17 Laziest Dog Breeds That Are Couch Potato Dogs

basset hound sleeping in a blue chair

Not everyone is an active, jogging enthusiast or leads a super active life. While you may try to stay active, eat well, and be healthy, you may also prefer to kick back, relax, and live a less active lifestyle. Luckily, there are plenty of pups out there that will be happy to cuddle up with you and relax. Here are a few of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potato dogs:

1. Basset Hound

Although they are hunting dogs, these pups are known for their lackadaisical behavior and their complete willingness to sleep the day away. Basset Hounds are loving, sweet pooches that are happy being active or laying around on a lazy afternoon.

One of the facts about Basset Hounds is that they do not require too much exercise; daily walks and some playtime are usually enough. However, this couch potato attitude does make them prone to gaining weight, so they do need to stay away from junk food and get enough daily exercise.

Basset hounds can gain weight easily if they do not have a proper diet, which can cause a lot of joint problems over time. So, be sure to keep the popcorn to yourself and your new film buff will be happy and healthy.

2. Bernese Mountain Dog

These dogs are massive, powerful pooches that were bred to traverse mountains. They are beautiful, sweet dogs that can make a great addition to your family, no matter what size. Bernese Mountain Dogs may be an intense and playful breed, but they are not a high-energy breed.

As one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures, they will be up for a hike or camping. But, they will also be thrilled to come home, get a bowl of water, and pass out as you and your family relax and prepare dinner. These dogs are happy to be active with you, but they overheat easily.

One of the facts about Bernese Mountain Dogs is that they will also often match their activity level to yours, so if you like to stay home, a Berner is happy to be a couch potato dog. Like a Basset Hound, you will need to monitor their diet regularly and keep the food scraps off the floor. This way, they won’t have added weight to their joints and they will stay healthier, longer.

3. Bullmastiff

Bullmastiffs grow into big dogs. Although their size can be intimidating and they are protective dogs, they are also loyal to their families and very affectionate with them. As a guardian breed with a protective instinct, socialization and training are essential.

One of the facts about Bullmastiffs is that they are loving and affectionate family dogs. They often act like lapdogs! Like Great Danes, they often don’t realize or care that they are huge dogs and will happily attempt to crawl into your lap or sit on you for cuddles.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Bred to be a noble companion and a lap dog for royals, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel knows how to relax. Although they will be energetic when they play, they don’t require a lot of activity to be happy and healthy.

One of the facts about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is that they also tend to match their owner’s energy level. So, if you’re more active, a King Charles Spaniel could be convinced to come along in order to spend more time with you. And, if you’re less active, a Cavalier will have no issue taking it easy and relaxing with you.

5. Chow Chow

Known most for being one of the fluffiest dog breeds and their classic blue tongues, the Chow Chow is a wonderful pup for individuals or for small families with grown children. These dogs love to laze about and snuggle up with your family on movie night.

If you decide to add a Chow Chow to your family, be aware that your house will be covered with a not-so-thin layer of dog hair and plenty of drool to spare. Also, these dogs are a low-energy breed. Some facts about Chow Chows are that they won’t be super playful, but they will still enjoy a walk or two with their favorite human.

6. English Bulldog

The common stereotype of English Bulldogs is that they are apathetic, sweet, and sleepy pups that love to curl up on the couch and chew on their bone. Nothing could be truer. These pooches are wonderful couch companions that are fine relaxing by the pool or napping in the afternoon.

Just be sure to take them for some walks every day, spend some time playing, and give your pup a healthy diet to keep them happy and healthy. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds, an English Bulldog will be more than happy to spend time with you relaxing and cuddling on the couch.

7. French Bulldog

Despite being a brachycephalic dog, the French Bulldog can be playful, active, and athletic. If you live an active lifestyle, they will try to keep up to spend time with you.

However, they naturally tend towards being one of the laziest dog breeds and enjoy being a couch potato dog. Daily walks and some playtime are usually enough for them; they’ll be up for more if you are, but they are also happy to just cuddle up and chill out.

8. Great Dane

A Great Dane is a giant dog breed that can be energetic at times. They do sometimes enjoy being active, but, most of the time, they like to relax or sit on you and receive attention.

