Sometimes, the word lazy can have quite a negative connotation. Often, people use it to describe a quality that is not desirable. But, is being a bit lazy a bad thing?
I wouldn’t say so. There is nothing wrong with being lazy at times, and the same goes for dogs.
Not all dogs are lively and energetic. Some pups just simply prefer to lie down and sleep more than anything.
That being said, let’s see what some lazy dog breeds are. You never know – maybe one of these dogs could be the perfect match for you. Don’t let the “lazy” part discourage you from these beautiful pups!
If you are not exactly an active person yourself, and you are looking for a pooch that will love to chill out with you and cuddle and snooze away, then read on since we have the perfect lazy dog breeds set out for you!
1. Bulldog
There is one thing that describes Bulldogs the best, and that is their stubborn laziness, which is exactly why they are the first on our list. The Bulldog is a British Mastiff type of dog, often also called the English Bulldog to differentiate them from other Bulldog variants.
Their laziness might be connected to the fact that they are a brachycephalic breed that physically can’t endure a lot of exercise.
Due to their flat-nose shape and stockier build, they often have breathing problems or even other major health issues that interfere with their daily lifestyle.
However, there is no denying that these pups love nothing more than sleeping. 90% of the time, you will find them laying on the sofa and snoring. Their biggest priorities in life are when they’re going to be fed and when they’re going to take a nap. The perfect life, isn’t it?
Bulldogs are calm and friendly, with a hint of courage if necessary, which makes them perfect family pets. Although they don’t require a lot of exercise, a daily walk would be a good idea in order to avoid obesity and provide them with mental stimulation.
2. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard – the Swiss-bred dog that gained popularity after the success of the movie, Beethoven, starring a giant St. Bernard as the main character. They are known as gentle giants because of their calm and patient nature, which makes them great with children.
You would imagine that these giant boys would be very active, but this just isn’t the case with these pups. While they are outside, they will probably enjoy themselves, but as soon as they enter the house, they will transform into couch potatoes.
The thing is that they were bred to be rescue dogs in the Swiss mountains, and besides that, there is little that keeps them motivated. Their best hobby (if you haven’t guessed already) is sleeping, which is followed by impressive snoring as well.
3. Basset Hound
With their famous characteristic look; short, stumpy legs; big, floppy ears; and adorable puppy eyes – there must be very few who have never heard of them or seen these pups somewhere.
Basset Hounds belong to the group of scent hounds with an extremely powerful sense of smell.
I don’t know about you, but every time I see a Basset Hound, I imagine them to be like grandpas of the dog world. There is something about this dog and his amicable expression that you simply can not resist.
However, when it comes to their laziness level, they must be one of the laziest dog breeds ever. They simply don’t like to move at all, which can also cause health problems, such as obesity.
If you are not careful with their diet, they will soon become too chubby for their own good.
Because of this, it is important to follow a strict feeding regime, and incorporate only the best food for Basset Hounds, so that they are able to live a happy and healthy life. Oh… and try to at least make them walk a bit each day.
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, similar to their cousins, English Bulldogs, are yet another brachycephalic dog breed, which can mean only one thing – little exercises and a lot of chilling.
Frenchies are, though, popular family dogs, especially in the U.S., due to their loving, patient, and laid-back nature.
A short daily walk is the maximum amount of exercise you can expect from this small dog breed, which is probably perfect for those apartment dwellers and people who live in a big city.
Not only that, but they rarely bark, don’t shed, and can easily adapt to any environment. Looking at all of this, it doesn’t surprise us that Frenchies are the most popular pets out there.
However, you have to make sure you are feeding them healthy amounts of food in order for Frenchies to be perfectly healthy.
If you want to make these lazy little dogs happy, get them a good dog bed because they will probably spend most of their time sleeping on it.
5. Pekingese
A royal pup with a cute, squished face and beautiful fluffy coat — meet another one of the great nappers on our list. Although originally, they were imperial dogs, they did transform into the perfect lap dogs of modern times.
Just don’t forget that behind all that fluff and small body hides a pretty big personality.
Pekingese are known as low-energy dogs that love nothing more than spending their day lounging and snoozing on their owner’s lap.
They will happily spend the whole day napping, and they only require a minimal amount of exercise… we are talking less than half an hour a day.
Their royal upbringing turned them into pups that are not used to anything less than luxury. Some might even say that they are spoiled, which is not far from the truth, especially when you add quite a stubborn nature to the mix.
But, if you are looking for a small, fluffy dog breed that is going to be happy cuddling you or staying in your arms, then this dog will be the perfect choice for you.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a big and powerful dog breed, strikingly beautiful, and with an amazing, sweet temperament that all make him an ideal companion dog.
Although this Swiss dog is considered to be among the greatest working dogs, he still found his place on our list of lazy dog breeds.
Let’s find out why…
These big dogs are great as herding dogs; however, if they are not working, but staying indoors, they will prefer to lay down and snooze rather than run around the house.
