Not everyone wants an overly bouncy dog. For those who live in apartments or don’t have much outside space, a mellow character might be just the ticket.
Or take a first-time dog owner, who’d prefer a gentle initiation to their canine adventure rather than constant bedlam. Some of us prefer cuddles to chaos. Similarly, there are plenty of dog owners who don’t have the energy, fitness, or mobility to provide two hours of meaningful exercise a day with some of the best dog toys to a highly charged, effervescent hound who will drive you bonkers if his gym routine is not upheld.
Happily, there are plenty of chilled-out dog breeds – of all shapes and sizes – who are content to take life in the slow lane. Dogs aren’t just for walks, they’re also the best companions known to man, loyal friends, and great listeners.
While all dog breeds – like humans – should exercise, there are some with low-energy demands who don’t require you to run a half-marathon seven days a week. Let’s hear it for sofa spuds and sun-bathers! (But don’t confuse them for low-maintenance, that’s another matter altogether).
32 low-energy dog breeds
1. French bulldog
A chilled-out little pup that copes well with apartment living and doesn’t need hours of outdoor exercise. These bat-eared companion dogs are quite happy hanging out and amusing you with their charm and wit. As a brachycephalic breed, they shouldn't over-exert themselves, especially if it’s hot.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A sporty-looking dog bred to spend hours on your lap. This toy breed does enjoy moderate exercise but is just as happy to hang out on the sofa and play the part of homebody. They adapt wonderfully to their owner’s preferences.
3. Pekingese
This toy companion breed, with its roots in ancient China, loves to bond with a favorite human. Unlike the working breeds, this sedate pooch would rather amuse and comfort his owners than tear up the countryside with them. No mud on their paws – this is a dog bred for marble palaces!
4. Bichon frise
A wonderfully charismatic personality, the bichon frise has both charm and beauty – and a plush, velvety coat that just asks to be stroked on the couch. Due to their size and relaxed temperament, this is an ideal breed for city life. Daily play sessions and short bursts of activity are ample exercise.
5. Whippet
This super-speedy dog may come as a surprise on the list of low-energy breeds, but for most of the day, that’s exactly what a whippet is. After a lightning zoomie burst around the yard or dog park, this is a breed that will sleep all day, preferably wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Beauty sleep uses a lot of energy!
6. Boston Terrier
Many dog breeds with a city in their name cope well with apartment living, and the natty little Boston Terrier does exactly that. They are lively and jaunty, but as far as exercise goes, for many of them, a couple of brisk walks to the local cafe will do them just fine. And if that won’t suffice, they love playtime with their favorite human.
7. Basset hound
One fun fact to know about basset hounds is that this endearing hound breed is built for endurance over speed, with his short, powerful legs and heavy bones. Their gait is deliberate, and those little legs can’t carry them very fast, however, they do require moderate exercise to keep that low-slung belly in trim shape.
8. Havanese
Cuba’s native breed is vivacious and sociable but doesn’t demand hours of exercise. Popular with city-dwellers, the Havanese is as happy with playtime in the home as outings around the blocks. They rate company much higher than activity.
9. Bulldog
This thickset bruiser is a kind and docile breed with a distinctive rolling gait that isn’t given to long exercise sessions. These mellow friends enjoy going out for walks and need it to keep their physique trim, but like other short-snouted breeds, their breathing is compromised especially in hot weather. If you want to learn more about the bulldog breed, we have a full profile on them.
10. Papillon
An athletic toy breed, the papillon is ideal for those who love the sporty look, but don’t want a full-on, high-energy spaniel. Their small size means they can cope well with small spaces, and work off excess energy playing games indoors, although they’ll relish outdoor outings too.
11. Chow chow
This muscular breed with a lion's mane ruff is dignified and slightly aloof – until they get to know you. Not for them the frenetic activity of your average terrier, or the gleeful bounciness of a springer spaniel. Instead the chow chow, with its ancient Chinese ancestry, is serene and calm. Moderate-placed walks, avoiding intense heat, and gentle playtime (no rough-and-tumble, so undignified) suit this breed.
12. Pug
This small but mighty breed, with its curious eyes and wrinkled face, is a delightful character for any home. Although they can show a playful side, and need exercise to counteract their love of food, they will happily spend most of the day cozying into the couch. With their short faces, they should avoid strenuous activity in hot temperatures – and they won’t set any records for speed whatever the weather.
13. Great Dane
These enormous dogs may seen imposing, but they are gentle giants with sweet natures. Great danes are naturally sedate, they do not need as much exercise as many imagine, and you have to wait until they are two years old before heading out for anything more strenuous than a walk due to their joints still developing. At the other end of life, when they start to slow down, their exercise requirements will also be minimal.
14. Tibetan spaniel
Bred to act as sentinels outside Tibetan monasteries, Tibbies don’t resemble your average Western spaniel, either in looks or activity levels. There is something zen about this former monks’ companion, and although they are perfectly capable of accompanying their owners on a long walk, they’re just as happy lazing about at home.
