Calm and Lazy Dog Breeds for a Quieter Life

What a lazy dog breed really is

The AKC scores each breed's energy level from 1 to 5. Very few breeds score below 3, and the Basset Hound's 2 is among the lowest of the popular breeds. A large group of breeds sits at 3, meaning moderate energy: dogs that enjoy a walk and a game but are happy to doze for long stretches. Those are what most people mean by lazy or calm breeds.

Two caveats matter. Puppies of every breed are busy, mouthy and need a lot of supervision, so calm usually describes the adult. And individual dogs vary, so a laid-back breed can still produce an energetic dog. If calm matters most, consider adopting an adult dog whose temperament is already known; shelters and rescues can tell you how a dog behaves at home. Whichever calm breed you pick, size decides the gear: small-dog harnesses for the little ones and beds for giant breeds for the biggest.

Laid-back small breeds

The Shih Tzu, 9 to 16 pounds, is rated 3 for energy and 5 for adaptability, and is happy with short walks and plenty of lap time. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 13 to 18 pounds, has the same moderate energy and a gentle, affectionate nature. The Maltese, under 7 pounds, and the Coton de Tulear, 8 to 15 pounds, are also rated 3 for energy and enjoy being close to their people.

The French Bulldog, under 28 pounds, and the Pug, 14 to 18 pounds, are calm, comical companions rated 3 for energy and 1 for barking. Their flat faces mean they tolerate heat and strenuous exercise poorly, which suits owners who prefer short strolls anyway. Even these breeds need a couple of walks a day, ideally in a comfortable small dog harness, for their weight and their minds.

Calm medium-sized breeds

The Basset Hound stands up to 15 inches and weighs 40 to 65 pounds, with a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years. VCA describes it as an easygoing, calm and reliable housedog that prefers walking and sniffing to running. It does follow its nose, wander and bay loudly, so keep it leashed outside fenced areas. The Bulldog, 40 to 50 pounds, is rated 3 for energy and is content with a leisurely daily walk.

The Clumber Spaniel is a heavier, slower spaniel, 55 to 85 pounds, rated 3 for energy and only 1 for barking, though it drools. The Chow Chow, 45 to 70 pounds, is dignified, quiet and rated 3 for energy, but reserved with strangers and not suited to every family. Both need routine grooming, and the Chow's dense coat needs regular brushing.

Gentle giants

Many of the biggest breeds are surprisingly mellow indoors. The Newfoundland, 100 to 150 pounds, is rated 3 for energy and 5 with young children and is known for its sweet, patient nature. The Mastiff, 120 to 230 pounds, and the Great Pyrenees, from 85 pounds up, are also rated 3 for energy. These dogs need space to stretch out (a bed made for giant breeds helps) more than they need space to run.

Calm does not mean no exercise. Giant breeds still need daily walks to keep muscles and joints strong and weight in check, and their puppies grow fast and need controlled activity to protect developing joints. Expect drool from the Newfoundland and Mastiff, heavy shedding from the double-coated giants and shorter lives, often 6 to 10 years.

The Greyhound: a sprinter who loves the couch

The Greyhound is the classic surprise on calm-breed lists. It is built for bursts of speed, stands 27 to 30 inches and weighs 60 to 70 pounds, and the AKC rates it 4 for energy. Yet VCA describes it as a very quiet housedog as long as its exercise needs are met: a moderate walk or jog, or a sprint in a securely enclosed area, each day.

Most pet Greyhounds are retired racers, adopted through dedicated groups that can match you with one used to living in a home. They have thin coats and feel the cold (a dog winter coat helps), may chase small animals, and usually should not be off leash unless the area is securely fenced. The Whippet, 25 to 40 pounds, is a smaller sighthound with a similar sprint-then-sleep rhythm.

Low-energy dogs need care too

The biggest risk with a lazy breed is weight gain. VCA notes that Basset Hounds tend to become obese, and the same is true of Bulldogs, Pugs and many other calm breeds. Measure meals, count treats and keep up with daily walks even when your dog would rather nap. Extra weight is especially hard on long-backed and flat-faced dogs.

Know the difference between calm and unwell. A dog that is normally relaxed but suddenly becomes lethargic, stops wanting walks, sleeps far more than usual, eats less or struggles to breathe needs to see a vet promptly. With flat-faced breeds, heavy breathing in warm weather can become an emergency, so keep them cool and call your vet the same day if breathing seems labored.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.