Activity in dogs can be described as the rate of behaviors per unit time. An active dog is one that is roused easily from sleep (or sexually), eats or drinks fast, needs tons of exercise, keeps barking or looking out for strangers, is constantly scratching or grooming itself, is exploratory or is always sniffing, smelling or investigating something in its environment. An inactive dog, on the other hand, is sleeping 75% of the time and ‘never on the go’ for long. A lazy dog is the one that is constantly sleeping and you will find it resting 90% of the time. The following is the list of lazy dog breeds for apartments. Some of these calm and lazy dog breeds are also hypoallergenic and do not shed much.
Top 10 Lazy Dog Breeds for Apartments
1. Basset hound
The basset hound is ideal for apartment dwellers and families with kids who cannot devote too much time to exercise and daily walks. Having said so, it is still important to walk your basset once a day otherwise s/he will gain weight which can cause health issues. This is an intelligent dog breed but most people call it ‘slow’ because of their disregard for authority. They also drool a lot. You can consider this breed as the lazy guard dogs because they do not take kindly to strangers or intruders and can raise quite a ruckus when confronted with what they perceive to be danger.
2. Clumber Spaniel
Many breeders recommend Clumber Spaniel to older people who like a bit of outdoor exercise such as a stroll and are mainly looking for a quiet indoor dog that can withstand the comings and goings of grandchildren. According to the AKC, the Clumber is the heaviest of all spaniels. It also has the combination looks of a Basset hound and silky coated spaniel.
3. English Bulldog
Apartment living is ideal for the English Bulldog because this breed is inactive and lazy. There is no point in exercising your bulldog too much but he will be happy to accompany you on a short evening stroll. Their size is compact and they also do not need much grooming. This is certainly one of the less active dog breeds that are ideal for busy lifestyles.
4. Chow Chow
This is one of those calm dog breeds medium sized. Chow Chows make great house pets; they do not need too much exercise and are content in city apartments. If you are looking for less active dog breeds, the Chow Chow will be right for you.
5. St. Bernard
Named after Saint Bernard de Menthon who established a rescue station in Swiss Alps in 1000 AD, this huge calm large dog breed is inactive and lazy. At the same time, a disobedient Bernard might drag you several blocks down the road when he wants to relieve himself. On the other hand, a mellow and trained St. Bernard would usually be affectionate and lazy. So lazy in fact; you might have to coax him off the bed for exercise.
6. Cavachon
Don’t get us wrong-the Cavachon is a small, active breed that loves exercise. At the same time, this dog is perfectly capable of entertaining him/herself so as to not burden its inactive owner. Go for this attractive small breed that is happy around children, friendly and sociable and yet also able to amuse itself.
7. Pug
The pug is one of those calm and lazy dog breeds that don’t shed. At the same time; they are highly adaptable. What this means is that your pug will be lazy if you are a couch potato but if you love exercise, he will be more than willing to accompany you. They are also light shedders so a weekly brush is adequate for them.
8. Chinese Crested
Although this dog breed does not need too much exercise, you must nevertheless make them walk around a bit daily else they will get lazier and might gain pounds quickly. Many lazy owners simply put their Chinese Crested dogs outside in the yard. Knowing this breed well, they will just sit or lie down. A few might sniff around the yard, but this is not adequate exercise. There are plenty of activities you can do with your Crested- such as throwing a Frisbee, hiking, swimming or playing with the kids.
9. Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten terriers are small, gentle good watchdogs that do not yap, shed or smell. They make ideal apartment dogs as they do not have an undercoat and hence do not shed. They are alert yet not yappy watchdogs. Wheatens need less exercise compared to other terriers. Having said so, it is still important to give them something to do. After all, a tired wheaten is a happy wheaten.
10. Keeshond
This breed is known as the Lazy Man’s Glamour Dog. It is an ideal pet or companion breed for retirees and seniors with restricted lifestyles. If properly raised, Keeshonden are perfectly content to be close to their human companion on either an active or sedentary schedule. Regular grooming with daily walks not only meet the dog’s needs but also establish a good routine and help you bond with your pet.
Also check out our list of hypoallergenic dog breeds and less active dog breeds for seniors and retirees.
