Low Energy Dog Breeds

Medically Reviewed by Kathleen Claussen, DVM on July 17, 2023
3 min read

Low-energy dog breeds can be a perfect fit for families with kids or busy professionals who don’t have much time to walk their dogs during the day. Low-energy dogs also tend to be more relaxed, laid back, and quieter.

If you’re looking for a low-energy dog breed, these are a few breeds worth considering:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog has a friendly, welcoming personality that often makes them a great therapy dog. They also do well with children, large households with lots of people, and many different social situations. They love to sit on your lap and relax with you, but also enjoy daily exercise. 

If you invest time in training, the cavalier will likely learn quickly and become a well-mannered companion that will follow your commands well. 

Boerboel. These dogs are known for their calm, easy-going personality. They are large dogs but do great with children and younger people. However, they are not the best fit for new dog owners because they tend to develop protective traits. 

Bergamasco Sheepdog. This breed is calm, loyal, and smart. They want to understand why you’re asking them to follow a command. This can make them very fun to teach. They need little grooming and are known to be low maintenance.

Tibetan Spaniel. Sometimes known as the companions of Buddhist monks, this small dog breed is especially gentle. They are eager to please and are laid back but also playful. They are smart which makes them great students, and they can easily be trained to compete in dog sports. 

Irish Wolfhound. These dogs are also very smart and quick to learn. They’re in-tune with the feelings of people around them and are sensitive and caring. These traits make them great pets and sometimes even professional therapy dogs. 

Bassett Hound. Bassett hounds may take longer to train, but the wait is worth it. These friendly dogs develop a tight bond with their owners over time and are known to be loyal and attentive. They will stay by your side or on your lap while you’re sitting on the couch. 

Clumber Spaniel. This breed is especially affectionate and loving. They’re loyal to their family and follow directions well. If you give them a task to do, they take pride in completing it. They respond well to training and enjoy learning. 

Pekingese. These dogs are outgoing and friendly but are among the more calm and kind of all dog breeds. They’re affectionate toward their owners and like to spend time with them but also enjoy alone time. They can do ok in homes where there are children, but this breed generally prefers adults. 

Saint Bernard. These gentle giants have kind hearts and love attention. They do best in families that have time to give them a lot of attention. They love being around people. Saint Bernards also respond well to training and respond to commands quickly, and usually obey their owners. 

Each dog breed will vary in size and shape, but they all share similar personality traits. With training and practice, dog owners can help socialize these loving pets and bring them into a new family.

All of these dogs are great companions and are known for their calm, sweet, and loving nature.

To get an idea of a potential new pet’s nature and energy level, be sure to do a meet and greet with the dog before you make the decision.

Some helpful questions to ask the breeder or dog shelter may include:

  1. Is the dog safe for all members of the family? Some dogs do better with children or young kids, while others do better in environments with only adults. 
  2. What energy level does the dog have? Some dogs need lots of exercise and enjoy being very active, while others are happy cuddled on your lap or the couch.
  3. What care will the dog require? Long-haired breeds may need more regular grooming and older dogs might require more frequent veterinary visits. 
  4. What age range are you looking for? Puppies are fun but may require more training (especially at first). Older dogs may already be house trained but may need more time to adapt to you and your family. 
  5. Will this dog get along with other pets? It’s important to find a dog breed that will get along with the other pets in your home.