It can be a hard decision to choose the right dog for you. Each person needs a dog that suits them just right. Certain individuals need a dog that can keep up with their active lifestyles. Others need one that can sit with them on the sofa.
If the latter choice sounds like the right kind of dog for you then worry not. We've got a list of dogs that don't require you to have a whole lot of energy. They'll need a little bit of occasional exercise but other than that, they would love nothing more than to sit with you and be lazy all day.
Newfoundland
Here's a dog that can grow big! Up to 150 pounds big. They're big and fluffy and have a very good attitude towards people. With the dog being so wonderful with people the American Kennel Club has started calling them a "nanny dog."
The only negative thing we could find about these beautiful fluffs is that they have a tendency to drool a lot. When they get excited and swing their head around you can bet they are going to get drool everywhere.
Basset Hound
Like things that are short and sweet? Movies? Ice cream? Dogs? The basset hound could be the right fit for you. They can be trained with little to no effort and are extremely laid back gods.
Animal Planet has stated that they are very tolerant with children and anyone who would test their patience. They're also low-energy dogs in general. Their only downside is the noise, if you want some peace and quiet when you're at home then maybe they aren't the breed for you.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard might appear in the minds of a few people as quite a handful. This could be from the misconceptions from the movie "Beethoven." In reality, the breed is clever and tolerant.
They're called "gentle giants" by the American Kennel Club and so it's no surprise then that they make great "nanny dogs." They have the same downside as the Newfoundland and will surely drool on your carpet, your floor, and your couch.
Great Dane
Here's another big breed that is sure to give you plenty of love. Sometimes called the "Appollo of Dogs" and may look a bit frightening to inexperienced dog owners but in actual fact, they're some of the most kind and sweetest dogs.
If you ask a Great Dane owner what best describes their dog they would probably tell you that they are laid-back and have a lust for life. They're one of the most loved breeds and when they stand on their hind legs they are actually taller a lot of men.
Greyhound
The most known thing about Greyhounds is how fast they can be. A greyhound can run up to 45 miles an hour and can reach that speed from 0 in less than 30 feet! So you might think that the breed needs constant attention. Well, not really, the dogs may be very energetic when they want to but they're actually fond of being lazy.
According to Animal Planet, grayhounds can be very sweet dogs and even great lapdogs, even if they can't fit in a lap. They don't require a lot of exercise and can be a great pet.
Neapolitan Mastiff
Want a huge fluffy dog that you can cuddle without the hassle of taking it on long walks every day? Then the Neapolitan mastiff could be for you. These dogs may grow to be 150 pounds but they can be just as lazy as you!
Animal Planet has stated that the thing they love the most is people! They'll just want to cuddle up with their favorite person and stay there. They do tend to drool a lot so just be prepared for that!
Bullmastiff
Here is another gentle giant that doesn't have an aggressive bone in its body. The dogs are described as fun-loving and laid back. They will however change if their family is in danger and will defend them.
When getting a bullmastiff just be aware of how big they are. They need an equally big house that can accommodate their enormous size at 130 pounds and 2-feet across their shoulders!
Dogue de Bordeaux
Just look at that face, how could anybody not love it. This dog is the oldest of all the French breeds. They're also called French mastiffs and are said to have a lot of courage and love for their owners.
The secret to these dogs is all about training. American Kennel Association say that the breed is generally quite stubborn and will be assertive over you or any family members if they aren't trained when they are puppies.
English Toy Spaniel
What about small dogs? If you prefer to have something a little on the lighter side living inside your house then here's a dog for you. The English toy spaniel is one of the cutest dogs and only weighs around 14 pounds at the most!
The breed has a very kind demeanor and as stated by Animal Planet, doesn't bark all that much. The biggest issue is actually finding one! If you're in the U.S. then good luck since they're pretty rare.
Maltese
A small pup that can live nearly 20 years, if you adopt a Maltese you’ll find a devoted friend. They are described as very intelligent, perfect for apartment dwellers and people who also own cats, according to Vet Street.
The site also calls the breed “a super therapy dog.” However, they do like to bark and will require some intense grooming at times, thanks to that luscious fur.
French Bulldog
“Frenchies” were bred to be companions, and if you want a low-key dog that can fit on your lap, they are a solid choice. They hardly bark, are very friendly but don’t need much exercise and, according to Animal Planet, will make you laugh with their bat ears and snorting
French bulldogs have become quite popular in the U.S. in recent years but are still quite expensive because the mothers are unable to give birth naturally — they need cesarean sections to deliver their pups.
Scottish Deerhound
This tall, wiry-haired doggy will certainly stick out if you take it to a crowded dog park! Scottish deerhounds do need room to run in the backyard but are relatively low-energy dogs, given their build.
At home, they have “a quiet and dignified personality,” according to the American Kennel Club.
Great Pyrenees
If you want a big, fluffy pup who doesn’t have a ton of energy, you should look into adopting a great Pyrenees. They are described by Animal Planet as medium-energy, natural guardians who instinctively nurture animals that are young or hurt.
How sweet is that? They are mellow, patient with kids and don’t need a lot of exercise or playtime. They do like to bark and can’t handle hot weather, though.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
They may look like a pain to groom (they aren’t), but the Bergamasco sheepdog requires about as little maintenance as any dog. According to the American Kennel Club, these big, hairy pups are patient and eager to please.
