If you’re a laid-back owner seeking a furry companion to match your relaxed lifestyle, consider adopting one of the many lazy large dog breeds known for their gentle demeanor and low-key attitudes. These lovable giants don’t require the constant hustle of high-energy breeds, making them perfect for cozy evenings on the couch or leisurely strolls through the park. From the majestic Great Dane to the gentle Newfoundland, these dogs embody tranquility and provide loyal companionship without demanding a highly active lifestyle. Discover the soothing presence of these seven large dog breeds, ideal for owners who cherish relaxation.
Think big dogs are high-maintenance? Think again! While some large breeds are all about zoomies, others have perfected the art of doing absolutely nothing. If you’ve ever envied the lifestyle of a little dog that just eats, sleeps, and judges strangers, you’re in for a treat.
Let’s be real—exercise is overrated. These lazy giants prefer food over fetch, house naps over hikes, and a good belly rub over an obstacle course. She’s not about that active life, and frankly, neither are we.
Some of the largest dog breeds are also the lowest energy. They love their humans, make great companions, and won’t demand a daily marathon. A perfect match for anyone whose idea of fitness involves lifting snacks.
So, if you’re looking for a big dog with a personality as chill as yours, you’re in the right place. Get ready to meet the ultimate lazy lounge experts!
7 Lazy Large Dog Breeds
1. Saint Bernard
Once bred to rescue lost travelers in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernard now prefers rescuing you from an empty couch. Weighing 120–180 lbs and standing 25–30 inches tall, this giant might look intimidating, but she’s a sweet and gentle snuggler at heart. Despite their size, they don’t need much exercise, just short walks and occasional play sessions to stay happy.
Why so lazy? Simple—these dogs were bred for endurance, not speed. They love kids, cats, and just about everyone they meet. Their temperament is as warm as their thick coat, which does need regular brushing. However, Saint Bernards are stubborn, so training requires patience.
AKC praises and adds, that perfect for families, they thrive in homes with plenty of space. They prefer cool weather and won’t do well in hot climates. Expect lots of drool, but also lots of love! Their laid-back attitude makes them great for homes with other animals, including the cavalier King Charles spaniel or a pug.
To keep them healthy, feed them high-quality food in smaller portions to prevent bloat. Light daily exercise is enough to keep their joints strong. Oh, and don’t be surprised if they try to be a lap dog—even at 150 pounds!
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Saint Bernard |
120–180 lbs, 25–30 in |
Low: short walks, play |
High: regular brushing |
2. Dogue de Bordeaux
Meet the Dogue de Bordeaux, France’s laziest dog with the biggest heart. Weighing 100–140 lbs and standing 23–27 inches tall, this breed is all about power and poise—but mostly rest. They have short legs compared to their stocky body, making them prefer lounging over running.
Their history dates back to guarding estates, but don’t expect them to patrol much these days. They’re incredibly affectionate, forming deep bonds with their humans. Despite their large frame, they can be stubborn but love to snuggle. They don’t need much exercise beyond a couple of short walks each day.
PDSA notes that best for owners who love a relaxed lifestyle and they thrive in apartments or houses with a soft couch. They don’t bark much but are wary of strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their temperament is calm, and they get along with kids and other pets, but early training is key.
Keeping them fit requires portion control, as they gain weight easily. A balanced diet and daily exercise help prevent obesity. They’re also prone to breathing issues, so avoid overexertion. Let them nap, but encourage some gentle play!
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Dogue de Bordeaux |
100–140 lbs, 23–27 in |
Very low: short walks |
Low: minimal grooming |
3. Mastiff
The Mastiff is proof that bigger isn’t always more active. Tipping the scales at 150–230 lbs and standing 27–30 inches, these gentle giants would rather sleep than sprint. Originally bred for guarding, they now prefer guarding a comfy spot in your home.
Why so lazy? Their slow-moving nature is part of their personality. Despite their size, they are calm, affectionate companions who love children. They don’t need much exercise beyond a few short walks—too much activity can stress their joints.
Perfect for families, they do well in larger homes with room to rest. However, they are stubborn, so training requires consistency. They tend to drool—a lot. If you can handle some slobber, you’ll get a loyal and sweet best friend.
Britannica recommends keeping them healthy, and monitoring their weight—as they are prone to obesity. A balanced diet, low-impact daily exercise, and mental stimulation help keep them fit. Regular vet check-ups prevent hip and joint issues common in large breeds.
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Mastiff |
150–230 lbs, 27–30 in |
Low: short walks, light play |
Low: occasional brushing |
4. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a majestic guardian who prefers calm over chaos. Weighing 85–160 lbs and standing 25–32 inches tall, these fluffy giants were bred to protect livestock. But these days? They’d rather nap next to their favorite humans than chase after animals.
Why are they so lazy? Their job wasn’t about running—it was about being patient and watching over flocks. That same calm personality makes them excellent for families, including those with children and other pets like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. They don’t need much exercise, just short walks, and some light play sessions.
