Some dogs are natural athletes, always ready for the next run or game of fetch. And then there are the nap champions — the ones who treat snoozing like an Olympic sport.
Sleepy dog breeds have a gift for turning any spot into a cozy bed, dozing through thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, and even the occasional doorbell ring. These mellow companions are perfect for people who value a relaxed, low-energy lifestyle.
Whether you’re a work-from-home introvert, a retiree looking for a calm companion, or simply someone who loves long, lazy weekends, these dogs will match your pace perfectly. Their laid-back nature doesn’t just make them easy to live with — it makes them great stress relievers. Watching one of these serene pups stretch, yawn, and curl back up for another nap is enough to lower your blood pressure on the spot.
We’ll explore the breeds that embody the art of relaxation, proving that sometimes the best adventures happen between naps. If you’ve ever wanted a four-legged friend who’s perfectly happy to binge-watch a series or sleep the day away beside you, these sleepy breeds are your dream come true.
Sleepy Dog Breeds That Can Sleep Through Anything
1. Saint Bernard
If there were an Olympic medal for napping, the Saint Bernard would take gold… after a long nap to recover from winning it.
Originally bred to rescue stranded travelers in the snowy Swiss Alps, these gentle giants now excel at rescuing couches from ever being empty.
Very affectionate and expressive with family, the Saint Bernard is usually friendly toward strangers and generally gets along well with other household pets, though it may be cautious around unfamiliar dogs.
Calm and easygoing, the Saint Bernard is a low-energy, slow-moving breed. It learns quickly but responds in a deliberate, methodical manner.
✔ Can snooze through thunder, doorbells, and possibly an alien invasion.
✔ Huge in size, even bigger in heart. Perfect cuddle buddy—if you don’t mind losing all personal space.
✔ They’ll “protect” your living room… mostly by lying across it.
✔ Brave when needed, but usually too chill to break a sweat.
As per Britannica, their play sessions are typically brief. While not an ideal watchdog or protection dog, their large size and deep bark can deter most intruders, and they rarely bark without reason.
Fun fact: Saint Bernards were once famous for carrying barrels of brandy to warm up lost travelers. These days, they’re more likely to carry a squeaky toy… if they feel like it. They’re proof that sometimes the best heroes are the ones who stay calm, relaxed, and wrapped in a blanket.
2. Great Dane
Standing as tall as a small horse but snoozing like a pro, the Great Dane is living proof that size and sleepiness can go paw-in-paw.
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs” for their regal looks, these gentle giants have a surprising superpower—turning any room into their personal nap lounge.
Typically gentle and affectionate, Great Danes make good family dogs and generally get along well with children when properly trained and socialized. However, interactions between children and dogs of this size should always be supervised.
✔ Long limbs, longer naps — All that height needs serious rest time.
✔ Think of them as a 150-pound weighted blanket that sighs contentedly in your ear.
✔ Their energy is more “Netflix marathon” than “marathon runner.”
✔ You may think you own the couch… until a Dane decides otherwise.
While not as high-energy as some breeds, Great Danes can be moderately playful and need ample space for exercise. Daily long walks, at least twice a day, help meet their physical activity needs.
Fun fact: Despite their intimidating size, they’re gentle enough to nap next to toddlers—and big enough to accidentally take up half your bed doing it.
3. Great Pyrenees
If you think napping is an art, the Great Pyrenees is a true master.
These majestic, snow-white fluff balls were bred to guard sheep in the rugged Pyrenees Mountains, which means they’ve perfected the skill of observing while resting.
The Great Pyrenees’ impressive size comes from its history of guarding livestock against large predators. They stand 25–32 inches tall at the shoulder, with females averaging 85 pounds and males over 100 pounds.
Don’t let their calm, regal demeanor fool you—they can go from full-on nap mode to heroic guardian mode in a heartbeat.
✔ They rest while keeping an eye (or ear) on the territory.
✔ Any cozy spot is fair game, and they’ll happily claim it.
✔ Snow, wind, rain? Perfect napping conditions with that fluffy coat.
✔ Calm with family and kids, but always ready to spring into action if duty calls.
PetMD noted that Great Pyrenees aren’t extremely active, but they do enjoy spending time outdoors. It’s important to keep them within a secure, fenced area to prevent wandering. While they don’t have a strong instinct to chase, they are known to bark to alert their family, even for minor events like seeing the mail carrier.
Fun fact: A Great Pyrenees can nap through a storm… but let a squirrel enter the yard, and they’re instantly awake, tail high, ready to patrol like a furry superhero.
4. Newfoundland
Nicknamed “Newfies,” these giant, water-loving teddy bears are famous for their lifesaving skills… but also for their love of a good, long nap. After all, hauling people out of the ocean (or at least dreaming about it) takes energy!
With their calm, sweet nature, Newfoundlands are the kind of dog that will happily lounge by your side for hours, only stirring for a snack or a splash in the water.
Despite their large size, Newfoundlands are gentle and friendly dogs, often called “nanny dogs” for their excellent behavior with children, says WebMD.
✔ They’d rather nap in the sun than chase a ball for hours.
✔ Probably imagining saving you from an inflatable pool.
✔ Their giant, fluffy frame is perfect for leaning against during TV time.
