You know that feeling when your dog looks at you with those sleepy eyes on a lazy Sunday morning? Some pups practically beg to stay nestled under the blankets while others are already pacing by the door, leash in mouth, ready for their third walk of the day. The truth is, different breeds have wildly different energy levels, and choosing the right match for your lifestyle can make all the difference in your happiness together.
Whether you’re a homebody who values quiet evenings or an adventure seeker who can’t sit still, there’s a perfect canine companion out there for you. Let’s explore which dogs make the ultimate couch companions and which ones will have you lacing up your hiking boots every single day.
English Bulldog: The Ultimate Netflix Companion
The English Bulldog practically defines the couch potato lifestyle. These family-friendly cuties fit the snoozing stereotype perfectly, and honestly, they might even love the sofa more than you do. Calm, slow-moving, and generally friendly but not excitable, the English Bulldog is truly a couch potato’s dream.
One walk a day is all this breed needs, and you’ll have a tough time convincing an English Bulldog to do much more than walk around the block. If you need a buddy to settle into the sofa and watch TV, the English Bulldog will be more than happy to oblige.
Basset Hound: The Laid-Back Family Friend
When you think of lazy dogs, the Basset Hound probably immediately comes to mind. With tiny, stubby legs and a severe case of “puppy dog eyes,” Basset Hounds are renowned for their kind temperaments and less-than-quick gait.
These low-energy dogs prefer short walks to long runs and have a laid-back personality, content to snooze on the couch for hours at a time. Known to be laid back and patient, these pups are affectionate with their families and other pets in the home.
Greyhound: The Surprising Speedster Sleeper
Despite being famous for athleticism and speed, the Greyhound only requires an occasional gallop to offset a napping regime and does best in a calm, quiet home. This arguably makes the greyhound the best low-maintenance dog and the ultimate canine couch potato, as these dogs are content with a brief daily walk and plenty of rest throughout the day.
When racing, a greyhound has the elegance and speed of a born athlete. However, unlike top-tier human runners, greyhounds don’t need to put in hours of work every day to maintain their speed. An adult greyhound is usually satisfied with a daily 30 to 45-minute walk and the occasional sprint.
Great Dane: The Gentle Giant Lounger
Great Danes make friends easily and stay patient even with much smaller kiddos. Friendly, calm, and patient dogs, the Great Dane makes a great companion, and when not exercising is a total couch potato. To keep your Great Dane happy and healthy, you’ll need to walk them at least twice a day for 30 minutes.
Great Danes may be giant dogs, but they’re actually quite lazy. However, they do require a lot of space and may not be the best choice for apartment living. They think they are small dogs and will act like it, which is why they also call them giant lap dogs. They love to come cuddle not knowing how heavy they are.
French Bulldog: The Apartment Perfect Potato
Apartment dwellers always pick French Bulldogs for a reason. They rarely bark, hardly shed and enjoy a brisk walk around the block for exercise. Of the couch potato dog breeds, the French Bulldog is also the breed that looks most like a little potato!
Much like its English bulldog cousins, when the French bulldog gets its short daily walk, its people should check the temperature first. They need to stick inside when the weather is hot, but they’re also among the breeds most sensitive to cold.
Saint Bernard: The Mountain Rescue Turned Suburban Snuggler
They’re best known for their alpine rescues, but these days you’re a lot more likely to find Saint Bernards in the suburbs than the Swiss Alps. Their calm and patient disposition also makes the gentle giants a great “nanny dog” for kids.
When it comes to large lazy dog breeds, Saint Bernards reign supreme! Reaching weights of up to 180 pounds and built for challenging work that harnesses their strength, you might think Saint Bernards would be a powerhouse of energy and activity. Think again – these big lazy dogs are serious about their nap times, and you might have a hard time convincing a Saint Bernard to go on a walk at all!
Newfoundland: The Sweet Water-Loving Couch Companion
Weighing up to 150 pounds, Newfoundlands need some room and regular romps, but maintain a sweet and docile disposition otherwise. The best way to get these pups to exercise is to bring them to water. They’re natural swimmers!
