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Top 19 Dog Breeds for Laid-Back Living

By: Clarisse Q
Clarisse is an effective freelance SEO writer for a dog magazine, combining her deep passion for animals with her professional skills. Her hands-on experience with rescued cats and stray dogs enriches her writing, enabling her to create engaging and informative content that resonates with pet parents and animal lovers.Read more
| August 6, 2024

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For those who enjoy a relaxed, laid-back lifestyle, finding a dog breed that matches this temperament can enhance both the owner’s and the pet’s quality of life. Certain breeds are naturally more calm, easygoing, and low-energy, making them ideal companions for individuals or families who prefer quiet, leisurely activities over high-energy pursuits. These dogs are content with lounging around the house, enjoying gentle walks, and offering endless affection.

Greyhound

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Greyhounds may seem like an unlikely choice for a laid-back lifestyle due to their history as racing dogs, but they are surprisingly one of the most relaxed breeds when off the track. Known as “40 mph couch potatoes,” Greyhounds enjoy lounging around the house and require only moderate exercise. They are gentle, calm, and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. Greyhounds are perfect for apartment living or homes with limited space, as they are content with short walks and plenty of napping. Their sweet and docile nature makes them excellent companions for those seeking a peaceful and relaxed pet.

Clumber Spaniel

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Clumber Spaniels are one of the most easygoing and laid-back of the spaniel breeds. These medium to large-sized dogs have a gentle and affectionate nature, making them perfect for a calm household. Clumber Spaniels enjoy leisurely walks but are generally content to spend their days resting and relaxing. Their friendly and loyal disposition ensures they get along well with children and other pets. Clumber Spaniels require regular grooming to maintain their thick, soft coats, but their low energy levels make them ideal companions for those who prefer a slower pace of life.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs are known for their distinctive appearance and calm, gentle demeanor. They are low-energy dogs that thrive in a relaxed environment. Bulldogs enjoy lounging around the house and require only minimal exercise, making them perfect for apartment living or homes with limited outdoor space. They are affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, often following them around the house and seeking out cuddles. Bulldogs’ easygoing nature and love for relaxation make them ideal companions for those who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Regular veterinary care is essential for Bulldogs due to their brachycephalic nature, which can lead to breathing issues.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are small, regal-looking dogs known for their luxurious coats and affectionate nature. They are true lap dogs, always eager to snuggle up to their owners. Shih Tzus are relatively low-energy and enjoy lounging around the house, making them ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They require minimal exercise, just enough to keep them healthy, and regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coats. Shih Tzus’ friendly and gentle disposition makes them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Their love for cuddling and relaxed demeanor will undoubtedly melt your heart.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are known for their long ears, droopy eyes, and laid-back demeanor. They are gentle, easygoing dogs that enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Basset Hounds are not particularly active and are often quite content to spend their days lounging around the house. They do enjoy sniffing and exploring on leisurely walks, but their low energy levels mean they are perfectly suited for couch potato owners. Basset Hounds’ affectionate and loyal nature makes them wonderful companions for those who prefer a quiet and relaxed environment. Their calm presence and sweet disposition are perfect for a laid-back living situation.

Pekingese

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Pekingese dogs have a long history as the cherished companions of Chinese royalty. These small, lion-like dogs are known for their calm and dignified nature. Pekingese are relatively low-energy and enjoy lounging around the house, making them ideal for those who prefer a slower pace of life. They require minimal exercise and are perfectly content with short, leisurely walks. Pekingese dogs are also known for their loyalty and affection, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their regal appearance and relaxed demeanor make them perfect for laid-back living, providing a sense of tranquility and companionship.

Havanese

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Havanese dogs are small, fluffy dogs known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. They are highly social and thrive on human interaction, always eager to be the center of their family’s world. Havanese are relatively low-energy and enjoy lounging around the house, making them ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They do require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best, but their exercise needs are minimal. Havanese dogs’ friendly and gentle disposition makes them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Their love for cuddling and relaxed demeanor make them wonderful companions for laid-back living.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, elegant dogs known for their affectionate and friendly nature. They are true lap dogs, always eager to be close to their owners. Cavaliers are relatively low-energy and enjoy lounging around the house, making them ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They do require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best, but their exercise needs are minimal. Cavaliers’ gentle and loving disposition makes them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors alike. Their love for cuddling and relaxed demeanor will undoubtedly melt your heart, making them perfect for laid-back living.

Maltese

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Maltese dogs are small, fluffy dogs known for their cheerful and affectionate nature. They are highly social and thrive on human interaction, always eager to be the center of their family’s world. Maltese are relatively low-energy and enjoy lounging around the house, making them ideal for those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle. They do require regular grooming to keep their coats looking their best, but their exercise needs are minimal. Maltese dogs’ friendly and gentle disposition makes them excellent companions for families, singles, and seniors. Their love for cuddling and relaxed demeanor make them wonderful companions for those who prefer a laid-back living situation.

