Lazy Dog Breeds That Are Happy to Lounge All Day All dogs have energy to burn off, but some more than others. And even some of the breeds with high exercise needs have an ingrained love of lounging. If you like to spend a significant amount of your free time on the couch, these 25 dog breeds are happy to laze with you all day. Newfoundland Getty Images The huge Newfoundland may be a strong, heavy working dog, but when all necessary tasks are completed, it’s more than happy to relax at your feet — or alongside you (if there’s room). Newfies need at least a half-hour of moderate daily exercise, but otherwise, this breed is a laid-back canine chum. Newfoundland Summary Getty Images Temperament: Patient, Noble, Trusting Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female) Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 9-10 years * All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club. Basset Hound Getty Images The Basset Hound is famous for its long, velvety ears and sad eyes, but it’s also known for being one of the least active breeds. A daily walk will suffice, after which it will usually find a comfortable spot for a long sleep. Basset Hound Summary Getty Images Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-key Height: Up to 15 inches Weight: 40-65 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-13 years Saint Bernard Getty Images The gentle giant of the Alps, the Saint Bernard may cut a powerful figure, but it only needs a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy. The Saint is most content when it’s spending time with its owner — and that includes chilling out on the sofa. Saint Bernard Summary Getty Images Temperament: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female) Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 8-10 years Chow Chow Getty Images With its distinctive lion’s mane ruff, the serene Chow Chow is the perfect cuddle buddy. This breed doesn’t have any specific exercise needs beyond daily walks and moderate play, and the rest of the time it will be perfectly happy to relax. Chow Chow Summary Getty Images Temperament: Dignified, Serene, Aloof Height: 17-20 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds Life Expectancy: 8-12 years Greyhound Getty Images Despite its history as a champion sprinter, the Greyhound is surprisingly happy to relax indoors for most of the day. Of course, like all breeds, it’s important that the Greyhound gets regular exercise — and a safe space — to get those speedy legs moving. Greyhound Summary Getty Images Temperament: Gentle, Independent, Noble Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female) Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-13 years French Bulldog Getty Images The French Bulldog is a popular choice for urban dog lovers, partly because it doesn’t need a lot of outdoor exercise. A short daily walk should be enough for the Frenchie, after which it will be keen to relax by your side while you watch TV. French Bulldog Summary Getty Images Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart Height: 11-13 inches Weight: Under 28 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-12 years English Bulldog Getty Images The unmistakable Bulldog, with its wrinkles, jowls and flat nose, won’t let its weight stop it from trying to curl up on your lap. However, the breed is prone to weight gain, so it needs regular, moderate exercise to stay trim. English Bulldog Summary Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm Height: 14-15 inches Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 8-10 years Pug Getty Images Cheerful and cheeky, the Pug is always up for mischief-making, but it’s also a big fan of lounging. In fact, it will happily spend most of the day curled up in a comfortable spot and might need some gentle encouragement to get outdoors for the exercise it needs to stay trim. (This is another breed that’s prone to obesity.) Pug Summary Getty Images Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Engaging Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 14-18 pounds Life Expectancy: 13-15 years Great Dane Getty Images The Great Dane needs two or three brisk walks per day, but is otherwise a sedate breed. If you can make room for its considerable bulk, it will make itself at home on your sofa — or bed. Great Dane Summary Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Reliable, Patient Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 7-10 years Shih Tzu Getty Images The adorable “Lion Dog” is a typical lap dog, never happier than when it’s curled up on your knee. This is due to its long history as a royal palace watchdog, when it spent most of its time indoors. Shih Tzu Summary Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing Height: 9-10.5 inches Weight: 9-16 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-18 years Pekingese Getty Images Another breed with a royal background, the compact Pekingese was created to provide rulers of ancient China with amusement and comfort. As such, it leads a primarily sedate life, keen to keep a watchful eye over its human family from a comfortable spot. Pekingese Summary Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Sophisticated Height: 6-9 inches Weight: Up to 14 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-14 years Tibetan Mastiff Getty Images A tremendous guardian and intimidating figure, the Tibetan Mastiff is more mellow than it might first appear. When it’s not “on duty,” it’s a calm presence around the home and likes to conserve its energy until it’s required. Tibetan Mastiff Summary Getty Images Temperament: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent Height: Minimum 26 inches (male), minimum 24 inches (female) Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Havanese Getty Images Small and sturdy, the Havanese has moderate