A sleeping Great Dane puppy (Photo by Dora Zett on Shutterstock)
Lazy dog breeds are not for everyone. If you crave outdoor adventure or can’t wait to go running at the crack of dawn, these sleepy breeds might not be the best fit. On the other hand, for those who think the perfect day includes a steaming hot cup of tea, a good book, and a cuddly furball to love on, these couch potatoes might be just right. Our list of the laziest dog breeds includes some adorable puppies that want nothing more than a comfy spot next to their human.
“Don’t shop, adopt!” is a popular phrase animal shelters use to help find dogs their forever home. So, what can new owners expect when they bring home a shelter dog? A new study from The Ohio State University indicates that certain behaviors change over time, such as increases in stranger-directed aggression, chasing behavior, training difficulty, excitability, and touch sensitivity at different intervals. However, that doesn’t mean dog owners regret their choice to rescue.
When lazy dogs aren’t napping, they’re usually busy stealing hearts. In fact, a study shows that most dog owners would rather snuggle with their pets over their partners. So, it’s a good thing these lazy breeds usually stay put for some quality cuddles.
Lazy dogs can be easy to raise, though owners will need to make sure that they are sstill getting enough exercise and not overeating. Apart from that, lower-energy breeds are content to spend the day snuggling and watching the world go by. Our sources helped us rank the laziest dog breeds known to man. Let us know your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best Lazy Dog Breeds, According To Experts
1. Pekingese
This ancient lapdog was bred for affection and companionship. These furry little fellas can be likened to snoring pillows. Good Housekeeping raves, “Underneath all of that fur is a charming companion who is perfectly happy without a yard. The little lap dogs did originally live in the Chinese palaces, but their modern counterparts will settle for less than royalty.”
“A chunky little aristocratic lazy dog breed with a beautiful coat and a big attitude, the Pekingese was born to be your sweet and comical companion. Their sweet nature and low energy levels make them one of the best lazy dogs,” praises The Dog People.
Wag! exclaims, “Bred to live in the palaces of ancient China, the Pekingese will gladly reign over your house, from your couch. Their life’s purpose is to provide amusement and companionship. And while these petite pooches are serene most of the time, you can let them try their paw at canine sports, as long as you let them do it at their own pace.”
2. English Bulldogs
These delightfully chunky drool machines are famous for their love of naptime. English Bulldogs are well-loved by their owners. Insider says, “These big boys prefer the comfort of the couch to the hot extreme of the dog park. These compact dogs are pretty lazy and tend to overheat with too much exertion.”
Top Dog Tips describes, “English Bulldogs are patient and kind dogs that love to lounge around with their owners. Because they’re brachycephalic (have a short, pushed-in nose), they can’t do strenuous exercise. A quick walk around the park is enough exercise for this lazy breed.”
Reader’s Digest elaborates, “The bottom line is that the English Bulldog is one of the laziest of lazy dog breeds. But like other chill dogs, the English Bulldog still requires some exercise for mental stimulation and to avoid obesity-related health issues.”
3. Bassett Hound
Basset Hounds have droopy faces and wonderfully floppy ears. Add their stubby legs, and it’s easy to see why these dogs like to stay put. Purina comments, “When they’re not hot on a trail following a scent, this laid-back dog breed is usually found lounging on the sofa, patiently awaiting their next snack. They’re known for their gentle natures while inside the house but are also always up for an adventure out on a walk, and love nothing more than to engage their natural instincts and sniff out a trail.”
Borrow My Doggie adds, “Every dog requires exercise; however, some prefer the couch potato life to running for hours in the park. … Basset Hounds are especially friendly with other pets and children. Their sweet puppy eyes showcase their soft personality.”
“If the low-hanging ears and droopy eyes don’t give away a basset hound’s temperament, her affinity for plopping down onto her bed and refusing to move will do the trick. Endlessly loyal and always ready to chill, basset hounds are big-time lazy dogs, which most owners swear makes them incredibly charming,” details Pure Wow.
4. Great Dane
Marmaduke and Scooby Doo are two fictional Great Danes that paint an oddly accurate picture of these big sweethearts. Big dogs have different needs from their smaller cousins. Pet Helpful explains, “Like many giant dog breeds, Great Danes are lazy dogs with slow metabolisms. That’s a good thing, too. If these giants had high metabolisms, no one could afford to feed them! Our two Danes are total couch potatoes. If they don’t get their 20-plus hours of snoozing every day, they can’t function.”
Good Housekeeping offers, “You might even look forward to regular walks when you have a statuesque canine on the other end of the leash. Unlike some of the other big breeds, Great Danes make friends easily, and stay patient even with (much smaller) kiddos.”
“The original ‘gentle giant’ of the dog world, the Great Dane is a large, elegant, mastiff type with hunting roots… if their exercise needs are met, they’re a calm, majestic companion who adores some sofa time (though there may not be any space left for you),” states The Dog People.
5. French Bulldog
Frenchies are an internet famous breed thanks to their social-media-ready looks. This placid pup loves snuggle time. Wag! claims, “The affectionate French Bulldog is one of the most pawpular dog breeds among apartment dwellers. Aside from their compact size, these bat-eared doggos do not need a lot of outdoor exercise. Although they enjoy participating in canine sports, their flat faces mean that they shouldn’t be allowed to exert themselves, especially in hot weather.”
“There’s a reason so many city-dwellers own French Bulldogs. You could bring a Frenchie to the office and they won’t do much aside from wander around. A couple of brisk walks is all they really need,” relates Insider.
Top Dog Tips reviews, “The French Bulldog is another brachycephalic dog, which makes a short walk around the block a big workout for them. They are single-owner dogs, perfect for people who live in apartments.”
You might also be interested in:
- Most Laid-Back Dog Breeds
- Most Cuddly Dog Breeds
- Best Dog Breeds For Country Living
- Most Hyper Dog Breeds
Sources:
- Good Housekeeping
- The Dog People
- Wag!
- Insider
- Top Dog Tips
- Reader’s Digest
- Purina
- Borrow My Doggy
- Pure Wow
- Pet Helpful
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
