Lazy Dog Breeds: 20 Low Maintenance Dogs For Busy People

Lazy Dog Breeds

Everybody loves a good dog walk, rambling through the great American countryside with your best friend in tow.

Walking through valleys, over hills, crossing streams, meeting new people and discovering a new favorite place.

However, in this modern day and age not all of us have access to the hills and countryside. And, because of our busy lifestyles, not all of us are active enough to keep up with a Border Collie or Husky

Maybe you are looking for a low maintenance dog to keep in the city with you?

Regardless of your interest, here are 20 lazy dog breeds who are best suited to an urban lifestyle with little grooming, training and exercise maintenance requirements.

20. Scottish Deerhounds

Scottish Deerhounds

The Scottish Deerhound, more commonly just called a Deerhound, is a type of sighthound who is closely related to the Irish Wolfhound.

They are easy to spot as they have the body of a greyhound, most commonly with a long, shaggy grey coat, but this is not always true, as some are occasionally red, fawn or even brindle.

Deerhounds, like other lazy dog breeds on this list, tend to have bursts of energy and enthusiasm.

During these periods, they will run around the house, yard, park or any area available, playing, barking and enjoying themselves.

After this, they tend to curl up in a sunny spot and snooze out the rest of the day.

19. Pomeranian

Pomeranian

Pomeranians are spunky dogs from the spitz family. These fiery little dogs are known for their tenacious attitude towards life.

The earliest recorded Pomeranian was in 1764, discussing a dog called Pomer.

Since then, Pomeranians have been dotted throughout history on the laps of the rich and famous.

Loved for their sassy nature and playful outlook, these canines are a great choice for those looking for a small fluffy lapdog.

Like the Maltese, this low maintenance dog is a perfect inner-city pooch.

However, unlike the Maltese, they are prone to the small dog yapping we see in so many modern breeds.

Mostly, Pomeranians thrive on attention, loving to be by their owner’s side and becoming incredibly distressed without them.

18. Boerboel

Boerboel

Despite their 120 to 200lb size, the Boerboel (pronounced boo-r-bull) is a gentle giant.

This lazy dog breed is known for being great with children.

Historically they were only seen in South Africa, where they acted as a Guardian protecting family homes.

Don’t let their size and history fool you, these dogs make excellent family pets and like Bullmastiffs, they are a very low maintenance dog.

It is likely their couch potato nature comes from their lifestyle as a Guardian Dog. When protecting their homes there wouldn’t be much to do but sentry duty!

Boerboels are a smart canine, so it is important to keep them mentally occupied.

While they may require some encouragement to get involved, these clever dogs are both food and toy oriented so games and training should be a breeze.

17. Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon is a peculiar looking toy dog named after its birthplace, Brussels.

Noted by fans of this rare breed, these canines are known for their big hearts and playful nature.

Provided play is gentle, they do well with children as their playful spirits tend to match quite nicely.

Beyond the occasional chasing of a ball, this low maintenance dog is perfectly content to spend their days perched on their owner’s laps, watching the world go by.

There are two types of Brussels Griffon, smooth and rough coated. While short coated dogs need weekly brushing, rough coated dogs do not shed.

16. Goldador

Goldador

Inheriting the laziness of the Labrador and the passiveness of the Golden Retriever makes this mixed breed a surefire candidate as one of the best lazy dog breeds.

The Goldador is a very lazy breed who loves to exercise and be outdoors, they may just need a gentle reminder of this.

Golden Retrievers are known to be particularly touch oriented so daily cuddles will be a necessity for the Goldador.

Despite having gold in their name, the Goldador may also be cream, chocolate or black (pictured above).

They have either the thick, wavy coat of the Golden Retriever or the thinner, stiffer coat of the Labrador.

The Goldador is often called the ultimate family dog. They are known for their love of kids and have remarkable patience for play with younger children.

15. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

Originally called the Berner Sennenhund, this German dog breed was first seen around 2,000 years ago, when the Romans brought an early ancestor of the breed to Switzerland.

Generally, they were kept as farm dogs, but larger Sennenhunds would be tasked with pulling carts.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are now easily identifiable by their black bodies, white chests and bellies with brown accents.

Their double coats are thick to keep them warm from the harsh mountain winter.

While they were raised as farm dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have the stamina to be on the go all day.

Instead, they have what owners describe as 20-minute zoomies making them ideal lazy dog breeds.

In a fit of youthful energy, the dog will run around, play, and even occasionally howl with joy, before going right back to napping on that couch.

Naturally placid and mild mannered, this dog is a good choice if you have younger children in the home and are looking for a slightly low maintenance dog.

14. Chug

Chug Dog

What do you get when you mix the comical Pug with the feisty Chihuahua? Why only the Chug dog.

This breed is sometimes called the Pughuahua, they are as fun to own as they are to say.

