How active a dog is or isn’t may not seem like a deal-breaker when choosing a pet, but if you get a dog whose energy level doesn’t match yours or your lifestyle, it could cause problems.
Maybe your job requires you to work long hours, or you live in a small place without access to any nearby parks. You’re not going to be able to give a high-energy dog all the exercise and attention they need. So, a low-energy dog breed may be a better fit for you.
After all, “low energy” doesn’t mean no energy at all. It can mean things like a calm personality or minimal exercise requirements. All dogs need some kind of exercise daily, but a low-energy dog doesn’t need a 90-minute hike to stay healthy. These lazy dog breeds come in all shapes, sizes and temperaments, but they all have the ability to be there when you need them — especially if that’s on the couch.
Leonberger
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It might seem strange for a dog in the working class to be called a lazy dog breed, but the Leonberger can actually become quite the couch potato.
The Leonberger’s first defining characteristic is its massive size. The average Leonberger dog weighs as much as an average person, but their size is nothing to be scared of. Leonbergers are known for being extraordinarily patient and gentle, so they’re excellent candidates for families with kids.
The only downsides? They shed like mad, and they have a relatively short life expectancy. If you’re OK with loving a big, furry goofball for just a few years, the Leonberger is worth considering.
Scottish Deerhound.
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If you want a dog that stands out from the crowd, the Scottish Deerhound fits the bill. A large Scottish Deerhound is about as tall as a kindergartener, standing up to 32 inches at the shoulder.
They’re reserved and noble in both appearance and personality, resembling a massive, furry greyhound. They’re happy to lounge around for most of the day, and they’re affectionate and friendly. That said, they’re so laidback that training them can be a challenge.
Not because they’re too stubborn to listen, but because they’re too lazy to care. With a little encouragement and a treat or two, however, they’ll happily play along.
