So you want to get a dog but you're not sure your lifestyle works for one. You go to work all day, you're tired in the evenings after you come home and your weekends are reserved for relaxing and recharging. Fortunately, there are a handful of low-maintenance dog breeds that could be perfect for you and your lifestyle. Here are some dogs known as "lazy dog breeds" that would make great companions for aspiring dog parents who are busy or less-active. Just remember that all dogs - no matter how low-maintenance or lazy - need some level of exercise and activity.
1. Basset Hound
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese mountain dogs are large, growing up to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighing on average 80-110 pounds. Despite their size, they'd rather sit around than run around. But their laziness can lead to weight problems, so they do need regular exercise.
3. Bull Mastiff
Bull Mastiffs like to spend most of their day napping. They also don't tend to have anxiety about being left alone for long periods of time. But they do weigh between 90-130 pounds so they'll need mild to moderate exercise.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are small, adaptable, happy dogs. They usually grow to be around a foot tall and weigh between 13 and 18 pounds. Although they love to cuddle and will snuggle up to you or lie in your lap, they do need some exercise.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows are big dogs with low-energy. They can weigh up to 70 pounds but only need a moderate amount of exercise. Plus they don't tolerate heat well, so they much prefer to hang out inside rather than.
6. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are big, bulky dogs that are pretty mellow and lazy. They can overheat relatively easily, so would rather lay in their dog bed or on the couch than take a long walk. They also don't tend to be clingy, so they'll be fine while you're off at work.
7. French Bulldog
There's a reason French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are small and low-maintenance. They don't need too much exercise, just a few brisk walks will do. They are also sensitive to heat like their larger counterpart, the English Bulldog, so they prefer lying around in air-conditioning over long walks in the sunshine.
8. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds, standing as high as 34 inches tall and weighing up to 200 pounds. But despite their size, these mammoths love to sleep. Adult Great Danes only need moderate exercise and will spend lots of their free time trying to cuddle with you on the couch.
9. Pug
Pugs are small, low-energy and lazy. They need some exercise, especially because they are prone to overeating and weight gain. But they much prefer to stay inside and snuggle with you on the couch. They especially like to be in the air-conditioning since they don't tolerate heat well.
10. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is another giant dog breed, with weights reaching as high as 260 pounds. But don't be fooled by their size, they aren't very high-maintenance. Saint Bernard's are sometimes called the "nanny dog," because they'd rather spend time with their humans than run around.
11. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus don't need too much exercise, usually just a short walk, and prefer to nap or snuggle up next to you. They can overheat relatively easily because of their flat noses and long hair, so they prefer to stay inside. That long hair, however, does need grooming so that's one place they aren't so low-maintenance.