30 Slowest Dog Breeds in the World (They Never Hurry!)

Not all of us are in a hurry and that’s okay!

Whether you like to take it slow or are looking for a dog to relax on the couch with, we have got the breed for you.

We’ve compiled a list of 30 of the laziest, slowest dogs in the world. Check them out and see if your puppy’s breed is on the list.

What is the Slowest Dog in the World?

Dog Breed	Top Speed
Shih Tzu	6 mph
Lhasa Apso	7 mph
Japanese Chin	7 mph
Pomeranian	7 mph
Chihuahua	8 mph
Dachshund	8 mph
Pug	8 mph
Bichon Frise	8 mph
French Bulldog	8 mph
Basset Hound	5-10 mph

The Slowest Dog Breeds

Saint Bernard is a huge and powerful breed with a strong bite force, making it among the strongest dog breeds in the world.

Bred for rescuing in the Swiss Alps, speed was never a requirement for this breed. The Saint Bernard top speed is 15 miles per hour putting it on the list of slowest dogs.

St. Bernards are friendly, though they can be unemotional if the situation requires it.

They are intelligent and very trainable, which makes them great family dogs.

Due to their lapdog tendencies and loveable personalities, Saint Bernards are known to throw their weight around.

For this reason, make sure to keep an eye on them when around small children. Although completely innocent, they are unaware of their size when playing.

Sometimes mistaken for the Saint Bernard, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a working-class breed. It can be distinguished by its long, silky coat.

These are smart dogs with good attitudes and affectionate temperaments. Although training is necessary since they are a bit stubborn.

The Bernese Mountain Dog make great family companions and love cold weather.

If you’re looking for a breed to take on your ski trips, this is a great choice.

Like other large, working breeds, the Bernese is a slow dog but has great endurance topping out at 15 miles per hour.

The Bullmastiff was bred to ward off (or tackle) poachers that came on their owner’s land.

They continue to be loyal and watchful today but are more reserved when meeting strangers.

Training at an early age is ideal to help them gain proper socialization skills.

Despite its size and reputation, the Bullmastiff is one of the slowest dog breeds that loves relaxing.

Their mellow personality makes them good apartment dwellers despite their large size.

As long as you have a couch and comfy rug, the Bullmastiff should make themselves at home in your living room.

A typical Bullmastiff runs an average top speed of 15 miles per hour.

The Newfoundland is one of the slowest dogs because of its large, lumbering build that prevents it from moving fast.

They are willing to exercise, although the Newfoundland prefers to do so at their own speed which maxes out at 15 miles per hour.

Like other working-class breeds, Newfoundland dogs were bred on ships and prefer the water to almost anything else.

If you’re looking for a day of exercise with this pup, take them to the lake instead of the park.

A Newfoundland’s dense fur is naturally bred for cold waters and their large paws propel them with ease.

A thick coat also means they are not suited for hot climates. Potential owners should factor in their location before choosing a Newfoundland to join their family.

Don’t be fooled by its size or muscular frame. The Neapolitan Mastiff is another lumbering giant that prefers to stand around rather than give chase.

Growing up to 200 pounds, the Neapolitan Mastiff is one of the heavier dog breeds and not surprising one of the slowest.

The Neapolitan is loyal and affectionate to owners and a good watchdog.

But, training early and correctly is important. When left untaught, the Neapolitan can have issues with aggressive and single-mindedness.

Confident owners should have no problems, as this breed is smart and willing to learn if given incentives.

If you’re looking for a big dog that is happier to sit on your lap than going for a hike, the Neapolitan Mastiff is a great option.

Don’t Miss: The Fastest Dog Breeds in the World

The Chow Chow may be strong but at 15 miles per hour, they’re not exactly speed-demons.

Known for their lion-like fur, this stubborn breed is not born to run… although its muscular frame may fool some.

Chow Chow’s are independent breeds who need firm training and an experienced owner. If left on their own, these dogs can be aggressive towards strangers or other animals.

A Chow Chow is loyal and sometimes protective of their owners. Proactive training can prevent any negative traits from occurring down the road.

The Keeshond is a slow dog breed with tops speeds reaching 15 miles per hour.

Bred to work on ships, Keeshonds are strong but speed was never a necessity in their history.

Unlike the Chow Chow, a close relative, Keeshonds have an even temperament and are great for families with kids.

