15 Medium Sized Low Energy Dog Breeds

Most canines are high-energy creatures that love kicking up a sweat any time of day. If they are not eating, taking a nap, or giving you the cuddles, they will be running around in the yard, playing with the kids, or chasing the cat.

However, there are some dogs that get by fine with just lying around all day long.

Of course, they can take you up on a walk around the neighborhood but anything beyond is simply unnecessary for them.

Such breeds are perfect for people who are lazy, disabled, busy, or old.

Here, we have a list of medium sized low energy dog breeds you can consider if you prefer a laid-back canine buddy to a super active one.

1. Bulldog

The number one dog breed known for his love for snoozing is none other than the American bulldog.

If you have ever owned one in your life before, you know they can sleep through the afternoon, wake up to take dinner, and go back to bed. People who live in apartments choose bulldogs for this very reason.

Plus, this breed is very alert and watchful while having a very sweet temperament.

As long as a bulldog gets his low-impact exercise a few times a week, he’ll be very happy staying indoors with his owners.

2. Chow chow

This super fluffy dog also happens to be least active compared to many breeds out there.

On average, a chow chow moves his body for only 43 minutes per day according to Whistle.

An active dog needs 138 minutes at the very least to be healthy physically.

If your schedule doesn’t offer plenty of room to walk your dog, you are a good candidate for the chow chow.

He’s a very independent breed who thrives in his own company for the most part.

Don’t worry; you will still have plenty of time to run your hands through that thick ball of hair.

3. Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber spaniel is the heaviest among the spaniel family of dog breeds.

He goes by the nickname of “retired gentleman’s spaniel” and is laid back and easy-going.

This breed spends his days relaxing. His everlasting sleepy face sells him out.

If he doesn’t want to go out for a walk (which happens a lot), there’s very little you can do to change his mind.

He may look sleepy round the clock, but he’s quite playful and loving.

He trusts easily and bears a very sweet temperament while still being loyal to his owners.

4. Manchester Terrier

The Manchester terrier is a beautiful dog with a glossy and short coat.

This breed was bred for pest control services during the Elizabethan years.

He is tenacious, loyal, vocal, loving, and sadly stubborn.

Manchester terrier dogs are not as energetic as the rest of the breeds in the terrier family. They are perfect for apartment dwellers as they do fine being indoors.

Obviously, they still need to expend some energy on a daily basis but the requirements are way less than most dogs.

5. Basset Hound

Famous for his low-hanging physique and drooping ears, the Basset hound is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and the world over. His eyes look sad and his face, wrinkly.

When it comes to energy levels, a Basset hound is more like a tortoise than a gazelle.

He needs a lot of convincing to run around for one hour in the dog park.

His preferred method of exercising is endurance at a steady pace rather than sprinting in short bursts.

This breed excels in a sedentary-style home. Pet owners who want a laid-back companion for a dog will absolutely find a good match in a basset hound.

6. Puggle

As you might have guessed, the Puggle is a mixed breed between a Beagle and a pug.

Designer dog breeders in the US bred this dog in the 1980s in a bid to try to get a healthier, much stable dog than his purebred counterparts.

Now, it is one of the most popular dogs in American homes mostly for his sweet and friendly nature.

Like his parent the pug, the puggle is low-maintenance in the way of exercise. He can sleep for more than 18 hours a day. His naps are characterized by lots of snoring and snorting.

On average, this breed only needs roughly 30 minutes of exercise per day.

7. Cocker Spaniel

Here’s another member of the spaniel family that has a laid-back personality.

Cocker spaniels are lovable, easy-going, and an absolute joy to share a home with.

If you prioritize keeping a quiet and calm house, find a cocker spaniel and bring him home with you. He has low energy and can easily pass for a couch potato.

Once in a while, his athletic side will emerge and take over but more often than not, a 30-minute walk does the trick for him.

8. Greyhound

The greyhound is an interesting dog breed.

On one hand, he is one of the fastest dog breeds who can reach a speed of 45 mph in only 30 feet. On the other hand, he’s also a renowned couch potato.

This dog lives by the “all or nothing mentality” as far as exercise is concerned. He either runs at top speed or lies down for a long time without a care in the world.

When you go to work for 8 hours, he will warm your couches until you get back.

Just make sure you let him run around for at least one hour when you come back home to ensure his workout needs are fulfilled.

9. Bergamasco Sheepdog

The Bergamasco Sheepdog has a unique coat that always stands out in crowds. Pet owners take pride in showing off their dogs during events.

Underneath the thick fur is a protective and loyal dog with a good work ethic. He is well-mannered, sociable, and very lovable.

Although he loves doing fun activities with the family outdoors, this breed is pretty content lounging with you all day.

Just make sure that he gets his daily dose of exercise to keep him healthy.

10. Sussex Spaniel

Sturdy and heavily built, the Sussex spaniel is a good companion to have at home.

He’s happy and delightful. As long as you introduce him to other pets and kids early enough, this breed doesn’t have an issue sharing a home with animals and man.

He’s also pretty laid back. When he’s outdoors, he enjoys hunting small game than participating in any other activity.

He’s also very adaptable to different living situations including apartments and condos and big family homes.

11. Afghan Hound

This long-haired canine is also one among many outstanding dog breeds.

His thick coat requires a lot of grooming but it is what makes this breed truly remarkable in the looks department.

An Afghan hound is described as a dignified and affectionate dog. He simply loves without holding back. He can be a bit aloof with strangers, but he gives his all to his owners.

As for being active, this dog definitely qualifies as a low-energy breed.

He’s docile and loves to relax indoors rather than go outside and run around until sundown.

12. Whippet

The whippets and greyhounds are close cousins as far as sprinting is concerned. A whippet can go from 1-30 mph in less than one minute. If you love watching a dog take off at maximum speed, this is the dog to watch out for.

Like a greyhound, a whippet is also an extremist in that he can run fast and lie on the couch all day as well.

Don’t expect him to be out in the yard playing Frisbee all morning with your kids.

For the most part, he will be much happier staying on your side as you catch up on your favorite TV show.

13. Basenji

The Basenji is the only dog in the entire canine kingdom that never barks.

For this reason, it is the most loved pet by families that can’t tolerate barking. These include those with newborns or toddlers that need sound sleep or people with neighbors that don’t appreciate noise.

In addition to being quiet, a Basenji is also a low-energy breed. He is rather curious but isn’t interested in running around the yard or the park.

14. Skye Terrier

At only 25-40 pounds of body weight, the Skye terrier is a medium-sized chilled-out dog.

This breed is not very popular in the United States but if you are lucky to own one, you are in for a treat.

He will not pester you to take him for a long walk every morning and evening.

A short brisk walk around the block is enough to put a smile on his face. He’s very friendly, charming, and sweet making him a good friend to man.

15. Chinese Shar-Pei

The Chinese Shar Pei is not only popular for his hippo look (complete with a broad muzzle, wrinkled face, sunken eyes, and a frowning expression), this dog is also very low-key.

Typically, a Shar-pei is only active for less than one hour every day. The rest of the day is spent snoozing, lounging, and staying clean.

This breed is also calm, independent, and sometimes aloof.

Conclusion

Want a medium-sized dog that requires little exercise? Pick one from this our medium sized low energy dog breeds list and enjoy being a parent to a chill dog at home.

Please note that all dogs need exercise to maintain a good weight and health in general.

However, the ones listed thrive without lots of walks, jogs, hiking, and plenty of intense physical activity.