Unfortunately, the Chug tends to inherit the laziness of their Pug parent. Combined with the tenacity of the Chihuahua, you get a very docile pooch who is very sure they are not going for a walk.

With correct socialization, these pooches make excellent cuddle buddies for anyone looking for a 10 to 20 lb companion.

They are kind and loyal, and while initially wary of new people, they warm up very quickly.

13. Maltese

Maltese

The Maltese (or the Teacup Maltese) is a lapdog hailing from ancient Malta.

Their lapdog lifestyle means they are a low maintenance dog who won’t develop yappy and snappy tendencies seen in other terriers mixes.

A natural tendency towards a lazy lifestyle comes from their origin as a companion of the rich and wealthy.

Entirely devoted to their owners, refusing to move from their side, if their owners don’t move around a lot, neither would the Maltese!

Maltese dogs have two hair styles, their iconic long hair for the show ring, and a “puppy cut” (pictured above).

Unlike other lazy dog breeds, the Maltese’s long, silky fur comes in only one color: snowy white! This has been the only acceptable Maltese color for years.

12. Great Dane

Great Dane

Despite the Great Dane breed holding the world record for the tallest dog, these giants are actually known for their relaxed temperament and lazy disposition.

They are good with other people and pets if raised alongside them but can be wary around unknown dogs.

Despite being called a Great Dane, this breed is German in origin, not Danish! They were used as the guardians of estates and occasionally for hunting wild boar.

Although known as lazy dog breeds this canine must have the space for them to sprawl out.

This giant breed will take up too much space in a city apartment and is better suited to somewhere with a garden they can move around in.

These giant dogs come in a variety of colors including fawn, black, brindle, merle or harlequin.

11. Chow Chow

Chow Chow

Originally called Songshi-Quan, which translates as “Puffy Lion Dog”, the Chow Chow has an almost cat like temperament.

These dogs are almost perfectly adapted for city life as they are quite happy to nap in a window seat, watching the world go by in the bustling city below the apartment.

It is widely believed that the Chow Chow breed dates back to between 2,000 to 3,000 years ago.

Over the years they have been kept by Chinese Royalty (with one emperor owning 5,000 Chows), used as war dogs, taught to pull sleds and even been farmed for human consumption.

Chow Chows are fiercely protective of their families; however, this canine tends to bond with one or two more intensely than others.

Consequently, the Chow Chow is a good match for seniors, singles or couples, but not large families.

10. Cavachon

Cavachon

From the giant Bullmastiff to the tiny Cavachon, this smaller dog is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Standing at up to 13 inches tall, this lapdog enjoys the occasional walk but prefers to watch the world go by from its favorite napping spot.

Both the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise are known to be lazy dog breeds due to their heritage as lap dogs.

Consequently, the Cavachon would much prefer to spend their days napping on the couch than running a marathon.

While they do enjoy some play, this is not the canine for you if you are looking for an athletic champion.

Despite their inactivity, this low maintenance dog is incredibly sweet.

Truly dedicated to their owners, they are a great match for seniors who are looking for a lower-energy canine companion as they do well in apartments and can be a good match for urban families.

9. Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff

Contrary to their larger size, Bullmastiff dogs are known for their incredibly zen and relaxed nature.

These 100lb dogs are very well suited to city living, enjoying a stroll around the dog park and then a snooze in the sun.

While Bullmastiff were originally bred to protect farms from poachers, they are in fact massive softies!

You are much more likely to find a Bullmastiff cuddling with a stranger than attacking them.

When raised alongside children, this lazy dog breed acts as guardian towards them, protecting them from anything they perceive as dangerous.

This being said, in most cases the greatest danger they will “save” a child from is a passing car or a neighborhood cat.

8. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher

Although not quite as low energy as other dogs on this list, after a few laps of the living room, the Miniature Pinscher is more than content to take a long nap.

They can be quite active and, when well-motivated, they make excellent agility dogs; however, they are just as content to curl up and watch the world go by.

These low maintenance dogs are particularly popular with apartment dwellers due to their low maintenance lifestyle.

They require very little grooming as their short, fine coats require little brushing and they are known to be quite inactive.

Miniature Pinschers are not for first time owners, as many prospective owners will underestimate their stubborn streak.

7. Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The name Basset is taken from the French meaning “rather low”, a name that perfectly suits these lazy dog breeds!

Despite hailing from hound bloodlines (who are traditionally very active), these dogs are often described by owners as very lazy.

Basset Hounds can be spotted from a mile away by their distinctive waddle walk, long tails and ears, droopy skin and deep eyes.

They are known to be incredibly chatty dogs, constantly chatting with their owners via barks and the not-so-occasional howl.

Since a Basset Hound named Jason became the mascot of Hush Puppies, this breed is sometimes called a Hush puppy!

This breed is known for their laid-back attitude when it comes to life and their natural relaxed nature makes them very mellow.