Newfoundland dogs are very protective, known as nanny dogs to kids, and are even protective of strangers’ lives, as they have a history of lifeguarding in the past. These 100-plus-pound dogs have long worked with watermen, but they don’t require all that much activity. In the home, on the other hand, they’re very laid back, patient, calm, and known to be one of the more affectionate dog breeds. As long as they have plenty of space around the house and the yard, they’re more than happy to relax with you.
Clumber Spaniel: The Heavy-Built Sleeper
An uncommon breed with true couch potato instincts, the Clumber is a heavy-built spaniel who sleeps indoors but is perfectly willing to play some fetch or run about outside. Their calm nature makes them among the best big lazy dog breeds.
A Clumber spaniel can curl up at your feet for hours while you work, or it can claim a comfortable spot on the couch. Clumber spaniels are low-energy pups that accept a slower pace in life. An owner on Reddit’s r/Clumber board says that their dad used to call their Clumber spaniel a “floor ornament.”
Pug: The Charming Lap Warmer
Pugs are known for their wrinkly faces and curly tails, but they’re also great couch potatoes. They’re not very active and are content to snuggle up with their pet parents for hours at a time.
Mischievous, charming, and so affectionate they’re even among the dog breeds that are friendly with cats, the pug really enjoys lazing the day away. They combine personality with minimal exercise requirements, making them perfect for anyone who wants character without the cardio.
Chow Chow: The Independent Fluff Ball
Chow Chows are another breed that loves being lazy. One look at their plump, ultra-fuzzy appearance and you’ll know right away these guys aren’t going to be running any marathons.
Chow Chows are independent dogs that don’t need a lot of attention or exercise. They’re content to spend their days lounging around the house and only require occasional grooming to keep their thick coat smooth and silky. Let’s be real, they look like living teddy bears who’ve mastered the art of relaxation.
Shih Tzu: The Royal Lap Dog Legacy
They’ve been friendly house pets for hundreds of years, so it’s no surprise Shih Tzus are low maintenance – minus their long (but low-shedding!) coats. Put their upbeat personality and small stature together and you have an energetic breed that doesn’t need a lot of physical activity.
Shih Tzus are small dogs that thrive on the lifestyle of a lap dog! They don’t require a lot of exercise, but they do need regular grooming to keep their long hair from matting. The shih tzu once entertained Chinese emperors. Breeders picked the cutest and most sociable dogs and presented them as gifts.
Bernese Mountain Dog: The Alpine Couch Lover
Bernese Mountain Dogs are the majestic big dog of the Swiss Alps. If they have to be active, they prefer cooler weather for sure. They’re a low-energy dog with a calm nature who loves to lean in for a good fuss and are great with children and bustling families. One of our top picks for big lazy dogs.
Despite a history as a working farm dog, most Bernese Mountain Dogs prefer to spend the majority of the day on the sofa or a cushy bed. The breed is known for being good-natured and patient and will readily play with their human family. Keep in mind that the thick double coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog can cause overheating issues, so use caution when exercising these dogs outdoors in warm weather.
Border Collie: The Einstein Who Needs a Job
Many call the Border Collie the Einstein of dogs because of its intelligence and agility. From the beginning, these dogs were trained to herd sheep in the rough areas of Scotland and England, which makes them very determined.
Border Collies are herders at heart, and are just as happy romping in a field as they are running around the yard. They love to play fetch and require a lot of exercise, which can come in the form of long walks, runs or regular trips to the dog park. Besides being one of the most high-energy dog breeds you can find, Collies are a smart dog breed, and they have high mental stimulation needs as a result.
Siberian Husky: The Escape Artist Adventure Seeker
The Siberian Husky is recognised for being a tough breed that is also friendly. In the past, they were trained to pull sleds for miles in very cold and tough conditions, which is why they are so strong and resistant. Due to their heritage, they like to run and require plenty of space to use their energy.
