Are you a dog lover but you don’t have the energy or the time to devote to an active dog breed?
Getting a dog is a big commitment and it isn’t a responsibility that should be taken lightly because they require a lot of effort and time on the part of the owner.
You may have decided to welcome a dog into your home but you’re looking for a low-energy breed or a breed suited for lazy owners.
In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the best dog breeds for lazy owners, taking a look at some popular breeds that may suit a relatively inactive lifestyle.
We spoke to a number of different experts, ranging from dog trainers to veterinarians, pet behaviourists to dog groomers, to hear their suggestions for the best dog breeds for lazy owners.
With the introduction over, let’s start our list of the best dog breeds for lazy owners.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu (Photo: Adobe Stock)
I find Shih Tzus to be quite low energy. While spunky and confident, they are not the kind of dog to run laps around a park and beg for more. In fact, a couple of short strolls lasting about 15-20 minutes each day should be plenty for these dogs. We do need to avoid over-feeding them, as this can lead to obesity when not being exercised much. Obese Shih Tzus are more prone to joint disease and back issues. These dogs are quite clever and do love a short game or training session, but this generally won’t last too long before they want a break or a nap!
Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Veterinarian Consultant At Dogaspet
English Bulldog
English Bulldog shaking her head (Photo: Adobe Stock)
English Bulldogs probably aren’t as lazy as you’d think. However, they have a lot less energy than some breeds, such as Australian Shepherds or most Terriers. Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, which means they have short snouts and wide, bulky frames that make it difficult for them to run for hours like herding and working breeds do, so they’re a great option for lazy owners.
Suggested by Daniel Caughill, Co-Founders Of The Dog Tale
Basset Hound
Basset Hound (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Basset Hounds are known for their short legs and droopy ears. Apart from their cute dopey faces, they have laid-back personalities and don’t require much exercise. However, they do need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy. Additionally, they are generally well-behaved and easy to train. They have a calm temperament and are not known for being overly active or destructive, which means they are less likely to cause damage to your home or belongings. Win-win!
Suggested by Meika Hibbert, Pet Expert At Furry Encounters
Greyhound
Two Greyhounds take a nap (Photo: Adobe Stock)
The Greyhound is an excellent, if surprising, suggestion for the lazy owner. While these dogs love to run, they do so in short bursts and actually need quite short walks each day. This is one reason this breed is suggested as a great companion for pensioners. These dogs are short furred so need minimal grooming; again, great for those who don’t want to spend too much time pampering and preening their pooch. Not prone to anxiety or behavioural issues, this breed doesn’t need a huge amount of mental stimulation or training.
Suggested by Dr Linda Simon, Veterinarian Consultant At Dogaspet
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for its sweet and gentle nature. They are content with short walks and love to cuddle up on the couch with their owners. Another fantastic fact is that they are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a silky coat that only requires only weekly brushing to keep it healthy and tangle-free. Even lazy owners can handle that!
Suggested by Meika Hibbert, Pet Expert At Furry Encounters
Chihuahua
Cream long haired chihuahua walks on embankment in big city (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Chihuahuas are so often overlooked but they’re a wonderful dog to own. I rescued one a few years ago and was amazed at how fantastic the breed is. They’re intelligent, adorable, and ideal for people living in apartments or who don’t want to walk for hours a day. They’re happy with short walks and some playtime. They simply love to snooze in your lap (mine is asleep right next to me now after having slept all day too)! Despite the stigma of the breed, they’re actually very well-behaved with some simple training. And, if you decide you do want to go on more walks, they’re great at hiking too! My Chi is just as happy to walk for a few miles and go exploring as she is to snooze all day. They don’t take up much space and honestly, they’re one of the best breeds I’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with.
Suggested by Ann-Marie D’Arcy Sharpe, Pet Expert At Fuzzy Rabbit
Advice From A Professional In Your Dog Search
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Photo: Adobe Stock)
To suit an individual person’s needs I typically recommend they consider the temperament of the dogs being bred, rather than the breed overall. For example, it is highly recommended that individuals do a hefty amount of breeder research before committing to a breeder. During this time, they should ask the breeder what the temperaments of the parent dogs are like, what their energy levels are, and ask to meet them if they can. There are some great breeding collectives that are focusing on breeding dogs of sound temperament.
Maddie Messina, Animal Behaviorist, Certified Trainer And Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer At Paws For Thought Training
