10 Dog Breeds For Laid Back Lifestyles

10 Dog Breeds For Laid Back Lifestyles

Make Room On The Couch!

When choosing the right breed for you, it is so important that you think about your lifestyle and what level of activity you participate in on a regular basis. If you aren't interested in hours of activity with your dog or participating in dog sports, you may want to think about some of the "couch potatoes" of the dog world. Some breeds are more content living a less active life than others and will generally be better suited for your home than those bred for herding or retrieving.

Keep in mind that all dogs need daily exercise in order to stay fit, healthy and mentally stimulated. Any dog that remains stagnant all day will be prone to obesity and the gamut of problems that go with it. Regular walks and indoor games with your lower-activity breed will help it stay trim and happy for years to come!

The Mastiff:

Don抰 let their giant size make you think these massive dogs move quickly! It often takes a lot of motivation to get a Mastiff to get up to go for a walk, much less play a game of fetch. These calm and loyal pets are very gentle and do need to be coaxed into a few short daily walks in order to keep fit and healthy. They are good with children, but may knock them over by accident, given their large size. This breed is prone to bloat as well as joint issues. Care must be taken not to allow a Mastiff to become obese.

The Shih Tzu:

The Shih Tzu is actually a fairly active dog, but you have to consider what activity means in such a small package! This companion dog can get much of its needed activity indoors and also enjoys 搗egging?out in its favorite bed (or on the couch!). These little dogs have friendly personalities and are usually quite outgoing with strangers. Shih Tzus have demanding grooming needs and their coats need to be maintained on a daily basis.

The Pekingese:

Pekingese resemble little shuffling toupees. They have an endearing look about them that is completely unique to their breed! The Pekingese is also nicknamed 搇ion dog? due to its thick mane of fur that surrounds its head. This breed only needs brief walks to keep it fit, as its short legs and build make it hard for it to travel much farther! Pekingese have very low tolerance to heat and should be kept indoors during warm weather. They need daily grooming in order to keep their coats clean and maintained. The breed is playful and loving with its family, but can be wary of strangers. This is often expressed through vocalizing at strangers.

The Clumber Spaniel:

The Clumber Spaniel is one of the lesser seen members of the Spaniel group. These heavy boned, field bred dogs are known to be inactive inside the house, but will enjoy a few brisk walks or a yard to romp in. Clumber spaniels are good natured and gentle and are an excellent choice for families with children. They do shed and are known to drool.

The Pug:

Pugs are stocky little dogs that are rarely in a bad mood! They adore the attention of their owners and are what I consider to be "magnet" dogs, meaning they are often known to follow their owners from room to room, always seeking to be in their presence. This breed often does well in homes with children. Pugs do shed. A high quality diet and regular brushing can help keep this to a minimum. This little short-muzzled breed is prone to obesity, so they do need to be kept on a regularly scheduled feeding program (not free fed) as well as take part in some daily aerobics. However, Pugs are also sensitive to the heat and can not tolerate hot temperatures. Care must be taken by their owners to make sure they are kept cool during the summer months.

The French Bulldog:

French Bulldogs are built like little tanks with bat ears! This breed has increased in popularity over the past 10 years, especially in urban settings. The French Bulldog has been bred to be a companion dog and thus requires minimal exercise. A few short daily walks will keep this little Bully content. French Bulldogs are not recommended for homes with small children as they can occasionally play too roughly and harm a child unknowingly. Frenchies are another breed that is sensitive to the heat and must be carefully monitored in hot weather.

The Chinese Crested:

There are 2 varieties of the Chinese Crested ?The "Hairless" and "Powderpuff". The Hairless variety has soft hair on its paws (socks) tail (plume) and longer hair on its head (the crest). The Powderpuff has a full coat of exceptionally soft hair. Both types are known to be good choices for individuals suffering from allergies. The Hairless type needs special care as their skin is much like a humans, thus it needs to be moisturized and protected from the sun (and obviously the cold). Chinese Cresteds are adaptable and affectionate little dogs who love to spend times in their owners laps. However, there are some Cresteds who have excelled at dog sports, such as agility, making this breed quite versatile!

The Bulldog:

Bulldogs are often known as 揈nglish Bulldogs?and are a sturdy, heavily built breed. These medium sized dogs have unmistakable faces that have been used as mascots for many universities as well as the United States Marine Corps. The Bulldogs unique build makes the breed prone to some very specific health problems. Due to their shortened muzzles, they often have breathing troubles and have difficulty in extreme temperatures (both heat and cold). Many are also prone to joint issues, eye problems and skin allergies. Despite all of these possible health problems, Bulldogs are sweet and loving companions and are generally very good with children and other household pets.

The Basset Hound:

Basset Hounds are large dogs on 搇ow-rider?bodies. This droopy breed is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound and was used to hunt various game. These days the placid Basset makes a great house or apartment companion. They are very good with children and other animals. The breed can be stubborn to train and do love to keep their nose to the ground when they are following a scent. However they are very slow moving and do not require swift paced walks. Bassets are generally food motivated and will do almost anything for a treat! They do have a tendency to drool.

The Chihuahua:

One of the most popular of the diminutive toy breeds, the Chihuahua is often characterized as a big dog in a little body. Members of this breed often turn out as wonderful watch dogs, alerting their owners to anything unusual in their surrounding area. Chihuahuas need to be carefully socialized from an early age to prevent them from becoming nippy or snappy. This breed requires very little exercise and will do fine with a few brief trips outdoors for bathroom breaks and about a half hour of indoor or outdoor play. Because of their manageable size, Chihuahuas have been a popular choice for the elderly.