Are you looking for a dog who’s content living a cat’s life? As in: prefers lounging at your feet over hiking through the hills? Not a problem! While all dogs need walks, some breeds are low-energy, with minimal exercise requirements. StudyFinds researched those breeds to find the most laid-back dogs to hang out with.
But don’t get too excited about doing nothing. Even if your entire family prefers the couch, getting enough exercise is still important. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity on a weekly basis. The stakes are high: A study conducted at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst found that adults between 38 and 50 who took at least 7,000 steps daily — about three miles — were much less likely to die over the next decade. Talk about motivation!
If 150 minutes or 7,000 steps sounds like a lot, don’t fret: You may get away with less — if you’re old enough. Researchers from Northwestern University’s School of Medicine found that just an hour of brisk walking each week — about 9 minutes per day — can already help curb disabilities related to arthritis, achy joints, or stiff muscles among older individuals. “This is less than 10 minutes a day for people to maintain their independence. It’s very doable,” said study lead author Dorothy Dunlop, professor of preventive medicine. Doable indeed. Just make sure that it’s enough exercise for your pup as well!
To help you find a companion well-suited for your relaxed lifestyle, StudyFinds reviewed ten expert lists of the calmest dog breeds and created our own list with the top-five most laid-back dogs. Do you agree with our list? Please let us know in the comments.
The List: Most Laid-Back Dog Breeds, According to Experts
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
While appearing rather perky, the cavalier is the dog all experts recommend if you’re looking for a laid-back pup. “The cavalier is very playful and affectionate and calm in the house,” knows The Spruce.
Naturally, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has background info on the breed: “Dating back to Renaissance times, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for their prestigious nobility and gentle demeanor. Bred through generations of royals like King Charles I and his son Charles II, their sweet expression and round eyes make them hard to resist.” The AKC further notes that “due to their welcoming disposition, the Cavalier makes a great therapy dog.”
And while these dogs are generally calm, they don’t mind a little playtime. “This adorable, toy-sized breed is known for its adaptability. If its owner is active, it will gamely march along on hikes or go fetch. If its family is more into lounging, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are happy to chill,” writes Southern Living.
2. Irish Wolfhound
Anything but toy-sized, the magnificent Irish wolfhound is known to be a “gentle giant.” These dogs were “originally bred to rid the Irish countryside of wolves,” but today they are lovers, not fighters, who like to “spend their time lounging around like kings,” says Good Housekeeping.
“While a huge, leggy dog might not seem like an obvious choice for a calm household, Irish wolfhounds are actually content to lounge at your feet most of the time,” confirms K9 of Mine. They further “tend to be affable with other canines, low-shedding dogs (thanks to their wiry coats), and [are] happy to sprint around the yard or park for a little while rather than hitting the trails every day.”
Plus, this “historically recognized breed” “is incredibly intelligent and sensitive to their owner’s emotions, making them fantastic therapy dogs,” writes Parade Pets.
3. Basset Hound
This dog’s looks don’t deceive. These droopy-eyed pups are as calm as they come. “Known for their big floppy ears and adorable sad eyes, Basset Hounds are also regarded as one of the most calm dog breeds out there,” says Great Pet Care. “Basset Hounds are typically very easygoing, friendly toward people and other dogs, and known to be good with children.”
“One only needs to look at those short legs and heavy-set bodies to realize this dog was not designed to set speed records. And, Bassets seem to know it,” claims Southern Living. “Happy to plod along on slow walks or just nap in the sun, the only time you’ll ever see them in a full sprint is when a rogue hot dog hits the floor. As a bonus, they’re known for being exceedingly patient and loyal…and what mortal can resist those ears?”
So, if your motto is no sports, these guys are game! “Short and stubby and with ears for days, basset hounds tend to be quite low-energy dogs.” Despite “their baying hound voice, … their energy levels are perfect for calmers households,” mentions K9 of Mine.
4. TIE: Saint Bernard and Newfoundland
Speaking of droopy-eyed: the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland both are easy-going, gigantic fluffballs with somewhat saggy lids. And both have lifesaving skills! All those similarities are probably why they got an equal amount of experts’ recommendations for people looking for a laid-back dog. Reader’s Digest, for instance, describes the Saint Bernard as “patient, peaceful, and gentle” and calls the Newfoundland “affectionate and good-natured.”
According to the AKC, the Saint Bernard (who, in the olden days, helped Swiss monks rescue missing travelers), despite being “large in stature,” is “genial in disposition. […] Kind, with big hearts, Saints [!] will learn quickly to respond to commands and obey their humans. These gentle giants would fit best with families that can devote a lot of time to them, as they love being with their owners.”
