Lazy dog breeds: the top 15 couch potato pooches

What is a couch potato pooch? Which of our favorite furry friends are considered to be lazy dog breeds? Could one of these world-famous lazy dogs be the ideal lounge legend you’ve been looking for?

Lazy dog breeds are those cute canines who appreciate a more relaxed way of living (no judgment here!). Rather than seeing sleep as a need for more fun and activities, these big babies are content to spend most of the day watching the world go by. For pet parents with a laid-back attitude to life, these may be the paw-fect pup pal for you.

Lazy dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes. From big lazy dogs to small lazy dog breeds, pooches lacking in dog energy can be found in every corner of the globe. Before we slowly paw through our list, it’s important to note that although you may own a lazy dog, this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have daily walks. Even the most sluggish of sofa seals need both physical and mental stimulation every day, as well as a balanced diet to match their lifestyle.

Just a heads up! Every dog is unique, regardless of their breed. If your Frenchie or St Bernard are more hyper than Jim Carry, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your pooch. 

So, let’s power-down and find out which coach canines are the laziest of the lazy dog breeds…

1. French Bulldog

The bubbly French Bulldog may be a social snuffle-dog, but don’t let that friendly nature fool you. These pups are perfect for apartment city living, not only because a trot around the block is all they need each day, but they love the life of leisure. As lazy lap dogs go, they are top tail for small lazy dog breeds.

2. Basset Hound

It’s fair to say Basset Hound puppers are born looking lazy. From their droopy eyes to their plodding paws, the Basset Hound is just as happy snoozing as it is sniffing. Although bred to be hunting dogs, these long-eared loungers are happy to leave the racing and running to those with larger legs.

3. Pekingese

Possibly the most sophisticated of lap dogs, Pekingese are professional perchers. Pet parents of these floofs will know they are as loyal a companion as they are lazy. Though daily walks are a must, the Pekingese is always content with being carried, if need be.

4. Great Dane

The first of our big lazy dog breeds, the Great Dane may be all leg and length, but they would rather use their powers for relaxing than running. Great Danes are remarkably clever, so despite not being the peppiest pup, be sure to keep them mentally engaged with toys and puzzles.

5. Saint Bernard

As big lazy dogs go, few can top the Saint Bernard. Bred to roam the Swiss Alps to search for and rescue avalanche survivors, these mighty mutts are the perfect plodders for family homes. Calm, patient, and obedient, the Saint Bernard makes for an excellent draft excluder as well as furry friends.

6. English Bulldog

Proud, paunchy, plodders, the English Bulldog is the prime example of how to lead a life of leisure. They are the ideal idols for those on a gentle schedule and often have very little to complain about. Naturally quiet dogs who shed a minimal amount, as lazy dog breeds go, these guys really take the biscuit. 

7. Chow Chow

Although the Chow Chow has a reputation for being aloof and stubborn, when in their home habitat they are as complacent as a calm sea. Like many of the dog breeds on this list, they can often be reluctant to venture outdoors, particularly if the weather is not to their liking. However, because of their size, these fluffy fellows require a minimum of one hour for their daily walks.

8. Pomeranian

Considered to be the friendliest of pint-sized pups, the Pomeranian is a super sociable showstopper. However, although often all bark, these little lions lack any energy to bite. Perfect for small homes, these regal ragdolls require daily brushing and monthly grooming. It pays to look so fabulous! 

9. Havanese

This may be a surprise to pet parents who have ever known a Havanese, but these little miniature fluffs fit comfortably into our top lazy small dog breeds. Sociable, smart, and sassy, these miniature minions are the ultimate couch potato. Ideal for quiet homes with a slow pace, these paw-some pals are perfect for pet parents with mobility issues.

10. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland may look like a black bear from a distance, in fact, other than their eating habits, they are anything but bearlike. Originally bred as cold water rescue dogs, these huge huggables happily fall in with the big lazy dog breeds crowd. Despite their affinity with water, they will not go actively seeking pool parties unless their pet parents ask them to. Yet another perfect pooch for families, these silly saliva snuffs are great with kids of all ages.

11. Bernese Mountain Dog

With the personality of a Golden Retriever and the energy levels of a panda, the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of the laziest loafing goofballs. Like the Saint Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog was designed to live and work in the Alps. As the protectors of mountain herds, their booming bark is enough to scare any potential predator. However, when it comes to strenuous activities, you’ll most likely find the Bernese Mountain Dog catching up on some well-needed sleep.

12. Shih Tzu

If asked to think of a lazy small dog breed, many will think of the Shih Tzu. With origins as dogs of Chinese royalty, if you’re looking for the least industrious lap dog, the Shih Tzu may be for you. Loyal as well as leisure lifestyle icons, these tiny tyrants make for excellent guard dogs as well as couch companions.

13. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Make way for the most royal of small lazy dog breeds! Pretty and proud, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are easily recognized by their small stature, long ears, and ability to use their pet parents as human taxis. However, they are a fabulous favorite for those seeking a half-sized hound. In fact, their namesake, King Charles II of England and Scotland was said to have owned at least a dozen at any given time!

14. Pug

As another staple of the small lazy dog breed collection, the Pug is arguably one of the most lethargic creatures in existence. As pups, Pugs can be playful and enjoy socializing as much as any baby fur friend. But, as they age, the speed of life takes a back seat for the Pug as they prefer life in the slow lane.

15. Japanese Chin

As mentioned previously, daily walks are a must for every dog breed. However, the Japanese Chin takes the biscuit for minimal exercise effort. As contenders for the laziest of lazy dog breeds, the Japanese Chin would generally prefer snoozing on the sofa to an afternoon stroll. These pooches give a whole other meaning to the word ‘precious’. 

Are you the pet parent of one of these lazy dog breeds? Or did we leave off any important dog breeds you think should have been included? If so, have your say on our Community Forum. Otherwise, head to our dog sitting page to find the latest and loveliest pet people near you.