15. Saint Bernard
This watchful and patient companion is kind and gentle. Although they are a massive and powerful breed, their wrinkled brow and dark eyes give them a friendly expression, which would have encouraged the stricken Alpine travelers they were bred to rescue.
As a working dog, they can cope with exercise, hiking or even pulling carts, but they don’t need much and are content to pad around their home with their owner.
16. Brussels Griffon
A huge personality in a very small package. Griffs are playful and energetic, but due to their diminutive stature, they don’t take much rough-and-tumble. Half an hour of moderate exercise is deemed sufficient, according to the American Kennel Club, and they’ll spend the rest of their day being a smart, funny, and devoted companion.
17. Newfoundland
A few things to know about Newfoundland dogs are that they are large, powerful, and dignified, and have a charmingly sweet temperament. They are patient, great with kids, and an awesome companion dog. Although they enjoy outdoor activities (particularly swimming) they don’t require hours of activity.
18. Bernese Mountain Dog
An imposing, distinguished breed, who is powerfully built for work, however, their placid nature means their energy levels never boil over. The Bernese Mountain Dog is low-key but with a fun side, and would love to join you for any exercise you’re doing, but won’t demand it.
19. Neapolitan mastiff
The hulky, bulky Neapolitan mastiff, with its baggy folds of skin, was bred as an imposing guard-dog but his intimidating appearance belies a gentle temperament. With those they know and love, they are placid and sweet. Due to their heavy weight, strenuous exercise is a no-no as it puts too much pressure on their joints.
20. Greyhound
A greyhound has exceptional energy within its fast-twitch muscles, but only when it feels like using them – briefly. They are ludicrously fast, running up to around 45mph, but in short bursts. After an extraordinary show of speed, they’ll quickly settle onto the sofa for the day, and love nothing more than chilling out with their owner.
21. Irish Wolfhound
The serene and amiable Irish Wolfhound gives little indication of its roots as a fearsome big-game hunter. These hounds can move extremely fast, but with their patient natures, they are anything but demanding on the exercise front.
They make a great couch potato – if a rather long and spindly one. They do need regular exercise, as do all dogs, but they won’t yip and yap and insist you take them.
22. Japanese Chin
These aristocratic-looking lapdogs have something of the cat about them, and you sense exercise would be on their terms. They’ll enjoy slow walks (not in hot weather, if you please) and exploring the yard independently, but equally will play enthusiastically indoors. As we said, a feline type...
23. Shih tzu
One of the original lapdogs bred for palaces rather than parks, the shih tzu loves attention, pampering and cuddles. Exercise is not one of their top values. A walk if you must, but playing around on the sofa is equally invigorating in the shih tzu’s world.
24. Scottish Deerhound
A majestic coursing hound related to the greyhound, this tall and elegant breed has an incredible turn of foot, but is a trifle lazy, especially as they get older! That said, as they were bred to run and run, it’s ideal if you can cater to that need, but this reserved hound doesn’t typically have energy levels to match their athletic capacity.
25. Clumber spaniel
While most spaniels are off the spectrum when it comes to energy levels, the Clumber is the exception. This large, heavy-boned dog is mellow and friendly. While they have a lumbering appearance, they can be fairly active. However, as spaniels go, they are far from demanding in this regard, and are generally happy to play fetch in the back yard.
26. Bergamasco sheepdog
A diligent working dog, the Bergamasco is low maintenance and eager to please. Their protective natures as natural guard dogs (whether that’s sheep or humans) make them patient and watchful rather than hyperactive.
27. Bolognese
An enchanting little dog with a serious side. The Bolognese is bred to be a companion dog and is calm, faithful, and serene. Although they can be playful and will enjoy short walks, they tend to prioritize friendship over exercise.
28. Chinese Crested
A lively companion breed, this mostly hairless dog suits indoor living due to its lack of coat. Although they are fun-loving, short walks and play sessions should satisfy his energy requirements. But they are intelligent, and will enjoy learning tricks.
29. Biewer terrier
As terriers go, the tiny Biewer (pronounced beaver) is mellow and easy-going. Think of them as a laid-back Yorkie. Their main purpose in life is to provide companionship for their favorite human. They are naturally playful, but can happily amuse themselves with a puzzle toy, learn tricks, and play hide-and-seek.
30. Bullmastiff
Courageous, yet docile, the bullmastiff is a guard dog par excellence. This heavy-boned breed tends to be fairly sedentary but should have moderate exercise to keep in shape. Walking is ideal, as running puts too much impact on their joints.
31. Dogue de Bordeaux
France’s most ancient breed is massive and immensely powerful, but they tend to be sweet and sensitive in temperament and on the lazy side. It takes so much effort to move that big frame! In common with many heavy breeds, they should have light exercise only until they are at least 18 months old.
32. Lhasa Apso
This exotic little dog has a fabulous, flat, hanging coat with a feathery tail. Although a good barnet needn’t get in the way of a serious exercise regime, Lhasas are calm and undemanding when it comes to burning off energy. They’ll self-exercise around the apartment with a burst of the zoomies, and enjoy a brisk walk. No sofa spud, but they won’t drive you mad insisting you take them for a two-hour run.
