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20 Lazy Dogs That Are Expert Nappers
20 Lazy Dogs That Love Napping — Lazy Dog BreedsSkip to main content
Alexandr Zhenzhirov/Getty Images Lazy dogs for the win!If you're always on the go, you probably can't wait to chill out at the end of a long day. And what better way to ensure that happens than by having a sleepy, snuggly, lazy dog waiting for you at home, just waiting to curl up by your side? Sean Prichard, president of the canine fitness and adventure company Pant & Wag, understands this all too well. After spending his days with rambunctious pups, Prichard doesn't have the stamina for a dog with high exercise needs. "I wanted a very low-energy dog," he says. That's why he chose a greyhound named Noodles as his canine companion.
Low-energy dogs (aka lazy dogs) like Noodles are content with one or two leisurely walks a day or are small enough to burn off their energy indoors, and they are champions at napping. These couch-potato pups tend to be found in the toy, hound and non-sporting dog groups, Prichard says, and you'll find some of the most popular dog breeds in their ranks.
So which dogs are lazy in all the best ways—and perfect for you? We spoke to Prichard and five other dog experts, ranging from veterinarians to trainers, to get the lowdown on the laziest breeds. Ahead, you'll find out which dogs take lounging to a whole new level, as well as what other traits might make them a good fit for you.
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About the expertsThese lazybones, as Prichard affectionately calls them, are real charmers with their signature underbites and goofy grins. And they're true homebodies—happiest when lounging with their furry and human family members. While they may enjoy two leisurely 15-minute walks a day, their flat or squishy faces (technically classified as brachycephalic) limit their exercise and heat tolerance. As a result, naps, cuddles and indoor play in air conditioning reign supreme for this bulldog breed, especially in hot weather.
Olga Ovcharenko/Getty Images Shih TzuGenerally speaking, some of the laziest dog breeds are from the toy and non-sporting groups, Prichard says. The Shih Tzu is a great example. These toy dogs were bred to look like little lions yet have the calm temperament suited for the companionship of Chinese royalty. While they have lots of energy, they stand only around 9 to 10 inches at shoulder height, so their little legs don't need much of a walk to get worn out. In fact, playtime on the living-room floor could do the trick, although they'll enjoy at least one short walk a day for mental stimulation, during which they can sniff and explore their surroundings.
busra İspir/Getty Images PekingeseAnother lion-like breed that was once pampered in the Chinese palaces, the Pekingese is a self-assured little dog. But these lazy dogs are not the types to run amok, which is no surprise given their dignified history and the fact that they were bred for companionship, not athleticism. But one endearing quirk persists: their adorable snuffling and snoring. This is due to their flat faces, which also means they should stick to light or moderate exercise (think: a slow-paced sniff walk, a short walk or indoor playtime), especially in hot weather.
PugThe biggest pug challenge? Resisting their snuggles when you need to leave the house and can't take them with you! Whether a pure breed or pug mix, these lovable goofballs are down for anything low-key—namely, a TV marathon or playing indoors with their favorite toys (especially ones that dispense treats!). In fact, their passion for food rivals their napping skills, so make sure to balance all those naps with gentle play, a short walk and portion-controlled meals because they can easily become overweight.
"Unlike many other breeds, pugs were not bred for hunting, herding or other work," explains Shannon Barrett, DVM, a veterinarian based in South Carolina. "Their primary role has always been as companion animals." When they do get a burst of energy, though, be prepared for some silly zoomies. "It's hilarious to watch," says dog trainer Shane Gentry, owner of Sally Said So Professional Dog Training in Raleigh, North Carolina. "[But] the zoomies won't last long, and your dog will be back in your lap in moments."
Rhys Leonard/getty images GreyhoundGreyhounds may be the fastest dogs in the world (reaching up to 40 mph!), but the only place they'll probably try to outrun you is to the comfiest seat in the house. "It's largely a myth that greyhounds need to run," Prichard says. "They'd rather nap on the couch." However, they still have their breed's lightning-fast reflexes and a playful prey drive, so keep your greyhound on a leash during walks to avoid any surprise bursts of speed.
