Calm and lazy dog breeds are perfect for apartment living. They adjust well to the lifestyle of both busy and sedentary apartment dwellers.
We have to consider that all dogs, even if they are lazy and with a low energy level, require daily exercise and mental stimulation. It helps them to be physically and emotionally healthy.
Here is a list of the best lazy dog breeds perfect for apartment life.
1. Pug
The Pug is a cheerful, affectionate and playful dog. Although gentle, he is stubborn and will not always agree with what you want. But the Pug is very intuitive and easily adapts to your mood, whether it’s playing or relaxing.
He is very loyal, but in return, needs to be worshiped and receive a lot of attention to be happy.
The Pug is among the lazy dog breeds that are perfect for apartment life because of his small size and low level of activity.
Pug puppies are more playful and energetic, but as adults, enjoy long naps and moments to show off.
Just with two 15-minute walks a day and, occasionally, a time to run off-leash in a safe place is enough exercise for him.
Consider Pugs have breathing problems because of their flat muzzle. It is difficult for them to cool off like the other dogs. It is advisable to take them out for a walk when the weather is cold and give them time to cool down.
2. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are excellent companions for apartment dwellers. Usually a friendly and comical dog, as well as calm and quiet.
The very sociable Frenchie likes to spend time with his family. He doesn’t like to be left alone for long periods of time.
If they are socialized early, they can be good with children, especially females. Socialization also helps them get along with other pets and dogs. Although some males do not get along well with other male dogs.
Usually loves relaxing and sleeping, but has his moments of energy where he just wants to play.
To stay healthy, French Bulldogs will need two short walks a day. But be careful that they are only in cool weather since it’s a breed that does not handle heat very well.
The highly adaptable Frenchie can be very happy living in an apartment.
3. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a great dog to live in apartments and with elderly or disabled people. Compared to other toy dogs, the Shih Tzu isn’t jealous or demanding and not a constant barker.
He has a cheerful, warm and intelligent character. But also have a stubborn side and the reputation of being one of the most challenging breeds to housebreak.
>Although he is extremely friendly and patient, is not the best with children.
The Shih Tzu is happy spending most of his life indoors. But outside activity is important for his physical and emotional health. It helps increase his life expectancy.
He is of moderate energy and doesn’t need large amounts of exercise. But if he doesn’t release his energy on a daily basis, often have behavioral problems.
At the very least, a walk of approximately 20 minutes is recommended. But ideally, are two walks of 20 minutes.
In case he can not go for a walk, a session of 45 minutes of playtime may be enough for a Shih Tzu to end exhausted for the day.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a dog breed that likes to please and adapts very well to almost all environments and people. His gentle and good nature makes him a good therapy dog.
Affectionate, playful and very friendly with acquaintances and strangers, he likes to have company and receive a lot of attention. May have separation anxiety because doesn’t like to be left home alone.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gets along well with other pets and is very affectionate with children and is happy playing with them.
He can live happily in an apartment while he can have his daily exercise outdoors. He needs at least a couple of short walks on a leash daily.
When possible, some occasional trips to a safe place where he can freely run will help a lot and make him very happy.
We must take into account that when it’s playtime and is indoors, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is moderately active. But a good game session will help burn the extra energy.
5. Pekingese
Never underestimate him for its size and for being a lap dog. Is known for having a lot of confidence and a high opinion of himself.
He is bold, independent and sometimes aggressive. But with the right care can be a loyal, affectionate and sensitive companion who likes to play a lot.
Most of the time is a calm and not very active dog. But it is important for him to have two walks a day and his time to play. It will help him stay healthy and happy living in an apartment.
It is also recommended that has time to play indoors and be mentally active. He loves toys and will keep him entertained for a long time.
6. Japanese Chin
Breed to be a companion and lap dog. The Japanese Chin Is of a cheerful, gentle and playful nature. Dedicated to his owners with whom creates close ties.
He likes being the center of attention and doesn’t like to be alone and can suffer separation anxiety. For this reason, it is recommended for retired people or those who don’t work outside their homes all the time.
It has the ability to adapt to his family lifestyle. Whether a lively home with too much hustle, or whether one more relaxed and calm home.
The Japanese Chin is not an active dog. But needs having his playtime inside and a daily walk to meet his needs.
For walks, we have to take into account that he has a very delicate neck. It is better to use a harness instead of a leash with a collar.
7. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is gentle in nature and quite sensitive. Very playful and likes to have company and participate in all the activities of his family.
He can be too dependent and is very sensitive to the mood of his owner.
Generally, the Boston Terrier is good with children and other pets. Although with other dogs, can be dominant and territorial.
He is an alert and intelligent dog. He can be a little excitable and more active than normal if he doesn’t have enough physical and mental stimulation.
