11 Relaxed Dog Breeds That Don’t Need Much

With ears longer than their to-do list, Basset Hounds are laid-back, lovable, and gloriously unbothered by life’s chaos. These dogs are famously relaxed, preferring short walks followed by very long naps. Their slow, deliberate pace means you won’t be dragged through the park, and their affectionate nature makes them great companions for couch time. Bassets are content with minimal exercise, low-key routines, and all the belly rubs you can spare. Bonus: Their melodramatic expressions are highly entertaining.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs are the kings and queens of chill. These stocky snugglebugs would rather nap than jog and believe firmly in taking things slow, sometimes hilariously slow. Bulldogs do well in small spaces and are perfectly happy with short strolls and long snuggle sessions. Their mellow temperament makes them great for low-energy households or anyone who prefers their pet shaped like a loaf of warm bread. If you want a dog that doesn’t need much but gives a lot, the Bulldog has entered the chat.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus were bred to lounge around palaces, and they haven’t forgotten it. These tiny royals are happiest when they’re curled up in someone’s lap, preferably while being pampered. While they enjoy a little playtime, they don’t need intense exercise and are quite content with a leisurely stroll and some window watching. They don’t ask for much beyond affection, a cozy bed, and regular grooming to keep their luscious locks looking fabulous. They’re basically low-energy divas with high snuggle skills.

Great Dane

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Despite their intimidating size, Great Danes are gentle giants who prefer calm over chaos. They love a good walk, but more often than not, they’ll flop down like a sack of potatoes and stay there for hours. Their energy levels are surprisingly low, and they’re usually satisfied with one or two short outings a day. Indoors, they’re quiet, affectionate, and perfectly content to snooze beside their favorite humans, taking up half the couch, of course. Giant love, tiny effort.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier is the ultimate lapdog with a soul as soft as its fur. These sweet, affectionate pups aren’t demanding when it comes to exercise or entertainment. They’ll gladly go on a walk with you—but if today’s mood is “sweatpants and snacks,” they’re completely fine with that too. Their calm nature and adaptability make them excellent companions for chill lifestyles. They basically treat relaxation as a professional sport—and they’re undefeated.

Pekingese

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Pekingese are tiny dogs with old-soul energy and an obvious disdain for cardio. These regal fluffballs were bred to sit beside emperors, and it shows in their slow movements and serious lounging game. Pekingese are affectionate, independent, and extremely good at pretending not to hear you when it’s walk time. Their exercise needs are minimal, and they’d much rather nap in a sunny spot than chase a ball. Think of them as furry throw pillows with opinions.

Clumber Spaniel

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Clumber Spaniels are one of the most laid-back spaniel breeds out there. They’re calm, sweet, and a little goofy—but mostly, they’re experts at chilling. Unlike their more hyper spaniel cousins, Clumbers are content with a relaxed walk and a quiet evening on the couch. Their affectionate and gentle nature makes them great for households where peaceful coexistence is the goal. If your idea of a good time involves snacks, TV, and minimal movement, Clumbers are all about that life.

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows are cool, calm, and independent—basically the introverts of the dog world. They don’t need constant attention, and they’re not exactly the “life of the dog park” type. Instead, they enjoy a stable routine, personal space, and light-to-moderate activity. While they may look like giant teddy bears, they carry themselves with dignity and restraint, making them great for homes that value a bit of quiet. Low energy, high fluff, total vibe.

Japanese Chin

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Japanese Chins are tiny, elegant, and delightfully low-key. They’re not particularly demanding, and they’re perfectly happy lounging in your lap or following you from room to room like a quiet, furry shadow. Their exercise needs are minimal, and they much prefer cozy indoor living to high-adrenaline adventures. Chins have a charming, cat-like independence but still enjoy affection and attention on their own terms. Basically, if you want a dog that matches your “no drama, no sweat” philosophy, this breed nails it.

Maltese

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Maltese may look like little snowballs of energy, but they’re actually very relaxed companions who are happiest in calm environments. While they enjoy playtime, they don’t require strenuous exercise and are more than satisfied with a short walk and lots of lap time. Maltese are affectionate, quiet, and always up for a cuddle. Their easygoing temperament makes them ideal for apartment dwellers and anyone who enjoys a more serene lifestyle. Also, they look amazing while doing absolutely nothing.

Greyhound

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Yes, Greyhounds can run like the wind—but they’d really rather nap. Known affectionately as “45-mph couch potatoes,” Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy once they’re retired from the racetrack. They’re quiet, gentle, and perfectly happy lounging for most of the day, with just one or two short walks to keep their legs limber. Their laid-back personalities make them perfect for people who want a big dog without a big energy commitment. Plus, watching one stretch out like a noodle on the couch is strangely therapeutic.

The Dogs Who’d Rather Nap Than Hustle

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These dogs might just be your spirit animals. They don’t ask for much—just your love, a soft spot on the sofa, and maybe a snack or two (preferably yours). In return, they’ll provide loyal companionship, endless cuddles, and absolutely zero judgment when you hit “next episode” for the fifth time in a row. These laid-back legends have truly mastered the art of relaxation. Spend enough time with them, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself napping more, stressing less, and living your best pajama life.