When it comes to exercising, Prichard recommends two to three short walks for sniffing and bathroom breaks, totaling about 60 minutes and half a mile. Unlike active breeds such as Australian shepherds and border collies, which might run five miles in an hour during Prichard's class, a greyhound's daily preferred exercise usually involves a leisurely stroll.
Cavan Images/Getty Images Basset houndWith soulful eyes and droopy ears, the basset hound is a favorite among many, including Prichard, who considers them one of the laziest breeds around. Affectionate and easygoing, these hound dogs become friends with everyone—children, fellow dogs, cats and even strangers. A play date with a canine buddy can be a great hands-off way to wear them out, getting them ready for their long afternoon nap. Alternatively, one leashed walk a day with plenty of sniffs meets their exercise and mental-stimulation needs, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). While basset hounds can be a bit stubborn, they're far from the most challenging dogs to train.
Cavan Images/Getty Images Cavalier King Charles spanielUnlike their gun-dog relatives, these adorable floppy-eared spaniels are more interested in cuddles than hunting. Their low prey drive means they'd rather curl up with the family cat than chase them around the house. In fact, companionship trumps chasing just about anything for these lazy dogs, though they'll still require a 30- to 60-minute walk each day in addition to regular potty breaks, according to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. Descended from 16th-century ladies' lapdogs in England, Cavaliers crave human company. Just like their ancestors, they'll likely follow you everywhere—so watch your step.
servando Juvera/getty images Toy poodle"A smaller dog may need less exercise," says Jennifer Phillips, a certified canine fitness trainer and the founder of Separation Anxiety Specialists. Their shorter legs may mean they tire quicker and require less space to play. And more often than not, toy poodles fill the bill. While energetic, they will generally be happy with two daily walks and indoor playtime chasing toys. Their larger standard and miniature poodle counterparts need more room to roam (think: lengthy hikes instead of short walks, and fetching Frisbees at the park rather than playing indoors).
The grooming needs of poodles are not for the faint of heart, though. That low-shedding coat grows and grows, requiring both daily brushing and routine trips to the groomer. But you'll be rewarded with the cutest lapdog anyone could ask for.
MastiffSome lazy dogs will never have the will or stamina to walk for miles, "like my mastiff," says veterinarian Wendy Hauser, DVM, founder of Peak Veterinary Consulting. Topping out as the biggest pup on this list, the giant but gentle mastiff can weigh as much as 230 pounds and reach 30 inches in height—that's one big couch potato! And believe it or not, these dogs were even taller 4,500 years ago when they lived in the mountains of Asia, according to the Mastiff Club of America. Later, their strength was put to good use pulling carts and guarding property in England and the Americas.
Due to their massive size, mastiff puppies shouldn't be overexercised. The AKC recommends that growing puppies walk only up to a half of a block. Even adult mastiffs require little exercise, with one to two miles a day being sufficient. They're great apartment dogs, and between naps, they enjoy playing with their toys.
Fernando Trabanco Fotografía/Getty Images French bulldogAn occasional cuddle buddy with low exercise needs? Look no further than the French bulldog. Veterinarian Amy Attas, DVM, the founder of City Pets and author of Pets and the City: True Tales of a Manhattan House Call Veterinarian, says these affectionate pups bond strongly with their owners and don't need a lot of mental stimulation or vigorous exercise. That makes them perfect for one-pet homes with single owners and/or apartment living. Two daily walks and some indoor playtime are all they need to stay happy.
So get ready to share your couch … but maybe grab some earplugs before you do. French bulldogs are champion nappers, clocking in up to 20 hours of sleep a day, and many are known to be enthusiastic snorers.
