There’s nothing better than waking up with your pooch lying next to you, and if you’re a sleepy head like me, nothing beats a good afternoon nap, especially if your dog is happy to join in on the sleepy cuddles.
I must admit that sometimes I get lured into that sleepy state because of my dog. I mean seeing him snoring on the couch in the middle of the day will do that to you.
And while there are plenty of energetic breeds like the Husky, or a German Shepherd, not every dog is prepared to run a marathon under the northern lights. There are breeds that prefer to spend a good portion of the day sleeping, between short walks and yummy meals.
So, if you’re here to find a dog breed that can match your own sleepy tendencies then you need to check out our list of 22 dog breeds that sleep a lot, and the one dog that sleeps the most!
22 Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot
For those of you who are looking for a good snooze buddy, this list is for you!
1. Mastiff
Large dogs, especially giant breeds like the Mastiff, tend to sleep much longer, up to 18 hours a day, compared to smaller dogs, and toy breeds.
As a sleepy person myself I feel a deep connection to this breed, specifically when I look into their eyes. Perhaps it’s the fact that Mastiff’s eyes are droopy or maybe it’s the lack of enthusiasm. Either way, I love their laid-back demeanor, which makes them so much more approachable despite their huge size.
Plus they are great if you’re looking for a good-natured family dog that will get along with your kids and won’t be as demanding when it comes to exercise.
I also want to mention that other mastiff breeds, like the Tibetan and Neapolitan mastiff and even the Bullmastiff, share the same need for sleeping and napping!
2. Saint Bernard
I don’t know about you, but I grew up watching the Beethoven movies with the adorable Saint Bernard as a protagonist, and these movies made me fall in love with this breed!
Saint Bernard is related to the Mastiff so you can imagine that they are just as laid back, sleeping no less that 18 hours a day. So it’s not surprising that Saint Bernards are often described as lazy, and they do enjoy sleeping or laying around the house.
Since this is a common trait among large breeds, in a similar fashion, these dogs also require a moderate amount of exercise, and according to AKC “One long walk or half-hour play session per day should be enough to keep him healthy and happy.”
These dogs are also suitable for families with children and if you enjoy spending your family vacations in the wild you can take them on hikes, and similar activities. Otherwise, you can also spend rainy evenings huddled by the fireplace next to this gentle giant.
3. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a true sleepyhead and they are overall very calm dogs, which makes it seem like all they do is sleep, and while they do enjoy a good snooze, they also have an active side to them.
After all, the Great Pyrenees is a powerful working dogs, and even though they no longer protect sheep from wolves and dangerous predators, they will spring into action if they detect any real threat.
The Great Pyrenees dogs will spend a big chunk of their time reserving their energy in case they need to fend for their family, but that doesn’t mean they don’t require proper exercise and mental stimulation.
4. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is another big canine breed, and even if it’s not as large as a Saint Bernard dog, these two breeds share a lot of the same personality traits. They love their family, they are good with children and they love sleeping.
Despite their love for a good daily 16-hour plus sleep, the Bernese Mountain dog still manages to be an active breed. They enjoy being outdoors and doing physical activities, whether those activities are hiking, or participating in carting and drafting competitions.
But I must add that the Bernese Mountain dog doesn’t have a great deal of endurance, and you will notice that they often are just as happy to lay around and snooze.
5. Newfoundland
For those of you who are looking for a loyal and intelligent giant breed, that is super fluffy and most importantly loves to snooze, then the Newfound land dog breed is a great option.
This dog can easily adjust to living indoors, but they do badly in apartments because they need a large yard and ideally safe access to water because they enjoy swimming.
So, if you live in the suburbs with your kids this low-energy breed can be a great companion for you and for them!
6. Chow Chow
Chow Chow is not a high-energy dog breed, and they may often look like they are tired, and while they do enjoy their naps more than the average dog, being relaxed and laid-back is their state of being.
While this mightn’t be the most active breed, they do need a good deal of exercise, especially if you live in an apartment. According to AKC “a moderate-paced walk four or more times a day will help to keep Chow and owner happy and healthy.”
