Not everyone has the time and energy to satisfy a high-energy dog’s needs. And, truth be told, not every dog needs crazy amounts of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. There are dog breeds, both big and small, that don’t require 2 hours of walks a day plus in-between games. Some dog breeds are happy to lounge on the sofa with you.
What Does Low Energy Mean?
When we talk about low-energy dogs, we mean dogs that don’t require too much daily exercise in the form of walking, hiking, running, swimming, and so on. This does not mean they don’t need any kind of activity. All dogs need to go on a walk! It’s more than just stretching legs, but gathering information and staying in touch with the world.
Also, low energy doesn’t mean they don’t need any kind of mental stimulation. These dogs might not need to run all day long, but they need to play an interesting game from time to time, play with their toys, or be included in what you do.
And, no, you can’t leave them alone in an apartment every day. Why have a dog if you know you won’t have time to play or cuddle?
Big Dog Breeds
We will start with the big dogs. There is a rule that the bigger the dog the lazier it is. And vice versa, the smaller the dog the more energetic it is. But, that’s not entirely true. However, here are 10 big dog breeds that don’t need too much daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
1. Great Dane
They are called the gentle giants. Great Dane is one of the tallest dogs but no matter the size, this dog still thinks they are lap dogs. If given the opportunity, a Great Dane will try to sit on your lap. They don’t need a lot of daily exercise and they are happy with two 30-minute walks, one in the morning and one in the evening. However, these are big dogs and they will need lots of food to eat. Also, having a bigger dog means higher transportation and vet expenses. And, there is a sad fact – most large dog breeds have the shortest lifespans. Great Danes live 8 to 10 years.
2. Irish Wolfhound
This is one of the oldest dog breeds, more than 2000 years old. They were used to hunt large game, especially wolves. However, even though they were bred for such dangerous hunts, these are gentle and calm dogs. The Irish Wolfhound is happy with walks in the morning and the evening, and a short playtime in between. However, just like we’ve mentioned, large dogs have short lifespans. The Irish Wolfhound lives from 6 to 8 years.
3. English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a large guarding dog. They are one of the biggest guard dogs, but they are very gentle, calm, and make great family pets. If you are looking for a formidable guarding dog that will be a great nanny-dog, The English Mastiff or just Mastiff is a great choice. They don’t need a lot of daily exercise. However, they drool, they can eat a lot (because of their size), and they are quite sensitive. This means training needs to consist of patience and lots of positive reinforcement.
4. Greyhound
People often mistake Greyhounds for being high-energy dogs. After all, they were bred to run after fast animals and are used in Greyhound racing today. But, they are not that energetic at all. They need their daily walks and some playtime, but Greyhounds love to be lazy all day long. The key is to give them one day in a week to run full speed. This has to be done in a secured, well-fenced area. This means the fence has to be high enough to prevent Greyhound from jumping over it.
5. St. Bernard
Famous Swiss search and rescue dogs in snowy mountains, the St Bernard is a great family dog. For those who don’t mind a lot of drooling and lots of hair everywhere. But, at least you don’t have to keep them active for hours a day to keep them healthy. St Bernard is a low-energy dog that loves to act as a big lap dog. A good thing about St Bernards is that they make great watchdogs too.
6. Newfoundland
Another gentle giant is a Newfoundland dog. Even though they can work for hours a day, they don’t require it. Newfoundland needs a good walk after which they are happy to spend their days lying down. These are loyal dogs that bond easily with the whole family. They are very protective of the youngest members and serve as great nanny dogs. However, like any other dog breed, they require proper socialization from an early age. Apart from being good with children, Newfloundlads are naturally friendly towards other dogs and animals too.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
If you are looking for a big dog, but the ones we mentioned so far are not what you’re looking for, there is another one called Bernese Mountain Dog. They are fluffy, big, drooling, gentle giants. They can’t run and stay active for too long, but they still need at least two walks a day. So, they need activities but keep them short. Generally speaking, 40 minutes to one hour a day, divided into two walks, is more than enough.
8. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is an excellent guard dog. They are loyal and obedient if you use a gentle approach and a positive reward system during training. And, they don’t need a lot of exercise every day. 15 to 30-minute walks in the morning and in the evening are all it takes to keep them happy. Of course, they love to cuddle and will try to sit on your lap, even though they can’t possibly fit on the sofa let alone a human lap. Just a reminder, they drool a lot.
9. Borzoi
These dogs are similar to Greyhounds when it comes to activity levels. They were bred to run and chance large game, but they don’t need a lot of daily activities to keep them happy and in good shape. Borzois can do well with walks every day, but just like with Greyhounds, they will need to run. Giving them the opportunity to run at full speed a couple of times a week is a perfect solution. Just remember to let them run in a safe place. Borzois are sighthounds and they have a high prey drive. This means they will run after potential prey if given a chance.
10. Afghan Hound
And the last on our list of big dogs that don’t require too much daily exercise is an Afghan Hound. They are the fanciest of all sighthounds with their lush long coats. And, just like other sighthound cousins we mentioned, Afghan Hounds need to run. The same things that apply to Greyhounds and Borzois, apply to Afghan Hounds – give them time to run at full speed and do it in a well-fenced area. Afghan Hounds are less active than Borzois.