MICHAEL LOFENFELD Photography/Getty Images Chinese crestedWhen it comes to lazy dogs, you can't go wrong with the Chinese crested. Their punk-rock hairdos makes these cuties look like they're ready for a night out on the town, but we guarantee they'd rather spend a quiet evening curling up on the couch. They come in two varieties: the powderpuff, which has a soft, silky coat, and the hairless, known for its smooth skin and tufts of hair. While both have an easygoing exercise routine of one or two short walks outdoors and backyard or indoor play, according to the AKC, their grooming needs differ. Powderpuffs require daily brushing of damp hair (and only damp hair because dry brushing can damage their silky hair) and occasional baths. Hairless cresteds need more frequent baths, sunscreen and moisturizer to protect their sensitive skin.
Bull mastiffBull mastiffs are a perfect combo of the extra-large yet gentle mastiff and the chummy bulldog. These dogs originated in 19th-century England and were bred to guard large estates, deterring poachers with their imposing size. It's their breeding for patient guarding, rather than herding or other active work, that contributes to their lazy demeanor. Dr. Attas recommends a daily walk for these gentle giants, but otherwise, they're content lounging at home.
While bull mastiffs can get excited, they generally remain gentle with smaller dogs and children. However, their size (over 100 pounds!) means proper training and socialization are crucial. Also, get ready for some—er, a lot of—drool.
Great PyreneesAs their name implies, Great Pyrenees grow to be fairly large, with male dogs reaching up to 100 pounds. But that just means more fuzz to snuggle up with! Though they have a robust appearance, these loyal companions were bred for guarding, not athleticism. Originally tasked with protecting sheep in the mountains, they are serious dogs that tend to like sitting back and observing. That said, they'll appreciate an exercise routine of daily walks and even a weekend hike.
ChristopherBernard/Getty Images Great DaneGreat Danes's impressive size means their growth needs careful management. This includes a large-breed diet and low-impact exercise like gentle walks. To protect their developing joints, Dr. Attas says to avoid activities like running on hard surfaces or jumping, particularly during the first two years. Luckily, Great Danes are happy to comply. "They are generally laid-back dogs who enjoy lounging about," Dr. Attas says. Once your pup has reached the 18-month mark, they can build up endurance to be your jogging partner, if that's your speed. Otherwise, adult Great Danes should be encouraged to go on walks two to three times a day, according to the AKC.
Because of their low exercise needs, they are surprisingly good apartment dogs, as long as they have access to ample space to stretch their long legs. However, you might need a bigger couch for this giant cuddle buddy!
Japanese ChinHistory tells us the Japanese Chin may be one of the laziest dog breeds. Their companionship with humans stretches back centuries, beginning as travel buddies on the Silk Road, according to the Japanese Chin Club of America. Content to warm laps and look darn cute doing it, they eventually found themselves pampered in imperial palaces between the 15th and 19th centuries. Thankfully, pampering your modern-day Chin is easy. They require minimal exercise and low-maintenance grooming—just a brush every other week.
Sometimes described as cat-like, Chins are affectionate yet independent. These regal companions can often be found grooming themselves, perched atop a lush couch cushion.
Tibetan spanielThe Tibetan spaniel is a small but spunky dog, typically under 15 pounds and standing about 10 inches at shoulder height. This small size translates to minimal exercise needs; a daily walk or playtime session is enough to keep them happy. Their spunk actually stems back to their days as guard dogs in Tibetan monasteries, according to the Tibetan Spaniel Club of America. While they're not yappy, they retain a watchful eye and a courageous spirit, ready to alert their humans when needed.
Not up for a daily grooming routine? That's quite all right with Tibetan spaniels—their silky coats require only occasional brushing. Haircuts aren't necessary, though trimming their fluffy paws is recommended.
Chow chowChow chows have round faces, compact builds and impressively thick manes that give them a lion-like look. But while their fluffy appearances might tempt a cuddle, especially since they tend to sleep for more than half the day, these lazy dogs possess an independent, sometimes aloof, personality, Dr. Attas says. Don't expect an overly clingy companion—cuddling up, playtime with other pets and boisterous behavior aren't their forte.
