Not everyone has an energetic personality, a lifestyle that allows for daily trips to the dog park, or a love of hiking with a dog running the trails alongside them. 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.
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.
Bulldog
Another smushed-faced dog that prefers the indoors due to a heightened risk of heatstroke, Bulldogs are great for people who don't want to deal with the demands of a hyperactive dog. They are even-tempered, calm, and prefer hanging out at home over adventuring in the heat. Despite a muscular build that tends to reach 50 pounds or more, they truly believe they're lapdogs and enjoy cuddles when indulged with lap time.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Carles 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.
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.
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 first for adoption since they are in desperate need of homes, and as they age, euthanization might be their ultimate fate.
A shelter dog is ideal for an owner with a quiet, sedentary lifestyle for the following reasons:
- They offer infinite love and gratefulness for adopting them from a shelter
- They tend to be older, without the energy and high maintenance needs of a puppy
- They are typically already trained, having lived in a home environment in the past
- They will be incredibly loyal for giving them a home
- They are already spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations
Doing thorough research before getting a furry friend is essential to ensure the dog breed you choose will thrive in a quiet, at-home lifestyle.
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