Patrick MacFarland · Updated May 6, 2025
Choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle is important if you want a happy home for both you and your pet. If you’re looking for a calm companion who prefers relaxing on the couch over running miles, there are dog breeds that naturally have lower energy levels.
These laid back dogs are a great match for people who enjoy quiet days, need an easygoing pet, or live in smaller spaces. You’ll find that some breeds are much more content to spend time resting and cuddling than being active all day.
1. Bulldog
If you want a calm and relaxed dog, the bulldog is a top choice. Bulldogs are known for their low energy and friendly temperament. They enjoy lounging around the house and do not need a lot of exercise each day. These dogs are great for people who have a quiet lifestyle. Bulldogs are fine with short walks and prefer to spend most of their time resting or cuddling with you. Their laid-back nature makes them easy to care for compared to some more active breeds.
2. Basset Hound
If you want a dog that matches a relaxed lifestyle, the Basset Hound can be a good fit. These dogs are known for their droopy ears and sad-looking eyes. Their calm attitude makes them easy to live with. Basset Hounds often enjoy spending time lounging around the house. They don’t need a lot of intense exercise. Short walks and sniffing in the yard are usually enough for them.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you want a calm and friendly dog, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a strong choice. This breed often enjoys being close to people and will be happy to relax with you on the couch. Because these dogs are small and gentle, they adapt well to living in apartments or houses. They do not need a lot of space to be content.
4. Pug
If you want a relaxed companion, the Pug is an easy choice. This small breed is well-known for its calm personality and friendly nature. Pugs are happy to spend time with you on the couch or nap in a sunny spot.
5. Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small dog with a long, flowing coat and a strong personality. This breed is known for being calm and loving, making it well-suited for people who want a low-energy companion. You will notice that a Pekingese likes to relax and spend time with its owner. They often prefer lounging on soft surfaces instead of running and playing outside for long periods.
6. Havanese
The Havanese is a small dog known for its cheerful personality and easygoing nature. This breed adapts well to different living spaces, making it a solid choice if you live in an apartment or a smaller home. You will find that Havanese enjoy being around people and tend to get along well with kids and other pets. They are sociable but do not need as much exercise as many high-energy breeds.
7. Brussels Griffon
If you want a small dog with a big personality, the Brussels Griffon could be a good pick. These dogs are compact, usually weighing less than 12 pounds. You will notice that Brussels Griffons are smart and playful. Still, their small size means they do not need much exercise. A short daily walk and some indoor play usually keep them happy.
8. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is a small dog known for its calm nature. You will often find them relaxing around the house or lounging by the window. This breed was originally bred to act as a sentinel at Tibetan monasteries. They have a gentle temperament and don’t need much exercise to stay happy.
9. French Bulldog
If you want a calm and friendly dog, the French Bulldog is a good choice. Frenchies are known for being laid-back and easygoing at home. They enjoy relaxing on the couch and do not need a lot of space. French Bulldogs do not require much exercise. Short walks or a bit of playtime is usually enough to keep them happy. This makes them great for people who live in apartments or have busy lifestyles.
10. Bichon Frise
If you want a friendly dog that enjoys relaxing, the Bichon Frise is worth considering. This breed has a sweet and easygoing personality. Bichons are known for being comfortable indoors and sticking close to their people. Bichon Frises are small, so they are easy to handle and carry. You will find that they often enjoy lounging on the couch or sitting quietly with you. They are not very demanding when it comes to exercise.
11. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a large, sturdy dog with a distinctive mane of fur that often looks like a lion’s ruff. These dogs usually stand about 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 45 and 70 pounds. You will notice that Chow Chows tend to be calm and reserved. They are known for being independent and sometimes aloof with strangers. However, they can be devoted and loyal to their families.
12. Bernese Mountain Dog
If you want a large, gentle companion that enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a strong choice. This breed is famous for its calm nature and friendly attitude towards people. Bernese Mountain Dogs are big, but they don’t need constant activity. They are happy to go for walks with you, but they won’t push for long runs or intense exercise. After a simple outing, this breed often likes to rest by your side.
13. Great Dane
If you want a big but gentle companion, the Great Dane is a good choice. These dogs are known for their friendly and calm nature. Even though they are large, they usually enjoy lounging with you at home. Great Danes do need daily walks and some playtime to stay healthy. However, they are not as high energy as many other breeds their size. Most of the time, they are happy to relax and be close by your side.
14. Greyhound
The Greyhound is often seen as a racing dog, but at home, it is calm and relaxed. Most Greyhounds are happy to spend much of the day napping beside you on the couch. This breed needs only a short walk each day. After exercise, you will find that Greyhounds prefer to lounge quietly and enjoy a peaceful home life.
15. Whippet
If you want a dog that is relaxed indoors but still likes to run during walks, a Whippet might be right for you. Whippets are known for being calm and quiet at home. They spend a lot of their time resting or napping on the couch. Whippets need some daily exercise, but they usually get tired quickly after a play session. This breed does well in apartments or small homes because they do not bark much and are not demanding.
16. Irish Wolfhound
If you want a big, calm dog, the Irish Wolfhound may be a good fit. This breed is one of the tallest dogs in the world, but it is known for being gentle and quiet. Irish Wolfhounds are relaxed around the home and have an easygoing attitude. They can move quickly when they need to, but you will usually find them peacefully resting beside you on the sofa. They are not known for being hyper or demanding.
17. Deerhound
If you want a tall and calm companion, the Deerhound could fit your lifestyle well. This breed is large, with a lean, gentle frame and a peaceful attitude at home. Deerhounds enjoy lounging for hours, especially after a short walk. They are usually quiet and polite, enjoying your company without being overly demanding.
18. Shih Tzu
If you want a calm companion who enjoys time indoors, the Shih Tzu is a good choice. This breed has a gentle nature and is happy to cuddle with you on the couch. Shih Tzus do not need much exercise. A short daily walk and some indoor play are enough for them to stay healthy. They tend to be content relaxing by your side for most of the day.
19. English Mastiff
If you’re searching for a calm and gentle giant, the English Mastiff could be a good choice. This breed is known for its laid-back attitude and enjoys spending time relaxing with its family. They often prefer lounging around the house over running or playing outside for long periods.
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
