The Best Dog for a Sedate Lifestyle

Not everyone wants their furry friends to be full of energy. But even if you live a sedate lifestyle, it doesn't mean your dog should live one, too. Even low-energy dogs need exercise and attention. Some just get by with less, are less active indoors or just make their own exercise in the house.

If basset hounds look perpetually droopy, it's because they're not the most energetic of dogs. Low and long, basset hounds have a mild-mannered, gentle personality that makes them a fine choice for families, apartment dwellers or anyone with other pets. They're ideal for more sedate people because bassets take it slow and don't need brisk walks. But they do like treats, even for just being themselves.

Though their compact bodies and lovably ugly faces lend themselves to breathing problems, English bulldogs are sweet, gentle, loving companions who tend to like children and other household pets. Bulldogs typically are inactive indoors, making them good for apartment dwellers and people with limited mobility. They do, however, need a daily walk. Their French cousins may be a better choice for the sedate. French bulldogs, or Frenchies, were bred as companion dogs who need minimal exercise.

If there is a lumbering giant among dogs, it's the mastiff, who, despite his great size, is not one for a lot of activity. Mastiffs are perfectly happy to never play fetch and often must be motivated to even go for walks. And though that makes these calm, loyal, gentle companions ideal for sedate owners, it also makes them susceptible to obesity. Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs and good with children, though their sheer size may cause them to knock over smaller kids.

Compact and friendly, pugs were built to be the couch potato's best friend. Pugs are built like smaller bulldogs and can be energetic and clownish, but they are typically inactive indoors. This makes pugs an ideal apartment companion. Pugs tend to love everyone and are easily trained. And though they enjoy rowdy play, they are perfectly content to sit in your lap or cuddle on the couch. They do require regular grooming, however, because pugs tend to shed a lot.

Many toy breeds are high-energy companions, but these breeds also tend to get plenty of exercise by running around the house. Maltese, Yorkshire terriers and shih tzus do not shed when regularly brushed, which means less vacuuming for the more sedate homeowner. These breeds also like to watch TV while they get brushed, making them excellent companions for those who enjoy the comfort of their easy chairs.