Unlike some overly attached dog breeds and dogs that enjoy human company, the Chow Chow prefers it when their space is respected. So don’t be surprised if they end up taking some or all of their naps in solitude.
7. Great Dane
The Great Dane is another gorgeous, giant, and fast-growing breed on our list that loves to sleep 18 to 20 hours a day!
As crazy as it may sound these dogs do well in an apartment setting, and a 10 or 20-minute walk a day is enough to keep the Great Dane content, however, a brisk walk two or three times a day is advisable.
You can expect to find a gentle and loving companion in a Great Dane. They get along with other dogs and people as long as they are properly socialized and trained.
And you can rest assured that once all the fun at the park is over they’ll be ready to spend most of their day snoozing in your company!
8. Greyhound
You might be surprised to find the fastest dog breed featured on this list but despite their speed of 40 mph (64 kph), the Greyhound is quite the couch potato!
In reality, Greyhounds are not marathon runners but sprinters which means that they have big bursts of energy, and then all they do is sleep anywhere from 18 to 22 hours!
One of my best friends adopted an especially long-legged Greyhound a few years ago and I was surprised to find out that Pippin, as she named him, was all about sleeping. He reminded me of a cat, apart from the times when my friend would let him off his leash and you would immediately lose sight of him.
According to AKC because of their high prey drive “Greyhounds require a regular schedule of exercise time and opportunities to (safely) run full-out.”
So, be prepared for their speed and their love for long naps!
9. Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is another giant breed on our list, and this shaggy dog loves to lounge most of the day, but don’t be fooled by their laid-back demeanor because similarly to the greyhound, this breeds needs to run.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a Scottish Deerhound because they can sleep up to 18 hours a day, then you need to make sure they can run freely in a securely fenced play area, otherwise, they will have to be kept on a leash because of their intense prey drive.
If you can offer them the right environment, then be prepared to meet a wonderful and loyal companion in this gentle and often times lazy giant.
10. Irish Wolfhound
Similarly to the Scottish Deerhound, the Irish Wolfhound is another impressive dog breed, in fact, it’s the tallest of all dog breeds and is even taller than Great Danes.
The Irish Wolfhound is another hunting breed which means that they spend a big chunk of their day saving up their energy for hunting and they do that by sleeping, snoozing, and simply laying around all day.
Because of their size and hunting instincts, these dogs should be kept on a leash when taken for a walk, and because they build up so much energy it’s important to let them run loose in a securely fenced area.
So, even though the Irish Wolfhound is a low-energy dog, they still require regular exercise such as long walks or play sessions.
11. Bulldog
Just like their humans, all dogs sleep roughly 8 hours a night, however, they also enjoy napping throughout the day! When it comes to bulldogs this love for napping and lounging around is simply stronger because they are biologically predisposed to be less active, for several reasons.
First of all, they are brachycephalic dogs which is a smart word for saying short-snouted head shape. This recognizable and admittedly cute trait that bulldogs are known for causes this breed to “tire easily with exercise”, says Malcolm Weir, DVM. That’s why this dog isn’t suitable for really active and outgoing people.
Despite their early history of being bred as working dogs and for fighting bulls, two centuries of family life have turned bulldogs into dogs with a sweet and somewhat sluggish disposition.
If your heart is set on a bulldog then you can expect the average adult bulldog to sleep 12 to 14 hours, but you will notice this number fluctuating. Puppies as well as senior dogs for example sleep 18 to 20 hours per day. But even when awake this dog will spend a lot of its time just lounging alongside you.
That being said, bulldogs still require regular moderate exercise, and a good nap after that as you can imagine!
12. French Bulldog
The French bulldog is another short-snouted breed on our list, this means that more often than not Frenchies will feel more tired even after moderate amounts of exercise, and the only way they can get some of that energy back is by taking a nice nap!
That doesn’t mean this breed doesn’t enjoy a good outdoor play session, but you should keep the walks short and avoid exerting them during hot or humid weather.
If you are a city person, who enjoys chilling in their flat then the French bulldog can be an awesome companion to have around! Just know that they’re also one of the most expensive breeds of dogs but you can adopt one from a shelter if you’re patient.
