25 Laziest Dog Breeds That'll Join You on the Couch
All dogs have energy to burn off, but some more than others. And even some of the breeds with high exercise needs have an ingrained love of lounging.
If you like to spend a significant amount of your free time on the couch, these 25 dog breeds are happy to laze with you all day.
Newfoundland
The huge Newfoundland may be a strong, heavy working dog, but when all necessary tasks are completed, it’s more than happy to relax at your feet — or alongside you (if there’s room).
Newfies need at least a half-hour of moderate daily exercise, but otherwise, this breed is a laid-back canine chum.
Newfoundland Summary
Temperament: Patient, Noble, Trusting
Height: 28 inches (male), 26 inches (female)
Weight: 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 9-10 years
* All breed information is sourced from theAmerican Kennel Club.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is famous for its long, velvety ears and sad eyes, but it’s also known for being one of the least active breeds.
A daily walk will suffice, after which it will usually find a comfortable spot for a long sleep.
Basset Hound Summary
Temperament: Charming, Patient, Low-key
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Saint Bernard
The gentle giant of the Alps, the Saint Bernard may cut a powerful figure, but it only needs a moderate amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
The Saint is most content when it’s spending time with its owner — and that includes chilling out on the sofa.
Saint Bernard Summary
Temperament: Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
Height: 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female)
Weight: 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Chow Chow
With its distinctive lion’s mane ruff, the serene Chow Chow is the perfect cuddle buddy.
This breed doesn’t have any specific exercise needs beyond daily walks and moderate play, and the rest of the time it will be perfectly happy to relax.
Chow Chow Summary
Temperament: Dignified, Serene, Aloof
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 45-70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8-12 years
Greyhound
Despite its history as a champion sprinter, the Greyhound is surprisingly happy to relax indoors for most of the day.
Of course, like all breeds, it’s important that the Greyhound gets regular exercise — and a safe space — to get those speedy legs moving.
Greyhound Summary
Temperament: Gentle, Independent, Noble
Height: 28-30 inches (male), 27-28 inches (female)
Weight: 65-70 pounds (male), 60-65 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a popular choice for urban dog lovers, partly because it doesn’t need a lot of outdoor exercise.
A short daily walk should be enough for the Frenchie, after which it will be keen to relax by your side while you watch TV.
French Bulldog Summary
Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
English Bulldog
The unmistakable Bulldog, with its wrinkles, jowls and flat nose, won’t let its weight stop it from trying to curl up on your lap.
However, the breed is prone to weight gain, so it needs regular, moderate exercise to stay trim.
English Bulldog Summary
Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Pug
Cheerful and cheeky, the Pug is always up for mischief-making, but it’s also a big fan of lounging.
In fact, it will happily spend most of the day curled up in a comfortable spot and might need some gentle encouragement to get outdoors for the exercise it needs to stay trim. (This is another breed that’s prone to obesity.)
Pug Summary
Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Engaging
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Great Dane
The Great Dane needs two or three brisk walks per day, but is otherwise a sedate breed.
If you can make room for its considerable bulk, it will make itself at home on your sofa — or bed.
Great Dane Summary
Temperament: Friendly, Reliable, Patient
Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female)
Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-10 years
Shih Tzu
The adorable “Lion Dog” is a typical lap dog, never happier than when it’s curled up on your knee.
This is due to its long history as a royal palace watchdog, when it spent most of its time indoors.
Shih Tzu Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Outgoing
Height: 9-10.5 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-18 years
Pekingese
Another breed with a royal background, the compact Pekingese was created to provide rulers of ancient China with amusement and comfort.
As such, it leads a primarily sedate life, keen to keep a watchful eye over its human family from a comfortable spot.
Pekingese Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Loyal, Sophisticated
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Tibetan Mastiff
A tremendous guardian and intimidating figure, the Tibetan Mastiff is more mellow than it might first appear.
When it’s not “on duty,” it’s a calm presence around the home and likes to conserve its energy until it’s required.
Tibetan Mastiff Summary
Temperament: Independent, Reserved, Intelligent
Height: Minimum 26 inches (male), minimum 24 inches (female)
Weight: 90-150 pounds (male), 70-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Havanese
Small and sturdy, the Havanese has moderate exercise needs, but when those are met, this breed enjoys down time — in your company, of course.