If you’re on the hunt for a smart, strong, and adorable dog who won’t outshine you on a run, the Keeshond may be perfect.

Just make sure you aren’t living anywhere too hot – this breed’s signature fluffy coat is suited to colder weather.

Bred for hunting, the Sussex Spaniel is most excited when it smells a bird in the brush. However, with a top speed of 14 miles per hour your Sussex Spaniel is unlikely to move very fast toward it.

Compared to other breeds of Spaniel, the Sussex has a big-boned frame that restricts quicker movement.

Stamina, on the other hand, is less of a problem.

The Sussex Spaniel is unlikely to flop down in the middle of a walk or day at the park.

A master at pacing itself, this breed is a sweet and patient family companion with a great attitude.

The wrinkliest dog on this list, it may be of no surprise that the Shar-Pei is not a speedy breed.

These dogs are not favored for their speed or agility. However, they are highly intelligent and very trainable.

Socialization is a must from a young age with the Chinese Shar-Pei. They tend to be independent and strong-willed if not trained properly.

Their extra skin may give the Shar-Pei a soft appearance, but this dog is actually known for its coarse coat.

In fact, the breed’s name translates to “sand skin”, as a reference to their bristly, wiry coat.

The Australian Bulldog is a fairly new breed. These dogs are a result of breeders removing unhealthy traits linked to Bulldogs, like short noses and respiratory issues.

The result was a hardy, more healthy dog.

The Australian Bulldog is affectionate, loyal, and most of all, a couch potato.

Although, Aussie Bulldogs do need exercise and prefer a daily walk. Just remember it won’t be anything over 12 miles per hour!

Large and clumsy, the English Mastiff is one of the slowest breeds around for its size with speeds up to 12 mph.

Bred as dogs of war, these are smart pups with high intelligence. However, they prefer being lazy over long walks or runs.

Loving to their families and owners, they are often referred to as gentle giants.

That being said, like other Mastiff breeds, they need good training and socialization. This helps end any sensitive and stubborn demeanors.

English Mastiffs respond well to praise and attention… they do want to please, despite their stubborn attitude.

Vigorous exercise is not recommended until an English Mastiff finishes growing which is around 18 to 24 months. This helps prevent developing joints from injury.

Thankfully, this couch potato breed would rather relax than jog with you anyways.

Also See: When will my Lab calm down

The English Bulldog is easily overheated and too much exercise can be dangerous to this pup.

This breed is also poorly suited to water and does not swim well.

With that being said, English Bulldogs are sweet, heavy couch potatoes who aren’t likely to reach a speed above 12 miles per hour.

All this sitting around means a healthy diet is crucial to the English Bulldog.

Obesity in this canine is a health concern, as it can cause heart problems and stress on their joints.

A well-overseen diet paired with a short daily walk should keep things in order.

Related: Victorian Bulldog: Breed Facts, Guide & Puppy Price

Another Spaniel on this list, the Clumber Spaniel is better suited to water than to land.

Its stocky and heavy frame with short legs makes it a slow runner, but its coat and large paws make it a great swimmer.

The Clumber Spaniel is hardy and though slow, has great endurance. This makes them a good choice for long walks and hikes.

Like other Spaniel breeds, the Clumber is a sweet and intelligent dog that loves and needs people.

This makes the breed great for families, as it responds well to encouragement and affection.

Clumber Spaniels become very attached to their families. If possible, this is a dog to take with you on trips, as they will miss you when you’re gone.

Bred to hunt in packs, it may seem strange that a Basset Bleu de Gascogne struggles to exceed speeds of 12 mph.

This trait was intentionally chosen by those who designed this breed.

Hunters often struggled and became frustrated trying to chase after faster hunting dogs.

Breeding these slow, but high endurance hounds were beneficial because it allowed hunters to keep up.

Today, you’ll find the Basset Bleu to be a great family dog with a laid-back and calm demeanor.

Long ears and stout bodies give them a cute, unique appearance.

Like other Bassets, it’s important not to stress their spines as it could be damaging to their stout frames.

Unlike other, more energetic Spaniels, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel loves to be lazy which is why it’s on the slowest dog breed list.

This breed’s sweet, flatter face is one of its unique qualities and some think they may have Pug genes somewhere in its background.

Cavaliers enjoy slow walks and being lazy around the house.