Huskies must be given at least 2 hours of exercise every day. Running, hiking, and dog sports are the best kinds of activities. Not enough exercise can make pets act out and break things. Known for their striking looks and endurance, Siberian Huskies are the ultimate sled dogs. They’re friendly, playful, and thrive in active homes. Just be prepared for lots of exercise and the occasional escape attempt – they’ve been known to jump fences when they’re bored.
Australian Cattle Dog: The Tireless Working Machine
As a herding dog breed, Australian Cattle Dogs have very high energy levels and they need as much exercise as you can give them. Australian Cattle Dogs were bred for work, so they have high endurance levels. Your dog will therefore need at least one to two hours of exercise per day.
Blue Heelers are extremely intelligent and highly trainable. They need to be able to listen to their owner’s commands very carefully as they work large and difficult herds of semi-wild cattle on the Australian plains. These dogs don’t just want exercise, they crave having a purpose in life.
German Shorthaired Pointer: The Athletic Overachiever
Another high-energy gundog, the German Shorthaired Pointer needs a full two hours of varied exercise every day. Though walking should be part of your GSP’s daily routine, leisurely walks aren’t enough activity for this athletic breed.
Good exercise options for the German Shorthaired Pointer include brisk walks and hikes, agility classes, flyball, and field training. Because of the GSP’s short coat and lean build, he’s at elevated risk of hypothermia in cold weather and requires a warm dog jacket or coat whenever he’s outdoors in winter.
Jack Russell Terrier: The Small but Mighty Dynamo
Jack Russell Terriers are active dogs, so they need at least 2 hours of high-quality exercise every day to keep them happy. They were bred to flush foxes and other mammals out of their dens for the hunt, so they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy.
Jack Russells are very high energy, to the point of being referred to as hyperactive, and need an outlet. This can be challenging in a suburban or city environment. Leaving them in a fenced-in back yard is not suggested. They’re designed to out-smart foxes, so a cute picket fence really doesn’t stand a chance.
Labrador Retriever: The All-American Adventure Buddy
Labrador Retrievers are affable, energetic dogs who need an abundance of daily exercise. Somewhere between one and one-and-a-half hours of vigorous activity is about right for the breed. Because Labs are highly playful and eager, finding exercises for them is a snap.
Most Labs also love swimming, hiking, agility courses, running, and a simple game of fetch in the back yard. Though they’re energetic, food-loving Labradors are prone to canine obesity, which regular exercise and a healthful diet can combat. Finally, challenging exercises keep Labs mentally engaged, which is important for this intelligent breed.
Belgian Malinois: The Elite Working Athlete
The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and is very smart. They were first developed for herding, but now they are more often found in police and military service because of their agility and easy training. Malinois must get about 2-3 hours of vigorous exercise every day.
Often mistaken for the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is a high-intensity breed with an incredible work ethic. They’re favored for police and military work thanks to their intelligence and loyalty. I honestly think these dogs have more stamina than most humans I know.
Vizsla: The Velcro Adventure Partner
The Vizsla is a sleek, affectionate, and athletic breed often described as a “Velcro dog” for their close attachment to people. They were bred as hunting companions and thrive on both physical exercise and emotional connection. Swimming and scent-tracking games are right up a Vizsla’s alley, and their endless stamina makes them the perfect running buddy.
Many people call the Vizsla the Velcro dog because it is a Hungarian breed that is loyal and full of energy, making it great with other dogs. They literally want to be attached to your hip during every adventure, which can be endearing or overwhelming depending on your personality.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Match
Choosing between a couch potato and an adventure buddy isn’t just about your current activity level, it’s about honestly assessing your lifestyle and future plans. A dog that has constant energy but has no outlet can become destructive or even depressed. That’s why lazy dogs are a more appropriate choice for “lazy” pet owners – or ones that simply like to have quiet weekends!
Remember, even the laziest breeds need some daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Similarly, high-energy dogs can learn to settle down when their needs are met. The key is matching your dog’s natural tendencies with your lifestyle, creating a partnership where both of you can thrive together.
What kind of energy level sounds right for your household? Are you ready to embrace the couch potato life, or does the thought of daily adventures with a four-legged companion get your heart racing?
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
