10 Low Energy Dog Breeds That Will Indulge Your Inner Couch Potato
Michelle Milliken
Most of us have an inner couch potato, though some of us may indulge it more than others. There are plenty of dog breeds that can encourage you to do that, because they’re ready to join you as you laze about. If you’re looking for a couch buddy, look no further than the following relatively low energy breeds.
Basset Hound
Basset hounds were bred to work, but they’re also comfortable with a good lounge-fest. Known to be laid back and patient, these pups are affectionate with their families and other pets in the home. Though they aren’t high energy, it is important that these 50-pound short pups stay in shape to avoid obesity and protect their backs. This can be accomplished with a moderate daily walk at a manageable pace. They also enjoy scent work to take them back to their days on rabbit hunts. They used to do this with other dogs, so having fellow pups to snuggle with at home can be ideal.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, named for King Charles II, lives up to its royal name by reigning well over the household, and especially over the laps in its household. This good-natured, gentle pup loves to be around its people and even other pets. While it is 15 pounds of pure cuddles, it still requires some exercise. Moderate walks suffice, though it can enjoy dog sports because it’s fairly easily trained.
English Bulldog
The solid English bulldog, weighing in at an average of 50 pounds, may look like a bodybuilder, but it’s a bit of a couch potato at heart. Good with apartments, as long as their people are nearby, these pups are calm, easygoing, and happy with low endurance activities. However, to keep fit, they do require moderate daily walks, as long as you avoid taking them out when it’s really warm. Due to their short snouts, they struggle with the heat. Lounging by the A/C will be better for them on days like that.
French Bulldog
Much like its English bulldog cousins, when the French bulldog gets its short daily walk, its people should check the temperature first. They need to stick inside when the weather is hot, but they’re also among the breeds most sensitive to cold. Staying inside is fine by these pooches, as they’re 25 pounds of cuddly charm. They love their families, enjoy the company of other pets, and require limited daily outdoor exercise or even a yard. They do require comfortable laps, though.
Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees may have spent hundreds of years keeping sheep safe in the Pyrenees Mountains, but they’re not all that high energy. They only sprang into action when an attack was imminent, after all. The calm and patience involved in their watch translates to the home today. Weighing in at 100 pounds or more, you’d think they’d require lots of exercise, but they’re not all that active, with moderate exercise sufficient to keep them fit and healthy. For the most part, the Great Pyrenees enjoys a calm and quiet home, but will be very affectionate and protective of those within it.
Mastiff
Mastiffs have been guard dogs since the days of the Romans, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to start chasing after everyone. For a pup whose weight reaches into the triple digits, they’re remarkably low energy. Their exercise requirements are so low, in fact, that they can even live comfortably in apartments. A half-hour daily walk suffices, as does a fun active game. Be warned, though, they’re known to lay down outside in the middle of their walk if they’re done. Talk about a couch potato… a loving couch potato, though, known to be brave, affectionate, protective, and good-natured.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs are very protective, known as nanny dogs to kids, and are even protective of strangers’ lives, as they have a history of lifeguarding in the past. These 100-plus-pound dogs have long worked with watermen, but they don’t require all that much activity. As part of their daily moderate exercise, though, they appreciate a good swim. In the home, on the other hand, they’re very laid back, patient, calm, and known to be one of the more affectionate dog breeds. As long as they have plenty of space around the house and the yard, they’re more than happy to relax with you.
Pug
Mischievous, charming, and so affectionate they’re even among the dog breeds that are friendly with cats, the pug really enjoys lazing the day away. These 15-pounders are playful, but their exercise requirements aren’t too extensive. They need a moderate intensity walk or some higher intensity play each day to keep fit, though they don’t really need a yard and are happy in an apartment. They are a little demanding when it comes to attention, so when they’re ready to kick back, they’d prefer if you were with them. They’d also like you to bring the snacks.
Saint Bernard
Much like the Newfoundland, Saint Bernards have a history of saving lives, only in their case, it was people who had gotten lost in the snowy Alps. Though these 100-plus-pound, strong dogs look like they’re ready to hit the doggie gym, they don’t need as much exercise as you may think. Somewhat lower energy, a moderate long walk or half an hour of play each day suffices, provided the temperature isn’t too hot. They’d love heading out on a wintry day, though, as they’re among the breeds that love the snow. Something they’re warm about, on the other hand, is love. They’re extremely affectionate and protective of their loved ones, and they’re up for a good, drooly lounge session on the couch whenever you are.
Shih Tzu
The diminutive shih tzu, weighing no more than 15 pounds, was bred to be an indoor companion dog, so it’s perfectly happy taking up space on the furniture. These dogs don’t need much in the way of exercise, just some short daily walks or inside activity. However, they do have higher social needs, as they’re very affectionate and eager to please, which does make them fairly trainable. They’re also known to be good with the family and other pets, so they’re a good shadow for anyone looking to take a break.
