19 Low-Energy Dog Breeds Perfect for Laid-Back Lifestyles

While all dogs require love, care, and exercise, some breeds naturally have lower energy levels, making them ideal companions for those seeking a more relaxed pet. These "lazy" dog breeds often prefer couch time and sleeping to intense physical activity. However, it's important to note that even low-energy dogs need mental stimulation, grooming, and some exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Let's explore 19 dog breeds known for their laid-back personalities and minimal exercise needs. We'll cover their size, personality traits, grooming requirements, activity levels, trainability, and barking tendencies.

Low Energy Toy Dog Breeds

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with big personalities. Despite their small size, they have sharp minds and enjoy cuddles once their minimal exercise needs are met.

Size: 5-8 inches tall, up to 6 pounds
Personality: Loving, alert, adaptable
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: High tendency

Pomeranian

These spunky little dogs are alert and attentive. While active, Pomeranians can easily burn off energy with indoor play and short walks.

Size: 6-7 inches tall, 3-7 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, perky watchdog
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium to high tendency

Maltese

Bright and playful, Maltese dogs are low-shedding but require regular grooming. They have low exercise needs but can excel at agility if desired.

Size: 7-9 inches tall, up to 7 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, playful, adaptable
Grooming: Daily
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium tendency

Japanese Chin

Known for their feline-like qualities, Japanese Chins are elegant lapdogs with a merry personality and easy trainability.

Size: 8-11 inches tall, 7-11 pounds
Personality: Graceful cuddle bug
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Low tendency

Chinese Crested

These mostly hairless dogs are smart, loving, and people-oriented. They're content with short walks and lots of cuddle time.

Size: 11-13 inches tall, 8-12 pounds
Personality: Lively, alert, loving
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Medium tendency

Small Low Energy Dog Breeds

Brussels Griffon

These bearded little dogs have big personalities and are known for their sensitivity and snuggling nature.

Size: 7-10 inches tall, 8-10 pounds
Personality: Alert, sociable, sensitive
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Medium to high tendency

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Adaptable and loving, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can fit into various lifestyles and enjoy both light activity and snuggles.

Size: 12-13 inches tall, 13-18 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, sociable, adaptable
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Medium tendency

Pekingese

These aristocratic dogs have big attitudes and beautiful coats. They're ideal companions for seniors who can manage their grooming needs.

Size: 6-9 inches tall, up to 14 pounds
Personality: Playful, confident, loving
Grooming: Daily (depending on coat length)
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Low tendency

Tibetan Spaniel

Calm yet playful, Tibetan Spaniels love to perch on windowsills and form strong bonds with their humans.

Size: 10 inches tall, 9-15 pounds
Personality: Curious, highly affectionate
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium tendency

Havanese

Happy and sociable, Havanese dogs are natural-born entertainers who thrive on human company.

Size: 8.5-11.5 inches tall, 7-13 pounds
Personality: Adaptable, playful, loving
Grooming: Daily (depending on coat length)
Activity: Up to 30 minutes daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Medium to high tendency

Medium Low Energy Dog Breeds

Basset Hound

Known for their endurance and scent-tracking abilities, Basset Hounds are content with daily strolls and lots of nap time.

Size: Up to 15 inches tall, 40-65 pounds
Personality: Loyal, sociable, sometimes stubborn
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium to high tendency

Chow Chow

Majestic and bearlike, Chow Chows are noble guardians with low energy levels. Early socialization is crucial for this breed.

Size: 17-20 inches tall, 45-70 pounds
Personality: Loyal, dignified, protective
Grooming: Daily
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Low tendency

English Bulldog

Stubborn yet sensitive, English Bulldogs are playful but may require extra downtime due to breathing difficulties common in brachycephalic breeds.

Size: 14-15 inches tall, up to 50 pounds
Personality: Loyal, kind, stoic, entertaining
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Low tendency

Large Low Energy Dog Breeds

Clumber Spaniel

Uncommon but true couch potatoes, Clumber Spaniels are heavy-built spaniels who enjoy indoor relaxation and occasional outdoor play.

Size: 17-20 inches tall, 55-85 pounds
Personality: Mellow, gentle, eager to please
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Low tendency

Greyhound

Despite their racing reputation, Greyhounds are content with brief daily walks and plenty of rest. They're often considered the ultimate canine couch potato.

Size: 27-30 inches tall, 60-70 pounds
Personality: Calm, sensitive, gentle
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium tendency

Extra Large Low Energy Dog Breeds

Bernese Mountain Dog

Majestic and calm, Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with families and prefer cooler weather for activity.

Size: 23-27.5 inches tall, 70-115 pounds
Personality: Loving, intelligent, family-oriented
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Easy
Barking: Medium tendency

Great Dane

Known as gentle giants, Great Danes have higher energy levels than most on this list but are calm companions when their exercise needs are met.

Size: 28-32 inches tall, 110-175 pounds
Personality: Friendly, patient, loyal
Grooming: Weekly
Activity: More than two hours daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Medium tendency

Newfoundland

Sweet and slobbery, Newfoundlands are active outdoors but happy to snuggle indoors. They're great with children and can even be trained to pull carts.

Size: 26-28 inches tall, 100-150 pounds
Personality: Devoted, affectionate, social
Grooming:Daily
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Low tendency

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards love outdoor time but are content to be lazy indoors. They enjoy carrying loads, hiking in cool weather, and showering their families with affection (and drool).

Size: 26-30 inches tall, 120-180 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, inquisitive, family-oriented
Grooming: More than once weekly
Activity: Up to one hour daily
Trainability: Average
Barking: Low tendency

Remember, while these breeds are generally low-energy, individual dogs may vary. Proper training, socialization, and meeting their specific needs are crucial for raising a well-behaved, happy dog, regardless of breed. Always consider adopting from shelters or rescues, and consult with a veterinarian before bringing a new pet into your home.

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