The Hav is attentive and affectionate, and will lie by your side as long as you’ll let it.
Havanese Summary
Temperament: Comical, Cheerful, Smart
Height: 8.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-13 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Spinone Italiano
Despite being a hunting dog, the Spinone Italiano is docile by nature and can be surprisingly laid-back.
Being close to its human family is just as important for Spinoni well-being as regular exercise. In fact, the American Kennel Club says a walk isn’t required every day.
Spinone Italiano Summary
Temperament: Docile, Patient, Sociable
Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 61-86 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff (“Mastino”) has all the bulk and brawn to intimidate intruders, but it also possesses an inner serenity that’s hugely appealing.
A Mastino with a lazy nature is something to be grateful for because too much leaping around in that heavy body can cause damage to its joints.
Neapolitan Mastiff Summary
Temperament: Dignified, Loyal, Watchful
Height: 24-31 inches
Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has an athletic side — as you’d expect from a spaniel — but it also has the potential to be a true couch potato.
Basically, this adaptable breed will follow its owner’s lead, so if you’re prone to laziness, it will happily lounge alongside you.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Graceful
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Bichon Frise
With its super-soft, velvety coat, the Bichon Frise looks like an adorable plush toy. And it might just act like one, too — this breed is adaptable and will quickly fit in with its owner’s lifestyle.
In other words, if you’re not the most active sort, you’ll have company on the couch.
Bichon Frise Summary
Temperament: Playful, Curious, Peppy
Height: 9.5-11.5 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-15 years
Japanese Chin
Typically quiet and calm by nature, the tiny Japanese Chin is the ultimate lapdog.
When it’s not on your knee, it will happily join you for a slow walk or a leisurely romp around the backyard — but nothing too strenuous suits this breed.
Japanese Chin Summary
Temperament: Charming, Noble, Loving
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 7-11 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Dachshund
The Dachshund needs regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to keep their back protected and supported.
But beyond a couple of walks a day, the little Dach will happily chill out at home in the company of its human family.
Dachshund Summary
Temperament: Curious, Active, Intelligent
Height: 8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)
Weight: 16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Cocker Spaniel
You might not associate laziness with spaniels — these are part of the sporting group, after all — but the Cocker Spaniel definitely requires much less exercise than its Springer cousin.
They don’t generally have a lot of energy that requires burning off but will enjoy a couple of leisurely walks every day (before returning home for snuggles).
Cocker Spaniel Summary
Temperament: Happy, Gentle, Smart
Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Yorkshire Terrier
As long as the Yorkshire Terrier gets a couple of short walks every day to burn off its energy, it will be happy to lie low the rest of the time.
And its 7-pound frame can fit even the smallest of comfortable places around the house.
Yorkshire Terrier Summary
Temperament: Tenacious, Bossy, Loving
Height: 7-8 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Clumber Spaniel
Less common than the Cocker, the Springer and the King Charles Cavalier, the Clumber Spaniel has true couch-potato tendencies.
This friendly, playful breed makes for a sweet, laidback canine companion for humans of all ages.
Clumber Spaniel Summary
Temperament: Mellow, Dignified, Amusing
Height: 18-20 inches (male), 17-19 inches (female)
Weight: 70-85 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Maltese
The tiny Maltese is a charming toy companion that will perch on your lap at every available opportunity.
They can be energetic at times but need only occasional exercise — a daily walk or play session is enough for optimum fitness.
Maltese Summary
Temperament: Sweet, Playful, Adaptable
Height: 7-9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Chihuahua
For a tiny “purse dog,” the Chihuahua is packed with personality. However, it’s a truly adaptable breed, provided it gets lots of lap time.
It only needs a small space to get its daily exercise, and when it’s worn out, it will be back on its favorite place.
Chihuahua Summary
Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy
Height: 5-8 inches
Weight: Maximum 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Bullmastiff
The muscular Bullmastiff is a hard worker, but calm and low-key when off duty.
Some are more sedentary than others, but when it hits its daily exercise quota, it enjoys some lounging time.
Bullmastiff Summary
Temperament: Affectionate, Brave, Loyal
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy: 7-9 years