Looking for your couch potato soulmate?
Your dog should reflect your lifestyle and activity level – they’re your best friend, after all!
Some dogs require constant exercise that will drive you nuts if you’re always tired after work. Other dogs love playing fetch to the point of exhaustion, and may not be a good fit for an owner who’d rather stay home with a good book.
You and your canine companion should love to spend time together, so it’s important to pick out a dog breed that’s got an energy level similar to yours.
Read on as we go through the dog breeds, great and small, that are best for lazy owners. We’re sure you can find a breed you like in the mix of homebody-friendly dogs!
Is a Lazy Dog Right For Me?
I live in Colorado, where many people are extremely active. That being said, a good test is to ask yourself what you did after work and on the weekends for the last few weeks.
If your answers often are dinner, the game, drinks, or Westworld, an action-packed husky might not be the right fit for you. Be honest with yourself about what you’re willing to do after work or on the weekends.
Although all dogs need some exercise (they’re not plants), some dogs need much more than others. While all the dogs on this list will still need daily walks, they’re less likely to destroy your house from excess energy. You shouldn’t need to hire a daily dog walker, nor should you need to take up mushing to wear them out.
Keep in mind that small dogs aren’t necessarily good for lazy owners – just ask any Jack Russell Terrier owner! In many cases, giant breeds are a great choice, as they’re easygoing and happy to laze around the house with their best friends.
1. Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are huge dogs are known for their patience, tolerance, and good nature. Their huge size shouldn’t deter you friend having them as a family pet – they’re known for being good with children and other pets.
As with many giant breeds, it’s important to watch the weight of these dogs without giving them intense exercise. Puppies should not be exercised until they’re done growing, but should not be allowed to get fat, either!
While Saint Bernards were originally bred to help rescue people in the Alps between Switzerland and Italy, they’re now much better suited as house pets. They’re friendly, easy-going, and are relatively calm dogs, but keep a rag handy for their drool!
2. Bulldogs
Not all short-nosed dogs are low-energy, but bulldogs are a great place to start!
There are three varieties of bulldog:
- French
- American
- English
“Frenchies” are the smallest, with upright ears and an endearing face. English bulldogs are short and squat, while American bulldogs are the tallest. American bulldogs are actually quite active, so stick to the two other varieties if you’re looking for a low-energy partner.
Neither variety is easy to train – they’re a bit bullheaded (no surprise given their namesake). Therefore, it’s especially important to raise your bulldog puppy well and enroll them in a positive-reinforcement based puppy socialization program!
Be sure to get bulldogs from reputable breeders – they are susceptible to a slough of health problems, and it’s important to ensure that your dog’s joints are healthy. If you’re concerned about health issues, Frenchies tend to be a bit healthier and live longer than the other varieties. That being said, all sizes are low-shedding, gentle, and goofy!
3. Pugs
Pugs are another classic, short-nosed breed, be sure to check out pugs. Their small size and winning personality puts them at the top of many lists – and this is another one where they’re a great choice!
Like bulldogs, pugs are susceptible to breathing problems and joint issues. This makes them a popular indoor dog breed, as too much outdoor activity (especially in the heat) won’t do for these squishy-faced cuties. They also have a tendency to get fat, so be sure to give them a high-quality diet and realistic portions. They’re cuddly, friendly, and goofy.
Pugs are the smallest dog on this list, and are one of the most common. Unlike French Bulldogs or Bull Mastiffs, you might be able to find pugs from local rescues if you’d rather rescue your new bestie!
4. Greyhounds
Greyhounds were bred for racing, but really they seem to love cuddling even more. In fact, whippets and Italian Greyhounds (smaller breeds that also look similar to greyhounds) are also great for lazy owners!
These dogs are happy to chase others at the dog park for a bit, but really seem to be happy indoors. They’re sleek and graceful, but don’t let that fool you – greyhounds are funny and are major people-pleasers.
Since people still race greyhounds, it’s easy to find them in rescues. In fact, many states have their own greyhound rescues, where you can adopt a young dog after its racing career is over. Their time in your home and at your side is well-deserved!
5. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are cheery, good-natured dogs that are sure to melt your heart. Their long, low bodies aren’t great for endurance events, so they’re happy to go for walks to the park with you!
These affable dogs are easy to train, plus they’re extremely friendly with dogs, strangers, and kids. They do tend to gain weight easily and have some genetic health problems, so do your research and be prepared to work to keep your dog healthy!
Basset hounds were originally bred as scenting dogs, for tracking rabbits through Europe. They’re now generally happy with wandering through life with you. Many are so easygoing that they make successful office companions!
6. Newfoundlands
Newfoundlands are another giant breed that’s perfect for laid-back owners. They’re great with kids and other dogs and known as winning companions. They’re cuddly, so be prepared for an extremely large lapdog!
These huge dogs love water and don’t do well in heat. They adore the snow, though, and are quite playful. They were originally bred as working dogs and love swimming. Now they’re happy to go for walks and swims without the need to embark on Lewis and Clark-style expeditions!
7. Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs may look imposing, but they’re really big couch potatoes inside. This last giant breed on our list won’t shed quite as much as the other two, and has a very different look.
Bullmastiffs were originally bred as guard dogs, so they won’t be as accepting of strangers as some other dogs on this list. That being said, their confidence and self-assurance means that they shouldn’t display the suspicious barkiness of some other guard dog breeds.
Bullmastiff puppies and young dogs are rambunctious, so be prepared to wait a few years for your lazy buddy. As adults, they only need moderate exercise. Be prepared for lots of snoring and drool, but they won’t need much grooming and are great housemates!
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If you’re a lazy owner looking for a low-key companion, this list is a great starting point. We tried to compile a good list of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments of dogs. Did we leave one out? Do you have another favorite couch potato dog? Let us know below!
Don’t forget to share this list with your Netflix-loving, wine-sipping, cold-aversive friends, too!
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