Lazy Dog Breeds
Basset Hound
Pekingese
Pug
Shih Tzu
Brussels Griffon
Bichon Frisé
Maltese
Japanese Chin
Havanese
Lhasa Apso
French Bulldog
Chinese Crested
Senior Dogs Are Lazy Too
Low Energy Dog Breeds
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Not everyone wants a super energetic pup. Check out these low-key breeds that will hang out on the couch with you all day.
Christy is a highly accomplished writer for national publications like Business Insider and Animal Wellness Magazine, and has won several awards and nominations for her works relating to pets and pet care.
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Lazy is subjective. What you might call lazy, we see as super chill and snuggly. These dog breeds love to cuddle up with you while you're on a Netflix binge or enjoying your morning coffee. They still need to get some exercise each day, but you don't have to take them on a three-hour nature hike to convince them to take a nap. Which is a vibe we're all here for.
If you're thinking of getting yourself a doggo, behavior and temperament are top of the list of things to consider. Companion dog breeds (read lazy dogs) are perfect candidates for senior dog owners, folks in an apartment, and people with a busy schedule! These breeds are not working dogs, hunting breeds, or high-energy dogs. They're really just happy to have a warm place to nap and a human (or several) to give them attention.
After a hound enjoys a scent walk, the basset breed is ready for a nap. Basset hounds are a popular companion animal and extremely friendly. A daily walk is sufficient for a hound dog as long as it involves sniff time.
This proud breed is closely associated with China's emperors. This canine is both affectionate and loyal to family members. Yet the Pekingese is quiet, reserved, and perfectly content on the couch.
Pugs are an icon of China's elite, and this is another ancient Chinese breed. The pug loves to get on furniture, and if you want a dog on your sofa, this breed is a perfect fit.
Tibetan lamas sent some of these dogs as tributes to Chinese emperors. The breed name shih tzu means "little lion" in Chinese. This canine is a bouncy, outgoing dog known as a wonderful family pet and always ready for downtime on his favorite chair. This breed requires extensive grooming!
The Brussels griffon enjoys a walk and is also comfortable with inactivity and relaxation. This canine may exhibit terrier qualities and is known to be spirited and friendly. And just look at that face!
The friendly Bichon Frisé is a wonderful family dog and does well in an apartment. The breed enjoys human affection and does not require a lot of exercise. They do tend to bark though, so you'll need to brush up on your dog training skills (or find a great school nearby).
The Maltese or lion dog is popular in both Europe and the U.S. This breed is known to bark and makes a good watchdog but does not need a lot of outdoor activity. A daily walk is perfect for this little dog. They do require some attention to grooming, but that also counts as bonding time if you do it yourself.
These adorable little dogs have been a staple in Asia for centuries, and it's easy to see why. They're sweet, loyal, and chill. The Japanese Chin is super playful, but doesn't need a ton of exercise. They're great for families and apartment dwellers.
The Havanese is a Cuban member of the Bichon family. This canine is an ideal family pet and is known to be trainable and naturally affectionate. This small breed requires grooming, but one daily walk is perfect before a snuggle on the couch.
The Lhasa apso originated in ancient Tibet, and this breed may be an incarnation of the mythical Tibetan snow lion. This dog is affectionate, a good watchdog, and happy to go for a short walk. The Lhasa apso enjoys snuggle time.
The French bulldog or Frenchie is known as the "clown of the dog world" and is eager to please. This breed requires minimal exercise, and despite the small, muscular frame, the Frenchie is happy to hang out and share human snacks.
The hairless version became popular with Chinese seafarers and chased rats on ships. This breed does not require a lot of outdoor exercise. Enjoy the warmth this hairless dog provides in a comfortable chair.
Senior dogs also make perfect pets for any aging human with mobility issues. Older dogs prefer to curl up on the couch or bed with the family, so consider adopting a senior pet!
Some of the lazy breeds are quite different from each other, but all share the lazy dog trait. Many breeds are low energy and, with a short daily walk, are perfect for apartment living.