They are great with kids but can be slow learners due to their stubborn nature.

Some find the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be a hard breed to train, so it’s important to start when these dogs are still puppies.

These dogs have a curious streak. They are prone to wander off after something that has piqued their interest and tend to turn a deaf ear to calls from their owners.

Thankfully, it shouldn’t be too hard to catch up.

Reaching high levels of social media appeal, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi may be cute, but they are not quick.

Their plump, long body is supported by short legs, limiting movement.

Corgis max out up to 10 miles per hour. That being said, they do love to run.

Unlike other breeds on this list, the Corgi is a born herder and has high levels of energy that must be expended.

A Corgi that is denied exercise is likely to grow bored and cause disruption in the home. So visits to the dog park or long walks are key.

Unlike its larger “Standard” companion, Toy Poodles aren’t going anywhere fast reaching a max speed of 10 miles per hour.

What they lack in speed, they make up for in their brains.

The Toy Poodle is a highly intelligent breed, especially for its size.

This makes it a popular competition breed, as it loves taking on new challenges and needs mental stimulation to not grow bored.

Smart and clever, the Brussels Griffon is recognized as a breed by some, and not by others.

This is another dog whose size limits its speed, however, the Brussels Griffon enjoys a good walk.

They are an easily trainable breed that is more social than other smaller dogs. They are also good with kids and other animals.

In the early days of the breed, the Brussels Griffons clever wits made them skilled rat catchers.

Nowadays, they prefer to cozy up on your lap or take a nice walk in the park.

Like other snub-nosed breeds, the fact that the Pekingese is a slow mover may be beneficial to their health.

Too much running can lead to exhaustion and overheating, so the Pekingese likes to keep well under 10 mph at most times.

Of the toy class, the Pekingese is a breed with a great and silly personality.

They were a favorite of Chinese Emperors and were bred to move with a slow and dignified walk.

Like other small dogs, they are great apartment dwellers. The Pekingese prefer short walks and long sits on their owner’s laps.

Grooming is important with this breed and if left uncared for, their long coat will drag on the ground and become matted.

Unlike other Spaniels on this list, the English Toy Spaniel is far less suited to family environments.

Independent and single-minded, these vocal dogs are not fans of kids or other animals and may bark on walks.

But, English Toy Spaniels are adorable and with proper training, can be great companions for singles or couples who live a home-body lifestyle.

Classically lazy, the Basset Hound is the slowest dog breed on our medium-sized dog list.

Though they look small, they are incredibly dense, with more bone per pound than any other breed.

The Basset Hound can weigh up to 70 pounds, but not look it.

Bred as scent hounds, they are among the most proficient of their class, only second to the Bloodhound. A Basset Hound’s long trailing ears assist in stirring up scents.

If they’re not sniffing, it may be near impossible to get them moving.

Basset Hounds love a good nap more than almost anyone.

They are patient and are a hit with small kids and families alike.

This breed needs to be looked after carefully. The Basset Hound’s unique body puts them at risk for a multitude of health conditions, including ear infections and Glaucoma.

The French Bulldog has been growing in popularity for years. One look and it’s not hard to determine why.

Frenchies are an adorable breed with a flat face, big ears, and a wrinkly little body.

All these traits also are the perfect recipe for a slow canine.

The French Bulldog is not a runner and for good reason. Flat faces mean exercise is a challenge and even walking in hot weather can be overwhelming to their respiratory system.

Short, slow walks are great for the Frenchie and necessary as they love to eat.

Obesity is a problem in the breed but can be avoided with proper feeding and slow, steady exercise.

Many adore this breed for their good personalities, as they are class clowns and loving.

A French Bulldogs cheerful disposition makes them good family pets and well suited to apartments and homes alike.

Also See: 300+ Best Male & Female French Bulldog Names

The Bichon Frise is one of the more affectionate of the Toy group. Loving their owners and other dogs, they’re excellent travel companions.

Just don’t plan any jogs. The Bichon Frise is not only slow at 8 miles per hour but also not an endurance breed.

A mile or two is plenty of exercise for your Bichon Frise. They’re better suited to a little fetch around the yard than a full hike through the woods.

Grooming is a must with a Bichon Frise, but they are otherwise low-maintenance companions. They will be happy to accompany you and your family through life.

These gentle little pups are a favorite for families and individuals all over the world.