Newfoundland

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The Newfoundland is a gentle giant perfect for laid-back living. Known for their calm and sweet-natured temperament, Newfoundlands are content to relax around the house, often preferring to lounge beside their favorite humans. Despite their massive size, they are not overly energetic and are happiest in a quiet, low-stress environment. While they do require daily walks to stay healthy, they are generally easygoing and adapt well to a relaxed lifestyle. Their affectionate and loyal nature makes them excellent companions for families or individuals who enjoy a slower pace, as they love nothing more than being part of the family.

Great Dane

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Despite their impressive stature, Great Danes are famously mellow and make excellent dogs for a laid-back lifestyle. These gentle giants are often called “couch potatoes” because of their love for lounging and napping throughout the day. They are easygoing, affectionate, and enjoy being close to their owners, often thinking they are lap dogs. Great Danes are low-energy dogs that don’t require extensive exercise but benefit from regular walks and a chance to stretch their long legs. Their calm demeanor makes them perfect for families or individuals looking for a large, relaxed companion.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards may be large, but their hearts are just as big, and their calm, patient nature makes them ideal for laid-back living. These gentle dogs are known for their love of lounging and are typically content to relax at home with their humans. While they need moderate exercise to stay healthy, they are not high-energy dogs and are generally happy to spend their days napping or gently playing. Their gentle and friendly temperament makes them wonderful companions for families, especially those with children, as they are patient and protective without being overly rambunctious.

Tibetan Mastiff

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The Tibetan Mastiff is a loyal and independent breed that fits well into a laid-back lifestyle. Known for their calm and reserved demeanor, they are typically relaxed around the house and enjoy observing their surroundings from a comfortable spot. While they do have a protective streak, they are generally low-energy and do not require excessive exercise, making them well-suited for a more relaxed pace of life. Tibetan Mastiffs enjoy their independence but are also affectionate with their family members, making them a unique mix of laid-back and loving. Their thick, fluffy coat adds to their serene, majestic appearance.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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The Bernese Mountain Dog is a calm and gentle breed that thrives in a laid-back environment. Known for their friendly and easygoing nature, they are incredibly affectionate and love spending quality time with their family. While they enjoy outdoor activities like leisurely hikes or walks, they are happy to relax indoors and keep their owners company. Bernese Mountain Dogs are great with children and get along well with other pets, making them an excellent choice for families seeking a low-stress companion. Their calm demeanor and desire to please make them a delightful addition to any household.

Irish Wolfhound

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Irish Wolfhounds are known for their gentle and laid-back nature despite their intimidating size. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and patient, often described as “gentle giants” who enjoy lounging around the house. They are not particularly active and are content with several daily walks, making them great for relaxed households. Their calm demeanor and sweet temperament make them ideal companions for families or individuals who appreciate a peaceful environment. Irish Wolfhounds are also very tolerant and get along well with children and other animals, further adding to their suitability for a laid-back lifestyle.

Lhasa Apso

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The Lhasa Apso may be small, but they have a calm and regal personality, making them perfect for a laid-back home. They are content to spend hours resting on a soft bed or sofa, observing their surroundings with a quiet curiosity. While they enjoy a daily walk or a bit of playtime, they are not overly active and can easily adapt to a slower pace. Lhasa Apsos are known for their independence but also form strong bonds with their owners, making them loving yet relaxed companions who thrive in calm environments.

Whippet

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Whippets are often called the “ultimate couch potatoes,” and for good reason. These elegant, sleek dogs are extremely laid-back and love nothing more than snuggling up on the couch for a nap. They are low-maintenance regarding exercise, requiring only a few short bursts of activity each day, and are more than happy to spend the rest of their time lounging indoors. Whippets are gentle, affectionate, and great with children, making them ideal for families or individuals looking for a calm, easygoing dog. Their quiet nature and love of relaxation make them perfect companions for laid-back living.

Bullmastiff

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Bullmastiffs are large, powerful dogs with a surprisingly calm and gentle demeanor, making them perfect for a laid-back lifestyle. They are not overly active and prefer to spend their days lounging around the house, often keeping a watchful eye on their family. Bullmastiffs are fiercely loyal and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their humans. While they require moderate exercise to stay healthy, they are generally content with short walks and some playtime. Their protective yet easygoing nature makes them excellent family dogs, especially those who want a devoted companion that doesn’t require constant activity.

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows are known for their dignified and somewhat aloof nature, making them well-suited for laid-back living. These fluffy, lion-like dogs are calm and reserved and often prefer relaxing in a quiet corner of the house rather than engaging in hyperactive play. They are relatively low-energy and enjoy a structured routine with leisurely walks and calm environments. Chow Chows are loyal to their family and form strong bonds with their favorite humans, though they may be more independent than other breeds. Their serene demeanor and low exercise needs make them perfect for individuals or families seeking a relaxed and dignified companion.

Embrace Relaxation with Your Perfect Pooch

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These dog breeds are perfect for those who enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. Each of these breeds has a calm and gentle nature, making them ideal companions for individuals or families who prefer to spend their days lounging around the house. Whether you prefer the regal appearance of the Pekingese, the gentle giant nature of the Greyhound, or the affectionate personality of the Maltese, these breeds are sure to provide endless companionship and love. Their low energy levels and love for cuddling make them the perfect partners for a quiet and peaceful life.

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