exercise needs, but when those are met, this breed enjoys down time — in your company, of course. The Hav is attentive and affectionate, and will lie by your side as long as you’ll let it. Havanese Summary Getty Images Temperament: Comical, Cheerful, Smart Height: 8.5-11.5 inches Weight: 7-13 pounds Life Expectancy: 14-16 years Spinone Italiano Getty Images Despite being a hunting dog, the Spinone Italiano is docile by nature and can be surprisingly laid-back. Being close to its human family is just as important for Spinoni well-being as regular exercise. In fact, the American Kennel Club says a walk isn’t required every day. Spinone Italiano Summary Getty Images Temperament: Docile, Patient, Sociable Height: 22-27 inches Weight: 61-86 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Neapolitan Mastiff Getty Images The Neapolitan Mastiff (“Mastino”) has all the bulk and brawn to intimidate intruders, but it also possesses an inner serenity that’s hugely appealing. A Mastino with a lazy nature is something to be grateful for because too much leaping around in that heavy body can cause damage to its joints. Neapolitan Mastiff Summary Getty Images Temperament: Dignified, Loyal, Watchful Height: 24-31 inches Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 7-9 years Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Getty Images The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an athletic side — as you’d expect from a spaniel — but it also has the potential to be a true couch potato. Basically, this adaptable breed will follow its owner’s lead, so if you’re prone to laziness, it will happily lounge alongside you. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Summary Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful Height: 12-13 inches Weight: 13-18 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years Bichon Frise Getty Images With its super-soft, velvety coat, the Bichon Frise looks like an adorable plush toy. And it might just act like one, too — this breed is adaptable and will quickly fit in with its owner’s lifestyle. In other words, if you’re not the most active sort, you’ll have company on the couch. Bichon Frise Summary Getty Images Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy Height: 9.5-11.5 inches Weight: 12-18 pounds Life Expectancy: 14-15 years Japanese Chin Getty Images Typically quiet and calm by nature, the tiny Japanese Chin is the ultimate lapdog. When it’s not on your knee, it will happily join you for a slow walk or a leisurely romp around the backyard — but nothing too strenuous suits this breed. Japanese Chin Summary Getty Images Temperament: Charming, Noble, Loving Height: 8-11 inches Weight: 7-11 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Dachshund Getty Images The Dachshund needs regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to keep their back protected and supported. But beyond a couple of walks a day, the little Dach will happily chill out at home in the company of its human family. Dachshund Summary Getty Images Temperament: Curious, Active, Intelligent Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature) Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature) Life Expectancy: 12-16 years Cocker Spaniel Getty Images You might not associate laziness with spaniels — these are part of the sporting group, after all — but the Cocker Spaniel definitely requires much less exercise than its Springer cousin. They don’t generally have a lot of energy that requires burning off but will enjoy a couple of leisurely walks every day (before returning home for snuggles). Cocker Spaniel Summary Getty Images Temperament: Happy, Gentle, Smart Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female) Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-14 years Yorkshire Terrier Getty Images As long as the Yorkshire Terrier gets a couple of short walks every day to burn off its energy, it will be happy to lie low the rest of the time. And its 7-pound frame can fit even the smallest of comfortable places around the house. Yorkshire Terrier Summary Getty Images Temperament: Tenacious, Bossy, Loving Height: 7-8 inches Weight: 7 pounds Life Expectancy: 11-15 years Clumber Spaniel Getty Images Less common than the Cocker, the Springer and the King Charles Cavalier, the Clumber Spaniel has true couch-potato tendencies. This friendly, playful breed makes for a sweet, laidback canine companion for humans of all ages. Clumber Spaniel Summary Getty Images Temperament: Mellow, Dignified, Amusing Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female) Weight: 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Maltese Getty Images The tiny Maltese is a charming toy companion that will perch on your lap at every available opportunity. They can be energetic at times but need only occasional exercise — a daily walk or play session is enough for optimum fitness. Maltese Summary Getty Images Temperament: Sweet, Playful, Adaptable Height: 7-9 inches Weight: Under 7 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years Chihuahua Getty Images For a tiny “purse dog,” the Chihuahua is packed with personality. However, it’s a truly adaptable breed, provided it gets lots of lap time. It only needs a small space to get its daily exercise, and when it’s worn out, it will be back on its favorite place. Chihuahua Summary Getty Images Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy Height: 5-8 inches Weight: Maximum 6 pounds Life Expectancy: 14-16 years Bullmastiff Getty Images The muscular Bullmastiff is a hard worker, but calm and low-key when off duty. Some are more sedentary than others, but when it hits its daily exercise quota, it enjoys some lounging time. Bullmastiff Summary Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Brave, Loyal Height: 24-27 inches Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