Their faces may look like they are in a permanent state of worry but Pugs are very easygoing and easy to train.

Pugs have short legs and flat faces which make long periods of exercise difficult. Stick to short-distance walks with this breed.

Many consider Pugs to be the goofballs of the household. What they lack in stamina, they certainly make up for in personality.

Gentle and friendly, Pugs are great with both kids and other dogs, big and small.

Those looking to adopt a Pug should consider potential respiratory problems and eye issues. With proper care, these dogs make easy companions who are willing to curl up with you and read a book.

If you head out for a walk in the park, just take it slow and you will both enjoy the fresh air.

Also See: What Is A Retro Pug? Is Jug Dogs Better Than Pugs?

If you’ve ever seen a Dachshund, referred to in popular culture as the “Weiner Dog”, their place on this list should come as no surprise.

Being one of the long-backed, short-legged breeds, Dachshunds are not going anywhere fast.

At least not faster than their little legs can take them.

The Dachshund is a sensitive breed that can’t take rough play, so homes with older children are generally a better fit. Also, stairs are a no go, this helps to eliminate strain on their frame.

Despite their size, this breed has a great nose and will follow it wherever it takes them… slowly.

One of the smallest breeds on this list, the Chihuahua doesn’t mind running – it’s just not very fast.

Limited by its size and tiny legs, this breed is confident and loves to go with owners on walks through the park.

Chihuahuas bond intensely with their owners and don’t like competition for affection.

They can be jealous and rather loud if they feel challenged. Though small, it’s never fun to have a dog of any size acting aggressively.

This makes them good companions for singles or couples, as they don’t do well with kids or other dogs in the house.

Chihuahuas should be trained from an early age to obey commands.

Like the Chihuahua, a Pomeranian’s speed is slow due to its size. Weighing an average of 7 pounds, there’s only so fast little legs can take you!

Despite their fluffy coat, Pomeranians do not require extensive grooming.

They make excellent apartment dwellers or city dogs and don’t need much exercise beyond a brief daily walk. Plus they are quick learners.

Pomeranians are a more vocal breed and will bark at almost anything, be it a passing dog or the mailman.

Training to prevent excess barking may be necessary.

If you’re looking for a toy-sized dog without the classic “yap”, the Japanese Chin may be for you.

This breed is not as vocal as other dogs of their size. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t bark at strangers or other dogs approaching the home.

Japanese Chins do not need as much grooming as other small breeds on this list. They do much of their grooming themselves, as you may expect from a cat.

Though far from athletic, the Japanese Chin loves to learn. It’s a great candidate for all kinds of tricks, just not for activities requiring speed or agility.

The Japanese Chin is a classic lap dog and is adored by their families… making them great companions for almost anyone.

Known for its long luxurious coat, the Lhasa Apso is a beautiful breed that requires more brushing than exercise.

This breed’s small size makes it a great contender for apartment living or for those who may not have a yard.

Brief walks are all a Lhasa Apso needs to stay happy. That, and personal space.

Like the Chihuahua, the Lhasa Apso can be a jealous breed that does not do well with kids or other pets in the house.

For this reason, it is popular with older couples and singles who live a more slow-paced lifestyle.

Unlike some other breeds on this list, the Lhasa Apso may be small but is sturdy and hardy. They face fewer health issues and do fairly well in most climates.

The Shih Tzu is the slowest dog breed of any size on this list.

Adorable and beloved by their owners, the Shih Tzu is not going anywhere fast.

A Shih Tzu’s little legs can carry it about 6 miles per hour making it the slowest dog in the world. Meaning a brisk jog is about as much as it would take to catch up with your pooch, even at top speeds.

Even though they are not great partners on runs, the Shih Tzu is loyal and a loving companion to their owners. They love to warm your lap, as they did for ancient Chinese royalty.

What this breed lacks in speed they make up for in grooming requirements.

The Shih Tzu’s silky signature coat requires frequent maintenance. Also, their eyes are prone to infection if not looked after and cleaned regularly.

If you’re not big into running, but looking for a great dog to keep you company, the Shih Tzu may be the right breed for you.

Final Thoughts

These slowest dog breeds prove that you don’t always have to be speedy to be a great pet!

Slow dogs come in all shapes and sizes, so your options are limitless.

Your slow pup will force you to take life in at a comfortable pace helping you enjoy walks without being in a rush.