Medium To Small Dog Breeds
These dog breeds we will mention all differ in size and shape, but they’ve all got one thing in common – daily activity needs. Similar to the mentioned large breeds, the medium and small dog breeds listed here do well in slow-paced families.
1. Bulldog
One of the most famous dog breeds in the world, the Bulldog is a great family dog for everyone who doesn’t like to run or jog every day. Or don’t have the time. Bulldogs need their daily walks, of course, but it’s the affection and the time spent with your dog that counts. They are brachycephalic dogs, which means they can have problems breathing especially when they are active for a long time. So, keep an eye on their breathing and keep the playtime short to prevent the risk from overheating.
2. Whippet
Whippet is a smaller Greyhound version. And just like their big cousins, Whippets too need to run rather than walk. This means they are ideal for people who don’t have time for long walks every day. Give them 15 to 30 minutes a few times a week to run at full speed and to truly stretch their legs, and they will be happy to spend the rest of the day lounging on the sofa. Of course, they will need to go outside for a quick walk, just like any other dog.
3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a popular small dog for many reasons. They are affectionate, loyal, and comical dogs that fit in the non-sporting group. Being small and brachycephalic, these dogs can’t run or play for too long. They have problems breathing, so keeping the exercise time short is essential for keeping them healthy. They need to go on their regular walks in the morning and evening, and they’ll be happy to play indoors with you or their toys in between the walks.
4. Boston Terrier
Similar to French Bulldogs, the Boston Terrier is a small non-sporting brachycephalic dog breed. But, they are a bit more active than the Frenchies. They do need more than just walks, but it has to do with their mental stimulation. Boston Terriers need to be a part of your daily activities at home. And, just like the Frenchies and Bulldogs, they shouldn’t play for too long, especially in the hot weather. They can easily overheat and if not taken care of in time, they could collapse.
5. Shar Pei
A medium-sized Shar Pei doesn’t need a lot of daily exercise. They are low to medium-energy dogs that need up to 1 hour of walks every day. It is best to divide the walk into two parts. For example, 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. Even though they are not physically demanding, Shar Peis still needs something to do. In other words, we have to keep them occupied or mentally stimulated to keep the dog happy and healthy. A word of advice, a Shar Pei has special folds of skin and requires regular grooming.
6. Lhasa Apso
Small and affectionate, Lhasa Apso dogs are of ancient origin. They were used as companion dogs and watchdogs for thousands of years. And, just like in the old times, Lhasa Apso is a great family dog. They don’t need a lot of daily activities, just a 30-minute walk in the morning and another 30 in the evening. However, just like any other dog, they need mental stimulation. Don’t just leave them with nothing to do all day long.
7. Havanese
This is a bright, affectionate, and small dog that makes a great family dog. These dogs love to be around their owners. That means that even though they don’t need a lot of daily exercise, they need to be around their owners. They don’t do well when left for too long on their own. Including them in your daily home activities makes them the happiest. Havanese goes great with children as well, but it is important to teach the children how to play and behave around small dogs too.
8. Pekingese
Another small dog with ancient origins, the Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They are great watchdogs too and will bark to alert you if there is someone at the door or if they notice something suspicious. Even though they don’t need a lot of daily exercise, they need a lot of maintenance around their coats. Grooming is essential in keeping them healthy. If this is something you can’t regularly do or afford, it is better to find another more suitable dog breed.
9. Pug
Pugs are another brachycephalic dog breed. They don’t need a lot of daily exercise but they love to play. They can easily get overheated, so we need to keep the playtime short. You can also give them some dog toys, or play some indoor games if you can’t go outside. Pugs are happy with a short walk in the morning and another one in the evening. These dogs also go great with children, but like with other small dog breeds, it is important to teach the children how to play with them to avoid any accidental injuries (on both children and Pugs).
10. Clumber Spaniel
The last one on our list is a medium-sized sporting dog from the Spaniel family, called a Clumber Spaniel. Out of all Spaniel dogs, this one is the least energetic. They love to be around people and are eager to please, but they don’t need too much exercise every day. It is, however, important to keep them mentally stimulated. Give them some tasks to do, such as hiding treats and letting them find them. A one-hour walk each day divided into two walks of 30 minutes is usually all it takes to keep them happy and healthy.
Final Thoughts
When looking for a dog, it is important to ask other owners or breeders how energetic the dog is. If they have too much energy and activity needs such as a Weimaraner or a Shetland Sheepdog, no matter how much you love the breed, if you can’t give them proper daily exercise it is best to choose one of the dog breeds we mentioned.
A dog that has a lot of energy and nothing to do or is not walked enough will turn boredom into destructive behavior or even aggression in some cases. That’s why it’s important to give a certain amount of daily activities to the low-energy dogs too. But, what’s more important is to keep them mentally stimulated. That means making the walks fun and meaningful and including them in your life. Don’t just let them play with themselves all day long for days. Dogs need our companionship and affection, not just food and water.
Read Next: 7 Guard Dog Breeds For First-Time Dog Owners
