Low on energy yet high in personality, these working dogs with a calm disposition love to sprawl, sploot, and sashay in their dreams, have a sky-high tendency to prefer indoor play to following you out in the yard for putting in a hard day’s work.
But why should you adopt these loud snorers and laid-back couch potatoes known for their amusing sleep positions? You see, these puppies inspire a Zen-like calm in your comforting abode, and they are here to teach us hustling, bustling humans about the benefits of rest, peace, meditation, and a good night’s sleep.
So, if your idea of a perfect day involves naps, cuddles, and more naps, you’re about to meet your spirit animals. Let’s dive into the dream team of the dog world: the champions of chill and masters of the midday nap!
Most Sleepy Dog Breeds You Should Consider Adopting
1. Bulldog
Lazy and low-key, the bulldog, with its lower exercise needs, is always happier to be on the couch rather than playing football out on the field. But know that these adorable wrinkly-faced pooches with chubby bodies will make you giggle, aww, and scratch your head at their contortionist-worthy poses and gravity-defying sleepy arrangements.
If you are a champion sprinter or athlete, here’s a heads-up for ya, as the only Olympic sport the bulldogs can master is sleep. If you get these pooches, surely you don’t need to worry about tending to their excessive demands or needs.
But let us tell you, your tiny apartment is going to turn into a theatre of sorts in the presence of this resting royalty, where sometimes you’ll find these wrinkly pups splayed out on their back with legs stretched to the corners of the bed, belly on display!
While on the other days these pups will either be found in a donut-curl looking like part cat and part pastry, or in a superman stretch channeling their inner superhero, ready for up, up, and away.
If you find your pups sleeping for 12-14 hours a day, don’t panic. This amount of sleep is common for these dogs and can even increase for puppies and senior dogs.
P.S. Just give them a proper comforting space to rest and recharge with air conditioning, and this smooshed face canine will love you for it.
2. Mastiff
Moving ahead, Mastiff, which comes from a long line of warriors with a kind heart, adorable jowls, and calm manners, is another sleepy pup on the canine block. This gentle giant, surrounded by a dominant aura and dignified air, is chill as a cucumber and is on the lookout for a home filled with laid-back pet parents and a ginormous bed with cushy pillows.
As big as a baby bear and as loyal and loving as the beast from ‘Beauty and the Beast’. These big dogs are one of the laziest dog breeds. Mastiffs are courageous companion dogs with a calm soul and a quirky disposition.
Symbolizing power and protection, the ancestors of these modern mastiffs served their masters with intensity, dedication, and ferocity. But it seems like their jobs took too much toll on them.
Hence, these pups thought of taking a long vacay in human homes, relishing in the hard-earned glory of their forefathers. You’ll find these pups giving you interesting content to photograph and stare at every day.
These guys will either be found on your couch, showing a head prop snooze resting their adorable wrinkly face on the arm of a couch, edge of your bed, or even on your leg, trying to keep their droopy eyes open but failing miserably, or in a belly up bliss, lying on their back with their paws curled adorably against their chest.
3. Greyhound
This 45-mph couch potato got into the wrong profession; this dog, renowned for its extensive physical activity and lure coursing championships, is a restful breed that would rather love a comfy bed than a gallop in the fields.
This sleek sighthound is an ancient Egyptian breed that was sought after by royalty and nobility. But nowadays this athletic dog, known for its high prey drive and activity, follows a napping regime. Hence, it’s more likely that you’ll find these dogs sporting a snuggle bug pose than competing in a rally.
The greyhounds are ideal for hot weather and are a low-maintenance breed; they can even get accustomed to apartment living and a laid-back lifestyle. Not to mention, if you are a busy person, these dogs with their high sleep requirements can also be left home alone for short stints once they are accustomed to the routine.
You’ll find these pups crawling under the covers and burrowing themselves in blankets or nestling in the crook of your arm quite often. This cuddle bug burrow pose is a sign of a strong bond and a great stress reliever for you and your pup, promoting feelings of bonding and relaxation. Hence, the next time your greyhound insists on being the little spoon, know that it is for your health.
4. Saint Bernard
Stocky build and a rich history, these alpine rescuers are one of the calmest and most gentle giants among dog breeds. The benefits of keeping these dogs are plenty, as Saint Bernards love everyone from your next-door neighbors to your entire family.
They are extremely social, perceptive, and easy-going dogs who love gentle strolls in the dog park, smelling the roses, and spreading kindness, healing, and positivity.
This burly canine with a soulful eye is an ever-present sidekick that attracts attention wherever it goes, brings in the Zen for many anxious folks, and brightens up the atmosphere in mere seconds.
But the Saint Bernards also make excellent bed dogs that also enjoy short walks, adventures, and hikes in the icy peaks. But just because these dogs are too busy saving lives and solving emotional issues of you peeps, they deserve their share of clocking out whenever they need.
Not to mention, you’ll often find them sporting a side sleeper slump with their legs stretched out and heads resting on your feet or the floor!
Note that: Minimal exercise and a proper, consistent routine will keep them away from excessive weight gain and bad health.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
These strong and diligent workers also hail from the Swiss mountains and are not a typical low-energy dog breed. But the Bernese Mountain dogs prefer calm homes and a good place to sleep to most dogs that love endless activity.
This big dog loves its share of daily exercise to expend its energy levels and is capable of handling several high-energy activities. Yet it’ll also happily spend the rest of its day snoozing off to the land of its dreams.
