Low-energy Dog Breeds You Can Be Lazy With
Anyone who watched Beethoven back in the day probably thinks of Saint Bernards as a large breed that can be a handful. But in real life, they are known for being intelligent and patient. The American Kennel Club calls them “gentle giants” and, like Newfies, considers them a great “nanny dog“. Of course, keep in mind that they can grow to be nearly 200 pounds and are known to have a loud bark and drooly mouths.
Another big pup that’s totally lovable and laid-back, the “Apollo of Dogs” looks intimidating but is about as sweet as they come. Great Danes are described as “easygoing” and “a total joy to live with” by the American Kennel Club, which ranks it as one of its most popular breeds. When standing on their back legs, these pups are taller than most people. So if you want a dog that will frighten potential intruders but will be a calm sweetie, this is a great choice.
The first thing you’ll likely think of when you read about greyhounds is their speed (they can go from 0-45 miles per hour in just 30 feet!), but they are also renowned couch potatoes. Animal Planet describes them as “lovable, sweet and charming lapdogs, even if they don’t exactly fit in your lap.” If greyhounds were too much of a handful at home, a busy author like J.K. Rowling wouldn’t have chosen one to be her companion.
If you want a big dog that doesn’t really like playing but loves being cuddly, a Neapolitan mastiff might be the perfect choice. These watchful pups grow to be up to 150 pounds and have low energy and low exercise needs. According to Animal Planet, “their favorite thing in the world is to be with the people they love.” Like other big dogs, Neapolitan mastiffs have a reputation for drooling, with their slobber being described as tough to clean off of surfaces.
These friendly giants are praised for being docile, easygoing and loving — unless their family is threatened. Vet Street calls the bullmastiff “a terrific family dog”, and one that doesn’t need much exercise or playtime to be happy. Just make sure you have enough room for one, however, because they can weigh about 130 pounds and stand more than 2-feet-tall at the shoulders!
How can you not love that expressive face? This breed is the most ancient of all French dogs, according to the American Kennel Club. Dogue de Bordeaux, aka the French mastiff, is described a courageous and affectionate pup. Training is apparently key, however, because the AKC says they can be stubborn and assert dominance over you if they aren’t trained as puppies.
If small dogs are your thing and you want to keep a calm, quiet house, you might want to find an English toy spaniel. These adorable little dogs grow to be 8-14 pounds, are described as having low energy and gentle demeanors and, according to Animal Planet, rarely barking. Finding one, especially a puppy, may be a chore because English toy spaniels are pretty rare in the U.S.
A small pup that can live nearly 20 years, if you adopt a Maltese you’ll find a devoted friend. They are described as very intelligent, perfect for apartment dwellers and people who also own cats, according to Vet Street. The site also calls the breed “a super therapy dog.” However, they do like to bark and will require some intense grooming at times, thanks to that luscious fur.
“Frenchies” were bred to be companions, and if you want a low-key dog that can fit on your lap, they are a solid choice. They hardly bark, are very friendly but don’t need much exercise and, according to Animal Planet, will make you laugh with their bat ears and snorting. French bulldogs have become quite popular in the U.S. in recent years but are still quite expensive because the mothers are unable to give birth naturally — they need cesarean sections to deliver their pups.
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