Typically when we think of a dog, man’s best friend, we think of a high-energy dog that needs a ton of exercise. But for the dog owners out there who have lifestyles that can’t accommodate these active pups, there are still dogs out there that will meet your exact needs. Below are our 7 couch potato dog breeds that don’t require extreme amounts of physical activity and will enjoy lounging around the house just as much as you do:
Chinese Shar Pei
This compact, yet medium sized dog is adorned with a broad muzzle, small eyes and a scowling expression with loose skin all over the head, neck, and shoulders. They typically have a high set tail and a sandpaper coat and are strong, regal, and independent guardian dogs. While they are typically guardian dogs, they are also very serene at times.
The Chinese Shar Pei usually works best with one person and prefers to stay close and quiet by this person. This dog is content to be right by your side on the couch or laying down in front of the fireplace while you binge watch Netflix. Serene, yet watchful. Normally, a short walk each day will give this dog exactly what they need and then it’s back to resting on the couch.
Great Dane
Great danes are tall dogs standing as high as 32 inches at the shoulder. Known to tower over most dogs when they stand on their hind legs, they are powerful giants with a picture of elegance and balance. Although their coats come in many different colors and patterns, they are best known for their harlequin patchwork pattern. They are alert home guardians who are patient with kids and are known to people please and make friends easily.
The Great Dane is typically classified as the working dog, but really they enjoy sitting around and watching over their people. They are typically more of a nanny dog than a retriever and this is due to their rapid growth and huge size. Too much exercise could actually cause bone and joint problems for Great Danes, so this guardian dog would be a perfect choice for a couch potato breed.
Bullmastiff
This dog isn’t as large as the Mastiff, but it still stands high as 27 inches and weighs between 100 and 130 pounds. With a large head, dark eyes, v shaped ears, and a broad muzzle, this world class protector is the perfect family companion.
They are reliable dogs that are easy to train if done properly and early enough. The Bullmastiff was typically used for herding work, but herding meant standing around and tending watch. Making sure predators stayed at bay. So tons of exercising, wandering around and exploring is just not in this dog’s DNA. Because of their size, they typically will be lazy the entire day, probably taking up most of the space on the couch. They’re not just couch potatoes, but couch hogs. So if you’re looking for a breed with the same couch hogging hobbies as you, this will probably be the dog you’ve been looking for.
Saint Bernard
The infamous Saint Bernard. They’re known for their big build, short muzzle, dark eyes, and intelligent, yet friendly expression. These massive watch dogs are known to be very powerful or extraordinarily muscular. Even though they are known as great watch dogs, they’re also known to lounge around the house all day.
With their large size and even larger bark, they will deter any unwanted guests while serving as the perfect couch potato. This breed of dog is very difficult to get to exercise, but walking the dog at least once a day is imperative to his health and well being as well as your health and well being.
Great Pyrenees
These majestic dogs are big, mountain dogs that can often stand as high as 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh more than 100 pounds. These guardian dogs are usually calm, but are alert and steadfast if there is a threat.
They’re adorned with a beautiful, lush, weatherproof coat that is typically all white or white with sprinkles of gray, tan, or brown. The Great Pyrenees was bred to guard, but are not considered an active breed. They’re much more content lying around and observing. They’re the perfect type of dog to chill out with -- most of the time they barely move around at all, making them the perfect partner in quarantine to binge watch your favorite show with.
Greyhound/Italian Greyhound
The greyhound dog breed is perfectly constructed for the high speed pursuit with their lean S shape, they make excellent house pets. Even though they have perfect form, they are also known to be smart, sweet, calm, gentle and loving with children and adults.
I know you’re probably wondering why the greyhound is on the list of couch potato dog breeds. Although they’re known for racing, they can only go short distances and are not built for endurance. So while they like to run around the park for exercise, it won’t be long before they are requiring a nap. This dog breed is perfect for those dog owners who like to lounge and exercise in equal amounts.
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is a medium size breed at about 15 inches at the shoulder and around 25 pounds, but they are beautiful dogs with a double coat that offers one wooly coat and one long, fine topcoat.
This shaggy bearded dog requires a lot of grooming as you can imagine, but they are easily adaptable to different homes and lifestyles. Although the Tibetan Terrier is calm natured, they are easily trained and serve as good guard dogs who are wary of strangers and their surroundings. They will even let out a warning bark if need be. While this dog requires frequent grooming, if you want a dog that will get you off the couch, this is the one. They require brisk walking a few times a day, but will lounge with you on the couch immediately after.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect dog to match your busy lifestyle can be a struggle. Hopefully this list of 7 different couch potato dog breeds will help you narrow down your search. But whatever large couch potato dog breed you choose, be sure to give them everything they need to feel at home -- whether that's a collar with a name plate, a large dog bed, or their favorite dog food. Making your new dog feel at home is key. Then it’s time to hit the couch and relax.
