The Top Ten Laziest Dog Breeds
Sometimes the best thing in the world is simply cuddling up with your best friend on the couch after a long day.
If you’re looking for a nice couch potato there’s plenty of great laid back dogs out there, the trick is finding the right one for you.
So if you’re looking for a nice companion that doesn’t need much exercise look no further — here’s the top ten laziest dog breeds.
There’s a Lot of Lazy Dog Breeds To Choose From
When you get home from work do you want a nice dog to cuddle up with on the couch? Are you looking for a companion that’s satisfied with just a simple walk? The list below is a good place to start. Each of them has unique characteristics but they all make great couch buddies. (Great Danes and Greyhounds might be a little tough to share a couch with, but they’d love to try!)
What’s really great is that for us seeking a nice laid back dog we have a lot of options. From the short legged and sweet Basset Hound to the lean and mellow Greyhound – lazy dogs come in all shapes and sizes.
Lazy Dogs Are Great For Apartments and Low Energy Owners
Lazy dogs can be a great solution for those want canine companionship but can’t dedicate a lot of time to physical exercise every day. A lot of these dogs would be happy with a few simple indoor activities a couple times a day. If you’re thinking about getting a new dog and you have a low energy level I’d recommend starting the search by looking at these breeds. They all have some unique personality traits but they require less daily exercise than most.
If you decide on a certain breed do your research on breeders. You want to find a reputable breeder that does health screenings and has proof of veterinary visits.
Adopting a Lazy Dog From a Rescue
A dog’s breed isn’t the only determining factor when it comes down to their total energy level. Each dog is an individual. If you want to have the best possible match for your individual needs look no further than a local rescue organization.
Most rescue groups foster their animals which means they can find a dog that’s suitable to your specific lifestyle. They’ve lived with their adoptable dogs, they can match you with a canine that will be well suited to your needs.
Get On a Waiting List For a Specific Breed
A lot of rescue groups can place you on a waiting list if you’re looking for a specific breed. Just remember it’s important to meet any dog before you make a decision to buy or adopt.
Shelters and rescue organizations have plenty of dogs to choose from, including many purebred dogs. If your local shelter doesn’t have that Great Dane you’re looking for at the moment ask to be put on a waiting list. They’ll give you a call the next time one comes in.
With a little bit of research and knowledge you can find yourself a great lazy dog. If you’re looking for a nice couch potato dog or a decent companion for apartment living here is a list of the top ten laziest dog breeds.
The Top Ten Laziest Dog Breeds
Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are known for their strong hunting instinct; even though they’re considered a lazy breed they will follow a strong scent or chase if given the opportunity.
Easily recognizable with their short legs and long bodies, Basset Hounds have been keeping couches warm for many years.
These dogs are scent hounds, originally bred for hunting small game and their sense of smell is second only to the Bloodhound. Basset Hounds are regarded as gentle, devoted, sweet and naturally well behaved.
Their average life expectancy is 10-12 years. When feeding your Basset be careful not to overfeed them, extra weight places too great of a load on their legs & spine. They can adapt to apartment living, but beware these guys have a very deep bark.
Greyhound
Although the Greyhound is known for being the fastest dog on the racetrack they’re quite docile in a home environment. photo via Usonian
Most people are surprised when they find Greyhounds on the lazy list, after all they’re known for racing at 40+ mph on the track. But Greyhounds are actually a gentle breed that can easily adapt to the lounging lifestyle (they are known for sleeping roughly 18 hours a day).
Greyhounds are quiet, loyal, loving companions. They tend to do well with other dogs and family members but take caution if you own a cat; some have a high prey drive for smaller animals. They adapt well to apartment living if given a daily walk.
Greyhounds are sensitive to cold weather so if you live in a cold climate get that dog a coat. The average life expectancy of a Greyhound is 10-12 years.
Havanese
The Havanese is a small, strong, sturdy dog with a friendly disposition. photo via angellina
The Havanese is considered a true companion pet, and they do have a need for social structure so they may not do well in homes where they are left alone for long periods of time.
This breed is not afraid to show affection, and they’re great with people of all ages. Although they are a toy breed they require daily exercise.
The Havanese is easily trainable and willing to please, but they tend to be vocal. Their average life expectancy is roughy 14 years.
Great Dane
Given their giant size many are surprised to learn how lazy Great Danes can be. They’re known as the “gentle giant.” photo via Arno Meintjes Wildlife
Often referred to as the gentle giant Great Danes are generally well disposed to other dogs and people.
With proper training the Great Dane is a very gently and loving breed, if not socialized properly they have been known to become fearful or aggressive with strangers & other dogs.
