Apartment living certainly has its advantages, such as not having to mow the lawn or take care of the countless other home maintenance projects that might be needed if you owned your home.
The downside to this for dog lovers is that certain breeds most often aren’t allowed, and others are too active, too noisy, or just plain unsuitable for a small living environment.
So, what’s an apartment-dwelling prospective pet owner to do?
Fortunately, there are breeds who require a lot less energy than others. Although it should be noted that all breeds require daily walks. We’ve complied a list of the top 10 lazy dog breeds that make the perfect companion for your apartment lifestyle.
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Photo: I Love My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Weight: 10-18 lbs
Grooming: Medium
Why They’re Perfect: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are happy, intelligent dogs, that get along with everyone. Unlike other small breeds, this breed is naturally quiet and isn’t prone to yapping unless poorly trained. Its energy level only requires brief playful romps around the living room before collapsing into your lap to take a long nap.
2. English Bulldog
Photo: The English Bulldog
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: These short, compact breeds might look like they mean business, but they’re actually sweet animals who just want to curl up with you on the couch. Bulldogs are not known for exercising as they get hot and tired easily. They much prefer lounging around indoors. They’re also just stocky and intimidating enough to ward off would-be thieves. With a short-haired coat that makes grooming practically unneeded, you wont be spending hours extracting dog hair from every crevice of your apartment!
3. Miniature Pinscher
Photo: I Love My Min Pin
Weight: 8-10 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: Although not quite as low energy as other dogs on this list, the Miniature Pinscher’s small size is perfect for apartments. After zipping around the living room a few times, this dog is ready to curl up in a corner and take their eight-hour nap. Relativity healthy and easy to groom, it’s no surprise why the Miniature Pinscher is so popular with apartment dwellers.
4. Italian Greyhound
Photo: Imgur
Weight: 8-18 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: Like the Min Pin, the Italian Greyhound is slightly more energetic than it’s peers. Italian greyhounds are compact as well, with the added benefit of being hypoallergenic, perfect for those with pet allergies. Known for being intelligent, sweet, and very affectionate, Italian Greyhounds are great companion dogs and will gladly spend hours curled up on a warm lap.
5. Pug
Photo: Doug the Pug
Weight: 13-20 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: Oh Pugs! Playful and always hilarious, the Pug doesn’t need much activity to have fun. Sensitive to extreme temperatures and prone to breathing problems, the Pug is happiest when frolicking around indoors. But beware — this breed is sometimes prone to overeating, as demonstrated in the picture above!
6. Basset Hound
Photo: BuzzSharer Basset Hounds
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: The Basset is basically a big dog with very short legs. These dogs get along great with kids and other pets. Although they’re generally lazy dogs, if they pick up a scent, they might very well follow it. After all, this breed was bred to hunt, and it wouldn’t be fair if they weren’t allowed to fulfill their primal instinct.
7. Boston Terrier
Photo: Boston Terrier
Weight: 10-25 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: Similar to the Bulldog, the Boston Terrier is a short, compact dog who’s friendly and easy to train. Indoors they stay pretty inactive, releasing all their energy outside during their short daily walks. Their small size also makes them perfect for tiny studio apartments.
8. Chow Chow
Photo: HD Wallpaper Backgrounds
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Grooming: High
Why They’re Perfect: This breed, best known for its unique blue/black tongue, originated in China ironically as a working dog. Now they can be found lounging on the sofa in the cool indoors rather than running around outside. Chow Chows can be independent and stubborn, which might come across as too cat-like for some dog owners. But if your apartment can handle there large size and endless shedding, they do make great couch cuddle buddies.
9. Tibetan Spaniel
Photo: Imgur
Weight: 9-15 lbs
Grooming: Medium
Why They’re Perfect: Although not lazy per se, these dogs are alert and curious but don’t require tons of activity. Naturally born lap dogs, these ancient breeds are happiest when in cool, indoor spaces or while napping at your feet. Plus, their small size means they can feel comfortable in just about any space.
10. Bullmastiff
Photo: Bullmuffin
Weight: 100-130 lbs
Grooming: Low
Why They’re Perfect: You’re probably thinking there’s no way a Bullmastiff is a good fit for an apartment. Contrary to popular belief, these enormous dogs are naturally quiet, calm, and yes, lazy. Bullmastiff’s don’t require too much activity indoors, all they need is a couch to curl up on and they’ll be happy. If your landlord will allow a 100+ pound dog, and your apartment can handle the massive shedding that goes along with this massive breed, they make great apartment companions.
Resources for Your Lazy Dog
Exercise
Although these breeds are considered to be lazy, all dogs require daily walks. Fortunately, if you live in Tacoma, the Waterwalk at Point Ruston is the perfect place for getting your dog some much needed exercise. The Waterwalk is a mile-long trail system along Point Ruston’s shoreline which provides unobstructed views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier.
Veterinarians
Daily exercise and walks go a long way to keeping your dog healthy, but sometimes they get sick or need a checkup. When it comes time to take them in, we’ve got you covered with a list of Yelp’s top 5 Veterinarians in Tacoma.
- Soundview Veterinary Hospital
- Columbia Veterinary Hospital
- Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, PS
- Browns Point Veterinary Clinic
- North End Pet Hospital
Pet Stores
Being in an apartment most of the day gives your dog a lot of down time. While most of that time is spent napping, dogs do need some mental stimulation. Pet toys are the perfect solution, and fortunately Yelp has another list of the top 5 Pet Stores in Tacoma.