Perfect for laid-back owners, they adapt well to houses with yards but aren’t overly active. They can be stubborn, so early training helps. They also tend to bark—a lot! While they’re gentle with their humans, they’re cautious with strangers.
To stay healthy, they need a balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent weight gain. Their thick coat requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. With proper care, they’ll happily snooze away their days as the ultimate lap dog—if only they weren’t so big!
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Great Pyrenees |
85–160 lbs, 25–32 in |
Low: short walks, play |
High: frequent brushing |
5. Great Dane
Despite their towering height, the Great Dane is one of the laziest large dog breeds around. Weighing 110–175 lbs and standing 28–34 inches, these “Apollo of Dogs” may look athletic, but they’re true couch potatoes.
Why are they so relaxed? They were bred for hunting but didn’t have the same stamina as smaller hounds like the greyhound or basset hound. They prefer sleeping to sprinting and are perfectly happy with short walks and gentle play. Their temperament is affectionate, making them ideal companions for families with kids.
Best for indoor living, they love soft spots—your couch, bed, or lap (even if they don’t fit!). They get along with small dogs, cats, and even a shih tzu. Despite their size, they don’t need much exercise, but training is essential since they’re huge!
Hillspet explains to stay healthy, they need daily exercise to prevent joint issues. A proper diet is key since they’re prone to bloat. Give them a cozy spot to rest, and you’ll have a gentle giant who just wants to be your shadow.
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Great Dane |
110–175 lbs, 28–34 in |
Low: short walks, play |
Low: minimal brushing |
6. Neapolitan Mastiff
If a dog could be the king of naps, the Neapolitan Mastiff would rule. Weighing 110–150 lbs and standing 24–31 inches tall, this wrinkly giant is all about lounging. Originally bred as a guardian, today’s Neapolitan Mastiff prefers to sleep over security duty.
Why are they so lazy? Their stubborn nature makes them pick rest over activity. They enjoy short walks, but beyond that, they love lounging in the sun or on the couch. Their temperament is calm, yet they’re protective of their humans. They’re good with children but need early training due to their strong will.
Perfect for owners who want a low-energy but loyal pet, they adapt well to house life. However, they drool—a lot. If you can handle the mess, you’ll have a sweet and affectionate companion who loves snuggling.
To keep them healthy, focus on portion control, as they gain weight easily. Short walks and mental stimulation help prevent boredom. With minimal grooming needs, they’re a great choice for lazy dog lovers who want a gentle guardian.
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Neapolitan Mastiff |
110–150 lbs, 24–31 in |
Very low: short walks |
Low: minimal grooming |
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog might look like a working breed, but deep down, they’re all about fun, snuggles, and rest. Weighing 70–115 lbs and standing 23–27 inches, these fluffy giants were bred to pull carts in Switzerland—but today, they’d rather nap than work.
Why are they so chill? They enjoy play sessions, but they’re not high-energy like the Irish Wolfhound or Newfoundland. They’re gentle, affectionate, and calm, making them great for families. They love children and get along well with cats and other animals.
Perfect for laid-back households, they prefer cooler climates and do best in homes with yards where they can roam at their own pace. They need regular exercise but don’t demand much—just daily walks and occasional play.
VCA suggests to stay healthy, they need a balanced diet and grooming, as their thick coat sheds heavily. With the right care, they’ll happily spend their time snuggling, making them one of the best lazy dog breeds for relaxed owners.
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Bernese Mountain Dog |
70–115 lbs, 23–27 in |
Moderate: daily walks, play |
High: regular brushing |
Conclusion
Big dogs don’t always mean big energy—in fact, many of the largest breeds are true couch lovers. Whether it’s the Mastiff, Saint Bernard, or Great Pyrenees, these gentle giants thrive on companionship and relaxation.
If you’re looking for lazy dog breeds beyond this list, consider the Newfoundland, English Bulldog, and even Irish Wolfhounds. Not all hounds are high-energy—Basset Hounds and Greyhounds also enjoy a good snooze.
While small dogs like the Shih Tzu, Pug, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may need less space, many larger dogs require just as little daily exercise. Their personalities shine best when they’re snuggling on the couch with their humans.
Which of these lazy companions stole your heart? Let us know in the comments!
In conclusion, selecting a lazy large dog breed can be an ideal choice for laid-back owners seeking companionship without the demands of high-energy activities. Breeds such as the St. Bernard, Bullmastiff, and Great Dane offer a serene presence that complements a relaxed lifestyle. These gentle giants provide love and loyalty while thriving in a calm environment. Their laid-back nature means less stress on maintaining an active lifestyle, making them perfect for individuals or families who value moderate daily exercise, leisurely walks, and plenty of cozy downtime. Adopting one of these breeds can lead to a harmonious and mutually fulfilling relationship.