15 Lazy Dogs to Lounge With

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Quirky, Bubbly, BFF 

The sociable Frenchie loves spending low-key time together. These compact pups have short legs, round bodies, and sometimes, trouble breathing—so they’re not built for athletic activities. 

Still, Frenchies are playful and will gladly chase down a ball or tussle with a favorite toy. When the weather is pleasant, these flat-faced dogs will gladly join you for a short stroll, but be alert for signs of overheating.

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 8–10 years 
• Temperament: Charming, Cuddly, Silly 

The Bulldog, commonly called the English Bulldog, could be a poster pet for the laziest dog breeds. With a reputation for napping at any opportunity, English Bulldogs like to take life easy.  

A few short, leisurely walks will give this breed some fresh air and exercise without risking overexertion, which can be a problem for them—especially in warm weather.  

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 13–15 years 
• Temperament: BFF, Friendly, Optimistic 

Pugs are some of the most charming dogs you’ll ever meet, and they’re great nap buddies if you don’t mind a bit of snoring from this flat-faced dog breed.  

You’ll likely have to encourage this breed to get up and moving. Left on their own, they have a reputation for being couch potatoes, particularly once the puppy stage is over. An interactive toy or indoor game can capture a Pug’s interest and help them stretch their legs.

• Size: Medium 
• Lifespan: 12–13 years 
• Temperament: Daydreamer, Mellow, Smart 

Basset Hounds live life in the slow lane. This low-energy dog breed isn’t built for speed and has short, stocky legs, a long, thick body, and droopy ears.  

While a Basset isn’t likely to win many races, an interesting scent will fire up this lazy dog breed. Basset Hounds have a great sniffer and love to go for scent walks or search for dog treats buried in a snuffle mat.

• Size: Small 
• Life expectancy: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Bubbly, Happy-Go-Lucky, Sporty 

Bred to be a lapdog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hasn’t forgotten their true calling in life. These dogs are known for being sweet and gentle rather than excitable and high-strung, and a few walks each day is enough to satisfy the Cav’smoderate exercise needs. 

• Size: Small 
• Lifespan: 10–16 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, Charming, Playful 

Shih Tzu are known to be adaptable companions who don’t demand much in the way of exercise. Take them on a stroll around the block or tussle with a tug toy to give these dogs a little exercise and excitement.

These good-natured dogs have a playful personality and the bonus of being low-shedding. That said, their naturally long, silky coat needs regular grooming or trimming.

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 8–12 years 
• Temperament: Bright, Loyal, Stoic 

The Chow Chow is best described as statuesque, not sporty. So it’s no surprise that these fluffy dogs are more interested in laidback walks than going full tilt in popular canine sports.  

While Chow Chows aren’t known for cuddling or showing affection, they do enjoy quality time with their favorite person.  

• Size: Extra large 
• Life Expectancy: 7–10 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, Calm, Goofy 

The biggest lazy dog breed is the Great Dane. These supersize dogs easily top 100 pounds—but despite being so large, their energy needs are relatively low.  

Great Danes need 30–60 minutes of exercise a day. The rest of the time, these dogs like to take things easy. For a Velcro dog like the Great Dane, that means following you from room to room and taking naps near you. 

• Size: Large 
• Lifespan: 10–13 years 
• Temperament: Gentle, Independent, Laidback 

Greyhounds may be the fastest dogs on the planet, but they also rank among the laziest dog breeds. The breed’s energy is channeled into short bursts: Once a Greyhound has zoomed around in a large, fenced area, they’re ready to call it a day. 

• Size: Extra large 
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years 
• Temperament: Laid back, Social teddy bear, Attentive friend 

The Saint Bernard is a large but doting dog breed. The breed has a reputation for taking things slow, so plan on leisurely strolls rather than intense running sessions.  

These dogs love to use their sniffer to explore new and interesting scents, so plan excursions to new parks or paths so they can get plenty of mental enrichment.

• Size: Extra large 
• Lifespan: 7–9 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, Confident, Clumsy 

The Bullmastiff has a strong and muscular appearance, but these dogs are big softies. The truth is they’d rather be cozied up with you on the couch than out running laps.  

Since Bullmastiffs can be prone to overheating, make sure they get outdoor exercise when the weather isn’t too extreme. A 30- to 45-minute daily walk should be sufficient, and don’t forget to bring water to keep them cool and hydrated.

• Size: Extra large 
• Life Expectancy: 9–10 years 
• Temperament: Charming, Friendly, Patient 

Newfoundlands are known for being gentle guardians. Instead of spending their energy on play, Newfies channel their focus into watching over the household, ready to make a rescue if needed. 

However, this big dog breed still needs daily exercise. A 30-minute stroll in comfortable walking weather will suffice, but their favorite activity is—yes!—swimming.

• Size: Large 
• Life Expectancy: 10–12 years 
• Temperament: Charming, Friendly, Patient 

The Clumber Spaniel’s motto might as well be ‘more chill, less thrill.’ These easygoing dogs love low-key activities like lounging on the couch or napping in a sunny spot in the yard. 

As a hunting breed, Clumber Spaniels have strong sniffers. So while the breed doesn’t require much in the way of exercise (about 30 minutes a day is usually plenty), one of their favorite activities is a slow-paced scent walk. 

• Size: Extra small  
• Lifespan: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Charismatic, Friendly, Gentle 

A Maltese is a teeny-tiny white dog with big plans for bonding with you. Basically, quality time with you is the only thing on this dog’s daily agenda.  

True to the breed’s companion dog roots, a Maltese will happily spend hours in your lap, or join you for a walk around the block or a car ride. These dogs are low-key but still benefit from about 30 minutes of exercise each day and regular training.

• Size: Extra small  
• Life expectancy: 14–16 years 
• Temperament: Charismatic, Chatty, Cheeky 

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. Though they can be excitable, Chihuahuas aren’t exactly known for their athleticism. 

But these charming toy dogs still need to get exercise each day. A supervised romp in the backyard (or even just around the living room!), neighborhood walk, or playtime with toys are perfect for a curious Chihuahua.