Are you searching for a low energy dog that doesn’t require much activity and exercise? Here’s the list of the top 23 laid-back, lower-energy dogs that will be a perfect couch companion with you!
A dog that matches your energy and activity level is a blessing!
Dogs have always been considered as animals that are always full of energy and enthusiasm. Herding and working dog breeds like Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Siberian Husky are considered active or high-energy dog breeds. These canines need both mental and physical activities to thrive.
However, no two dogs are exactly the same, and dog breed is a major factor!
Many dog breeds don’t like too much exercise or activity. These canines come under the low energy dog breeds category.
If you’re someone who doesn’t like activities like daily walks or runs or long hikes on the weekends or living in a small space with less mobility, low energy dogs will be best for you! Today, you can get these low energy dog breeds in various sizes, including large, medium, and small. These lazy canines are low-maintenance pups and will keep you company on the couch and easily fit your lifestyle. This way, you and your dog live happily and fulfilled lives together.
If you’re confused about what dog breeds are low energy, no worries; this blog is for you!
Today in this post, we’ve made a list of the top 23 best low energy dogs. These dogs are a great addition to families living a sedentary lifestyle or have elders or super busy people. So, check out every dog breed and get the one you like the best.
In 2021, these Frenchie were listed as the second most popular breed in the US.
With their adorable appearance and friendly personality, these pups can make anyone fall in love with them.
Apart from being low energy dogs, they’re also prone to several health conditions like skin conditions, difficulties with breathing, and eye issues.
7. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Average Height
23.5 inches (male), 22 inches (female)
Average Weight
70–84 pounds (male), 57–71 pounds (female)
Temperament
Independent, sociable, and intelligent
Bergamasco Sheepdog is a multi-colored shaggy dog that is always eager to please its owners.
These canines will be great family pets with a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years.
These low energy dog breeds are gentle and kind with other pets and children.
For exercise requirements, these pups only need daily walks of 30 minutes to an hour.
8. Pug
Average Height
10–13 inches
Average Weight
14–18 pounds
Temperament
Mischievous, loyal, and charming
Over the years, pugs have gained so much popularity.
These medium sized low energy dog breeds are considered loving and sometimes mischievous.
They usually don’t need high maintenance or exercise requirements, but they can have medical issues because of their flat faces. This is why pugs are also prone to respiratory and eye conditions.
So apart from regular vet visits, you also have to control their diet.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Average Height
12–13 inches
Average Weight
13–19 pounds
Temperament
Affectionate and gentle
Are you looking for an adaptable low energy dog breed? If yes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be a good option for you!
These gentle and affectionate pups need one decent daily walk and lots of cuddles. And that’s it!
These are considered the best low energy dogs because they’re easy to train and care for.
10. Chow Chow
Average Height
17–20 inches
Average Weight
45–70 pounds
Temperament
Loyal, happy, and lazy
Chow Chow is an excellent choice if you want low energy dog breeds medium to large size!
These dogs are calm, loyal, and affectionate, with fewer exercise requirements.
This cute pooch is not for novice dog owners who are not always keen on other dogs or strangers. This is why these canines require extra training, attention, and support.
These canines are affectionate, good with children, and do not have high exercise requirements.
However, they only live for 6 to 8 years.
Irish Wolfhound has a high prey drive and can suffer from separation anxiety.
12. Mastiff
Average Height
30 inches & up (male), 27.5 & up (female)
Average Weight
160–230 pounds (male), 120-170 (female)
Temperament
Good-natured, courageous, and dignified
Another popular low energy large dog breed is the English Mastiff.
They’re known for their lazy nature and low exercise requirements.
English Mastiffs are loyal, loving, and like to snuggle with their owners.
Due to their exceptionally protective temperament, these canines need proper socialization or training.
13. Bichon Frise
Average Height
9–12 inches
Average Weight
11–22 pounds
Temperament
Calm, affectionate, and playful
With its small size and teddy bear looks, Bichon Frise is a popular dog breed in the world.
Another reason for its popularity is its lazy and laid-back personality.
A perfect option for those looking for small to medium sized low energy dog breeds.
These lovely canines can turn easily from being playful and energetic to snuggly, lazy lap dogs.
Due to this low energy dog breeds small size, they’re suitable for apartment living.
They are the best low energy dogs for first-time owners.
14. Pekingese
Average Height
6–9 inches
Average Weight
Up to 14 pounds
Temperament
Loyal, regal, and affectionate.
A lazy dog breed known for its affectionate and loyal nature is Pekingese.