Their kind and affectionate nature make this breed an awesome pet to have around children, which is why they are among the most popular family pets. Despite their large size, they still can be a great pup to snuggle with.
7. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have to be one of the fluffiest dog breeds on our list, and definitely among the cutest ones. With their fluffy coat and their resemblance to a bear, they can actually make your childhood dream of having a real-life teddy bear as your best friend come true.
When it comes to behavior, these pups are pretty low-maintenance. They are easy-going and chill to the point that some even compare their personality to that of a cat.
The truth is that this old breed of dog was originally bred to serve as a palace guard dog a long time ago; however, this did help them evolve into pups that are reserved and devoted to their owner.
If you decide to get a Chow Chow, you will see that their favorite pastime is actually a little snuggle and a lot of relaxation time.
8. Pug
Pugs are originally from China, but with their cute appearance, small frame, and outgoing personality, they have won the hearts of many dog owners worldwide. Pugs are definitely among the most favorite family dogs ever, and their popularity is true proof of that.
People don’t just love them because of their cute, wrinkly face, but also because they are very low maintenance. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they don’t require a lot of exercise.
A brisk walk around the block is more than enough for them, making them perfect for elderly people or families that live in apartments. Although they are small, they definitely don’t lack in the personality department.
Their charming and playful nature will often make you laugh, but don’t be surprised when their mischievous side also comes out.
9. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large dog breed of ancient origin. They were developed centuries ago in Tibet to serve as guard dogs for monasteries, but today, they can also be loving companion dogs.
These pups are big and powerful, but also very loving and affectionate. With their luscious, long coat that can come in various colors, they are bound to attract attention wherever they go.
If you think that because they are dog giants, they will be very active and energetic, you are terribly mistaken. They, too, enjoy lounging and chilling. They are generally low-key, lazy dogs, and they are not that easy to train.
Agility and obedience are not something they are particularly good at, but if you want a dog that will be able to keep you company while you rest, then you’ve found yourself a match.
10. Havanese
Havana, ooh na na! The national doggo of Cuba, Havana born and raised — the Havanese is the perfect companion dog that gets along well with children and other pets, which makes him a great choice for a family pup.
These relatively small pups are also very lazy. They don’t require a lot of exercise – a maximum of half an hour a day, if that much. Short, slow-paced walks are something that they enjoy the most. Make sure to give them lots of cuddles afterward, though.
They were bred to be companion dogs, and that is what they do the best. One thing that they love the most is to spend time with their owner – they’re true social butterflies whose upbeat personality wins many hearts over and over again.
Havanese are extremely adorable by themselves, but you know what? A cute and interesting Havanese haircut can make them even more adorable, and you simply won’t be able to resist them.
11. The Great Dane
Probably one of the largest dogs on our list, and generally, in the canine world, Great Danes are sleek and elegant pups. They are great hunting dogs as well as great watchdogs, but also great at just chilling on the sofa.
Maybe it will come as a surprise to many people that this “working dog” likes to rest rather than do actual work, but it is the truth.
Many veterinarians actually say that this is because of their body composition and their huge size. A lot of strenuous exercise can actually cause many health problems for these giant pups, which is why they prefer to lie down.
A regular walk should be enough exercise for their physical and mental stimulation, which is perfect if you don’t have that much time on your plate.
12. Newfoundland
This is another lazy gentle giant on the list, this time coming from Canada and the island of Newfoundland… surprise, surprise. Newfies are large, but sweet-tempered pups that were originally bred to be working dogs.
Although they can be very active outside, especially when water is included, indoors, they are usually true couch potatoes. They are truly gentle giants in every sense of that word.
These pups are perfect as family companions. They are good-natured, easy-going, and wonderful with children, but also a bit protective – the perfect combination to have around your kids.
With their lifespan of eight to ten years, or even a bit more if you’re lucky, you should be able to enjoy their company for at least a decade.
Their favorite pastime is snuggling with their owner, so if you are looking for an extremely furry cuddler, this is the one for you… that is, if you don’t mind drooling and some sloppy kisses because you will see a lot of that with this breed.
But, hey… we all have our shortcomings – the important thing is what is in the heart, right?
13. The Shih Tzu
This Chinese royal dog was specifically bred to be nothing else but a lap dog to the court. Shih Tzus are one of the adorable toy dog breeds with a playful and outgoing nature that many people love.
If we were giving prizes for the best lap dogs, the Shih Tzu would definitely be among the top-rated ones. When it comes to their energy level, they are pretty chill dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise at all.
A small walk inside the house is enough for them. They are perfectly happy laying down on the sofa if they are receiving enough cuddles, pets, and snuggles from their owner. It can’t get any better than this, can it?
This is the best chill dog ever – the kind that you can only wish for. When you add to that various beautiful coat colors, cute looks, low-maintenance, and an amazingly easy-going personality, you get the picture as to why they are so popular.