The Boston Terrier can live perfectly in an apartment since he is usually not very active. But it is important that he has his daily walks, but not in excess. He needs at least 30 minutes a day. But if he looks restless or more active than normal, he may need more.
The Boston Terrier also needs mental stimulation to stay healthy and calm. Some training or toys are good options for him.
8. Chihuahua
It is quite difficult to define the personality of the Chihuahua clearly.
Some can be animated and bold, while others are quiet and shy. Some can be very loving and always willing to please, while others just do what they want.
What is certain is his family is all his world to him, and always wants to go everywhere with them and participate in all the activities.
>Not a very sociable dog. He generally doesn’t like strangers and doesn’t get along well with other dogs and pets.
They are excellent apartment dogs. The disadvantage with them is they bark a lot.
But he is very homely. The Chihuahua does not like to be outside his home. Prefers spending time indoors with his family.
However, although he does not like to go out a lot, he must have a proper exercise routine. At a minimum, needs a 30-minute walk every day.
9. Chinese Crested
He is a dog with a lot of personality, is animated, playful and very affectionate. The Chinese Crested can be a good and funny companion. Tends to become deeply attached to his owner, although with strangers is very reserved.
However, he needs a lot of attention. If you are often away from home, he is not the best option for you since he may suffer from separation anxiety.
On the other hand, he is very good with children. Very affectionate and likes to play with them. But is a breed not recommended for families with children since he is an extremely fragile dog and is easy for children to hurt him while they play.
The Chinese Crested is an excellent breed for apartment dwellers. Not a very active pet, and taking care of him is very easy.
To keep him healthy, having one or two daily walks and some playtime may be enough. Although, in addition to the exercise, you have to make sure to keep him mentally stimulated.
10. Pomeranian
Intelligent and loyal, the Pomeranian is a great choice for apartment living and a great companion for many types of people.
He is outgoing and very sociable. Loves meeting new people and stealing their attention.
With his family is very affectionate and playful, but becomes extremely demanding. He has an independent side, and if spoiled, it tends to manifest bad behavior.
He is a slightly active dog, but for his size is not much in general terms.
The Pomeranian needs a couple of short or medium-long walks a day and a time to play. Enjoys playing with toys inside his home, and will also be happy to have time in a safe place without a leash where he can run freely.
11. Tibetan Spaniel
The Tibetan Spaniel is an alert dog and an excellent watchdog. This also means that tends to bark frequently.
He is an intelligent, charming and cheerful, and has a fairly independent side to consider.
He’s a very sweet and sensitive dog, so it is best for homes without much tension or noise. He is very affectionate with his family and needs a lot of attention. Doesn’t like to spend a lot of time alone and may suffer separation anxiety.
On the other hand, if socialized correctly and grows up with children, is very affectionate and playful with them. Even becomes protective and takes care of them a lot. Much better than other toy and small breeds.
The Tibetan Spaniel is not a very active dog and is usually lazy, but has its moments when he just wants to play.
Although a playtime can cover his physical activity needs, he should also have one or two walks a day to stay healthy.
12. Bolognese
A loyal companion, affectionate and intelligent. He is a dog that needs a lot of company. Very devoted to his owner with whom he would like to be all the time. For this reason, he needs an owner who is at home often.
The Bolognese is entertaining and curious, and is usually exploring and investigating everything. With children is affectionate and playful and gets along well with other pets.
They are dogs that adapt well to the lifestyle of their owners and are excellent at reading their moods. They are happy to relax and take a nap indoors with them, as well as going out to play when possible.
He is slightly active, but with a session of indoor games and two walks of 15 minutes a day is enough for him. Don’t forget he needs to stay mentally stimulated.
13. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is extremely friendly and famous for getting along with people. Interacts well with other pets and children, with whom tends to create close ties.
He does not love or need much activity or exercise, and is happy lying down with his family and can be hours snoring on the couch.
Actually, it’s not good for him to run or make great physical efforts. Due to his short nose and small nasal passages, tend to run out of breath easily and tend to have joint problems.
Because of his indisposition to exercise and his genetics, he is prone to obesity. That’s why it’s important to make sure he has his daily exercise. A game session of 30 minutes a day can be more than enough.
The English Bulldog is one of the best lazy dog breeds for apartment life.
14. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a great companion and family dog since he is friendly, affectionate and gentle which makes him a perfect choice for apartment dwellers.
Also quite stubborn and difficult to deal with. If he finds a scent that wants to follow, nothing can stop him.
Although the Basset Hound was bred as a hunting dog, loves to be resting indoors most of the time. He is one of those lazy dog breeds perfect for apartments.
Tends to devote to relax when indoors, but enjoys going outdoors. It’s important for the Basset Hound to have a couple of walks a day to stay healthy.
15. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow has a particular personality, he is an extremely loyal, independent, serious and introverted dog.
The Chow Chow is an excellent watchdog, is brave and protective, and even becomes quite overprotective.
It is important to socialize him as soon as possible. With proper socialization, he can be friendly with other pets and may get along well with children, although he doesn’t love playing with them.
For a big dog, the Chow Chow is not active at all. He is quite lazy and loves to take naps and relax in his apartment for hours.
But the Chow Chow needs exercise, and with a couple of 15-minute walks a day is enough to keep him healthy and happy.
16. Dachshund
Fearless and brave until imprudence. Likewise, he is always alert to everything that happens around him, which makes him a good watchdog.
Dachshunds are great for apartment living and a smart dog with a playful and mischievous character. But he is also stubborn and tenacious and will encourage you to spoil him.
He likes to eat and gets fat easily besides being happy to lie around quietly.
But they need a reasonable amount of physical and mental activity. So he must have more or less two walks of 20 to 30 minutes a day.
We have to take into account that he likes to run, but you have to take care of him because of his size and long body can be hurt.
17. Greyhound
The Greyhound is an excellent family dog and becomes very close to his owner. The Greyhound is a great apartment dog that has an affectionate, friendly and very tender personality.
Also an intelligent and independent dog, but can be shy with strangers if not properly socialized.
>Known as a racing dog, he is often thought he is a very active dog with high energy level.>
But in reality, it is not very active. He likes to sleep and be pampered and, although he needs exercise on a daily basis, doesn’t need much.
You have to take him out to walk a couple of times a day and give him a time to play. It also helps to take him to a safe place to run without leash a few times a week. Not forget that likes to chase things.
18. Bullmastiff
An alert and a great watchdog. Brave defending his home and family. Although, in general, he is not aggressive if not responding to a real threat.
He is of a kind and serious character, with a lot of confidence in himself. But very sensitive and does not respond well to being treated with harshness.
Loyal and affectionate, the Bullmastiff likes and needs attention and being around his family. So prefers not staying alone for long periods of time.
Although he is a large dog, he is not very active and can live perfectly in an apartment. He is very calm indoors but needs to exercise to stay healthy and happy. If not exercised enough, he will be restless and can be difficult to control.
The Bullmastiff needs two daily walks of approximately 30 minutes. It is also good to take him to a dog park to be off-leash and socialize.
19. Great Dane
He is protective, but a gentle and affectionate dog that gets along with everyone.
Also, an excellent watchdog and, although he is very imposing, is not aggressive at all.
The Great Dane likes attention and being around people, and is very sweet and relaxed with strangers.
Loyal and reliable and, despite its size, likes to snuggle and rest.
The Great Dane is not an active dog and does not need much exercise. A couple of daily walks of 15 minutes each, maybe enough activity for him. Although if he is restless, may require up to 60 minutes of exercise per day.
The Great Dane is considered one of the best large lazy dog breeds for apartments.
20. Saint Bernard
Really affectionate with his family and has an extroverted, friendly and very social character. He loves being around people and being at the center of activities.
Patient, obedient and likes to please. He loves attention but is not a very needy dog, although he doesn’t like to stay alone for a long time and may suffer separation anxiety.
The Saint Bernard is genuinely friendly with other animals, and with children is very patient and gentle. But because of his size, you have to be careful because he can throw them by accident.
Adapts particularly well to living in an apartment, but due to its size, it is better to be quite broad.
He is not very active and tends to be relaxed and slow in general. When he is indoors, is very calm and moves especially slowly.
When they are puppies, do not over-exercise them because they can damage their bones and joints.
But in general, he needs to have a couple of daily walks or a very long one. You have to take into account that doesn’t handle heat well and avoid going out on very hot days.
21. Newfoundland
Is a devoted and faithful companion. An intelligent, gentle and sweet dog that is good for families.
Also, a good watchdog and very protective, although he is never aggressive and is often used as a therapy dog.
He likes being with people and is very friendly and always willing to please. A patient dog, but does not like to be alone for long periods of time and may suffer from separation anxiety. For this reason, he can manifest destructive behavior and bark a lot.
Is a very calm dog, especially indoors, and likes to be around his home which makes the Newfoundland perfect for apartment living.
But needs exercise, it is necessary that he has two daily walks of 20 to 40 minutes. It is also recommended to take him for a swim since he likes water and is an excellent swimmer.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect dog breed for our lifestyle is not easy. But it is essential to have a pet that we can offer a good life.
When you live in an apartment, and you have a very busy life or you are not the type of person who likes to exercise a lot, there are small, medium or large lazy dog breeds perfect for you.
Although you always have to remember that having a dog is a responsibility and long-term commitment. Every dog needs and deserves time and effort from his family so he can have a healthy and happy life.
