Low-Energy Dog Breeds
Getting a new dog is exciting for first-time pet owners, but it can also be pretty stressful trying to find one that suits your personality perfectly. Some owners prefer energetic dogs that are active throughout the day, while others prefer the more mellow dogs that they can chill with indoors instead.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds You Can Be Lazy With
As cute as all dogs are, some circumstances may require a pet owner to opt for a low-energy dog instead. For elderly, disabled, or physically unfit owners, they would find low-energy dogs more beneficial and less high-maintenance.
Then again, sometimes it’s just a preference for owners who may share the same personalities as their pets. If you find yourself wanting this type of dog, here’s a list of the perfect low-energy dogs you’ll be happy to have in your home.
Newfoundland
This fluffy, teddy bear-like dog is dubbed as one of the best “nanny dogs” for its sweet disposition and gentle nature. The Newfoundland, or “Newfie”, is also an excellent companion with life-saving abilities both on land and water. As a big dog, make sure to take extra care in checking for bone disorders as a Newfoundland puppy rapidly grows between four and seven months old.
Basset Hound
Originally used as a hunting dog by French commoners, the Basset Hound is now known for its laidback and friendly personality. Don’t be fooled by their sad, expressive eyes though because this breed is particularly known for its talkative and stubborn nature.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is a “gentle giant” breed loved for its gentle approach and its dedication to protecting the family it belongs to. This breed’s desire to please its owners also makes it easy to train and friendly towards children in the household. Just keep in mind that their enormity comes with a loud bark and a drooly mouth.
Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as “the Apollo of dogs”, is one of the most excellent guard dogs in the world. The Great Dane also makes for a fun and goofy companion with moderate affection and playfulness with children. If you’re thinking about getting a Great Dane, be sure you have the means to keep up with the expenses for a bigger space and more high-quality food for this “gentle giant”.
Greyhound
Although bred as race dogs, Greyhounds are affectionate couch potatoes and are comfortable simply staying indoors with their owners. However, this breed is sensitive to both extreme weather and loneliness. If you choose to adopt a Greyhound, remember not to leave it at home for too long and make sure to give it all the care it craves.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Yet another “gentle giant”, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a treasured guard dog in many families and, despite weighing nearly 120 to 200 pounds, has a reputation for being a cuddly, affectionate lapdog. If you’re devoted to keeping your house squeaky clean though, this breed may not be the best choice, as it may drool excessively and make messes if they get carried away with their playfulness.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is popular for being an excellent family dog because of its family-oriented disposition. It’s important to allow it to socialize with as many other dogs and people as early as possible. This would allow the dog to be more easygoing and friendly towards others, ensuring that you stay with a loyal, loving companion.
Dogue de Bordeaux
Considered the most ancient of all French dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux (or French Mastiff) boasts of having the largest head among all canines. Although these dogs are sweet and loyal, they are also best left with more experienced owners. A Dogue de Bordeaux can develop arrogance and stubbornness if not properly trained as a puppy, making it difficult for first-time owners to get along with this otherwise gentle breed.
English Toy Spaniel
If you prefer smaller dogs with a quiet nature, perhaps the English Toy Spaniel would be suitable for your needs. This furry companion requires little exercise apart from a casual stroll and will shower you with lots of affection even if you just stay inside all day!
Maltese
The Maltese are vigorous “super therapy dogs” that highly enjoy spending time with the family. These adorable pups are also intelligent and easy to train, making them perfect for dog sports and competitions. As cute and elegant as it is, Maltese is also known to bark loudly and may require frequent grooming thanks to its long fur.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a great companion for apartment dwellers and first-time owners. This breed thrives on human contact and loves to stay indoors with its owners where it can display its affinity for being easygoing and intelligent. Although their noisy breathing and snorting may make them funny companions, French Bulldogs are quite expensive for many pet owners.
This is due to the need for cesarean sections when mothers deliver French Bulldog pups.
Scottish Deerhound
Similar to a Greyhound but with a long, wiry coat, the Scottish Deerhound is known for its “sense of humor” during training. Although this breed may not have the same intelligence as other breeds, its laidback (and even lazy) demeanor is perfect for owners who also like to lounge indoors.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a mellow dog with a beautiful, elegant coat that is often put in therapy and rescue work. This polar bear-looking dog also loves to protect and give unconditional love to its family. However, these dogs are not very tolerant of hot weather and may often bark loudly.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
The Bergamasco Sheepdog was initially a herding and guard dog for shepherds, but it now enjoys lounging at home and playing with its family. It’s described as loving and social towards humans and other dogs. Don’t be fooled by its matted coat! This dog is low-maintenance both in exercise and grooming needs.
