Lazy dog breeds, often called low-energy or couch potatoes, include large gentle giants like the St. Bernard, Great Dane, and Bullmastiff, as well as popular smaller breeds such as the Pug, Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, and Basset Hound, known for enjoying naps and calm companionship over intense activity. Other contenders are the Chow Chow, Pekingese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, though individual energy levels can vary.
Laziest are probably the larger sighthounds, greyhounds, wolfhounds, deerhounds and their ilk. Retired racing greyhounds spend most of their day crashed out. At the other extreme, the herding breeds, especially border collies. They'll take all the exercise you can supply them with.
Read through each lazy dog breed to learn about their personalities, energy levels, and common health risks to help better inform your decision.
Low-Energy Small Dogs
These breeds might be perfect: Pekingese – Royal, relaxed and doesn't need much exercise. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Gentle and happy to nap beside you all day. Shih Tzu – Playful but low maintenance when it comes to activity.
10 dog breeds that definitely love to sleep more than the rest of the lot and their cutest Napshots.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
Breeds like Basset Hounds, Greyhounds, Shiba Inus, French Bulldogs, and Maltese are often recommended for owners working 8-hour days due to their independent, mellow, or lower-energy natures, but success depends on meeting individual exercise needs and ensuring they're well-trained and stimulated with toys. Labradors, Chow Chows, and Shar-Peis can also adapt if they get enough activity and mental engagement during their time alone.
The 10 least popular breeds are:
Any dog can be considered friendly with proper training and socialization, but certain breeds are well-known for their affectionate nature. Our favorite friendly dog breeds include Pugs, Vizlas, Collies, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers, among others.
Bernese Mountain Dog
They're a low-energy dog with a calm nature who loves to lean in for a good fuss and are great with children and bustling families. One of our top picks for big lazy dogs.
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Here's a list of the best dog breeds for working dog owners:
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
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When looking for your new 'man's best friend' why not consider one of the following dog breeds:
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How do they do this? It's biological. All animals have circadian rhythms - physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle, responding to light and darkness in the environment. They may also be affected by factors like temperature and social cues.
One minute for a human is 7 minutes for a dog, 1 hour is 7 hours, 1 day is 7 days, 1 week is 7 weeks, and so on.
Given that dogs can remember us and read the cues, then yes, they most likely know when we are going away, although, not for how long.