Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Image: Getty)
As much as any dog loves walks or going to the park, there are breeds that veer into couch potato territory. Some furry friends simply need fewer walks and consider time better spent when snoozing away or cuddling.
Of course dogs differ even within the same breed, but generally, some canines are less active and happier to lay about. To find out which breeds suit a more relaxed home, Express.co.uk sought out the opinions of four dog experts. From an ‘extremely lazy’ breed to one that’s happiest relaxing on the sofa after a gentle walk, some dogs are happiest living life in the slow lane.
But a few dog experts were quick to add a caveat when calling any dog ‘lazy’.
Read more: Dog trainer claims certain breed is ‘not suitable’ for a family home
Read more: The top 7 best behaved dog breeds according to a behaviourist
Shih Tzu (Image: Getty)
Adam Fehmi, canine behaviourist expert at Rover.com, said: « As a behaviourist, I wouldn’t classify any breed as ‘lazy’, however some breeds are certainly lower in energy than others. »
Veterinarian Dr Scott Miller, an ambassador for Birmingham Dogs Home, echoed that he prefers to dub them ‘less active or energetic’ or ‘quieter’.
« While they may not need hours of exercise each day, they still benefit from daily walks, mental stimulation, and plenty of love and care. »
The six laziest dog breeds
1. Shih Tzu
Small and affectionate, the average Shih Tzu doesn’t need too much physical activity. They were built like this — as canine behaviourist Fehmi pointed out, short-nosed breeds like Shih Tzus and Pugs tire more easily because of their airways.
They do, however, need lots of love.
« These small, fluffy companions thrive on attention and snuggles, » said Ciara Pollen, dog behaviour and training advisor at Woodgreen Pets Charity, the home of Channel 4’s The Dog House.
Pollen, who is an animal training instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council, added: « Their exercise needs are relatively low, with short walks and daily play usually enough. Their long coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooms to prevent painful matting. »
Chow Chows are ‘extremely lazy’ (Image: Getty)
2. Chow Chow
The sturdy and fluffy Chow Chow is a vision to behold. Even though they’re not energetic, this ancient breed is not an easy dog, especially for first-time dog owners, warned Pollen.
Chow Chows were once used for guarding, pulling and companionship – and they still display those guarding instincts.
The dog trainer commented: « Chows are typically independent and cat-like in nature. They’re often content with garden play and a daily walk, rather than long runs.
« However, they can be wary of strangers and have strong guarding instincts, so they need experienced handling and careful socialisation. They’re certainly not an easy first-time dog! »
Some dogs are lazier because of their personality rather than their physiology, as Fehmi put it: « For some this is temperament-related, for example the Chow Chow is, in general, a low energy breed that in general enjoys the quieter life. »
Dr Aimee Warner, resident veterinarian at Waggel, said: « Chow Chows are quiet and serious; they are extremely lazy and are fine with a small amount of exercise a day. »
Basset Hounds were bred for long walks (Image: Getty)
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are distinctive for their droopy faces, huge ears, and short legs. Though they’re on the lazier side, they were bred to go the distance.
Pollen explained: « Bassets were bred to track scents at a slow pace so hunters could keep up. They enjoy steady, leisurely walks and can go for long distances, but aren’t built for jogs or strenuous hikes. »
Their body shape makes them prone to back and joint issues, as well as obesity, she said, which makes regular vet checks and weight management « vital ».
Veterinarian Dr Miller agreed: « Heavier-bodied dogs like Basset Hounds are built for steady strolls rather than long-distance runs. »
4. Great Dane
One of the largest dog breeds in the world, Great Danes are the epitome of gentle giants, say the experts.
« Some large dog breeds are actually ‘lazy’, » said Dr Warner, with the vet noting: « Great Danes and Mastiffs are two that may surprise you with how laid-back and easy going they are. These often gentle giants are happy with a quiet space over constant activity. »
Pollen says the giants are ‘surprisingly calm’ indoors, spend much of the day snoozing, but sadly, have short lifespans.
« A couple of short daily walks are usually enough. Their size means higher costs for food, medication and equipment, and sadly, they have a short lifespan (around six to eight years) and are prone to joint and heart issues. »
Great Danes are gentle giants (Image: Getty)
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These doll-faced spaniels are fountains of love who require short walks and play sessions, rather than intense exercise, said Pollen.
« Affectionate and people-orientated, Cavaliers are often happiest curled up with their family. Sadly, they are prone to serious inherited health issues (such as heart disease), so always choose from fully health-tested parents and budget for vet care. »
6. Greyhound
Though they’re famously fast, Greyhounds burn through their energy reserves quickly.
Dr Miller said: « Greyhounds are famously the fastest breed, yet are equally well-known as ‘couch potatoes’, happiest relaxing on the sofa with their owners after a couple of gentle strolls. »
« Greyhounds, although incredibly fast sprinters, prefer short bursts of energy followed by plenty of relaxation. These traits have developed over generations and are part of what makes each breed unique. That said, all dogs still need daily walks, mental stimulation, and loving companionship to live happy, balanced lives. »
Greyhounds are renowned sprinters and couch potatoes (Image: Getty)
