For many prospective dog owners, a calm, low-energy dog breed that loves to snooze can be a perfect fit, especially for those living in smaller spaces or leading more sedentary lifestyles. While all dogs require some level of exercise and stimulation, certain breeds are distinctly more inclined towards lengthy periods of rest. These breeds, often characterized by their laid-back and easygoing nature, tend to require less vigorous daily exercise and are content spending hours lounging around the home. This makes them ideal companions for those who appreciate quiet times and are perhaps less active. In this article, we explore 15 dog breeds known for their love of sleep, discussing the characteristics that make each breed a great fit for owners looking for a more restful, low-energy pet.
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are well-known for their leisurely temperament and are often found lounging around the house. This breed has a very laid-back attitude towards life and prefers sleeping to most other activities. Originally bred as scent hounds, their stamina was used in short bursts rather than sustained activity, which translates into their modern-day love for long naps. Basset Hounds’ long, heavy bodies and short legs also mean they tire easily, which contributes to their frequent desire to rest. Their calm disposition makes them excellent companions for those who prefer a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle. Prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that enjoys spending a good portion of the day asleep, curled up on a comfortable bed.
2. Bulldog
Bulldogs are notorious for their love of sleep. This breed often spends up to 14 hours a day sleeping, making them one of the most sedentary dog breeds available. Bulldogs have a very relaxed personality and low energy level, which means they are perfectly content with a short walk and a long nap. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) nature contributes to this as well, as they can tire easily and often have difficulty breathing, especially after exertion. Bulldogs are ideal for apartment living or for owners who spend a lot of time at home and want a companion to relax with most of the day.
3. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants that love to nap as much as they love to give affection. Originally used for rescue missions in the Swiss Alps, these dogs expended high energy in tough conditions but would recuperate with long periods of rest. Today, their love for sleep is evident as they are often found snoring after a short walk. Their large size also means they require significant energy to move around, contributing to their need for extensive rest. Saint Bernards are perfect for families looking for a calm, protective dog that prefers relaxing indoors over vigorous outdoor activities.
4. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are not just distinctive for their lion-like appearance and blue-black tongues; they are also one of the more inactive breeds, often content with lounging in a comfy spot for most of the day. This breed is known for its independence and aloofness, often preferring to keep to themselves. Chow Chows do not demand much exercise and are quite happy with short, daily walks. Their laid-back nature makes them suitable for homes where long periods of peace and quiet are commonplace, and their need for space and solitude makes them a good match for less active owners.
5. Great Dane
Great Danes, despite their immense size, are often referred to as “gentle giants” who enjoy spending much of their time sleeping. These dogs can be surprisingly lazy, requiring only moderate exercise. Due to their size, they use a lot of energy moving around, which they compensate for with long periods of rest. Great Danes are known for their friendly, affectionate nature, and they make excellent house pets for families who can accommodate their large size. They are ideal for anyone looking for a low-energy companion that is still capable of providing protection and love.
6. Mastiff
Mastiffs are another giant breed that loves to sleep. Known for their massive build and protective instincts, they are surprisingly low energy when it comes to their daily needs. Mastiffs often spend a large portion of the day sleeping, especially as they grow older. They require some exercise to maintain health but are generally content with a short walk and lots of downtime. Mastiffs’ calm and loyal nature makes them excellent companions for homebodies who enjoy a lot of indoor time and want a dog that mirrors their own relaxed lifestyle.
7. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus were bred as lap dogs for Chinese royalty, and their preference for relaxation and comfort continues today. They enjoy short periods of play but are primarily content with curling up on a soft pillow or lap for most of the day. Their small size means they don’t require much exercise, and they are well suited for apartment living or homes without much space for running and playing. Shih Tzus are ideal for owners who are looking for a small, affectionate companion that won’t demand long periods of activity outside.
8. Pekingese
Pekingese, another breed favored by Chinese nobility, are well-adapted to indoor life and frequent naps. These small dogs have a regal bearing but a decidedly relaxed approach to life, often spending hours sleeping or resting on their owners’ laps. Pekingese do enjoy a daily stroll but are mostly satisfied with indoor activities and short bursts of play. Their long, flowing coats also mean they can get overheated quickly, which makes them prefer cooler, shaded indoor environments where they can lounge comfortably.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are renowned for their gentle, affectionate nature and their love of comfort. While they do enjoy being active and playing with their families, they are also quite content to spend a good part of the day sleeping. This breed’s small size and manageable energy levels make them ideal for households that prefer a calm and undemanding pet. Cavaliers are particularly fond of cuddling and make perfect lap dogs, happy to snooze for hours while being petted.
10. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are the smallest of the sighthounds and are much more inclined to curl up under a warm blanket than to run outdoors. Despite their capacity for speed, they are surprisingly low-energy when not prompted to chase. Italian Greyhounds love warmth and comfort, often seeking the softest and warmest spot in the home to nap. Their delicate frame and thin coat make them susceptible to the cold, further encouraging their preference for indoor relaxation.
11. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are not just big in size but also big on sleep. Known for their sweet nature and rescue abilities, they also have a very calm and laid-back disposition that makes them prone to long hours of rest. These gentle giants require some exercise to keep healthy but prefer to spend much of their time lounging, especially in cool environments due to their thick coats. Newfoundlands are ideal for families looking for a massive, cuddly pet that loves children and is content with a leisurely lifestyle.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs, originally bred as farm dogs in the cold climates of Switzerland, are robust and hardy outdoors but equally enjoy the comforts of home. Known for their slow-moving nature and love of cold weather, they also relish long napping sessions indoors. While they do require regular exercise to maintain their health, Bernese Mountain Dogs are quite content with moderate activity and will happily spend the rest of their time sleeping. Their friendly and affectionate demeanor makes them excellent family pets, particularly in homes where they can balance outdoor activities with plenty of restful indoor time.
13. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are renowned for their leisurely pace and considerable need for sleep. These dogs are very low-energy, requiring minimal exercise and spending much of their time lounging around the house. Their brachycephalic nature makes strenuous activity difficult, further compounding their preference for a laid-back lifestyle. English Bulldogs are well-suited to less active families or those who enjoy spending a lot of time indoors.
14. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds, while known for their incredible sense of smell and tracking ability, are surprisingly sedentary when not on the trail. They enjoy long periods of rest interspersed with bouts of activity. Bloodhounds are very laid-back and gentle, making them great companions for families who like peaceful, quiet environments. Their large size and droopy features add to their sleepy demeanor, often found sprawled out in a favorite spot for hours.
15. Clumber Spaniel
Clumber Spaniels are among the most relaxed of all sporting breeds, known for their slow-moving and sleepy nature. They are excellent companions for leisurely walks but are most content when napping or resting. Clumber Spaniels have a calm and affectionate temperament, preferring the comforts of indoor life over vigorous outdoor activities. They are perfect for those who appreciate a dog that is more inclined to relax than to roam.
The dog breeds listed above are perfect for individuals or families looking for a pet that mirrors a calm and restful lifestyle. These breeds are characterized by their love for sleep and general low energy levels, making them suitable companions for less active households or those with limited space for exercise. Choosing one of these breeds can ensure a harmonious match between the dog’s natural tendencies and the owner’s lifestyle, leading to a comfortable and enjoyable life together.
Toledo, United States.
