small yard or even an apartment. They are best suited to moderate climates.
Shih Tzus are true napping enthusiasts, often dozing for 12 to 14 hours each day. Their small size and low energy levels make them perfect for curling up beside their owners, happily snoozing while you go about your day.
Their calm and affectionate nature means they rarely get restless, preferring quiet environments where they can lounge without disruption. This love for rest makes them particularly suitable for apartment living or homes with limited space.
Despite their sleepy tendencies, Shih Tzus adore human interaction and thrive on companionship.
Fun fact: Mature Shih Tzus can sleep for half of the day, and even longer during their puppy and senior stages.
4. Great Dane
The Great Dane, often referred to as the “gentle giant,” is a towering breed famous for its colossal size and calm nature. Despite their imposing stature, these dogs are affectionate companions who love lounging beside their humans and soaking up quiet moments.
Their sheer body mass means they expend significant energy just moving around, which naturally makes them inclined to rest frequently.
Great Danes can spend long stretches snoozing to replenish their energy, making them ideal for owners who enjoy peaceful downtime. They are rarely hyperactive, preferring relaxed environments over bustling activity.
Because of their mellow temperament, Great Danes settle easily into household routines and won’t disrupt the calm atmosphere. After moderate daily walks to stretch their legs, they’re happy to sprawl on the couch or their bed, enjoying deep, uninterrupted naps.
Interestingly, the world’s tallest dog on record was a Great Dane named Zeus, who stood an incredible 44 inches tall at the shoulder—further proving how these gentle giants need plenty of space for their extended rest sessions.
5. Mastiff
The Mastiff, often referred to as the English Mastiff, is one of the largest dog breeds in the world and is instantly recognizable by its massive frame, droopy jowls, and soulful eyes. Known for being calm and affectionate, these gentle giants are patient companions who prefer a peaceful environment over an active lifestyle.
Their immense size means they expend more energy just moving around, which is why they spend a significant portion of the day sleeping. Long naps allow them to recover from the strain their weight places on their joints and muscles, making rest crucial to their overall health and comfort.
Mastiffs are not built for long running or high-intense activity. Instead, they thrive on short strolls followed by long stretches of lounging. A soft, supportive bed is essential to cushion their large frames during these extended rest periods.
Despite their sleepy tendencies, Mastiffs are watchful and loyal to their families.
Fun fact: English Mastiffs hold the record for being among the heaviest dogs ever recorded, with some individuals reaching over 250 pounds.
6. Greyhound
The Greyhound, often nicknamed the “45 mile-per-hour couch potato,” is famed for its slender build, deep chest, and lightning-fast sprinting ability. Despite their athletic looks, they have surprisingly low energy levels indoors and are known for their calm, affectionate demeanor.
These graceful dogs can snooze for up to 18 hours a day, happily curling up on a soft bed and slipping into dreamland. Their love of long naps makes them ideal companions for peaceful households where quiet relaxation is the norm.
Even though they can reach incredible speeds when they run, Greyhounds only need short daily walks before they’re ready to return to lounging. This relaxed lifestyle suits apartment living or homes where calmness is appreciated.
Retired racing Greyhounds often transition easily into family life, proving to be gentle, tolerant, and friendly with children and even small pets.
7. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard, also known as the Alpine Mastiff, is a massive yet gentle breed originally developed by monks in the Swiss Alps to rescue lost travelers from snowstorms.
Their towering build, droopy expressions, and thick coats give them an instantly recognizable and endearing appearance. Despite their history as powerful working dogs, they are calm-natured and affectionate companions.
These giant dogs are known for their remarkably relaxed demeanor, often preferring long naps over vigorous activity. Their sheer size demands a lot of energy to move, so they naturally spend more time lying down to recharge, making them ideal for households seeking a laid-back pet.
Because they’re slow to excite and quick to settle, Saint Bernards thrive in quiet environments where they can lounge peacefully while their families go about daily life. Their calm presence can be incredibly comforting, especially for owners who enjoy a serene atmosphere.
Interestingly, Saint Bernards were historically capable of pulling weights multiple times their own body weight while rescuing travelers in snowy mountain terrain, showcasing strength beneath their sleepy, gentle exterior.
Conclusion
Sleepy dog breeds known for extending their zzzs remind us that sometimes the best companions are those who love a good nap as much as we do. These naturally calm dogs are content with a cozy dog bed, a little affection from their favorite human, and plenty of nap time throughout the day.
Their relaxed temperaments make them perfect for households where quiet is valued, and their ability to snooze for long stretches supports both mental and physical health.
Other breeds more habituated to sleeping include French Bulldogs. Happy with short walks and lots of rest, they embody the balance between playfulness and tranquility. While all dogs sleep a lot compared to humans, these mellow pups elevate lounging to an art form.
Whether you’re seeking a companion to curl up with during lazy afternoons or a pet that adapts easily to a slower lifestyle, these sleepy dog breeds are proof that love and loyalty thrive just as much in quiet moments as in energetic ones.
