All dogs need love, care, and adequate physical and mental stimulation. But some breeds are naturally calm, having low energy levels as compared to other dogs. These couch potatoes prefer lounging and sleeping all day and do not have work ethics as strong as a working dog breed.
If you are a busy pet parent who does not have enough time, you can adopt a low-energy and low-maintenance dog breed with minimal exercise and grooming needs.
Even low-energy dogs require adequate exercise, grooming, and training. They might be low maintenance, but remember no dog breed is maintenance-free. All dogs need some time and attention. If you do not have enough time to take care of a dog, consider adopting another pet such as a cat.
Are you looking for a laid-back canine companion for your family? Here are the top 9 least hyper dog breeds.
Least Hyper Dog Breeds
1. Pug
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 13 inches
Weight: 14 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Pug is a brachycephalic dog breed known for their low exercise needs. They are versatile and are capable of adapting to different environments, from apartments to large spaces. Being the literal couch potatoes, they prefer napping and lounging all day.
Pugs are prone to obesity if they do not get adequate physical and mental stimulation. You also need to take care of their diet to prevent them from getting obese. Pugs require moderate exercise every day. According to PetMD, several short walks of 15 to 20 minutes do great for them.
They enjoy low-key activities like casual walks and a quick game of fetch. However, they are not good candidates for vigorous exercise like running and agility.
2. Pekingese
Breed Profile
Height: 6 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 14 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
It is a toy dog breed hailing from China. They reflect their ancient Chinese heritage in their regal and dignified demeanor. Pekingese prefer lounging comfort over vigorous exercise. Their sweet nature and low energy levels make them ideal for seniors who can take care of their high-maintenance mane.
Pekingese make great companions for a sedentary lifestyle. They require 30 minutes to 1 hour of daily exercise, including indoor play time, short walks, and gentle activities that keep them mentally and physically engaged.
Due to this, Pekingese make good apartment dogs. Their luxurious coat, growing particularly long around the neck and shoulders, gives them a lion’s mane look. They require regular grooming.
3. Basset Hound
Breed Profile
Height: Under 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 inches
Lifespan: 12 to 13 years
Basset hound is a dog breed with floppy ears, known for their signature look and short legs. These affectionate and laid-back pups prefer napping over yapping, making them ideal for calm households. They have an independent streak, which makes exercise and training a bit challenging.
Basset hounds are friendly and playful dogs having moderate exercise needs. Take your Basset hound for leisurely walks, but avoid activities like long-distance running, as their short legs cannot keep up with strenuous exercises.
Basset hounds are highly sociable, easygoing, and talented scent hounds. They are content with the daily walks and a comfortable spot to nap in, making them ideal for individuals seeking a relaxed canine companion.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known to have a gentle and calm demeanor. These adorable and highly adaptable dogs make perfect couch potatoes. They form strong bonds with their owners and love snuggling in their laps. According to the AKC, they were bred as lap dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were bred by the royals like Charles the first and Charles the second. With expressive eyes and a silky coat, this breed is well-suited for homes with children and multiple family members, as they are people pleasers. In the absence of proper training, they are prone to yapping.
They enjoy daily exercise and are active, but can also happily lie on the couch all evening. Two 20-30 minute walks a day will suffice for them. They are good with cats and other dogs.
5. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
This gentle and amiable fellow was bred to be a companion dog. Maltese are highly trainable pups, having a strong desire to please. They are bright and playful dogs, but equally enjoy relaxing on a couch.
Because of their silky, floor-length coat, they need plenty of grooming. They need only 30 minutes to one hour of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Despite being a low-energy dog breed, Maltese excel at agility.
Maltese are affectionate and intelligent dogs who form close bonds with their owners. They thrive on human interaction and attention. They are prone to develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
6. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
These small and sturdy buddies have distinctive bat-like ears and a muscular build. They might look tiny and intimidating, but they are extremely sweet and can spend all day sleeping in your lap.
Do you know? Frenchies love sleeping—they can spend 13 to 16 hours a day sleeping due to which they make it to the list of the least hyper dog breeds. The puppies can sleep even longer, around 16 to 20 hours a day.
They enjoy short walks interspersed between long naps. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, they make great companions with adults and children.
French bulldogs have relatively low exercise needs. They need one hour of exercise every day to stay mentally and physically fit.
7. Shih Tzu
Breed Profile
Height: 9 to 10.5 inches
Weight: 9 to 16 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 18 years
Shih Tzu is one of the popular low-energy dog breeds. An adult Shih Tzu weighs around 9 to 16 pounds, which means a short walk or indoor play will meet their exercise needs. Regular exercise is important for physical and mental stimulation.
They are friendly and docile dogs who benefit from proper training and early socialization. Positive reinforcement methods work great for these dogs. According to Purina, they were originally bred as lapdogs who love spending time in their owner’s lap.
Shih Tzu’s double coat requires regular grooming. They need weekly baths. It is important to blow-dry their hair afterwards to keep the dog from getting chilled. Their flat faces can increase the risk of heatstroke or overheating, so prioritize indoor activities in hot weather.
8. Newfoundland
Breed Profile
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Newfoundland dogs are the “gentle giants” known for their calm demeanor. It is a lovable, low-energy dog breed that loves napping. These loyal dogs were bred for heavy work and water rescues. These dogs are well-suited for a laid-back lifestyle.
Despite their large size, Newfoundlands are low-maintenance dogs who require moderate exercise. At least half an hour of moderate activity is required for an adult Newfoundland every day. They love to be with their families.
However, they can become destructive when left alone for extended periods. They have a patient disposition and get along well with children. They have a thick and water-resistant coat.
9. English Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 14 to 15 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
English bulldogs are one of the laziest pooches you will ever find. These are low-energy yet playful dogs having a gentle and cuddly personality. They will spend most of their time lying on the floor and would prefer not to do anything.
English bulldogs like eating. These easygoing and docile pups have sturdy and stout bodies, weighing around 40 to 50 pounds. It is a brachycephalic breed and is vulnerable to certain health issues, such as overheating.
Their short legs make them unsuitable for vigorous exercise. Instead, they require short walks in moderate temperatures or interactive indoor games.
Conclusion
While many dog breeds are highly energetic, others are known for being less hyper. Low energy dog breeds might requ
ire moderate to minimal exercise, but they are not necessarily low maintenance. For example, Shih Tzu’s luxurious coat requires regular grooming, and bulldogs need extra care due to their flat faces.
Cutting it short, no dog breed is zero maintenance. So if you are planning to adopt a low energy dog, make sure o take care of their exercise and grooming needs!
