Some dog owners want a dog that has a lot of energy that can go hiking or hunt with them. Other owners are more interested in their dog’s pedigree and plan to invest some serious time into a show dog. But there are also laid-back owners that just want a cuddly dog that will sit on the couch with use.
Low energy dogs are a great choice if you aren’t interested in spending hours at the dog park, spend a lot of money at the groomers, and generally want a companion to watch Jeopardy with. Plus, there are tons of low-maintenance dogs that are ready to do just that.
Available in all sizes and shapes, low-energy dog breeds include small lap dogs as well as big, lazy dogs that sleep all day. Here are a few of those cuddly couch potatoes that make a great laid-back T.V. buddy.
Article Summary
What Is Considered a Low Energy Dog Breed?
So, what exactly is meant by a low-energy dog? Here are a few features that low-energy dog breeds have at least one of, if not a few:
- Little shedding
- Minimal grooming
- A low or moderate amount of exercise needed
- They can be left alone for long periods of time
While there isn’t a breed that gives you a complete sense of laziness since you still have to feed them and take them out to do their business, there may be a combination of the above features that fit your lifestyle better than other dog breeds. It’s important to consider your lifestyle and values as well as what you want in a furry companion before you bring a dog home.
If you need a dog that can be left alone for a while, is great with kids, and has low energy, then the dogs on our list are perfect for any laid-back owner. Just remember that low energy does not mean no work at all. Every dog needs to move around some during the day, even if it’s just checking out their yard. You also need to properly maintain his nails, coat, and ears.
Plus, each dog will have its own individual personality. So, even if the breed is known to be low energy, the actual dog could be different depending on its disposition, which can be affected by both environmental and genetic issues. However, knowing what the breed is like as a whole can give you an educated place to start.
Miniature Pinscher
Weighing under ten pounds, the miniature pinscher is a fun and easy to maintain pooch. With their beautiful short coats, this healthy breed only requires minimal brushing.
Outside, you will find the miniature pinscher has tons of energy that is often fearless during play. This energy level will require daily walking and indoor play with toys and balls. But once you hit the couch, this dog will also enjoy plenty of chill time where he can be lazy alongside you.
Basset Hound
These sleepy and low-energy dogs are total sweethearts. Weight up to 65 pounds, Basset Hounds have an iconic look that can easily curl up on your lap thanks to their medium-size. Super affectionate, this breed is a great apartment dog with their short legs making them a great choice if you live in the city.
Typically quiet and calm, Basset Hounds are very good-natured and do enjoy being around other dogs, so a trip to the dog park will make them happy. Although they were bred to track and hunt, these dogs love lounging on the couch with you. While you will need to brush and bathe him occasionally, he doesn’t have any extraordinary grooming needs.
Because of his droopy ears, you will need to do frequent checks to keep them from becoming infected. Otherwise, Basset Hounds are great around children and love to socialize with both pets and people. Plus, they love to snuggle with you on quiet nights.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has unfortunately gotten a bad reputation as a hyper little dog. While they have occasional energy spurts, they are really peaceful and calm dogs that want nothing more than to sit in your lap. A Chihuahua is the quintessential apartment dog requiring very little exercise. In fact, if you do end up taking him for a walk, you will usually find yourself carrying him back home again.
With minimal grooming requirements, even the long-haired Chihuahua will only need occasional brushing to get out tangles. This is a healthy breed that doesn’t require a lot of babying, although they can develop insecurity and anxiety if you carry them everywhere. So, let him build confidence by walking on his own.
Beagle
Lovable dogs that are great with kids, beagles have a smaller stature but are still sturdy enough to hold their own around younger children. Their friendly nature makes them a great choice for a therapy dog. This low-maintenance breed does have a hunting background, so you will need to walk him to prevent any behavioral issues.
People love to greet beagles, and they do bark a bit more than other dogs on this list. They are also easy to maintain with coats that won’t tangle, so you won’t have to take him to the groomer. Also, because of their territorial and hunting instincts, they may mark parts of your home as a result.
Dachshund
Fondly referred to as Weiner dogs, dachshunds make a great couch potato buddy. Super affectionate, don’t be surprised if he makes himself comfortable on your lap. This breed is available in a miniature version weighing ten pounds or a standard size weighing up to 32 pounds.
Easy to maintain, keep in mind that choosing the long-haired dachshund will require a little more grooming. These lap dogs don’t need a lot of exercise, especially with their short legs and long bodies, making them the perfect apartment or small house dog. As a matter of fact, too much running and jumping could actually cause him to have a spinal issue.
