Not everyone has an energetic personality or lifestyle that allows for daily trips to the dog park. We don’t all have a love of hiking with a dog running the trails alongside. Some people want the companionship of a pet, but perhaps health issues, a tiring job, or an introverted personality mean the best kind of pet for them is calm, low maintenance, and enjoys cuddles more than dog parks. This doesn't mean a dog isn't the right pet for them, but they need to choose the breed carefully.
Border Collies, Russell Terriers, Labradors, English Springer Spaniels, Huskies, and German Shepherds are all dogs that require some form of daily activity and appreciate a lifestyle full of outdoor adventure. However, there are many lap-loving dog breeds with easy-going personalities that prioritize affection and cuddles over action-packed outings.
Golden Retriever
As puppies, Golden Retrievers bring a lot of energy to the room and have playful personalities. However, as adults, they have a gentle, affectionate, and obedient temperament. They're eager to please and often follow their owner's lead when it comes to energy level. These are also the reasons why Golden Retrievers make excellent service and therapy dogs. For people who love the quiet of home and desire a larger breed dog for companionship, a Golden Retriever is a good option. During puppy and young adulthood, dog daycare may be a great way to help burn energy without having to be the one doing the running. Check out our daycare and enrichment facility, Sidekicks Stay & Play.
Pug
Pugs enjoy being the center of attention, so for individuals who love curling up with Netflix on the couch every night, pugs are perfectly content to curl up alongside them and enjoy the snuggles. They are easy-going dogs who can be entertaining at times, but in a playful way that is both endearing and comical. Pugs require minimal activity because exercise is often difficult for smushed-faced dogs, also known as Brachycephalic dogs. Hill's defines a Brachycephalic dog and provides insight into its exercise limitations. Keep in mind while this breed is typically low energy, it is vital for their overall health that they maintain a healthy weight.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the most versatile dogs, fitting in perfectly with active families and homebodies. They are a go-with-the-flow breed, happy and content doing whatever their owner wants as long as they're together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are among the most adorable dogs, with big "chocolate" eyes that melt your heart and a demeanor that makes them loved by all. This breed is typically especially good with children. This makes them excellent cuddle companions for nights on the couch watching TV, but they can also keep themselves entertained when they're craving some activity. Keep in mind like the Pug and Pekingese, CKCS’s are also Brachycephalic.
Pekingese
Small, fluffy, and cuddly, Pekingese are great indoor dogs because they don't require much exercise. When they do feel the urge to be active, they don't demonstrate much stamina or athletic prowess. Their shorter muzzles can make breathing challenging, so they tend to have a sedentary lifestyle. Pekingese are quiet companions who are happy to live a low-key life with a low-key owner.
“Mutts” - AKA Mixed Breed & “Shelter Dogs”
While they represent various breeds, homebodies shouldn't overlook shelter dogs when deciding to add a pet to their life. According to the ASPCA, 3.1 million dogs are living in U.S. shelters. They should be considered as an option for adoption since they are in desperate need of homes and often have many qualities perfect for homebody pet owners. Unfortunately as shelter dogs age, euthanization might be their ultimate fate.
Many shelter dogs can be ideal for an owners with a quiet, sedentary lifestyle for the following reasons.
- They usually tend to be older, without the energy and maintenance of a puppy
- Some may be already trained, having lived in a home environment in the past
- They are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations
Connect with us if you want to learn more about ideal dog breeds that will thrive in a quiet, at-home lifestyle.