Equally, the Newfoundland “is giant but has a mellow temperament, and their exercise needs are minimal beyond daily walks. This working breed was developed to assist fishermen in Canada, where they worked on ships, hauling fishing nets and rescuing swimmers in trouble. The Newfoundland is renowned for its gentle temperament and calm personality, something that makes it an excellent family dog,” adds The Spruce.
5. French Bulldog
This popular breed tends to be “goofy,” but still comes highly recommended as a laid-back dog as French Bulldogs are “considered to be easygoing best friends for seniors, children, and apartment dwellers,” as well as “smart, devoted, and [craving] attention from their hoomans,” notes Daily Paws.
“Although they’re known for having energy as young pups, after turning two or three, you’ll see that your Frenchie has become a calm, even-keeled dog,” states The Pioneer Woman. “In fact, once they’re adults, Frenchies are often considered to be one of the calmest dog breeds around.”
But before you buy a French Bulldog, K9 of Mine wants readers to know that “it’s important to support Frenchie breeders that avoid breeding for hyper-exaggerated big heads and flat faces; [like the Cavalier King Charles,] this breed can be plagued by health issues related to those ultra-cute faces.”
Note: For simplicity’s sake this list consists of purebreds. Mixes of the breeds mentioned can of course also be very laid-back.
You might also like:
- Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
- Best Dog Breeds for Families
- Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
- Best Dogs for Emotional Support
Sources:
- Reader’s Digest
- Southern Living
- Daily Paws
- American Kennel Club
- K9 of Mine
- Parade Pets
- Good Housekeeping
- Great Pet Care
- The Spruce
- The Pioneer Woman
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
I have always adopted a fur baby to give them 5he same family love I have given to my children, etc. They become my children
I need a lonely pup that will not only give her the love she needs; but, also that I need.
American Staffordshire Terriers or “pit bulls” are very laid back. They’re Huggy Bears!
I totally agree with you 👍 💯!! I’ve had pit bull blends practically my whole life 😃😁😊!!!!
Remind me of the saintbernard and the great Great pyrenee!
Yes you are so right
I am so lonewas ly wit hout my fur baby of 20 yrs, shewas the best furever. After she passed and then I got an Argent Duguo. I loved her so and then I had a stroke and the fellow who was taking care of her put her to sleep/dowm. I miss her all waking moments. Are you able to connect me with a fur baby as much as I need her🥰
Go to the SPCA sweetie they are literally killing dogs everyday because they have no where to put them! Help save a dog and they will help save you I’m sure !
l wish you luck. I understand exactly how you feel. Ppl always got crazy game messing with our business that aint theirs.
You forgot to mention the Bernese Mountain Dog!!, their temperament comparable to the Newfoundland. I had one for almost 10 years and he was the most laid back, happy companion you could wish for!!❤️
I am a veterinarian and have a special interest in behavior, training and rehabilitation, and studies like this one put the wrong type of dog in the wrong house hold. Owning a giant breed is a completely different lifestyle, as well as financial commitment than most other breeds. Also, the breeds you list are regularly overbred and have serious health issues because of it. Please be mindful when you promote purchasing of dogs that people don’t actually know anything about. It’s dangerous for the animals, and often time society as a whole. Trust me, I currently have three Newfoundland’s, and we have had seven in the past decade I’ve been practicing. I also work three different jobs as a vet, including working for VIN full time, running my own practice and working at our 24 hr ER, you can check out the VIN Foundation and VeterinaryPartner.com for free resources. Please feel free to contact me if you’d like more information on dog adoption and purchase. Thank you for doing what is best for all creatures!
Yes! Thank you for saying something. This article is terrible for promoting breeds that are expensive and can have severe genetic health issues.
Thank you for your helpful comments. I am a senior looking for a small, calm dog. This article was of no help.