Chow chows are an ancient breed thought to have originated from indigenous dogs about 8,300 years ago, as opposed to being selectively bred. Those who have researched this breed point to their unique physical traits as proof: All chows have a blue-black tongue, and some even have two extra teeth.
Purple Collar Pet Photography/Getty Images Saint BernardSaint Bernards are massive yet friendly dogs with a heart of gold. Standing as tall as 30 inches at shoulder height, they can weigh a whopping 180 pounds. Despite their size, these devoted companions are uber-gentle with people and other pets, including cats. As former search-and-rescue pups, Saint Bernards are some of the bravest dogs in history. But before setting your sights on the herculean breed, keep in mind that Saint Bernards are slow to mature. They can have puppy-like energy for up to two years before settling into a low-maintenance, lazy-dog routine of leisurely walks.
Catherine Falls Commercial/getty images Adult and senior dogsNot every adult dog is a leisurely walk in the park, but dogs do tend to mellow with age. "Puppies are active regardless of breed, and then the laziness sets in later in life, around age 2," Prichard says. While some senior dogs might need more bathroom breaks compared to adult dogs, it will still be less frequent than puppies, who can only hold their pee for 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on their breed and age.
While senior dogs may enjoy lounging more than playing, they still benefit from daily walks. However, the pace and distance may need to be adjusted to their comfort level. Even a slower, shorter walk or one that requires a lift in a stroller or wagon is crucial for their well-being. "So if you really want a lazy dog from the first day you bring them home, consider adopting an older dog," Prichard says.
Why trust usAt Reader's Digest, we're committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field, in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece on lazy dog breeds, Janelle Leeson tapped her experience as a pet health and behavior writer. Then Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science, gave it a rigorous review to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
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12 Flat-Faced Dog Breeds
It's not just the French bulldog and pug.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Flat-faced, smushed-snouted, brachycephalic, short-nosed—no matter what you call them, these flat-faced dog breeds are known for their distinct skull shapes and facial features. While these facial features make them beloved breeds, they may also snore, have exercise and heat limitations, and are prone to breathing complications.
Here's everything to know about these 19 flat-faced dog breeds and how to care for their unique health challenges.
Flat-faced dogs have something called brachycephalic airway syndrome. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, brachycephalic dogs have shortened skull bones, which leads to their smushed-in facial features. They could have a variety of different issues associated with these facial features, including:
Narrowed or small nostrils
Elongated soft palate
Extended nasopharyngeal turbinates
Laryngeal (voice box) collapse
Smaller-than-normal trachea
Pet parents can manage these issues by keeping their dog at a healthy weight, avoiding hot and humid weather, reducing strenuous exercise, and in some cases, surgery.