✔ No zoomies here, just gentle lumbering between naps.
They have moderate energy levels and enjoy swimming and walks with their owners, but overexercising as puppies can cause health problems later in life.
Fun fact: A Newfie will happily sleep through most household chaos… but the sound of a refrigerator opening? Instant wake-up call.
5. Basset Hound
With legs as short as their nap times are long, Basset Hounds are basically professional sleepers.
Although Bassets stand under 15 inches tall, their low stature is deceptive—they can weigh up to 70 pounds, making them surprisingly heavy. Carrying a full-grown Basset is often a challenge for most people.
Their heavy bones and droopy ears give them a perpetually relaxed vibe, and while they can be active when a scent catches their attention, they’ll make up for it with hours of blissful snoozing afterward.
✔ They’re as happy snoozing next to you as they are following you from room to room… slowly
✔ A quick sniffing adventure, then it’s back to the dog bed.
✔ Don’t be surprised if you hear snores, grumbles, or sighs mid-nap.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Bassets are excellent family dogs, getting along well with children, adults, other dogs, and even different animals. Their strong pack-oriented nature means they can become lonely if left alone for long periods.
Fun fact: If a Basset Hound gets comfy on the couch, you might need a forklift (or bacon) to get them moving again.
6. English Bulldog
If there were an Olympic event for lounging, the English Bulldog would win gold without breaking a sweat… mostly because they’d never break a sweat in the first place.
Standing just 14–15 inches tall, Bulldogs weigh a solid 40–50 pounds and feature drooping lips along with numerous loose wrinkles and folds on their face and neck.
With their stocky build, wrinkly face, and charming waddle, these pups have mastered the art of slow living. They’re loyal, affectionate, and always up for quality time—especially if “quality time” means lying next to you while you binge-watch your favorite show.
✔ They can snooze anywhere, anytime… including mid-play.
✔ Short walks, long naps, repeat.
✔ Their devotion is as solid as their sturdy little bodies.
✔ That soft rumble you hear? Just their adorable bulldog soundtrack.
As a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, English Bulldogs are sensitive to heat and not well-suited for hot climates. In warm weather, make sure they always have access to shade, water, and air conditioning, and limit walks to cooler parts of the day, such as mornings and evenings.
Fun fact: Bulldogs have a talent for falling asleep in the funniest positions—sometimes you’ll wonder if they’re actually made of jelly.
7. Greyhound
Don’t be fooled by their racing-dog reputation—Greyhounds are sprinters, not marathoners, and their favorite pastime is actually napping.
Greyhounds are a large breed, standing 27–30 inches tall and weighing around 60–70 pounds. Their slender, aerodynamic build extends from head to tail.
After a quick burst of energy (which might last 30 seconds), they’re ready to curl up and snooze for hours. Sleek, elegant, and surprisingly lazy, they’ve earned the nickname “the 45-mph couch potato.”
✔ Sprinter’s mindset — Run fast, nap hard.
✔ Sweet, quiet, and perfectly content to laze the day away with their humans.
✔ They’ll take the couch over the track any day.
With a strong prey drive, they aren’t the best choice for homes with cats or small animals. Outdoors, Greyhounds should always be leashed, and any off-leash time should occur in a secure, enclosed area. While socialization can help manage their prey instincts, it’s important to remain vigilant of potential triggers.
Fun fact: Greyhounds can sleep in the weirdest, most pretzel-like positions—making you wonder how they’re still comfortable.
8. Mastiff
When you’re as massive as a Mastiff, every movement is an event—so naturally, you need a LOT of downtime to recharge.
Even today, the Mastiff remains a popular giant breed. Adult Mastiffs stand at least 27.5 inches tall, with males often exceeding 30 inches. They weigh between 120 and 230 pounds and possess a thick, muscular build.
These colossal cuddle machines are famous for their calm, gentle nature, and they approach naps with the same dedication that some athletes approach training.
✔ Save the effort for when it’s truly needed.
✔ They’ll happily nap next to you (or on you, if you let them).
✔ A Mastiff’s idea of “sharing” is you clinging to the edge while they sprawl.
✔ No rush in life, especially when it comes to getting up.
At home, most Mastiffs prefer a relaxed, low-energy lifestyle. However, don’t be deceived—the moment a stranger enters their territory, they become highly alert and attentive. Whether sprawled across the living room floor or claiming the entire couch as their personal kingdom, Mastiffs know how to rest in style.
Fun fact: A Mastiff doesn’t just nap—they settle in like they’re hibernating, complete with deep snores and occasional dream-paw twitching.
Conclusion
Lazy dog breeds that can sleep through anything include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, French Bulldog, Clumber Spaniel, and other low-energy dogs and small dogs with a calm nature. These not-so-active dog breeds tend to spend much of their time sleeping, making them ideal for apartment living, senior dogs, and pet parents seeking a relaxed companion.
With fluffy fur, short legs, and an independent nature, these low-energy breeds thrive with early socialization, light exercise, mental stimulation, and regular grooming. While some breeds are prone to health issues, proper care from an animal lover or certified professional dog trainer ensures they remain healthy, well-behaved house pets—always ready for a good night’s sleep or daytime shut-eye alongside their humans.
