Is your favorite activity lounging on the couch to watch a movie or read a good novel? Do you prefer strolling around your neighborhood and then chilling in an Adirondack chair on your balcony or in the backyard? If this describes you, your lifestyle doesn’t have to prevent your from enjoying the companionship of a dog.
While all dogs require exercise and care, some breeds remain healthy and happy with only a daily walk around the block (though you will need a backyard or puppy pads for potty breaks). If you’re looking for a low-key dog that likes to relax as much as you do, check out this list of 10 lazy dog breeds.
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1. English Bulldog
This meatloaf of a dog may like to skateboard, surf, or tackle a basketball, but their favorite activity is snoozing (and snoring) as much as possible. An English Bulldog will be happy to hunker down on the couch while you watch the game or join you for an afternoon (or anytime) snuggle or nap.
2. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a large ball of fluff that would prefer lying around in the cool indoors than running around outside, especially during warm days. They don’t tolerate heat well, and their favorite activity is a horizontal one. They do well in apartments as long as you’ll share the couch and are willing to snuggle.
3. Pekingese
Another furball, the Pekingese is the original lapdog. Though they’re known as the Lion Dog because of their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions, they’re the sloth of the canine kingdom. They prefer a stately stroll to any undignified running, so if you need to get somewhere on foot quickly, be advised you’ll have to carry your Peke.
4. Basset Hound
These low-riding, droopy dogs with short, stubby legs are content to lie at your feet and snooze the day away. Originally bred for hunting, Basset Hounds do, need to run and sniff on their daily walks. They’re a gentle and laid-back breed, who are quiet and calm when indoors, just happy to spend time cuddling with their families.
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5. French Bulldog
These little tanks are a bit feistier than their larger English relative, but they still enjoy relaxing. They adapt to their human, so if couch-surfing is your favorite pastime, they will be happy to join you. Natural comedians, a walk around the block is a lot of work for them, but it will keep this intelligent breed healthy.
6. Greyhound
Yes, they may be built for speed, but in between a little sprinting, they’re one of the laziest breeds out there. They are not endurance runners, and need plenty of time to relax in a calm, quiet home. A fenced-in yard is great for running around, but after a short time, they’ll collapse for some quality nap time.
7. Japanese Chin
From the beginning, these dogs were bred to be lapdogs. They love to cuddle and be around people, but small children tend to overwhelm them. They are intelligent, happy dogs who consider jumping up into your lap a form of exercise. After a daily walk, they’re perfectly happy to snooze at your side for the rest of the day and night.
8. Great Dane
Known as Gentle Giants, they may be big, but a calm, quiet nature makes them great apartment dogs. Majestic and elegant, they are social dogs who love hanging out and get along with other animals, even cats. They are lazy dogs with a slow metabolism that are perfectly happy indoors, sleeping up to twenty hours a day.
9. Maltese
Another dog bred as a lapdog, they are loving, calm dogs who often prefer the indoors. With minimal exercise needs, a daily walk is sufficient for these pups. They are happy dogs that get along with other pets including cats. The Maltese does not bark much, but they will alert you if someone’s at your front door.
10. Shih Tzu
These dogs are royalty, and they know it. They only need a short daily walk, and then they’re content to follow you around all day. Bred to be companion dogs, their favorite place is at your side or on your lap. They don’t do well being left alone, and their favorite activity is sleeping. You may have to “convince” him to go outside.
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