Because of this, they are a great playmate for children, instead of bouncing off one another they balance each other out.

6. Frenchton

Frenchton

A cross between a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier, the fabulous Frenchton is a dedicated and loyal lapdog.

While the Boston Terrier in this hybrid can make them somewhat active and feisty, the Frenchie parent really slows them down and makes them much better suited to life in the slow lane.

A Frenchton is easily identifiable by the French Bulldog’s bat like ears, their flatter faces and happy expression.

They often have a small curved tail, a short and stout body and long legs.

Like the Miniature Bulldog, this canine is well suited to city living and is highly adaptable making them well suited to all owners, including seniors, singles and even families.

As with the French Bulldog, their flat faces mean they may have respiratory issues such as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome.

Consequently, Frenchtons struggle in heat and may struggle to breathe if heavily exercised.

5. Labrador

Labrador

Labrador Retriever dogs are gundogs by design and consequently can be incredibly active.

However, in 2019 with eyes much bigger than their bellies, the exact opposite is often found to be true, especially for show bloodlines.

While Labradors enjoy a good walk, they are perfectly content to nap out their days by a toasty fire, occasionally waking up for a delicious snack.

After taking a quick look at their temperament it is not hard to understand why they are the number one dog in America!

Friendly, happy and social, they are a great match for first time owners and families. Their relaxed nature makes them great lazy dog breeds for those who are looking to add a loving dog to their busy lifestyle.

Labradors are naturally intelligent and easily trainable, which is why this breed is often seen as service dogs.

4. Chinese Crested Dogs

Chinese Crested Dogs

Chinese Crested Dogs, both Hairless and Powderpuff are known to be very lazy dog breeds.

These dogs very rarely show the desire to run around, like other more active breeds, instead preferring to watch all the action from their delicate perch on their owner’s lap.

Despite their somewhat unusual appearance, Chinese Crested Dogs are known to be intensely loyal and social, getting on well with people and dogs alike.

They do very well in family settings as they seem to have a special way with children.

This devotion to their owners does make them incredibly needy, and they do not do well with being separated from their favorite person.

Consequently, they are best suited to those owners who can be around almost 24/7 to care for these sweet, albeit somewhat low maintenance dogs.

3. Miniature Bulldog

Miniature Bulldog

A cross between a Pug and an English Bulldog, a Miniature Bulldog is a lazy pooch!

Ideally this canine needs between 30 to 45 minutes exercise each day, but these lazy dog breeds are more than happy to find a comfy spot to watch the world go by.

Miniature Bulldogs will forge a strong bond with their owner very quickly and rapidly become devoted to them.

They are great with families too; however on occasion, the unrelenting energy of young children can cause them to become quite active.

Their relaxed attitude towards life makes them a great match for city life, they do well sat in the windows of high-rise apartments watching the world go by.

Their smaller size also makes them compact enough to enjoy city life to the fullest.

2. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound

Dating back as far as the middle ages, the Italian Greyhound is often noted for having 20-minute bursts of energy.

These canines can often be found dozing in the sun, although unlike other lazy dog breeds they do not snore!

While greyhounds love to sleep, fans of the breed often say it is unfair to call them lazy, suggesting instead they are conserving their energy for later play…

Italian Greyhounds are incredibly owner-oriented, loving to be by their owner’s side and becoming quite destressed when separated.

They can be playful, especially around children, making them an excellent family pet, however most days they prefer to go on a short walk before finding a comfy spot to nap the day away.

Another perk of the Italian Greyhounds is that they are often considered hypoallergenic, and therefore are suitable for allergy suffers.

1. French Bulldog

French Bulldog

Affectionately nicknamed “Frenchie”, fans of this breed are aware of this dog’s general disinterest in exercise.

Often owners will spend more time convincing these lazy dog breeds to go on a walk than they will actually walking.

French Bulldogs are the perfect companion dog.

Originally bred for dog fighting, these dogs have moved from the fighting rings to the show ring in the space of 100 years or so.

Now days you are much more likely to see a French Bulldog chasing a ball or receiving a belly rub than showing any form of aggression.

This low maintenance dog is a lazy puppy, but they don’t come cheap. A French Bulldog puppy costs between $2,000 and $2,500 USD.

Their high price tag may have something to do with their ever growing popularity, it certainly pays to be the 4th most popular dog in the country.

Summary

From the tiny Pomeranian to the Great Dane, there really are lazy dog breeds for everyone, no matter what shape, breed and size you are looking for.

If you are looking for a lazier dog breed, a general summary of the two breed groups most suitable would be those bred to be companion animals and those bred for a guardianship role.

Let us know your thoughts on the different breeds listed in the comments below.

About John Woods 300 Articles
John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs, member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, graduate in Animal Behavior & Welfare and recognized author by the Dog Writers Association of America.

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