Jessica Peterson / Getty Images
Earning the American Kennel Club's most popular dog in both 2022 and 2023, the French bulldog is loved by many. This compact, corkscrew-tailed canine has a large head, upright ears, and of course a flat face. They are outgoing and playful but unfortunately also often have breathing, back, and tail issues that could require veterinary intervention and surgery.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 11-13 inches
Weight: 19-28 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, friendly, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, brindle, fawn, white, or combinations of brindle and white or fawn and white
Life Span: 10-12 years
Benyamin Cohen
An ancient dog breed that originated in China, the pug is still a favorite today. They are small, compact, and sturdy dogs with short hair and floppy ears. Their classic curly tails and smushed faces add to their charm but their high affection, playfulness, and overall low-maintenance care are big factors in their popularity, too. Like other brachycephalic breeds, they may need surgery to help them breathe easier.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, sweet-tempered, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, fawn with a black face mask or all black
Life Span: 13-15 years
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Originating in Tibet, the shih tzu is famous for their top knot ponytails and long, flowing fur. Their flat faces and adorable underbites are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why they are popular dogs—they're also considered a hypoallergenic dog. This breed will need regular brushing and haircuts but will reward you with affection and playtime.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 9-16 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, intelligent, playful
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and straight, found in nearly any color, most commonly in black, white, blue, gold, liver, or combinations
Life Span: 10-16 years
Philary / Getty Images
Larger than the French bulldog, the English bulldog is a broad-shouldered, compact heavyweight. Weighing up to 50 pounds but measuring only 14-15 inches at the shoulder, this flat-faced breed is a popular one. In addition to breathing issues due to stenotic nares and elongated soft palates, English bulldogs also commonly have skin issues and various eye disorders that will require extra vet care.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 14-15 inches
Weight: 40-50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Willful, friendly, gregarious
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, red, white, fawn, or fallow (pale brown), or any combination of these colors, with or without such patterns and markings as brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, or black tipping
Life Span: 8-10 years
Small with flowing long hair, the Japanese chin has a cute smushed face, floppy ears, slender legs, and a curled tail. They are perfect little lap dogs that are also excellent climbers. Compared to other flat-faced breeds, the Japanese chin is an active breed that enjoys walks. This breed can take a little time to warm up to new people and pets but once introductions have been properly completed, they are affectionate and friendly.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 8-11 inches
Weight: 4-9 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, loyal, loving
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long and straight, black and white; lemon and white; sable and white; red and white; black, white, and tan
Life Span: 10-14 years
This little dog comes with a big personality with a side of smarts. Brussels griffons are known to be active, friendly, comical, loyal, and stubborn. They can have smooth or rough coats and come in a few different colors, but their classic beards are always there regardless of their coat or color variety. Having a flat face means there's a higher likelihood that they'll have narrow nostrils when compared to other breeds, so owners should be careful that their Brussels griffon doesn't overheat.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 7-10 inches
Weight: 8-12 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, playful, loyal
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth or rough, short to medium, red, black and tan, solid black, or belge (mix of black and reddish-brown)
Life Span: 12-15 years
Rebecca Nelson / Getty Images
The Boston terrier is a classic American flat-faced breed. These active dogs can weigh up to 25 pounds and are very similar in appearance to the French bulldog. Bostons are usually black and white but can also come in brindle or seal with white markings and have smaller heads than their French lookalikes. They are also built a little differently with longer and more slender legs. The Boston terrier is a great family dog with a hefty dose of energy and playfulness.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, playful
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, black and white; black, brindle, and white; brindle and white; seal and white; seal, brindle, and white
Life Span: 11-13 years
Often referred to as the monkey dog, the Affenpinscher is a toy breed with a flat face. They have scruffy appearances, are sometimes confused with Brussels griffons, and do not shed very much. This toy breed is fearless despite its size and is great at catching small prey like rodents and rabbits. Like other brachycephalic breeds on this list, they'll need to be monitored in high-heat environments in case they have trouble breathing.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 9-11.5 inches
Weight: 7-10 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, fearless, friendly
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Wiry, short- to medium-length, black, black and silver, black and tan, belge (black and reddish-brown), red with a black mask
Life Span: 12-15 years
Getty Images / James F. Dean
Boxers are popular flat-faced family dogs because of their friendly and outgoing personalities. The breed originated in Germany and spread into the United States where they were used as guard, service, military, and police dogs. They are an active, goofy breed that loves to play and thrives with positive reinforcement training to harness their energy. Other than their activity requirements and special attention in extreme heat due to their short noses, boxers are a low-maintenance breed.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, affectionate, playful
