From apartment dwellers with limited space to families with young children who need a calm companion or first time pet owners who want a pup that’s easy to manage, there can be many reasons why you might be looking for a more low-energy breed. Fortunately, there are many such laid back breeds in every size range so you should be able to easily find one that is the perfect match for you. Below you can read more about some of the more popular low energy breeds and hopefully find the right dog for your needs.
Identifying the Most Easy Going Breeds
Before we take a closer look at these breeds it’s important to remember that "low energy" doesn’t mean "no effort". Even though these are breeds that are perfectly happy lounging around the house and taking long naps, like all dogs they still require some regular physical and mental stimulation in order to maintain good health. If you’re looking to avoid putting in any effort, then dog ownership may not be for you but with these breeds you can at least minimize the amount of stress involved and still enjoy a loving relationship with your furry best friend.
- Basset Hound – When it comes to laid-back breeds, the Basset Hound is usually one of the first that most people think of. With their short legs and heavy bodies, these dogs are not exactly built for high energy and are more than happy lazing around the house. They are known for being affectionate and make great family pets and can easily thrive on a minimum of regular exercise.
- English Bulldog – Another breed that quickly comes to mind when thinking "easy-going" is the English Bulldog. These stocky pups with their distinctive wrinkled noses and prominent underbite are probably one of the most easily recognizable breeds. They are known for being very gentle and loving companions, especially with children, and are usually content with short walks or brief exercise periods.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – With a beautiful, long silky coat these hearty little spaniels may require a bit of regular grooming but they aren’t quite as fussy when it comes to exercise. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment dwelling and their loyal nature means they love nothing more than being with their family, even curling up on your lap for hours at a time.
- French Bulldog – This charming little breed is enjoying quite a boom in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why. They have an adorable appearance and a friendly personality to go with it, making them a perfect family dog and their small size lets them adapt to almost any living situation. They are also a great choice for anyone looking for a low energy dog, requiring only short walks and some indoor playtime to get all the exercise they need.
- Great Dane – Laid back doesn’t always mean small size. In fact, there are quite a few larger breeds that are actually ideal for anyone who wants a calm, easy maintenance companion. Perhaps none fits that bill more than this gentle giant. Despite their large size, Great Danes are known for their low energy lifestyle. They are friendly and good with children but their size means they require a little extra room to relax and unwind.
Whether you’re looking for a small, medium or large size dog there are plenty of options to choose from that will provide you with the low energy, calm demeanor you want. Just remember that even the most laid back dog will still require regular grooming, exercise, and wellness checks in order to ensure they live a long, healthy life. Keep this in mind when choosing your furry friend and you’re sure to find the perfect companion for your low key lifestyle.