Maybe a Cavalier spaniel but you know I can not afford big$$$ for a dog,maybe we should look for a dog that needs a home not show dog but I pray you and i both find a perfect dog and myself I love catz too so looking for 2 catz love jet’aime morgan Hilton ❤️
Thank you for addressing this. I have a male and two female Pyrenees here in central,, NC where we raise beef cow’s….. Three year’s ago my female raised 9 pup’s that sold almost overnight….. Recently she raised another litter of 9 pup’s and they were slow to sell at discounted prices….. Checking ad’s I realized there were numerous ad’s for Pyrenees pup’s from huge litters….. While I am confident our pup’s went to good home’s with acerage and other animals needing protection we decided to have our female’s spayed and had one spayed this week and have an appointment to have the vet spay the puppy’s mom that the humane society deemed too heavy for them to safely spay at 130#…… We regard the Pyrenees as a niche breed not-for-everyone dog mainly for their huge size and for their need of a large area to feel comfortable….. We have no regrets for investing in these huge loving creature’s but would recommend that folks research Pyrenees thoroughly before committing and know that that cute little polar bear looking pup will become a 100#+ mammoth down the road….. And while it saddens us greatly to know we might never experience any more pup’s, it would sadden us more to think that some of our dog’s offspring might end up in a difficult situation……
My French bulldogs are anything but laid back!! They are the most hyper playful dogs. Non-stop running and playing. English bulldogs on the other hand are way more calm
I was surprised that the English Bulldog wasn’t on the list, most are very laidback.
We are both in our mid 60s. We have had many different dog breeds throughout the decades. Some purebred..Some mixed..Including GSD/Alaskan Mal/Wolf. Currently have two female GSD Siblings. They are 9 months of age. They are just beginning transition from “typical puppy behavior”..Into adults. They are SO CHILL/LAID BACK as long as we walk a mile or two daily with lots of playtime mixed in. They aren’t the best at receiving company however..And are fierce watchdogs! Before them we had a Belgian Shepherd(Malinois) /German Shepherd mix. She was amazing! LOVED visitors! Even strangers!? My point is this: I believe ANY dog regardless of breed can be calm and friendly with proper training and guidance, etc..
Omg. Are you serious ?
The most laid-back dog breed would have to be a male Great Pyrenees
AKA The Gentle Giant
How could you miss this ???
I have a Frenchie. In all my years of owning dogs he is the highest maintenance dog I’ve ever encountered. This is so wrong . They are not laid back at all.
How did the French Bulldog make this list? Everyone of them that I have met is totally bonkers.
The greyhound should have been #1 on this list.
I have a Newfoundland,8 years old,my second fur baby i am so proud of him ,gentle laid back fur baby of mine,all thats been said about the breed is true,it dosnt matter how old you are i am 76 its the training from birth that matters,they understand when your un well, down in the dumps and so forth ,my boy carries the hose around for me when i am watering, they are so easy to teach i love him he keeps pulling me through when i am not well, thanks for the good write up. Should be more of it for them.
I had a Newfie when i was about 10 years old.. (am 76 now… 🎶 trombones 🎶) No kennels in Ca so bought a book on them. only 1 answered all the way in NY (Dryad Kennels ) My mom had 1 when she was a kid so I figured she’d like another. Cappy was a Landseer (black & white) . a friend had a St Bernard. the 2 of us little girls sure turned heads when we walked them. they’re 150 lbs!! I miss him.
I will definitely agree with #2. Our Irish Wolfhound is the most laid back dog we’ve ever had. Our Darby gets along wonderfully with our rescue pup. Can’t wait to add another one to our family.
Our Great Dane was incredibly laid back. My young daughters would climb all over him. He would put his paw on them, if they tried to leave. Dressed him up for Halloween & Mardi Gras. He loved the attention. 11.5 great years.
I took care of my sister’s dog for quite some time, and she is a pit bull/hound dog mix. She was so good with my cats, and even the cats didn’t mind her because of her calm and kind nature ❤ ☺!!!
It would be nice to please have recommended suggestions from the commentaries such as the professional DVM / VIN foundation person and the supportive commenter that are also able to offer assistance others in their searches for a low temperament K9.
Opposing thoughts are great, but I believe in this case the article was try to help people in general find their K9, nit promoting the industry of over breeding animals. If anything, the comment from the DVM would send the uninformed K9 searcher to their local pet store, thus further contributing to the negative impact of over breeding.
It’s a good list, it was believable at first, then I seen you were missing the gentle giant aka Great Danes. If you don’t have them, I feel it’s incomplete and incorrect
Bullmastiffs are big, lazy, couch potatoes. I’ve had 4 & they’re more of a security monitor. Meaning let bark from the couch😆.
We have 2 Newfies. Easy going ! Great around kids as long as they are brought up with them. Gentle Giants 100%.
As the owner of a king Charles cavalier spaniel I can say without a shadow of a doubt they aren’t laid back or calm mine is named honeybun but I should have named her monster addicted bc the only time shes calm is after shes run around for minimum of 2hrs straight swear to God. They are very great loving cute sweeties when they aren’t running around like they don’t have pushed in lil snouts.