22 Laziest Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Dogs vary tremendously in terms of looks and personality. It’s incredible to consider how ways canines have improved our lives and benefited society. If you’re the type who prefers a laid-back buddy to spend time with, what are your options?

It’s nice to kick back and relax with a good book and a dog at your side. In this article, we’ll discuss the laziest breeds who will give you all the snuggles you could want.

The 22 Laziest Dog Breeds

1. Bulldog

Bulldogs might be classically one of the laziest breeds known to man. Sure, Bulldogs can get up and run around with you for a little bit. But it won’t be long until they tucker out and are sleeping in the corner.

Bulldogs are known for their gentle, docile nature. Some of them might not take too kindly to other dogs or smaller animals, but they are usually pretty even-keeled. Even though a Bulldog might appear small, don’t let that fool you; they are all muscle.

Because they are a brachycephalic breed, you must be extra careful regarding overexertion. Their lower-than-average energy is advantageous since overexertion and high temperatures can make breathing hard for them.

2. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds enjoy a slower-paced lifestyle. If they are trained correctly, they are talented hunting dogs. In fact, they are one of the best tracking dogs around. Their extremely heightened sense of smell makes it easy for them to track small prey for hunters.

But other than that, they prefer not to get worked up about much. If their laziness isn’t enough to sell you, Basset Hounds make lovely pets. They are loyal to a fault and adorable to boot.

• Related Read: 10 Most Popular Hound Dog Breeds (with Pictures)

3. Greyhound

It might surprise you to know that one of the fastest dogs, the Greyhound, is lazy off the track. Their slender bodies are built for agility and quickness. They are known for their short burst of energy but don’t maintain it. These traits make them excellent for going out and strenuously running, followed by a warm, relaxed evening at home.

Because of the Greyhound’s racing history, many shelters are devoted strictly to this breed. After they retire, they typically are surrendered to find their forever homes. Chances are there are several Greyhounds looking for a place to rest their heads.

4. Newfoundland

The big, fluffy, bear-like Newfoundland is the prime definition of a gentle giant. They thrive on human companionship and are extraordinarily easy-going and good-natured. They are ideal choices if you’re looking to raise a family.

Newfoundlands get along well with children and display protective instincts sometimes to keep them safe. Because they shed and drool frequently, they might not be everyone’s cup of tea for an indoor companion.

But if you don’t mind the extra sloppy kisses, we think it’s well worth it. Newfoundlands make excellent snuggle buddies for owners looking for calm companions.

5. Shih Tzu

Small dogs sometimes get quite a reputation for being high-strung and super yappy. However, the Shih Tzu is one of the most easy-going, quiet small dogs. You can have all the perks of giving them crazy hairdos, putting clothes on them, or buying them fun accessories. But you don’t have to deal with a highly independent spitfire personality.

The Shih Tzu is intelligent and easy to house-train. They prefer a quieter environment where they can enjoy the company of their owners.

6. Irish Wolfhound

This ancient breed has appeared in art, poetry, and culture throughout history. The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest breeds but also one of the slower-paced. They aren’t known for impulsiveness or hyperactivity. Wolfhounds have a sound reputation for being very patient. They don’t get worked up quickly over a rap at the door, but they can defend their home if needed.

Even though they make excellent, relaxed pets, because of their size, they aren’t suitable for every household. They do best with adults or older children. Also, they might not make the best pets for apartment living.

7. French Bulldog

Frenchies are all the rage these days. There’s a reason why they’re so popular. In addition to their charming looks, French bulldogs have lovely personalities that blend well with a variety of situations. They are known for their friendly temperament and enjoy meeting new humans.

They might get frisky and run around a bit, but overall, they are calm and gentle.

8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog of renowned grace. They develop a powerful bond with their humans and prefer being around them all the time. However, they can experience separation anxiety when left alone if they aren’t socialized and trained at a young age.

Even though they enjoy relaxing with you, they love playing games.

9. Chow Chow

The Chow Chow gets a bad rap for being a very aggressive breed. While this can be true in some circumstances, well-trained Chow Chows are calm and friendly. They are excellent protectors, making them ideal if you want a dog around to protect your household or children.

While they might not be so outgoing with strangers, their temperament around their families is much different. Chow Chows are adorable dogs, especially as puppies. They are giant balls of fluff with wrinkled snouts. You might also be aware that most have black tongues, a significant pigment marker of the breed.

10. Shar Pei

Another dog hailing from China on the list of laziest dogs is the classic Shar Pei. Shar Peis are instantly recognizable for their incredible wrinkles from head to toe. Even though this trait is cute, you must clean their wrinkles daily to avoid infection in the skin folds.

They are pretty particular about who they get close to. They bond well with families but are aloof and aggressive with strangers. If you want a guard dog that takes a calm approach to life, the Shar Pei should be on your list of potential breeds.

If you’re on their good side, they make fantastic nap buddies. They will cuddle up to you any time of day.

11. Boston Terrier

The adorable Boston Terrier is a compact dog with a happy-go-lucky personality to share with everyone. They are energetic, but they are typically pretty well-mannered and serene. They don’t spend all of their time napping, but they’re happy to relax with you at your request.