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and smooth, typically fawn, brindle, or white, can have a black mask and/or white markings
Life Span: 10-12 years
Mario Tama / Getty Images
The Pekingese is well known for that lion mane of hair and flat face. This breed was bred for royalty—and their attitude reflects that. Pekingese are regal, confident, stubborn, and affectionate making them great companions to their owners but stronger and braver than they may let on. They require a lot of grooming and careful attention in high heat.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: Up to 14 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Stubborn, affectionate, confident
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Long, thick double coat, typically variations of gold, red, or sable, but occasionally colors including black and tan, white, cream, sable, and gray
Life Span: 12-14 years
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Bred to protect large game from poachers, this large guard dog is fearless and loyal. They were bred from bulldogs where they inherited their flat faces along with mastiffs where they got their size. Consistent training and socialization will turn these gentle giants into great family dogs.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 100-130 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, protective, alert
Energy Level: Medium to High
Coat and Color: Short and dense, fawn, red, or brindle with accents of black
Life Span: 8-10 years
Bigandt_Photography / Getty Images
A very large flat-faced dog breed is the Dogue de Bordeaux, also called the French mastiff. This affectionate French breed is known to drool and has a short life span but is a very devoted dog. They are protective and powerful but also make great family dogs.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 99-150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, even-tempered, vigilant
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and soft, various shades of fawn, ranging from light to dark red; small patches of white may be present
Life Span: 5-8 years
Amy Lane Photography/Getty Images
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is an incredibly affectionate and social dog that makes a great addition to many families. They have higher grooming requirements than other dogs because of their long hair. They aren't as active as other breeds but still appreciate walks and playtime. Make sure they don't get too hot in the summer months, and you'll have a loving companion for many years.
Breed OverviewGroup: Toy
Height: 12-13 inches (to the withers)
Weight: around 13-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, affectionate, patient, graceful, sociable, gentle
Energy Level: Active
Coat and Color: Long, sleek, and silky coat in tricolor, red and white, ruby, and black and tan
Life Span: 12-14 years
Lhasa apsos are a bundle of personality in a small package. They are very smart dogs and will excel at training. You can choose to keep their hair long and flowing, which will require lots of upkeep on your part, or you can keep the hair shorter in a puppy cut. Keep an eye on them in hot weather, especially if they have long hair, and bring them inside if they start panting too much.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 10-11 inches
Weight: 12-18 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Alert, affectionate, intelligent
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Long and silky in many colors
Life Span: 12-14 years
AsyaPozniak / Getty Images
The cane corso is a large and powerful dog originally bred for working and protection, but they can make great family dogs in the right homes. Typically large dogs, like the Cane Corso, don't have as many health issues associated with their flat face as smaller dogs because their heads are bigger. However, still monitor them for excess panting and breathing issues, and get them to a vet if you're concerned.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 24-28 inches
Weight: 80-120 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, willful, quiet
Energy Level: Active
Coat and Color: Short and coarse in black, gray, fawn, red, or brindle
Life Span: 10-14 years
Tamás Klausz / Getty Images
Chow chows are known for their blue tongues and lion-like coats. They also have a signature flat face with a mane of hair encircling it. Pay close attention to their level of panting on hot days so they don't overheat due to their brachycephalic facial structure.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 17-20 inches
Weight: 40-70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Aloof, independent, loyal, calm
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Double coat in black, blue, cinnamon, cream, or red
Life Span: 8-12 years
DircinhaSW / Getty Images
The Dogo Argentino is a large working breed from Argentina. They've been used as fighting dogs and hunting dogs, but they can be very affectionate with their families. They are best for experienced dog owners because they require lots of socialization and training.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 24-27 inches
Weight: 80-100 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, fearless, energetic
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, smooth white coat
Life Span: 9-15 years
Lysandra Cook / Getty Images
The shar-pei is a unique dog with their signature wrinkles, blue tongues, bristle-like coat, and flat face. They require extra care to prevent infections in between all those wrinkles, and they might have breathing problems because of their facial structure. They're also prone to other health conditions, but they're fiercely loyal and protection of their families.
Breed OverviewGroup: Non-sporting
Height: 18-20 inches
Weight: 45-60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Devoted, loving, affectionate, independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short and bristly in various solid color shades
Life Span: 8-12 years
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Newfoundlands are gentle giants—incredibly affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. They were bred for life in the water with their thick coat and webbed paws. Keep an eye out for heavy breathing or signs they're getting too hot to prevent any health issues.
