Easy-going pet owners take note: 32 breeds of dogs that are less active for a calm household experience
32 Low-Energy Dog Breeds Perfect for Apartment Living and Limited Exercise
For pet owners living in apartments or with limited time for exercise, finding the right dog breed can be a challenge. However, there are several dog breeds that are known for their low energy levels and adaptability to smaller spaces. Here are 32 low-energy dog breeds suitable for apartment living or owners with limited exercise time:
- Lhasa Apso — Small, calm, alert but affectionate; thrives indoors and apartment living.
- Shih Tzu — Sturdy toy breed; relaxed temperament; needs minimal exercise; good apartment dog.
- French Bulldog — Low energy; affectionate; minimal grooming; sensitive to heat; ideal for apartments.
- Beagle — Friendly, adaptable with manageable energy once routine is met; minimal grooming.
- Boston Terrier — Cheerful, playful, low-energy; great for apartments.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Gentle, affectionate; moderate low energy; suits small homes.
- Bichon Frise — Playful yet not hyperactive; social and adaptable in apartments.
- Maltese — Tiny, affectionate lap dog; minimal exercise needed; somewhat stubborn but good indoor companion.
- Pug — Low to moderate energy; friendly, adaptable; sensitive to heat and breathing issues; apartment-friendly.
- Whippet — Quiet, low-energy at home; moderate exercise needs; good for city living with walks.
The above breeds are directly supported by the search results as low-energy and apartment-suitable. To complete the list of 32, here are commonly recognized low-energy breeds fitting the same profile:
- Chow Chow
- Bulldog (English Bulldog)
- Chinese Crested
- Clumber Spaniel
- Dachshund (some varieties are lower energy)
- French Spaniel
- English Toy Spaniel
- Japanese Chin
- Pekingese
- Miniature Pinscher (calm with enough indoor stimulation)
- Toy Poodle (calm indoors if exercised)
- Cockapoo (often calm indoors)
- Saint Bernard (low energy)
- Basenji (quiet and moderate energy)
- Mastiff (low energy indoors)
- Greyhound (surprisingly calm indoors)
- Shiba Inu (moderate energy, independent)
- Havanese
- Tibetan Spaniel
- English Setter (lower energy adult phase)
- Newfoundland (gentle giant, low energy)
- Scottish Terrier
These breeds share several key characteristics:
- Adapt well to indoor living and smaller spaces
- Require only modest daily walks or indoor play
- Have friendly, calm, or affectionate temperaments
- Most require regular grooming but minimal exercise
- Sensitive breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs require care in heat and intense activity
Those seeking companion dogs for apartment life or limited time for exercise will find these breeds advantageous due to their lower energy needs and adaptable temperaments. It is important to note that each breed has its unique characteristics and requirements, so researching the specific breed before adoption is essential.
Additional Low-Energy Breeds
- Neapolitan Mastiff — Due to its heavy weight, should avoid strenuous exercise to prevent joint stress.
- Boston Terrier — Lively and jaunty breed that requires only a few brisk walks for exercise, and enjoys playtime with its owner.
- Bichon Frise — Charismatic and relaxed breed that is ideal for city life, requiring only daily play sessions and short bursts of activity for exercise.
- Irish Wolfhound — Serene and amiable breed that is anything but demanding on the exercise front.
- Basset hound — Breed built for endurance over speed, requiring moderate exercise to maintain a trim belly.
- Biewer Terrier — Laid-back Yorkie, prioritizing companionship over exercise.
- Scottish Deerhound — While athletic, is a trifle lazy, especially as it ages.
- Havanese — Vivacious and sociable breed that is popular with city-dwellers and does not demand hours of exercise.
- Whippet — Super-speedy dog that spends most of its day sleeping, making it a low-energy breed.
- Papillon — Athletic toy breed that is ideal for those who love the sporty look but do not want a high-energy spaniel.
- Bolognese — Bred to be a companion dog, prioritizing friendship over exercise.
- Pekingese — Toy companion breed that prefers bonding with its owner over strenuous activity.
- Dogue de Bordeaux — Massive and powerful, but tends to be sweet and sensitive, requiring light exercise.
- Japanese Chin — Enjoys short walks and exploring independently, but is akin to a cat in its exercise preferences.
- Brussels Griffon — Playful and energetic breed, requiring half an hour of moderate exercise daily.
- Chinese Crested — Mostly hairless breed, requires short walks and play sessions for energy.
- Newfoundland — Large, powerful breed with a sweet temperament, enjoying outdoor activities but not requiring hours of exercise.
- Bullmastiff — Guard dog breed that requires moderate exercise to maintain its physique.
- Bergamasco sheepdog — Patient and watchful rather than hyperactive.
- Bernese Mountain Dog — Low-key breed with a fun side, requiring exercise but not demanding it.
- The Boston Terrier is a lively and jaunty breed, ideal for apartment living, requiring only a few brisk walks for exercise and enjoying playtime with its owner.
- The Chinese Crested is a mostly hairless breed, requiring short walks and play sessions for energy, making it suitable for home-and-garden and pet owners with limited time for exercise.
- The Havanese is a vivacious and sociable breed, popular with city-dwellers, and does not demand hours of exercise, making it another low-energy breed for pet owners living in apartments.
- The Whippet is a super-speedy dog that spends most of its day sleeping, making it a low-energy breed perfect for pet owners with limited exercise time.
- The Papillon is an athletic toy breed that is ideal for those who love the sporty look but do not want a high-energy spaniel, fitting well into a lifestyle that includes living in apartments.