These dogs require a daily walk to maintain health but don’t over do it, Danes grow very fast and too much exercise can cause health concerns (joint & bone problems) with a younger dog. The life expectancy is short with the average being under 10 years.
English Bulldog
If you’re looking for a true couch potato the English Bulldog can be a great match. The breed is prone to many health concerns so make sure you do your research before adopting. via aris sanchez
Another one of the laziest dog breeds is the Bulldog. The Bulldog’s appearance can be quite intimidating, but theses dogs are known to be one of the gentlest breeds. Most have a friendly, patient nature, making them good companions for children.
Bulldogs need to be taken out for a daily walk to thwart any behavioral issues at home.
Unfortunately these dogs have many health concerns and are prone to breathing problems, poor eyesight, prone to heatstroke and hip dysplasia. The average life span of a Bulldog is around 8 years.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a small, sensitive, and affectionate breed. photo via alan english
The Bichon Frise is a small toy breed described as gentle, sensitive, affectionate & playful. They love human attention and are generally pretty sociable. They are a good breed for people with allergies, they are bred to be hypoallergenic.
The Bichon Frise loves to be part of the family, and they’re considered a bright little dog that is easy live with. If they get enough exercise they can adapt to life in an apartment, play often takes care of a lot of their physical needs but it should also be paired with a daily walk.
These dogs have an average lifespan of 15 years.
Chihuahua
Chihuahua’s can make excellent couch potatoes. They tend to bond well with one person and love to be by their side.
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and they come in many colors and size variations. Chihuahuas are considered brave, proud & loyal. The temperament of the dogs owner is said to be a big influence on the temperament of the Chihuahua.
Chihuahua’s tend to become extremely loyal to one owner and have a tendency to become protective over that individual. If properly managed and trained they can do well with other animals & older children.
They make decent apartment dwellers, and although it may be tempting to carry them around they do require a daily walk. The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua is 15 years.
Chow Chow
Although the Chow can make a great laid back companion for your family they need to be trained at an early age to be accepting of strangers. They tend to have a very territorial disposition, therefore not recommended for first time dog owners. photo via chaos
The Chow Chow, commonly referred to as simply Chow, is one of the few ancient dog breeds still in existence today. Chows need to be properly socialized when they’re young to prevent over aggressiveness towards strangers and help manage their territorial nature. If they’re raised with children and small pets they can adapt to most family settings. This dog develops strong human bonds and tends to become protective of one or two family members.
Chow Chow’s are not overly active which makes them able to adapt to apartment living, though they will need daily exercise to prevent restlessness & boredom. Average life expectancy 1s 15 years.
Shih Tzu
One of the most popular breeds around Shih Tzus are a small, loyal breed that love being part of the family. photo via william marlow
Shih Tzus are a small, sturdy dog described as loyal, outgoing, affectionate & alert. Given it’s social nature they tend to interact well with other animals and children. Proper training and socialization should start young to keep these dogs from getting nippy.
They make good apartment dogs, requiring minimal exercise, though they do need a daily walk. Take special care to train your Shih Tzu from an early age to prevent excessive barking and peevishness. Their average life expectancy is 15 years.
Maltese
Maltese have been bred specifically for companionship. They tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. photo via abby lanes
Maltese were bred to be companion dogs, and it shows. They are playful and lively, and adore their humans, wanting to be near them as much as possible. Because of this, some Maltese can suffer from separation anxiety.
These dogs are devoted to their owner and are generally loving and trusting. They are quick to alarm when they hear or see anything suspicious. Do not over pamper these dogs, they can become obsessive barkers and guarders without proper guidance.
They make decent apartment dogs, requiring a daily walk. Their average life expectancy is 15 years.
Recommended Reading
For more information on lazy dog breeds check out Animal Planet’s Laid Back Dog Breed Selector.
Looking For Simple Ways To Entertain Your Dog?
Even lazy breeds need some boredom busters, check out these articles for some simple tips.
- 33 Easy Indoor Activities for Dogs
- 26 Quick & Simple Ways to Entertain Your Dog
- How to Make Your Dog Toys Last Longer
Photo by jwillier2 / not_really_art
Haha didnt know about this thing. lol. thanks a lot for sharing it.
Dogs get lazy as they growth old. My previous dog was mixed breed and she was very energetic. But when she was about 7 years old she became so lazy that I was astonished.
Thanks for this info.
These are great lazy dog breeds. Every time someone asks me about getting a dog that will be okay when they are at work, I tell them to find a lazy dog. Greyhound is an amazing dog. He may be fast, but he is also known to be a couch potato. From my experience, the laziest dog I encountered was the Great Dane. She was quite happy to go out for about 10 minutes and then retire to the couch, the bed, or any other supremely comfortable place to lounge.