Breed OverviewGroup: Working
Height: 26-28 inches
Weight: 100-150 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, sweet-tempered, gentle
Energy Level: Calm
Coat and Color: Medium double coat in black, brown, gray, white, black
Life Span: 9-10 years
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How Many Breeds Of Dogs Are There In The World?
Have you ever seen an Azawakh or other rare dog breed? If you're an American Kennel Club (AKC) dog breed aficionado, maybe, but if you're a more typical dog lover, you've probably never heard of most breeds beyond the top 50 or maybe 100 most popular. So just how many breeds of dogs are there?
It's complicated. It depends on who you ask and how you define a breed. Read on as we explain what dog breeds are, how they're classified and what it means to be a recognized breed.
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About the experts
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Most people can agree that a breed is a group of multiple generations of domestic animals that are similar enough in appearance (or sometimes function) as a result of selective breeding and genetic isolation.
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the world's largest dog organization, defines a breed as "a population of dogs sharing definable and inheritable phenotypic characteristics, after breeding undertaken by humans over a given period of time, allowing this population to be distinguished from other defined populations of dogs/or defined breeds."
A scientist might define a breed differently. Audery Lin, D.Phil., a molecular geneticist interested in domestic animal evolution, says she thinks of a dog breed "as a specific type of domestic dog that was specifically bred by people for a specific cultural function. There may have been different 'types' of dogs as long as dogs have been domesticated."
Lin adds that the concept of distinct breeds is actually fairly recent, "due to the popularity of dog enthusiasts and kennel clubs in the late 19th century that had formalized specific breed standards."
How about so-called designer dogs? Nope. A breed is not a first-generation cross between other breeds or even second-generation crosses or backcrosses. So a golden doodle, a puggle or a cockapoo, no matter how cute, is not technically a breed.
It was the Victorian-era preoccupation with labeling breeds and splitting animals into categories that gave rise to what we think of as breeds. To this day, what some countries see as a single breed may constitute several breeds in another country. For example, the FCI recognizes the Belgian shepherd as one breed with four coat types. The AKC recognizes each of these coat types as a separate breed (Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, Belgian sheepdog and Belgian Tervuren). The American Kennel Club sees the dachshund as one breed with three coat varieties and two size categories, while the Canadian Kennel Club considers the dachshund six different breeds.
That's why, when you ask how many dog breeds there are, it depends on who answers.
How many breeds of dogs are there?
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If you ask Dominque De Vito, author of The World Atlas of Dog Breeds, possibly the largest compilation of dog breed descriptions ever made, you get an intriguing reply. She included 425 breeds in her book back in 2009. But even that meant excluding many breeds. "To qualify, the breed had to be registered with an official registering body," she explains. "Today, the AKC registers 201 breeds and the FCI 360, so the Atlas could have 561 breeds!" And that still wouldn't be enough.
"A book with every breed? It would need to be a set of encyclopedias by group these days," says De Vito. After all, her book lists 101 breeds of scent hound (dogs that hunt by scent) alone!
Even the major kennel clubs give different answers if you ask how many dog breeds there are:
And that's just a sampling of the more than 100 national kennel clubs around the world, all of which seem to recognize various subsets. For example, the Indian National Kennel Club recognizes the Mudhol hound, the Vietnam Kennel Association the Phu Quoc ridgeback and the Canadian Kennel Club the Karelian bear dog.
Not a single registry recognizes every breed—not even the American Rare Breed Registry (ARBA), which recognizes such breeds as the Alaskan klee kai, king shepherd and Bolognese but still does not include the Rampur hound, Xigou or catalburun, among dozens, maybe hundreds, of others.
