Couch Potato Mutts

Posted on December 1, 2007
Filed Under General |

Some dogs belong on fire engines, and some dogs want nothing more than to stand guard. Some prefer to hunt game, while others choose to herd whatever is around them – whether that be kids, ducks, toys – you get the picture. Some animals help rescue swimmers, some wear kegs around their necks filled with hot cocoa, while still others want nothing more than…to…just…lay…around.

Maybe you partake in a bit of television over the weekend, and every weeknight. Maybe you prefer to slow things down and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Are you not just as entitled to dog ownership as the fitness freaks? Sure you won’t be taking your Weimaraner for a fox hunt, but you can still enjoy all the benefits of dog ownership without sacrificing the vitality of the pooch. That being said, you must provide at least a short walk everyday to ensure the overall health of your pet. If you don’t plan on any physical motion or activity for your dog, then adopt a cat – they are a heck of a lot more independent. They’ll take care of their own agenda.

What we’re talking about here are the best breeds for the couch potato. Now, we’re not condoning the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle – for you or your pet. We’re just providing some entertaining info that might help match you with the correct breed when considering dog adoption.

Top Five Breeds for the Couch Potato

Basset Hound – low to the ground, short legs, they even look lazy. This has to be our number one breed for the couch potato. Sure, they will need a short walk everyday, or a brief run on the yard. But they will love nothing more than to curl up by the fire while you read a good book, and they snore.

Dachshund– yes they can get yappy, and may seem quite high-strung. But actually this breed doesn’t require much exercise beyond the normal walk. Certain breed characteristics even point to orthopedic problems which limit prolonged periods of activity. A perfect lap dog. Check out the Minnies for a scaled down version of this big dog in a little body.

Bulldogs – take your pick, French, English…maybe not the American so much. How opposite is that of real life? Aren’t the Americans the biggest couch potatoes in the world? Not so for the canine universe I guess. The French and English Bulldogs both offer great companionship for the couch potato. They will be playful and even a bit rambunctious, but will not turn unruly if their time is spent indoors enjoying the easy life. Because of their skull structure most dogs of these breeds experience some type of respiratory difficulty. Exercise will only exacerbate this condition.

Chihuahua – this tiny breed, and any toy breed really, can be a great companion dog for the person who tends to spend more time indoors. They will be just as happy with you tossing the squeaky toy from the couch. Chihuahuas are more inclined to deal with any kind of activity as opposed to flat out exercise. A basket full of toys and some floor space and they’ll be happy.

Our Ridgeback/Bloodhound Mutt– if you’re lucky enough to come across such a fine specimen (yes I am completely impartial), be sure to adopt immediately. Above even the Bassett Hound, this gigantic mutt clocks about 14-18 hours of bed and couch time daily. Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions on the savannah you say? Bloodhounds are the best trackers in the canine world? Try getting our magnificently massive mutt off the couch! Sure he loves Dog Beach and his daily runs, but when it comes to relaxing – he is the king. I am actually jealous! As long as Animal Planet is on TV and a fresh sleeping bag on the couch, it doesn’t get any better than that as far as he’s concerned.

This is in no way a complete list of dogs that are ideal for the lazy person; it’s a sampling of dog breeds that don’t require much exercise. Again, you need to walk any dog EVERYDAY as an integral part of their overall health and happiness. We’re just providing a list for entertainment purposes. Just because you’re a lazy couch potato doesn’t mean you can’t enrich your life with the pleasure of dog ownership.

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