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.”
![Pekingese dog photo by Vianney Cahen on Unsplash](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/r5m3v_rldbo.jpg)
“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.”
![Sleepy bulldogs photo by Piero Nigro from Unsplash](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/4-06hfvte54.jpg)
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.”
![bassethound lying on sofa](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/qduxxflkrhi.jpg)
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.”
![a large brown dog laying on top of a couch](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/tcab9aaej4s-1.jpg)
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.”
![a French Bulldog puppy closeup](https://studyfinds.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/graham-holtshausen-PZgHV8kd3-k-unsplash-scaled.jpg)
“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.
Sorry guys, but no breed is lazier than a Greyhound.
Sheila, a greyhound is lazy??? That shocks me, after seeing them in races!
Unfortunately, articles like this are why many Basset Hounds end up in rescue. People purchase them expecting a dog that lies around all day but end up with something much more energetic and busy than they were ready for.
Bassets, at least when young, aren’t lazy. I’ve seen one jump from the floor onto a kitchen table multiple times!
Agree with Sheila! My greyhound sleeps between 18-21 hours a day! Runs for 30s and needs a lay down.
Someone ran up to us the other day asking if the dog was ok, he was just taking a nap on his walk. He only 5.
Lol. That’s hilarious!
Great Danes might be lazy, but they are a very lovable breed of dog…I’m on my 4th one. They enjoy being with their human, playing, snuggling, giving kisses and watching TV. They are also good watch dogs, letting you know when someone is around the house when they shouldn’t be. I’ve thought of someday having a different type of dog, but my heart will always belong to the lazy Great Dane. They are a wonderful breed of god.
I agree, my favorite breed! I am currently on my 3rd & 4th. My first one was so loved that several friends ended up getting a Dane themselves because of her being such a sweetheart. Just beware of the zoomies. 😉
We just got our second. Great breed!
I have a greyhound and am in the greyhound community and am surprised they are not on this list. They out lazy all these dogs by a long shot.
Miriam is right. Bassets should not be on this list. We responsibly breed them to have endurance in the field. They are an active dog that needs frequent moving exercise. Their short legs enable them to crawl under things like thorny brush to pursue rabbits. Not to injure them but to push them out to then push them to circle back. This is how they would enable a hunter on foot to have dinner. They can also leap, jump and counter surf. Many will find them on tables and tops of furniture if not well trained. So please remove them from lists like this.
Whoever wrote this article has clearly not met my Danes and alot if other Danes I know ..
Our boys are high energy, high drive and compete in several dog sports, including Dock Diving , hydrodash and Fast Cat .
Please make sure you do your research on all breeds before writing an article like this . Would spare so many from being abandoned or dumped
Definitely add a Great Pyrenees.
Of all dogs but the ones I love the most are the little house dogs that own and run everything around them even their masters. They are amazing.
My chiwawas chubs,Dixie they have got to be the laziest ones I ve had 😂😁
One thing I’ve noticed about our Labra-pitty and our Beagle is that they our dogs are perpetually lazy, BUT they can go from 0-50 instantly. Especially if a squirrel is nearby. I think the laziness is often a result of the pet parents’ energy level. I’m bad about being lazy in the winter, and walk the dogs nearly every day in the summer. I guarantee if I just now said, “walk?!” they’d be up and dancing in a NY minute! So, maybe it’s not the dog/breed?
I take greatest exception to the sky, snarky, remarks about rescue dogs! As a rule they are well vetted and the rescue org knows their personality traits; plus they just get better after settling in their forever home.
Please don’t have Basset Hounds on any “lazy” lists. They are truly a hunting breed and will surprise anyone who thinks they are a “lay around” dog. They are110% hound with incredible curiosity, sight and smell, all of which they act on. Lists like this are often why Bassets end up in rescues and shelters. They are an amazing breed and will cuddle, but they are NOT the lazy dogs they are often perceived to be. Anyone who has had the good fortune to spend time with a Basset Hound for more than a few hours will surely know this.