They are more relaxed than most small breeds. Many Boston Terriers enjoy pampering, allowing you to dress them up in cute clothes. They might be difficult to potty train, but they will come along with persistence.

You can take a Boston Terrier with you nearly anywhere, and they get along with other pets.

12. Saint Bernard

The massive Saint Bernard has appeared in many family movies that we love, like the Beethoven series. These giant dogs can be hard to handle as puppies because they don’t know their size.

However, they become relaxed and slow-paced as they age. They are usually very family-oriented, adapting well to most lifestyles. Saint Bernards aren’t aggressive dogs, but they will defend the people they love if they sense a threat.

They drool and shed frequently, but you will have a buddy for life if you can handle the grooming and cleanup.

13. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is practically a mother hen. The entire purpose of the breed was to create a protective dog to guard livestock. These dogs meander around, ensuring all is well, making them ideal for smaller children and barnyard animals.

Natural caretaker instincts of the Great Pyrenees run strong, and they’re protective of their family. Because of their intensely thick coat and ancient roots, they fare better in homes where they can explore the great outdoors.

14. Pekingese

The Pekingese is a little flat-faced dog with all the personality you could want. They are incredibly owner-friendly and get very attached to their people. However, they don’t acclimate as well to change, especially when finding a new home.

Pekingese are very aware of human emotions but are also stubborn and can become irritated if something annoys them enough. These traits make them unsuitable for smaller children who don’t have much experience with animal boundaries. They’re better in a kid-free home where they can relax with their humans.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain dog is a herding breed that is easy-going and friendly with others. They are very affectionate and enjoy playing outside with their owners. However, they also tend to be very respectful of boundaries and are ideal playmates for children. They are very aware of their surroundings but take a more relaxed stance in observation.

Unfortunately, they don’t have long lifespans and suffer from breed-specific ailments.

16. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is big and goofy, but they’re relatively simple to train and make terrific guard dogs. When they aren’t on guard protecting their surroundings, they enjoy cuddling with their owners. You might find them asleep on the floor next to your bed or trying to sneak their big body up to the mattress for nighttime snuggles.

Due to their large size, they aren’t ideal for owners with young children, but they make excellent pets.

17. Havanese

The Havanese loves being your shadow. They are practically glued to their humans, doing whatever they can to spend time with them. The Havanese is much calmer than other small pups but still enjoys playing games outside.

Havanese dogs have beautiful silky fur, so you must groom and brush them often. But this leaves lots of room for creativity with new hairdos. Another upside is that they don’t shed often.

These fun-loving little dogs will be the epicenter of your world, and if you want a pal for life, the Havanese is happy to be of service.

18. Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is an old Italian hunting breed. Their lazy looks are deceiving since they’re energetic dogs that need plenty of daily exercise to thrive. The Spinone truly loves people, and they are tolerant of strangers and children. They are immensely sweet-spirited, adopting the “lover, not fighter” mentality.

Spinones are very attention-oriented, so they don’t fare well when alone for a long time. Make sure you’re willing to devote lots of time to keep them healthy and happy.

19. Great Dane

The Great Dane is a structurally impressive dog descended from Mastiffs. They look intimidating but are gentle and friendly with their owners.

Even though you can trust these dogs with small children, you should always supervise them. Many Danes don’t know their size, mistaking themselves for lap dogs. It’s not unusual for one to try to fit into your arms.

Because they are relaxed, they might even do well in an apartment setting, but they need enough room to stretch out and exercise.

20. Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is an amiable, calm, and humble breed. They love spending time with their owners and lying on their feet wherever they go. They are very loyal, listen to your commands, and read your body language. Even though they are calm, they love to play.

They might not get along with your smaller pets since they have such a high prey drive. But they seldom bark, so if you want a watchdog without the constant commotion, this might be the breed for you.

21. Whippet

The Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound, and they have a few similarities, including their sprinting speed. Whippets not only love their families immensely, but they usually get along with other animals and strangers, too. They are quiet and sometimes shy but make great pets.

Even though they don’t seem energetic, they’ll try to escape if you don’t keep an eye on them when they’re not on a leash.

22. Pug

If you’ve ever met a Pug, you know that no other dog is quite as happy. Pugs love every person, animal, and other creature that they run across. They are gentle pets that make excellent companions to children and other household pets.

On top of their outstanding carefree personalities, Pugs are pretty lazy, too. They might be chipper and playful but love taking time out for frequent snoozes. They are happy spending time with their humans, whether it’s watching a movie or walking around the neighborhood.

Pugs are also a brachycephalic breed, and you must be mindful of how much they exert themselves physically.

Final Thoughts

So, as you can see, lazy canines come in every color, personality, and size you can think of. Each dog takes the term “lazy” and makes it their own—putting their spin on how a lackadaisical dog behaves. Although they aren’t as energetic as other working breeds or companion animals, they need exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of attention to stay happy and healthy. We hope you find a lazy pup that fits your lifestyle.

• Related read: Clumber Spaniel

Featured Image Credit: Lenkadan, Shutterstock