For the dog lover who cherishes tranquility and a laid-back lifestyle, the world of canine companionship offers a perfect match: lazy large dog breeds. These gentle giants bring an aura of calm to any home, making them ideal for relaxed pet owners seeking a low-energy yet affectionate furry friend. From gentle giants renowned for their patience to cuddly couch potatoes content beside you for hours, these top ten breeds blend companionship with a serene presence. Discover the perfect blend of size and serenity, ensuring your home is filled with love and peace without the hustle and bustle of high-energy pets.
Imagine a dog big enough to take up half your couch but more interested in snoozing than sprinting. If that sounds like the perfect furry companion, you’re not alone! While many large breeds were bred for hard work—herding, guarding, or pulling sleds—some have happily embraced a more relaxed lifestyle. Studies show that bigger dogs generally have lower energy levels than smaller breeds, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
Not all large dogs are high-energy. Some of the biggest are also the laziest, preferring leisurely strolls and long naps over intense exercise. A Saint Bernard, for instance, can sleep up to 18 hours a day! From the droopy-eyed Mastiff to the gentle Newfoundland, these breeds excel at relaxation. But don’t mistake their mellow attitude for laziness—many are affectionate, loyal, and make excellent family pets.
If you’re on the hunt for a dog that will happily snooze the day away by your side, dive into the Large Dog Breeds or meet the masters of relaxation in Lazy Dog Breeds With Low Energy—because sometimes, the best adventures happen from the comfort of your couch.
Lazy Large Dog Breeds
1. Mastiff
The Mastiff is a true gentle giant, combining massive size with a laid-back temperament. According to Britannica, these dogs, weighing up to 230 pounds, may look intimidating, but they’d much rather snooze on the couch than guard the castle.
Originally bred as protectors and even used in battles, modern Mastiffs have embraced a life of relaxation and companionship. They are deeply loyal and form strong bonds with their families, making them wonderful companions.
Despite their low-energy nature, Mastiffs require daily walks to stay healthy and prevent joint issues, as their massive size can put stress on their bones. Their short coat is easy to manage, but their drooling habits mean a towel should always be nearby!
Though stubborn at times, they respond well to patient and consistent training. They are excellent family pets, known for their affectionate and protective instincts.
While they may take up a lot of space on the couch, they are incredibly loving and prefer to be by their owner’s side, making them ideal for those who want a big, low-maintenance, and gentle companion.
2. Saint Bernard
Once famed for their heroic alpine rescues, Saint Bernards are now beloved for their affectionate and easygoing nature. These gentle giants, weighing up to 180 pounds, are incredibly patient and loving, making them excellent family pets.
Their nickname, “nanny dogs,” comes from their natural affinity for children, as they are known for their protective yet gentle demeanor. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on human companionship.
Saint Bernards require regular walks to maintain their health but don’t need as much exercise as other large breeds. They love lounging indoors, preferably in a cool climate, as their thick coats make them sensitive to heat. Frequent grooming helps manage their shedding, and owners should be prepared for plenty of drool!
Despite their relaxed nature, these dogs can experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.
With their affectionate temperament and gentle nature, Saint Bernards make ideal companions for those seeking a calm, loving, and devoted pet that enjoys snuggling as much as they do.
3. Basset Hound
With their long droopy ears and eyes, and short legs, Basset Hounds are among the most recognizable lower energy dog breeds. PetMD states that they were originally bred as scent hounds, they have an extraordinary sense of smell, but prefer a slow, relaxed lifestyle.
Their laid-back demeanor makes them a great match for owners who enjoy a peaceful, easygoing pet.
Although they love to snooze, Basset Hounds still need daily walks to keep their weight in check and prevent joint issues. Their independent nature can make training a challenge, but their affectionate and friendly personality more than makes up for it. They are excellent family pets, great with children, and always up for a cuddle.
Their signature deep bark and stubborn streak add to their charm. Due to their short legs and long bodies, they should avoid excessive jumping or rough play to prevent back issues.