13. Pug
The Pug is another adorable and mischievous breed on our list that has a short snout, which as you already know affects how easily these dogs tire.
Just like the French Bulldog, Pugs enjoy spending their time sleeping, and most importantly they love doing it while cuddling with their favorite human.
But as much fun as it may sound, as a Pug owner you will have to keep an eye on their eating habits, because being on the lazy side and enjoying food means that Pugs are more likely to become obese.
That being said, Pugs do enjoy being active, but because they tire easily they require moderate exercises, like walking and short play sessions inside the house or in your yard.
14. Pekingese
According to my experience, the Pekingese is the ultimate pet for senior people, and that’s because all the older people in my family owned this breed.
That being said, I don’t think this is a dog only suitable for senior people, but they are also not great dogs for those of you who have energetic children simply because the Pekingese enjoys leisure walks, and being lap dogs is their favorite thing on earth.
I mean is there a more comfortable spot to sleep than the lap of their owner?
In all seriousness though, the Pekingese is a majestic breed that is simply too cool to break a sweat running around, but if there’s ever an intruder in your dog they will let you know!
15. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is another breed that enjoys spending a big chunk of their day between several naps, and lounging, preferably in your lap. Overall they can sleep up to 16 hours in a 24-hour period.
If you live in an apartment and you are a low-energy individual looking for a dog companion then the Shih Tzu can be a great choice. As AKC brilliantly puts it “Shih Tzu’s idea of fun is sitting in your lap acting adorable as you try to watch TV.”
This doesn’t mean that Shih Tzu isn’t an active dog, but you won’t need to stress yourself too much because this is a walking dog and a daily walk along with some indoor games to satisfy their playful side is enough to make them happy.
I do want to warn my fellow introverts however that this is a showstopping dog, so don’t be surprised when your royal companion, the Shih Tzu is met with plenty of attention on your walks!
16. Lhasa Apso
If you want a dog that looks like a wise old wizard from a fantasy book, that also sleeps longer than the average dog then the Lhasa Apso is exactly that!
One might also say that Lhasa Apso is a dog version of Gandalf, because of their longevity. According to Hills “the record holder is a breed champion who lived to 29 years of age!”
I must admit this wise-looking dog is not easy to train and despite their love of napping they are not the typical couch potato, and they enjoy indoor games, and brisk walks once or twice a day.
17. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was historically a lap dog and while they do enjoy a good walk, they also love spending time cuddling with their owner and taking long naps.
That’s why the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, can be a great option for medical patients and the elderly.
This breed is perfect for those of you who live in the city and in small spaces. However, when you do walk them, whether you live in the countryside or in the city center, make sure to not let them off-leash because their scenting and hunting instincts can get them lost.
18. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel is a dog that has plenty of energy and loves to play and exercise, but they also require a few extra sleeping hours during the day to replenish their batteries.
That probably has to do with the fact that the Cocker Spaniel was bred as a hunting dog, so it tends to be active as much as possible, but that also means that they tire easily.
I’ll be honest and say that this breed isn’t suitable for anyone who is looking for a laid-back dog like the Great Dane for example.
This is a sporting breed that requires daily exercise and games, but if you’re able to provide that for them then you will find that the Cocker Spaniel is an easygoing dog, that is capable of spending a big portion of their day chilling and snoozing by your side, at least until their batteries are full again.
19. Basset Hound
If having an everyday run around the park doesn’t sound appealing then you might get along with the Basset hound. These dogs according to Hills are not high-powered athletes, and they prefer a daily long walk instead.
Just by looking at a Basset Hound, you can tell that this is a laid-back dog, and the reason they are on this list is the fact that they enjoy sleeping more than the average dog, especially after a good walk or play session. However, when they are awake you should expect plenty of kisses since Bassets are one of many breeds that love to lick their favorite people!
20. Miniature Pinscher
Some of you might be surprised to see the miniature Pinscher on this list, and I get it, after all this breed is known to be quite active.
But as AKC puts it, this breed “can enjoy relaxing on the sofa with his owner but will be equally eager to go outside and chase a few tennis balls or run around and play.”
