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When looking for a low-energy dog to fit a more relaxed lifestyle, it’s helpful to know which breeds tend to have calm and easygoing temperaments. While some dogs are naturally energetic, others are content to lounge, cuddle, and enjoy a slower pace. These laid-back dogs are perfect for families, apartment living, or anyone who wants a gentle, low-maintenance companion. Here are dog breeds that are surprisingly laid-back, from popular favorites to a few unique breeds that bring a calm presence to any home.
Basset Hound
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Basset Hounds are famous for their calm and easygoing nature. With their droopy ears and soulful eyes, Bassets enjoy a relaxed pace and are happiest when lounging around the house. Known for their gentle and friendly demeanor, they’re perfect for low-energy households and enjoy short daily walks without needing intense exercise.
Clumber Spaniel
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Clumber Spaniels are large, calm dogs with a low-key attitude. Known for their affectionate and gentle nature, Clumbers enjoy spending time with their families in a quiet environment. They’re moderately active but are more inclined toward leisurely walks and cuddles, making them great for families looking for a calm, loving companion.
Irish Wolfhound
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Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants known for their calm and friendly demeanor. They’re content with a few short walks and love spending time relaxing with their family members. Irish Wolfhounds are laid-back and adapt well to quiet households, making them ideal for those looking for a large but relaxed companion.
Greyhound
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Greyhounds are known as “40 mph couch potatoes.” While they’re fast runners, they have low endurance and are more than happy to relax indoors after a short sprint. Greyhounds are calm, affectionate, and adapt well to apartment living, making them perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed and gentle companion.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that enjoy being close to their families. Known for their gentle and adaptable nature, they’re content with moderate exercise and prefer quiet environments. Shih Tzus love lounging around the house, making them ideal for people who want a calm, low-maintenance companion.
Scottish Deerhound
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Scottish Deerhounds are large, gentle dogs with a calm and affectionate personality. Despite their size, they’re incredibly laid-back and enjoy a quiet lifestyle. Scottish Deerhounds are content with short daily walks and love spending time relaxing with their families, making them ideal for anyone seeking a big, calm companion.
Sussex Spaniel
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Sussex Spaniels are known for their calm and friendly disposition. They enjoy a slower pace and are often described as laid-back and gentle. Sussex Spaniels are affectionate with their families, content with moderate exercise, and make wonderful companions for relaxed households that enjoy quiet time together.
Havanese
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Havanese dogs are small, affectionate, and surprisingly calm, especially indoors. They’re known for their gentle, easygoing nature and enjoy spending time with their family without being overly demanding. Havanese dogs are adaptable, friendly, and perfect for those looking for a small, laid-back dog that’s also affectionate and social.
Borzoi
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The Borzoi, often called the Russian Wolfhound, is an elegant and calm breed known for its reserved nature. They enjoy lounging around the house and are gentle and quiet indoors. Borzois require moderate exercise but are generally low-energy and content to relax with their families, making them great for those who appreciate a peaceful companion.
Tibetan Spaniel
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Tibetan Spaniels are small, calm dogs with a relaxed temperament. Known for their love of lounging and their quiet nature, Tibetan Spaniels are affectionate and bond closely with their families. They’re perfect for apartment living or low-energy households, as they enjoy a slower pace and are content with moderate exercise.
Japanese Chin
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Japanese Chins are small, elegant dogs with a calm and reserved nature. They enjoy quiet environments and are known for their cat-like behavior, often finding high spots to observe their surroundings. Japanese Chins require minimal exercise and are perfect for apartment living or low-key households.
Newfoundland
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Newfoundlands are gentle giants known for their calm, affectionate nature. They’re great with children and adapt well to family life, enjoying both quiet time and occasional outdoor activities. Newfoundlands are laid-back, patient, and enjoy lounging, making them ideal for families who want a big, loving, low-energy dog.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their gentle and adaptable nature. They’re affectionate, love lounging, and are content with moderate exercise, making them well-suited to quieter households. Cavaliers enjoy spending time with their families and are perfectly happy to cuddle up, making them a great low-maintenance companion.
Italian Greyhound
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Italian Greyhounds are miniature versions of the Greyhound with a similar laid-back personality. They’re quiet, love lounging, and enjoy short bursts of exercise but are happy to relax indoors afterward. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, easygoing, and ideal for people who enjoy a calm, loving dog in a small package.
Maltese
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Maltese dogs are small, affectionate, and enjoy a relaxed pace, making them ideal for quieter households. Known for their friendly and gentle disposition, they’re content with light daily exercise and are happiest when lounging with their families. Maltese are easy to care for and enjoy a calm environment, making them great for low-key living.
Saint Bernard
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Saint Bernards are massive yet gentle dogs known for their patient and laid-back nature. They’re great with children and enjoy quiet time indoors, needing only moderate exercise to stay happy. Saint Bernards are friendly and affectionate, and their calm disposition makes them perfect for families seeking a big, relaxed dog.
Boerboel
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The Boerboel is a strong, protective breed with a surprisingly calm temperament. Known for their loyalty and laid-back nature, they enjoy a quiet lifestyle and are very gentle with their families. Boerboels are great for families looking for a large, calm, and protective companion who can also be relaxed and low-energy.
A Relaxed Companion for Every Home
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These laid-back dog breeds offer the perfect mix of companionship and calmness, making them ideal for families, apartment dwellers, and anyone who prefers a low-energy pet. Whether you’re looking for a big gentle giant like the Saint Bernard or a smaller, easygoing companion like the Japanese Chin, these breeds bring a calming presence to any home. If you’re seeking a dog that’s more about snuggles than sprints, one of these breeds could be the perfect addition to your life.