If you’re looking for a lovable, low-energy companion with a bit of stubborn charm, the Basset Hound is a perfect choice for families or individuals who want a dog that enjoys lounging as much as they do.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog may have been originally bred for farm work in the Swiss Alps, but don’t let their history fool you—these gentle giants are perfectly content with a laid-back lifestyle. Known for their affectionate nature and striking tricolor coats, Berners are as happy lounging by your side as they are on a short outdoor walk.
While they enjoy some exercise to stay healthy, they tire out quickly and are more than happy to settle in for some couch time. One of their most endearing traits is their ability to understand human emotions—many owners say their Berner knows exactly when they need a comforting nuzzle.
Their calm temperament makes them ideal companions for families, especially those with children, as they thrive on human interaction and gentle play.
Despite their size, they are surprisingly gentle and will often try to climb into their owner’s lap for snuggles, proving they are big dogs with even bigger hearts.
However, their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding, making them a little high-maintenance in terms of grooming but completely worth the effort.
5. Newfoundland
Newfoundlands, often called “nanny dogs,” are the ultimate low-energy companions. Originally bred as water rescue dogs, they have a natural love for swimming and an instinct to protect their family members. Despite their massive size, Newfies are incredibly gentle and patient, making them wonderful pets for homes with children.
While they require regular walks to maintain a healthy weight, they are far from high-energy dogs and prefer lounging over long-distance runs. A unique feature of this breed is their webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers!
Their thick, water-resistant coat helps them glide through cold waters with ease, a skill that has made them legendary lifesavers. These affectionate giants form deep bonds with their humans and love spending time near their family.
They are known for their sweet, almost babysitter-like temperament, often watching over kids with a protective yet calm demeanor. Their loyalty is unmatched, and they will always be close by, ready to offer comfort and companionship.
However, due to their dense fur, they require regular grooming to prevent matting and shedding. Additionally, they are known for their drooling, so owners should keep a towel handy!
6. Bulldog
Bulldogs might look tough, but these stocky pups are true couch potatoes at heart. With their distinctive wrinkled faces and low-slung bodies, they are one of the most low-maintenance large breeds. Unlike other high-energy dogs, Bulldogs are perfectly content with little exercise—short walks and indoor activities are enough to keep them happy.
Their relaxed attitude makes them excellent for apartment dwellers or those who prefer a pet that enjoys lounging as much as they do. However, due to their unique build, Bulldogs can be prone to overheating, so they should avoid too much physical activity in hot weather.
One of their quirkiest traits is their signature snoring—thanks to their short noses, Bulldogs are known for their adorable (and sometimes loud) nighttime symphonies!
Bulldogs are also incredibly stubborn, making training a test of patience, but their loyal and loving nature makes the effort worthwhile.
They form strong bonds with their owners and love spending time with their families, often following their favorite humans from room to room. If you’re searching for a devoted, affectionate, and undeniably charming companion, the Bulldog is a fantastic choice.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff might look like a fierce guardian, but deep down, this fluffy giant is as laid-back as they come. Originating from the Himalayas, these dogs were bred to protect livestock but spent most of their time patiently lounging and watching over their flock.
That relaxed nature carries over to their modern-day lifestyle, making them one of the best low-energy large breeds for owners who prefer a calm companion.
Though independent and sometimes stubborn, Tibetan Mastiffs aren’t overly demanding when it comes to exercise. A couple of short walks and some mental stimulation are usually enough to keep them content.
However, their thick double coat means they’re far more comfortable in cool climates—hot weather can make them sluggish.
Unlike some breeds that crave constant attention, these majestic dogs are content with alone time, but when they bond with their family, their loyalty is unmatched. Just don’t expect them to be overly obedient; they prefer making their own rules! If you’re looking for a dignified yet chill four-legged friend, the Tibetan Mastiff is a top contender.
