Let’s face it, we’re probably spending a lot more time watching TV show marathons than we are out trail running and we need a dog breed that can hang with us. While all dogs need adequate exercise, some are much happier sitting on the couch with you than others. So if you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing buddy, check out this list.
#1 – Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso was developed as a companion and watchdog for Buddhist monks in their monasteries. Because of this, they are great at alerting their owners when strangers arrive but are excellent lap dogs. They require only moderate exercise to keep them happy and relaxed.
#2 – Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu make excellent companions for those with limited exercise availability and do not require large yards to roam. They are an ideal choice for apartment dwellers that are looking for a couch potato companion. They are smart and stubborn dogs, however, so begin training early.
#3 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a very playful dog that requires relatively minimal exercise. They adapt well to nearly any living situation, so a large house and yard is not needed. In fact, so long as you can offer daily walks and a comfortable bed to sleep on, they’re deeply loyal companions.
#4 – English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are some of the biggest clowns in the dog world and they make wonderful companions for the less active family. Although they’re an intelligent and playful breed, they are most often found snoring on the couch.
#5 – Greyhound
Despite being known for its racing capabilities, Greyhounds are a rather lazy breed. They are a sprinting breed, so while they do need short spurts of exercise daily, they don’t need any more than 20-30 minutes outside. After that, they’d rather conserve their energy sleeping.
#6 – Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest dog breeds in existence, but don’t let its size fool you. They are intelligent and reserved, rarely destructive and excellent apartment dwellers. While they do need daily exercise, like the rest of the sighthounds, they are relatively lazy.
#7 – English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is known for being one of the lazier dog breeds, with a 20-30 minute daily walk being enough to tucker them out. They make excellent guard dogs on their looks alone, but typically don’t respond to threats any more than a Labrador Retriever. They are large dogs that do surprisingly well in apartments as they do not need excessive activity.
#8 – French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, like their English cousins, make excellent companions for the moderately active family. They are boisterous and playful dogs, but they’re favorite pastime is usually sleeping.
#9 – Maltese
Maltese are intelligent playful dogs known for maintaining a puppy-like demeanor well into their old age. That said, a daily walk will suffice and they prefer to snuggle up on the couch as your lap dog.
#10 – Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is another large breed that requires surprisingly little exercise for its size. One or two short walks per day is more than enough exercise for an adult dog, especially if it’s warm outside. They are a very lazy breed that does well in apartment settings, so long as you have no problem sharing your couch.