That means that you can find an energetic companion in the Miniature Pinscher, but because they are quite small they require lighter activities, like shorter distance running, or walking.
So, once their energy is spent you can snuggle together in front of the TV and watch your favorite show!
21. Xoloitzcuintli
If you are someone who likes strange-looking dogs that enjoy sleeping more than the average pooch then this Mexican dog called Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo for short is worth your consideration.
These dogs are often described as calm, gentle, and loyal, and while they are playful just like any other dog, they are frequently comfortable lounging around the house.
Another great thing about Xolo dogs is the fact that they do well in apartments. That being said, because this breed can be a bit too tranquil, you need to make sure that this doggy gets their share of exercise and structured playtime.
22. Chihuahua
As I’ve already mentioned toy breeds require less exercise and they do get tired easily compared to medium-sized dogs and working breeds. So, it comes as no surprise that the Chihuahua, the smallest recognized dog breed, gets sleepy once their energy reserves are all spent.
So, be prepared that during your daily walks your tiny pooch will end up begging to be held, and they can easily go for a nap while being carried in their tote bag.
While Chihuahuas do enjoy their sleep it’s important to keep an eye on this dog’s sleeping patterns because sleepiness can be a sign of hypoglycemia, and to prevent it you may need to feed your Chihuahua several small meals daily.
What Dog Breed Sleeps The Most?
It’s difficult to single out just one breed from our list, especially since for the most part, large breeds tend to sleep the most, usually up to 18 hours.
But if we have to settle on a winner that would probably be a Mastiff-type dog or the Great Dane. These large dogs tend to win in this sleeping contest and as they grow older they end up sleeping even more than that.
That being said not all Mastiff dogs and Great Danes are alike, some of them might sleep 14 to 16 hours during their adulthood and they’ll only start sleeping longer when they get older.
I also want to add that even if it’s normal for a Mastiff-type dog or a Great Dane to sleep for 18 hours, it’s important to keep an eye on their overall well-being and quality of sleep because there could be an underlying health issue causing their excessive sleepiness.
Should I Be Worried If My Dog Sleeps A Lot?
While it’s true that certain breeds are more likely to spend extra time snoozing, that doesn’t mean excessive sleeping is normal.
According to Dr. Ellen Lindell, “there’s no specific number of hours a particular dog breed needs, so you should use your dog as their own baseline and look for any changes in their behavior and sleeping patterns.”
As I’ve already mentioned, puppies usually sleep 18 to 20 hours, which is essential to healthy growth, but once they reach their first year they are considered adult dogs. That’s when their sleep decreases and depending on the breed that could be anywhere from 12 to 18 hours. As your dog gets older you will notice that the time they spend sleeping starts to increase again, and that can be a normal sign of aging.
If your adult dog, let’s say a bulldog, has been sleeping for 17 hours a day ever since they became an adult, and you haven’t noticed any behavioral changes, any changes in their appetite, and energy levels then there’s probably no reason to worry.
However if your pooch, suddenly starts sleeping 20 hours a day then that change, could be a sign that they’re sick and a vet check-up would be a good call, just to ease your worries.
Common causes of lethargy in dogs are infections like the Parvovirus, Distemper, Kennel Cough, and Heartworm disease. Additionally, metabolic and organic diseases can also make your dog more tired, and of course any trauma, or anything that can cause them pain.
As I already mentioned, toy dogs like Chihuahuas can suffer from Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which among other symptoms include lethargy and sleepiness.
Finally, dogs can become depressed just like humans, so if your dog is sleeping and lounging more than usual and seem inactive and withdrawn then perhaps it’s time to see if any major changes in their life have given them the blues.
Closing Thoughts
If you feel that you’re not going to be able to suit the active lifestyle of energetic breeds then lucky for you the slow-paced dog breeds on our list can match your needs.
That being said, even low-energy dog breeds require some time outdoors, and activities that can stimulate them mentally and physically, so they can go back to their bed with that sense of great accomplishment.
So, before you make a commitment, even to a sleepy breed, you need to be sure that you can give them more than just a cozy spot beside you on your bed!