8. Greyhound
When you think of Greyhounds, you probably picture them sprinting at top speed, but here’s a fun fact—these sleek, athletic dogs are actually professional couch potatoes! Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are surprisingly low-energy and love nothing more than stretching out for a long nap after a short burst of activity.
Greyhounds have an efficient metabolism, meaning they don’t need hours of exercise to stay happy. A quick daily walk or a short sprint in a fenced area is usually enough to satisfy their exercise needs. After that, they’re perfectly content lounging around the house.
Their lean build and short coat make them extra fond of cozy spots, so expect them to claim your couch or bed as their favorite place.
These gentle giants are affectionate, easygoing, and fantastic companions for families or individuals looking for a low-maintenance dog.
They’re also known for their polite manners and quiet demeanor, making them excellent apartment dogs. If you want a large breed that enjoys life at a relaxed pace, the Greyhound is a top-tier choice.
9. Great Pyrenees
If you’re looking for a dog that blends gentle affection with a laid-back attitude, the Great Pyrenees is your perfect match. Originally bred to guard livestock in the mountains, these fluffy giants are surprisingly low-energy when they’re not on duty.
They prefer leisurely strolls over intense exercise and are more than happy to spend hours lounging at your feet—or on your couch, if you let them!
Despite their massive size, Great Pyrenees dogs are incredibly gentle and known for their calm, patient nature. They make excellent family pets, especially for households that appreciate a dog that enjoys relaxation as much as play.
However, their independent streak means they sometimes prefer doing things their own way, so training requires patience and positive reinforcement.
Their thick double coat keeps them warm in cold climates, but it also means they shed—a lot! Regular brushing helps keep their fur in check, but expect to find some fluff around the house. If you want a loyal, affectionate companion who’s as content napping as they are keeping watch, the Great Pyrenees is a fantastic choice.
10. Great Dane
Despite their towering size, Great Danes are often referred to as “gentle giants”—and for good reason! These massive dogs may look imposing, but they are actually one of the laziest large breeds around.
While they enjoy a bit of playtime, they’re just as happy snoozing away for most of the day. Their laid-back nature makes them surprisingly well-suited for apartment living, as long as they have enough space to stretch out.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Great Danes have a friendly and affectionate personality, making them fantastic companions for families, singles, and even kids. They love attention and are known for leaning on their favorite humans—a charming (if slightly overwhelming) habit for a dog that can weigh up to 175 pounds!
While they don’t require extensive exercise, regular short walks help keep them in good shape. Just be mindful of their joints, as their large size makes them prone to hip and joint issues.
If you’re looking for a lovable, low-energy giant who will happily lounge next to you on the couch, the Great Dane is a perfect pick.
Conclusion
Whether they’re towering gentle giants like the Great Dane or fluffy, watchful companions like the Great Pyrenees, lazy dog breeds prove that bigger doesn’t always mean more active. These laid-back pups have perfected the art of relaxation, turning every cozy corner into their personal snooze spot. If dogs had a championship for lounging, these breeds would be gold medalists!
If you’re looking for a four-legged friend who’s as happy to binge-watch your favorite shows as they are to take a leisurely stroll, one of these lazy dog breeds might be your dream companion. Some are even oversized lap dogs at heart, always eager to curl up for a cozy nap—whether they fit on your lap or not! Who needs a high-energy jogging partner when you can have a massive, lovable couch potato instead? So, whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned pet lover, don’t overlook these easygoing giants. They may be low-energy, but their love and loyalty are anything but lazy!
In conclusion, selecting a dog breed from the top 10 lazy large dog breeds offers a perfect companionship for relaxed pet owners seeking a more laid-back lifestyle. These breeds, known for their gentle and calm nature, include the Greyhound, Mastiff, and Bernese Mountain Dog, among others. Their low energy levels make them ideal for families with a more sedentary lifestyle, providing affection and loyalty without the demands of constant activity. While each dog has individual needs, these breeds generally adapt well to quiet environments, making them excellent pets for those who prefer leisure over bustle in their daily lives.