Some dog breeds are known for being bundles of energy, while others are so lazy that they can spend their entire day napping. These low-energy dog breeds are well-suited for a sedentary lifestyle and perfectly happy dozing off on their own.
Low-energy dogs are content being tucked away in a cozy corner or lounging on a cool tile floor. These loving and loyal canines crave comfort. Their laid-back nature makes them ideal pets for calm homes and owners who prefer snuggles over constant fetch.
Low-energy dogs are happy with little exercise and do not want to go for hours-long walks. They have a friendly and affectionate personality. So, first-time owners, seniors, and people with smaller homes can also adopt them.
Here are the top 9 tired, sleepy dog breeds that crave comfort.
Tired Sleepy Dog Breeds That Crave Comfort
1. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are low-slung, well-muscled canines recognized by their ‘sourmug face.” Despite looking tough on the outside, they are easygoing dogs with a docile temperament. These medium-sized pooches are one of the laziest dog breeds out there.
English Bulldogs prefer comfort over physical exertion and love spending more than half of their day snoozing. At the same time, they are quite playful and comedic. They get energy in short bursts, meaning they are active for short periods and get tired quickly.
Being a brachycephalic breed, their flat faces and shortened noses make them unsuitable for labor-intensive work and too much exercise. Instead, you can take your English bulldog out for short walks in moderate temperatures or engage them in indoor play sessions.
2. Basset Hound
Recognized by its sleepy-looking face and trademark gait, the Basset Hound is a sociable and talented canine. Basset Hounds are known for their endurance and independent thinking abilities. However, once their energy needs are met, they can spend the rest of their day sleeping.
Basset hounds are very low-energy dogs, making perfect companions for individuals looking for a relaxed pooch. They love to follow a scent, and their floppy ears and low stature assist them in tracking a smell.
These low-key dogs can sometimes be stubborn, which makes training a bit difficult. While Basset Hounds may not be as active as some other breeds, they do require regular exercise to stay fit. Daily walks at a moderate pace would be sufficient, explains the American Kennel Club.
3. Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants known for their calm disposition and slobbery snuggles. Newfies are quite active outside the house, but they are happy to nap alongside their humans once they are tired outside.
Newfies are capable of working diligently on land as well as in water, but make sure to recharge their energy through a nap after a hard day’s work. Compared to their large size, Newfies are quite laid-back dogs.
They require only an hour of daily exercise to get adequate physical and mental stimulation. This low-energy dog breed makes a sweet and devoted companion. They are also patient around kids, but you should never leave a Newfie alone with smaller children.
4. Shih Tzu
Popular for their perky and happy nature, the Shih Tzu is a small dog breed that can spend most of its day sleeping. They were bred to be house companions and require minimal exercise. A Shih Tzu puppy can sleep for up to 20 hours within a 24-hour period, as per All Shih Tzu.
An adult Shih Tzu, too, can spend more than half of its day sleeping. Nothing brings more comfort to a Shih Tzu than plenty of relaxation alongside their favorite human. These pooches have moderate energy levels and do not require extensive exercise.
Ideally, two walks a day, each lasting for 20 to 30 minutes, provide enough exercise for a Shih Tzu. According to Hill’s Pet, Shi Tzus are lively and friendly dogs who get along nicely with people of all ages and other dogs.
5. Dachshund
Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs, so they possess lots of bravery and willingly face much larger animals without fear. They are great with all family members, but form tight bonds with one favorite human.
They are very playful and relatively high-energy dogs for their small size, but Doxies love nothing more than sleeping. Having a knack for dozing up to 16 hours a day, Doxies love being snuggled under the blankets.
Doxies are highly alert dogs with a bark much larger than their size. Their short legs and elongated bodies mean they are not suitable for vigorous physical activity, but require regular exercise to strengthen their backs.
They need consistent and patient training using a fun and reward-based approach. Their strong sense of smell can be a distraction for these pups.
6. Pekingese
Pekingese are calm and affectionate lap dogs who were bred as companions for the Chinese elite. They were carried in the sleeves of their owners. So, they can perfectly lie still for most of the day. Pekingese are comfortable lounging, dozing, and daydreaming throughout the day.
This low-energy dog breed loves participating in canine sports, but plays at its own pace. Their thick coats and flat faces make them prone to overheating and breathing issues. You can plan a couple of short walks for your Pekingese that add up to a total of 30 to 60 minutes.
Pekingese also enjoy playing, but they sleep hard once they are done with the play session. Longest at the neck and shoulder, a Peke’s coat requires a fair amount of maintenance. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent mats.
7. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is a friendly little pooch recognized by its long hair and affinity for long naps. An adult Lhasa Apso can sleep up to 14 hours a day. Originally bred as companions and indoor watchdogs, they need a comfy dog bed to sleep on.
Lhasa Apsos are not as energetic as other breeds, but they enjoy playing with their pet parents. They also like occasional walks, but once they are done with the excitement, they are likely to doze off. Lhasa Apsos require half an hour to one hour of daily exercise to be content.
Lhasa Apso is also a brachycephalic breed, explains PetMD. They can suffer from breathing problems and are prone to overheating. Avoid taking them out in warm weather.
Lhasa Apsos are playful and smart, so they need mental stimulation along with physical activity. So make sure to have interactive toys for your pup.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers King Charles Spaniels are gentle and affectionate fellows who find comfort in sleeping. They are quite adaptable and do well with active owners as well as couch potatoes. Spaniels are typically known for being busy working dogs, but Cavaliers find comfort in relaxing.
Cavaliers thrive on human companionship, so they want to spend most of their time lying next to their owners. If you want a canine friend who curls up on your lap and offers warm snuggles while watching Netflix, opt for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Having fairly low energy than other breeds, these pooches need moderate exercise. Physical activity can be interspersed with short walks. Cavaliers can be a great addition to families with kids and other pets.
9. Pomeranian
Spunky and alert little Poms are simply too smart for their small size. When they are active, Pomeranians are full of life and soul. But once they are done playing, they will prefer to rest and recharge.
While they are relatively high-energy for their size, they find comfort in sleeping after being tired. Pomeranians pay close attention to the world around them. These foxy Spitz-type dogs are a little bossy, so obedience training is a must for them.
They need moderate activity for half an hour to one hour. Exercise can be interspersed into short walks and play sessions.
Interactive play sessions provide adequate mental enrichment to these pooches. However, they are not a good choice for people looking for a running or hiking buddy.
Conclusion
While some dogs are high-energy and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy and content, certain dog breeds crave comfort and find peace in napping throughout the day. These fairly low-energy dog breeds will spend their day dozing off in a cozy corner.
Their personality is a unique blend of playfulness and gentleness. These pooches do not want vigorous exercise, but need regular activity to stay physically and mentally fit. Tired and sleepy dogs make perfect partners for couch potatoes who match their vibe.