This makes them one of the laziest dog breeds and is one of the reasons they’re one of the best large dog breeds for small homes. Depending on the personality of an individual Great Dane and the routine you’ve created, you may need to encourage them to get moving.

9. Greyhound

Greyhounds may be known for their racing past, occasional “zoomies”, and for being one of the fasted dog breeds, but they are actually one of the laziest dog breeds. They will be energetic at times, especially when they play or want to sprint, but they prefer to relax.

You may even need to encourage them to go on walks and get some activity in to make sure they get enough exercise. Although they are one of the most independent dog breeds, they are still quite affectionate and loving on their terms. It is illegal to breed Greyhounds for racing purposes in many places, but there are plenty of rescues where you can adopt one if they sound like a good fit for you.

10. Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog and a true companion breed. Although they love to play and will be energetic when they do, they usually prefer to relax and cuddle with their favorite humans. One of the facts about the Havanese is that they were bred to be companions to nobles and aristocrats and do not seem to have forgotten that laid-back lifestyle.

11. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin was originally bred to be a royal lap dog. They are used to lying around and not having much expected of them while also receiving attention and being admired. They have not forgotten this,

Although this toy breed may be energetic and playful during playtime, they tire out quickly and also would rather relax and cuddle. This makes them one of the laziest dog breeds and also a classic couch potato dog. These little dogs know how to lay back and relax while also maintaining a regal and elegant attitude.

12. Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are a giant breed that is known for their sweet temperament and gentle nature. Although they are sturdy, athletic dogs that can be energetic and playful, they often prefer to take things slow and relax.

One of the facts about Newfoundlands is that they are built for the water. They usually love to swim and getting them in the water is a great way for these big dogs to exercise without stressing their joints. Swimming may even be the most active and energetic you ever see your Newfy!

13. Pekingese

Another one of the dogs breeds that were originally bred to be royal companions, the Pekingese is well-accustomed to lying back, relaxing, and taking it easy. They are affectionate and cuddly lap dogs that prefer to chill. They may be energetic if they feel like playing, but they also tend to be lazy and don’t need much daily activity to be happy.

14. Pug

Although Pugs can be athletic and some of them even compete in dog sports, they are usually one of the laziest dog breeds and prefer to be couch potatoes. They may be energetic when they play, especially if it means spending more time with you and they’re used to a routine of being more active.

But, you’ll likely need to encourage them to move and get some exercise throughout the day. Breaking up activity throughout the day is one of the safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs, and it can help you make sure a lazier Pug gets enough daily activity to be happy and healthy.

15. Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds. Although they are a giant breed, they are also low-energy and chill dogs. They can be quite active outside or on a job, but they love being a lazy couch potato dog at home.

A notable gentle giant, these huge sweethearts get along well with children, other pets, and other dogs. Saint Bernards are even known to take on a “nanny” role with children. They may not actively run around to keep up with them, but you can bet they’re sitting or lying nearby and keeping a close eye on things.

16. Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are huge dogs with a guardian background. They were bred to relax and lie around in a specific area until they were needed to guard and protect it, and they haven’t forgotten that.

Although they are a big, sturdy dog breed, they also tend to be pretty low-energy and it may take some encouragement to get them moving on your terms. They can be energetic and playful when they want to be.

One of the facts about Tibetan Mastiffs is that they’re known for being mellow companions and this is why they are considered one of the laziest dog breeds and can be couch potatoes.

17. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers may have a reputation for being active little dogs with big personalities, but they actually tend to be one of the laziest dog breeds. Although they will have bursts of energy and will be energetic when they play, they don’t require a lot of activity and will tire themselves out quickly.

One of the facts about Yorkies is that they are affectionate companions. They tend to prefer to relax and cuddle with their favorite human instead of being on the go. They can be happy to be active if it means spending time with you, but they generally won’t go out of their way to run you ragged.

If you live a relatively low-energy lifestyle, one of the laziest dog breeds that are “couch potato dogs” could be the right fit for you. For someone more active and looking for their dog to keep up, it might be a good idea to explore other breeds or even look into some of the most active dog breeds.

When it comes to adding a dog to your family, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and choose a canine companion who will be a good fit. How active you are, how much time you have to dedicate to a dog’s exercise needs, and more are all things to consider to choose the right puppy for you.