12 Best Lazy Dog Breeds for Relaxed Owners — our top picks
Pekingese
Pekingese: low energy, very low athleticism and small-sized — genuinely content with a short walk and a long nap. Ancient Chinese breed with lion-like mane and dignified bearing. Independent and somewhat aloof companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Pekingese needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
French Bulldog
French Bulldog: low energy, very low athleticism and small-sized — genuinely content with a short walk and a long nap. Muscular flat-faced breed with bat ears and adaptable personality. Excellent apartment companion.
English Bulldog
English Bulldog: low energy, very low athleticism and medium-sized — genuinely content with a short walk and a long nap. Iconic British breed with distinctive wrinkled face and muscular build. Gentle, courageous companion despite breathing challenges. Worth knowing before you commit: the English Bulldog is stubborn enough that first-time owners often struggle.
Chow Chow
Chow Chow: low energy, low athleticism and medium-sized. Ancient Chinese breed with blue-black tongue and lion-like mane. Independent and dignified with strong protective instincts. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Chow Chow needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Basset Hound
Basset Hound: low energy, low athleticism and medium-sized. Low-slung French scenthound with excellent nose and gentle nature. Calm, patient family companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the Basset Hound is stubborn enough that first-time owners often struggle.
English Mastiff
English Mastiff: low energy and low athleticism. Massive, gentle giant with a calm temperament and natural guarding instincts. One of the largest dog breeds, known for their docile nature despite imposing size. Worth knowing before you commit: the English Mastiff drools enough to notice.
Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees: low energy and medium athleticism. French livestock guardian with independent nature. Gentle with family, protective of property. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Great Pyrenees needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Shar Pei
Shar Pei: low energy, medium athleticism and medium-sized. Chinese breed with distinctive wrinkles and blue-black tongue. Independent and loyal but can be aloof.
Shihpoo
Shihpoo: low energy, low athleticism and small-sized. Shih Tzu and Poodle cross combining friendly nature with reduced shedding. Adaptable companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Shihpoo needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Mastidoodle
Mastidoodle: low energy and low athleticism. Mastiff and Poodle cross creating gentle giant with intelligence. Large family guardian with reduced shedding. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Mastidoodle needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Mastiff
Mastiff: low energy and low athleticism. Massive English guardian with gentle temperament. Ancient breed known for size, strength, and calm nature. Worth knowing before you commit: the Mastiff does badly left alone all day.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard: low energy and low athleticism. Swiss rescue dog with gentle giant temperament. Patient, friendly, and excellent with children. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Saint Bernard needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 breeds is scored on the traits that decide this particular question — the same trait ratings shown on each breed's own guide page, so you can check the reasoning rather than take a ranking on faith. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking based on your own answers.
Popular breeds that are a poor fit for relaxed, low-activity homes
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a popular choice, but very high energy and very high athleticism put it at odds with relaxed, low-activity homes. On top of that, the Vizsla needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a popular choice, but very high energy and very high athleticism put it at odds with relaxed, low-activity homes. On top of that, the Belgian Malinois needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is a popular choice, but very high energy and very high athleticism put it at odds with relaxed, low-activity homes. On top of that, the coat is real work — the Border Collie needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the laziest dog breed?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the Pekingese ranks as the top choice for relaxed, low-activity homes, followed by the French Bulldog and English Bulldog.
- How was this list of dogs for relaxed, low-activity homes chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for relaxed, low-activity homes — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.
- Which popular breeds are a poor fit for relaxed, low-activity homes?
- The Vizsla, The Belgian Malinois, The Border Collie all rank near the bottom for relaxed, low-activity homes despite being widely chosen — usually because the traits that make them appealing elsewhere work against them here.