But let's face it: What are the chances of you coming across a Rampur hound outside of India or a Xigou outside of China? For practical purposes, it's more useful to consider breeds available in the United States if that's where you live. This is part of why the AKC recognizes breeds only when they have sufficient numbers of dogs and breeders. So what about the Armenian Gampr, Colombian fino hound, Heideterrier, Karakachan, Prague ratter, tornjak and so on? It turns out that although rare, and not AKC-recognized, these breeds do have breeders in the United States and are recognized by some other national kennel clubs. That's why each of these breeds is listed on America's major breeder site, Good Dog. In fact, the site features more than 350 breeds, every one represented by an active breeder.
"Good Dog recognizes breeds as purebred if they are recognized by the AKC, FCI or the KC," says Good Dog spokesperson Cameron Swenson.
How are breeds of dogs classified?
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The national clubs even disagree about how to classify their breeds. The AKC classifies them into seven groups:
Other kennel clubs use different groupings:
By the way, the AKC reclassifies its breeds and groups on occasion. Back in the 1800s, it started with just Sporting and Non-sporting groups. It split them up as more breeds were added. The last split was in 1984, when the AKC separated the Herding dogs from the Working group. The club considered a major regrouping about a decade ago but didn't proceed. But many people predict it will have to happen if the AKC continues to recognize more breeds at its current rate.
How does a breed become recognized?When I first became interested in dogs 50 years ago, the AKC recognized 115 breeds. Rarely, a new breed would be recognized, and we would all flock to see it. My personal claim to fame was being the first to walk into a regular show ring with an Ibizan hound on the first day they were eligible to compete at AKC dog shows. Back then, it was a mystery as to how dogs became recognized.
The first breeds that the AKC recognized, way back in 1878, were the Chesapeake Bay retriever, Clumber spaniel, cocker spaniel, English setter, Gordon setter, Irish setter, Irish water spaniel, pointer and Sussex spaniel. In those days, breeds had to belong to the Sporting group.
Today, the AKC has very clear requirements for breeds looking to join its ranks. And those requirements have become more and more stringent over time. Yet the AKC has become more welcoming overall—the past 10 years have seen a comparative tidal wave, with 23 new breeds receiving full recognition. The club recently welcomed its 201st breed, the Lancashire heeler.
That doesn't mean you can start breeding doodles with the hope of eventual AKC recognition. In fact, all the major registries explicitly state that a new breed cannot be the result of a direct cross between two already recognized breeds. Nor can it be a nonstandard variation, like a long-coated Frenchie, dwarf Great Dane or merle Weimaraner.
Even if you have a breed that came over on the Mayflower, getting AKC recognition is not easy.
What it takes to become an AKC-recognized breedFirst, a dog has to be recorded with an accepted registry, either a recognized kennel club in another country, a national breed club or the AKC's Foundation Stock Service (FSS). To be accepted into the FSS, a breed must have a documented history going back at least 40 years. It also needs a breed standard, a blueprint outlining the essential features that define the breed's unique characteristics.
But the first real step toward AKC recognition occurs with entry into the Miscellaneous class, which is like the greenroom for the big-time. And getting accepted is sort of like getting into an Ivy League school. A breed must come with the following credentials:
That's just to get into the Miscellaneous class. From there, the AKC keeps tabs on how many dogs and litters are being registered and entered in AKC competitions, plus how well the club has conducted its own competitions and educational opportunities for AKC judges to learn about the breed. Only then will the breed be considered a fully recognized AKC breed.
In case you're wondering: Yes, this takes a while. On average, breeds spend about three or four years in the Miscellaneous class, but some progress faster (the already-popular Biewer terrier raced through in less than a year) and some move more slowly (the hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid has been there since 2011 and is still waiting).
Kelsey Keefe, director and AKC liaison for the United States Eurasier Club, has been working with other club members to move her breed, the Eurasier, toward AKC recognition. "We've been in the FSS since 2008 and are only in Phase 1 of moving forward—we are moving in increments rather deliberately," she says. "I don't foresee us having full recognition for at least five to eight yea
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