Pug
These adorable pups make perfect lap dogs. There is a reason you often see wealthy individuals carrying Pugs with them everywhere they go. While they may be up for an energetic walk, they are just as happy to snore away the afternoon on the couch alongside you.
With their short legs, they don’t need a lot of exercise, but you also want to make sure they don’t gain too much weight. Known as very intuitive dogs, pugs can easily pick up on your mood, so whether you are ready for fun or need a hug, a pug will adapt and be by your side in a second.
Greyhound
Known as one of the fastest dog breeds, Greyhounds are a surprisingly lazy dog that has a low amount of energy and enjoys long naps and loafing around. While they are easy to main, they will require a daily walk and the opportunity to run around outside from time to time. However, they do not require a lot of exercise or room to run in.
If you enjoy larger dogs, especially a breed that is quiet and gentle, but want one that doesn’t require a lot of time and expense, a greyhound is a good choice. Plus, with their striking appearance and few health issues, they are super popular.
Bichon Frise
One of the more popular breeds on the list, the Bichon Frise is a great apartment dog. They are super cute and only need a little exercise. Perfectly content to be a lap dog, the Bichon Frise is a happy and cheerful dog no matter what is going on.
Easily take this pup with you on errands or out to brunch. Bichon Frise loves to meet new people and loves going in the water. Plus, they are energetic enough to be up for whatever comes up next.
Bullmastiff
This large dog is not your first thought when it comes to a low-maintenance breed, but a Bullmastiff actually requires little exercise. For a larger dog, he’s pretty lazy. Apart from having to go out and do his business, he prefers to laze around the house making him a great apartment dog.
The looks of a Bullmastiff are also helpful in case you need a dog to scare anyone away. However, their looks are deceiving since they are super sweet pups. And they are easy to maintain with very little grooming needed.
Golden Retriever
Everyone knows that the Golden Retriever is the friendliest dog out there. They are the perfect family dog since they get along so well with kids and other animals. You do not have to worry about this dog is shy or aggressive.
Golden Retrievers do need to be groomed frequently and walked regularly. But they are also super easy going and will sit next to you for longer periods of time. You can easily take them with you hunting and they will sit until it time to retrieve your game. Plus, they are great to snuggle with when you watch television.
Shar Pei
Depending on what you are looking for in a dog breed, the Shar Pei is a very versatile pooch that can weigh up to 60 pounds. This medium-sized dog is a great choice for kids who will love their large face and extra skin.
A Shar Pei is a low-energy breed that is very independent, so you shouldn’t feel the need to constantly entertain them. They make a great guard dog as well as a family dog thanks to their adaptive nature. They are very content to be a homebody with a minimal number of walks.
Easy to maintain with an occasional bath, the Shar Pei will shed when petted. They do tend to have some health issues due to inbreeding and do require training at a young age to ensure they won’t have any behavioral issues.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known as an adaptable dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed by royalty. They know how to stay right along your side just being lazy or taking a nap. They can also perk up and be ready for a long walk when you’re ready to go. These happy dogs are very social and love being around both animals and children.
Easily transforming into an athlete or a lapdog, this Spaniel is very social and wants to please. While you will need to brush his gorgeous coat once a week, he will happily curl up in your lap while you do it.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs also get a bad rap as a mean dog, but they are one of the sweetest breeds you can own. Great with people and children, English Bulldogs are also wonderfully lazy. They are often not thrilled to go outside and only occasional short walks are necessary.
Very easy to maintain thanks to their short hair, an English Bulldog will only need an occasional bath. You do have to watch their weight, and they do have a few health issues as they get older. They also love meeting new people but do not train as quickly as other dogs.
While English Bulldogs love to sleep, they do enjoy playing with toys and occasional exercise. Did we mention they like to sleep? Anywhere at any time.
Great Dane
While this large breed may appear to need a lot of exercises, Great Dane’s are really happy with just a daily walk. Owners are actually advised not to over-exercise a Great Dane, but allow them plenty of chill time. These are super easy-to-maintain dogs that do not need trips to the groomer.
These gentle giants are very happy hanging out with you, a soft bed, and a bowl full of food. While you may not be comfortable with it, they would happily be your lapdog if you don’t mind.
Havanese
Wonderful companion dogs, Havanese pups are perfectly content snuggling up on the couch next to. They are the ideal apartment dogs since they aren’t very active and don’t even need a yard to run around in. But they do need a daily walk to stay healthy
Easy to please, Havanese dogs are very loving and want to be loved back. They are smart and easy to train, and any training they receive when they are younger sticks with them as they get older.