Berners need a pet parent who can give them both outdoor adventures and restful sleep. These dogs are the ultimate picture of work-life balance.
Hence, despite being a strong and sturdy breed, they also invest their time in gaining back their energy reserve by chilling on the couch or cuddling with you.
6. Great Pyrenees
Known for its independent nature, the Great Pyrenees is a calm breed that uses its energy wisely. These livestock guardians are nocturnal and quite effective in keeping farmsteads safe and protected from vicious sheep-stealing wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, and grizzlies. But after putting in a hard day’s work, this active dog does like to clock out on its dog bed and sleep.
As per the Continental Kennel Club, super-devoted and serene, this majestic giant also thrives in calm homes with plenty of space to spread out and roam. But also make sure that you have enough space for them to lie down and rest.
Pyrs are a perfect cuddle buddy to snuggle with on a cold winter’s night with snow falling outside, a roaring fireplace, while you sip on a cup of hot cider.
Generally friendly and well-suited for family life, these guardian dogs have a high level of patience, which makes them a great candidate for a home filled with kids or a multi-pet household. The Great Pyrenees is also ideal for owners who appreciate the slow pace of life and need those calm evenings in front of the TV or with a good novel.
Hence, these pups are a well-balanced, both highly energetic breed and a low-energy dog at the same time.
7. Chow chow
There is never a picture or video of a chow chow that doesn’t make a human go, “Aww, I want that teddy bear like puppy,” and the good news for introverts and homebodies is that these chubby fairies with an attitude can fulfill your pet dream.
Because this seemingly challenging breed with a mind of its own is a big devotee of nap time and loves to sleep. Known for preferring solitude, this laid-back dog breed is a great pet for those who don’t like the clinginess of common puppies.
These low-energy dogs tend to sleep a lot if not on duty and are not fond of sharing their personal space. You’ll find them taking solitary naps on the couch or on your bed (because they own it).
Chow Chows are loyal companions yet quiet dogs that don’t like cuddling much. They are regal yet aloof and will need a confident parent to teach them to behave in their best behavior.
These furry celebrities don’t just accept anyone in their inner circle; they require minimal exercise. But won’t endure warm weather. Hence, you’d better not touch the AC remote when this royalty is lounging in its resting chambers.
8. Pug
An extremely funny and quirky dog among brachycephalic breeds, the pug, with its short legs and small stature, fulfills the space of a missing goofy family member in a clan and is as lazy as other chill puppies.
PetMD notes that this small breed can be counted among some of the brilliant little lap dogs to ever exist on this planet. These loud snorting puggos that are seen as the sign of royal status and good luck beat all canines in the matter of snoring and funny sleep positions.
Built like a loaf of banana bread, these dogs were originally bred to be spiritual companions for the Chinese emperors and are now living pompous lives for being mementos of Chinese imperialism.
Often found sprawled out with its legs pointing in odd directions with its head resting regally on their stolen throne of comfort, this attention-seeking and affectionate canines are the ultimate BFFs with an optimistic charm, humble spirit, and a sweet personality.
9. Tibetan Spaniel
Dating back thousands of years ago these individual dogs were kept by monks as companions and alarm systems to alert them if strangers or wolves approached the monastery. But these tiny little dogs resembling lions are not a naturally athletic breed.
The Tibetan spaniels are loyal, lively watchdogs with a cuddly appearance and relatively easy upkeep. Self-assured and fun-loving, these alert and watchful canines also appreciate a bit of pampering, comfort, and a good blankie (to snooze off into the horizon).
Intelligent, bold, and even a tad bit yappy, these Tibetan beauties will often smother you in kisses and amaze you with their spunky streak.
But it is to be noted that these little lions love to make their own rules and are prone to deciding what they want and when they want it. Hence, no acceptance for pushovers here.
10. Leonberger
This unique dog, huge, playful, and a tad bit mischievous, is a rare mix of a Newfoundland and a male dog from the St. Bernard monastery, mixed with a little bit of a Pyrenean mountain dog. Developed by the German mayor of Leonberg, named Heinrich Essig, who tried to create a dog that would resemble a lion featured on the town’s coat of arms.
Orvis says originally bred to work on farms, as guardians of livestock, and for pulling carts, the Leonbergers are now renowned all around the globe as great rescue dogs.
But as you can see that their ancestry has three of the calmest dog breeds. Hence, these impressively huge dogs with lion-like manes are devoted and friendly but also quite lazy.
These puppies with a richly colored coat and a regal bearing will remind you of the King of the Jungle, but in a tender, playful sort of way. Leos are sensitive dogs that are not at all independent, but more like a fun hugger.
These genteel pooches make excellent therapy dogs and are a dream to own for a family with kids. Because they love little ones and make great playmates.
P.S. Make sure you keep a huge throne, aka couch, ready for this gentle lion, because they love drifting into a deep sleep while curling up and can be found splooting in their dreamworld.
Conclusion
So now that you know an average dog sleeps about 12 to 14 hours a day, but adult dogs sleep longer due to health issues, diminished activity levels, and age. The next time your puppy sleeps for half a day, don’t call for an emergency. These buggers are only taking their due share of comfort out of need.
Did you like the list of our lazy dog breeds, or should we add more to this furry mix? Some more interesting options to add in this sleepy brigade are the bulky clumber spaniel, the large great Dane, the short-legged basset hound, the sweet and soul-eyed cavalier king Charles spaniel, perky French bulldogs, and the fluffy shih tzu.