They don’t require much exercise and are described as very loving to their humans. In regards to that stunning coat, the AKC says Bergamasco sheepdogs are “basically maintenance-free” and only need to be bathed about twice a year.
Leonberger
This German breed can weigh in at 170 pounds, but its temperament is described as “calm and subdued” by the American Kennel Club.
“Leos” are elegant and graceful dogs who just need to burn off some energy about once a day. The biggest knock against this breed is that they shed a lot, requiring daily brushing, according to the AKC.
English Bulldog
Perhaps the ultimate indoor, family dog, the English bulldog needs almost no exercise or playtime and loves pretty much everyone, including cats. Vet Street says they are mellow, easygoing and they don’t bark.
Unfortunately, English bulldogs face many health issues and are not the easiest dogs to train. But if you want a pup that is happy to just sit by your side, they are hard to beat.
Sussex Spaniel
Spaniels aren’t always the most chilled-out dogs, but the Sussex variety is friendly, affectionate and doesn’t have a ton of energy to burn.
These adorable pups need a moderate daily walk but other than that are happy to rest their frowny face on your lap. Animal Planet says their “mellow affability” means they can be great therapy dogs.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
These regal pups, like their fellow British countrymen the English bulldog, are very versatile pets. According to the American Kennel Club, which ranks the cavalier among its most popular breeds, they “do equally well with active owners and homebodies” and are happy to be couch potatoes.
They are described as gentle and eager to please — but it’s not recommended to let them off a leash because their strong hunting-dog instincts make them run toward interesting smells.
Pug
It’s tough to find an unhappy pug. The American Kennel Club says this beloved breed may be “the ideal house dog,” and can thrive in virtually any living situation.
They don’t need a ton of exercise but the AKC says pugs are prone to obesity, so watch their calorie intake if they’ll be spending most of their time on the sofa.
Shih Tzu
They may not look tough — especially with a bow in their hair — but, according to Animal Planet, shih tzus share more DNA with wolves than most dog breeds. But if you want a gentle, friendly dog, these little pups are a perfect choice.
They were bred to be companions and can meet their daily exercise needs by just running around the house. The biggest knocks against them are that they require regular grooming and are hard to train — but look at that face!
Japanese Chin
If you live in an apartment and consider yourself more of a cat person, the Japanese chin may be the ideal dog for you.
According to Vet Street, chins have been described as “a cat in a dog suit,” due to their climbing abilities and tendency to clean themselves. These pups are very entertaining and unpredictable but also smart, so not too tough to train. They don’t need much exercise and don’t bark much but require plenty of affection and attention.
Irish Wolfhound
Irish wolfhounds are about as affectionate as dogs come. They don’t need a lot of exercise but also shouldn’t be allowed to be couch potatoes as extra weight can hurt their joints. These dogs will adapt to your activity level.
Vet Street says these pups tend to be “calm, intelligent, dignified and friendly” toward most everyone they meet.
Afghan Hound
Another breed that will certainly attract a lot of eyes from others at the dog park is the Afghan hound. These long-haired beauties do need more exercise than most breeds on this list, but they aren’t high-energy dogs.
The American Kennel Club describes them as affectionate yet “independent, dignified and aloof.” Obviously, their coat means they need plenty of grooming attention.
Whippet
Like their greyhound cousins, whippets are very fast (30 miles per hour at a sprint!), but they aren’t high-energy dogs. They are very affectionate and friendly pups who love naps.
Animal Planet says they are perfect for some who wants “a jogging buddy who then wants to chill with a movie and cuddles.” They also don’t need much grooming, hardly bark and are, overall, a healthy breed. What’s not to love?
Bolognese
A perfect dog for someone who works at home or doesn’t spend much time away, this Italian breed is described by the American Kennel Club as “serene and inactive.”
The Bolognese is playful and friendly but has severe separation anxiety, meaning they can’t stand being alone for long periods of time. “Bolos” don’t shed much but do require brushing several times per week to keep that fluffy fur looking good. Finding one may be hard, however, because they are a very rare breed in the U.S.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Not only are Berners some of the world’s most beautiful dogs, they are also known for being calm and gentle. Their ideal living situation is inside with their family but they also love outdoor activity, in case you need a hiking buddy, especially in the cold.
The American Kennel Club cautions that they shed a lot and do require a good bit of brushing each week, but they are pretty easy to train and eager to please.
Chow Chow
These distinctive-looking Chinese pups need moderate exercise but are perfectly happy lounging on the sofa in a city apartment. They have been compared to cats, in terms of how clean they keep themselves, and shedding is only an issue in warmer seasons.
If you want a dog that is “eternally loyal,” the American Kennel Club recommends the Chow Chow.
Pekingese
These cuddly little guys have a background of living among Chinese royalty, which is why Animal Planet says that if you share your home with a Pekingese, “it’s this dog’s house, you’re just living in it.”
They are independent-minded but also thrilled to sit in your lap and take it easy. Pekingese pups have little energy and don’t require much in the way of daily exercise.
Skye Terrier
If you want a chill dog that isn’t a popular breed, the Skye terrier is a great choice. It ranks among the bottom 20 of the American Kennel Club’s 194 recognized breeds, in terms of popularity, but it’s not because they aren’t great pals.
These long-haired, low-energy pups are eager to please their humans and have minimal exercise needs. Due to their lavish hairstyle, Skye terriers need to be brushed daily — but that can be done while you guys relax on the couch together.