Leonberger
Leonbergers are fondly known as “Leos” for their golden-yellow coats. These dogs are quiet and calm, love being inside with their owners, and require only a walk per day. Keep in mind that this breed requires high maintenance in grooming as it sheds a lot and requires frequent brushing.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is rightfully known for the determination and loyalty it represents. It also makes for a great companion for pet owners who prefer to stay cool indoors and who are looking for an affectionate, clever, easy-to-train pup.
Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a cheerful, sensitive, and affectionate breed. It requires little exercise and can stay healthy through casual walks and playing indoors. Sussex Spaniels are barkers though and may get even noisier if left alone for too long by their owners.
Cavalier Kin Charles Spaniel
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is perfect for owners who like to switch up between staying active and being homebodies. This breed is content with cuddling at home after a walk and can also keep up with its owners on longer hikes. The breed is a perfect lapdog, especially for “empty nesters”, and expresses affection and playfulness towards its owners.
Pug
Pugs became extremely popular for their cute, almost comical faces, with their deep wrinkles and big round eyes. Pugs make for "ideal house dogs" for their playful and loving nature. If you’re thinking about owning one, take care to ensure they don’t overheat in their environment.
Shih Tzu
The small and playful Shih Tzu is a lapdog that loves to be spoiled by its owners. This little “lion dog” may have more energy than expected, but it still prefers to be lazy and would only need daily walks.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is known to have a streak for mischief and playfulness. It’s even dubbed as a “cat in a dog suit” because it tends to clean itself, perch on higher places, and display climbing ability. These pups are easy to train and don’t need much exercise aside from daily walks.
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog and has a heart just as big as its size. Despite their ability to run at great speeds, these dogs generally move in a relaxed and laidback manner. Just like all big dogs, be sure to have enough space to accommodate this friendly and affectionate pup.
Afghan Hound
These elegant long-haired Afghan Hounds stand out for their exotic appearance. Described as an affectionate and loving breed, these dogs can also be sensitive and “whiny”. An owner of this breed should take a gentle approach when training this pup.
Whippet
Whippets can zoom for over 30 miles an hour but are not high-energy dogs. Whippets are happy to cuddle and snooze at home after taking their daily walk. They also rarely ever bark and require low-maintenance grooming, unlike most other dogs.
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a rare breed in the U.S., but once adopted, this dog will be an affectionate, serene, and clever companion. Take care not to leave them alone for too long though, as Bolognese puppies can develop separation anxiety.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is very similar to a Saint Bernard. This dog is calm and friendly and would be happy to either go on a hike with you or stay indoors with its family. This breed is also eager to please so it would fare better in training compared to other dogs.
Chow Chow
This unique Chinese pup is popular for its fluffy and cute characteristics. Although calm, it’s generally suspicious of strangers and would need more attention when it comes to training. The Chow Chow is often described as aloof and independent, so if you’re looking for a more affectionate dog, this breed may not be the best option.
Pekingese
The Pekingese breed has a history of living with Chinese royalty which makes them the perfect serene, loyal, affectionate lapdogs. This dog is particularly stubborn though and may need a more rewards-based approach to training.
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier is one of the least popular breeds, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad companion. This pup is sensitive and intelligent, often giving back as much love as it receives from its owners.
Tibetan Mastiff
As guard dogs, Tibetan Mastiffs prefer exercising by patrolling their owners’ house yards, especially if they live in cold climates. This breed is highly independent and intelligent, so they fare better when taken care of by more experienced owners.
Anatolian Shepherd
An Anatolian Shepherd is a fiercely loyal guard dog to have in your home. This breed quickly warms up to anyone they consider part of their “flock” and will be affectionate to their owners.
Black Russian Terrier
Black Russian Terriers are best suited for spacious homes and affectionate owners. This breed will happily stay inside your house but would be full of energy once let outside.
Brussels Griffon
A Brussels Griffon packs a big personality despite its small size, expressing its desire to be with its owner at all times. Other than constant affection, this pup only needs 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Final Thoughts
Even though there are breeds that may have lower energy levels than others, they still deserve the same amount of love and attention showered on higher-energy breeds. Whichever type of dog you choose, make sure you’re ready to be as loyal, friendly, and dependable as your chosen companions.
Reference
- Newfoundland - https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/
- Saint Bernard - http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/saint-bernard
- Great Dane Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits - https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/great-dane
- Low-Energy Dog Breeds You Can Be Lazy With - https://www.simplemost.com/low-energy-lazy-dog-breeds/