Even though these canines are sometimes stubborn, they will not leave their owner in any condition.
These low energy small dogs need regular grooming and maintenance In their life span of 12 to 14 years.
15. Whippet
Average Height
19–21 inches
Average Weight
20–40 pounds
Temperament
Gentle, friendly, and calm.
Whippet is another low energy medium dog considered a total couch potato!
This breed is a happy-go-lucky, friendly, and quiet dog who enjoys a cuddle and a snooze.
They’re good with kids and other animals making them great indoor family pets.
These canines might suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
16. Japanese Chin
Average Height
8–11 inches
Average Weight
7–11 pounds
Temperament
Loving, friendly, and happy
Another one of the best low energy dog breeds on this list is the ancient Japanese Chin.
These canines are smart, laid back, and noble.
These loving dogs are also lap dogs who like to snuggle instead of going on daily walks.
Extra attention and care are required for these canines as they’re brachycephalic breeds.
Despite their long coats, these canines have few grooming requirements.
17. Lhasa Apso
Average Height
10–11 inches
Average Weight
12–18 pounds
Temperament
Confident, smart, and funny
Lhasa Apso are small low energy dogs that don’t like to do much exercise.
These are loving, playful, and adorable pups who live about 12 to 15 years.
Lhasa Apso is a vocal breed unsuitable for a home with young children.
These canines are intelligent, but you have to be patient in the training.
Frequent brushing and clipping are required.
18. Saint Bernard
Average Height
28–30 inches (male), 26–28 inches (female)
Average Weight
140–180 pounds (male), 120–140 pounds (female)
Temperament
Playful, loving, and inquisitive.
Don’t get fooled by the size of this huge dog because they are the best low energy dog breeds today!
These canines are easygoing, loving, and exceptionally loyal.
Saint Bernard dogs are good with children, but proper care is required because of their size.
These large breed dogs are laid back but sometimes like to go on long walks with their owners.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these low energy large dog breeds shed a lot. So, you have to pay attention to grooming their coats.
19. Shiba Inu
Average Height
13.5– 6.5 inches
Average Weight
17–23 pounds
Temperament
Lively, alert, and loyal.
Shiba Inu is one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan.
These dogs are confident, independent, and brave.
Many breeds often mix the Shiba Inu breed with other purebreds to create designer dogs, like Corgi Inu.
Providing a decent daily walk and playtime will keep these canines healthy and happy.
They’re also appropriate for small homes or apartment living.
20. Shar Pei
Average Height
17–20 inches
Average Weight
35–44 pounds
Temperament
Devoted, affectionate, and reserved.
Are you searching for a peaceful and gentle breed that does not need too much exercise? If yes, then Shar Pei could be an excellent choice for your home.
This is one of the low energy dog breeds known for its willful and devoted temperament.
You must also pay attention to their health as they suffer from several health issues.
With a life span of 9 to 11 years, this breed is recommended for novice dog owners.
21. Bolognese
Average Height
10–12 inches
Average Weight
5.5-9 pounds
Temperament
Smart, easygoing, and playful.
Another low energy dogs are Bolognese canines that do not crave high exercise requirements.
Playful, loving, and calm, these canines will give good company for at least 12 to 14 years.
These canines also get along with kids and other animals.
However, be ready with a vacuum cleaner as Bolognese sheds a lot and needs regular grooming.
This large dog breed has similar characteristics to Saint Bernard.
Bernese Mountain Dog is a low energy dog breed that is a great family dog.
These canines don’t like much exercise but will happily join you for a long hike.
They live about 7 to 10 years with high grooming requirements.
These low energy dogs are prone to developing cancer. So, you should keep their health checked.
23. Brussels Griffon
Average Height
7–10 inches
Average Weight
8–10 pounds
Temperament
Curious, alert, and friendly.
Brussels Griffon is another low energy dog breeds small size with a great personality.
These canines like to stay near their owners, so they might suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for several hours.
With some basic training and exercise of about 30 minutes, these canines are proven to be good family dogs.
Final Thoughts
So, this is all about the best low energy dogs. There are specific breeds that don’t like too much exercise and activity as others. However, remember that these low energy dog breeds still need daily walks, company, and proper training.
If you’re searching for a dog with low energy requirements, we recommend you go with senior dogs instead of puppies. Today there are numerous pure breeds, and mixed breeds are available with similar needs in various sizes (large, medium, and small).
So, select any low energy dog breeds from the above list and enjoy good company!
I hope you enjoyed reading about these low energy dogs. If you find it informative and helpful, share it with your friends and on your social media while tagging us.
