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10 Dog Breeds That Are Notoriously Hard To Keep In Shape

Not all dogs are built for marathon runs or endless games of fetch. Some breeds have perfected the art of lounging and snacking, making it a challenge to keep them in shape. Whether it’s their love for food or a natural tendency to be a bit lazy, these dogs require a little extra effort to stay fit. If you’re the proud owner of one of these couch-loving canines, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

A brown and white dog is sleeping on a blue upholstered chair, with its head resting on the padded armrest. Its body is stretched across the seat.
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English Bulldog

A bulldog strains on its leash walking uphill on a forest trail, with a person in blue jeans visible in the background.
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The English Bulldog is known for its stocky build and laid-back attitude, but that cute chubbiness can easily turn into unhealthy weight gain. Their short legs and love for lounging make exercise a challenge, so keeping them fit requires some serious motivation—and maybe a few extra treats as bribes.

Pug

A pug dog with a golden collar sitting on pavement, looking at the camera with a slightly tilted head and an open-mouthed expression.
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Pugs are small but mighty when it comes to packing on the pounds. Their love for food, combined with a tendency to overheat, makes it easy for them to gain weight. With those big, pleading eyes, it’s hard to say no, but keeping a Pug in shape means resisting their constant snack demands.

Dachshund

Old dachshund in the grass.
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Those long bodies and short legs might look adorable, but they aren’t built for strenuous exercise. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious back problems. Keeping a Doxie in shape means finding the right balance between activity and rest—without letting them become total couch potatoes.

Basset Hound

Close-up of a brown and white basset hound with droopy ears and soulful eyes, set against a blurred background.
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With their droopy ears and soulful eyes, Basset Hounds might seem like the ultimate lazy dogs—and they often are. Their low energy levels and love for food make them prone to weight gain. To keep a Basset Hound in shape, you’ll need to coax them off the couch for regular, gentle walks and maybe even some playtime.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with tan and white fur looks up with large, expressive eyes while standing on a light-colored wooden floor.
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to cuddle and often prefer lounging to playing. Their affectionate nature can lead to overfeeding, especially when owners give in to those sweet, begging eyes. To keep them fit, regular walks and portion control are key—but good luck saying no to that face.

Chow Chow

A fluffy Chow Chow dog lies on a wooden floor with a lit fireplace in the background.
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Chow Chows are known for their lion-like appearance and aloof personality, but they’re also known for their stubbornness. They’re not always keen on exercise, which can lead to weight gain. Keeping a Chow Chow in shape requires patience, persistence, and a little creativity to make exercise feel like less of a chore.

Shih Tzu

A small, shaggy dog with a dark and light brown coat lying on a textured beige blanket, looking directly at the camera.
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Shih Tzus are small, fluffy, and often spoiled, which can lead to a bit of extra fluff around the middle. Their laid-back attitude means they’re not always eager to exercise, so keeping them in shape requires regular walks and controlled feeding. Just be prepared for some sass when you try to get them moving.

Newfoundland

A large, wet Newfoundland dog stands on the shore of a lake, with water dripping from its fur. Trees and a few houses are visible in the background.
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Newfoundlands are gentle giants with a love for lounging. Their massive size and thick coat can make them prone to overheating, leading to a preference for chilling out rather than running around. Keeping a Newfie in shape means finding activities that they enjoy, like swimming, while keeping a close eye on their diet.

French Bulldog

Close-up of a french bulldog with a curious expression, focusing directly at the camera, set against a blurred blue background.
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Both French and English Bulldogs share a love for lounging and an aversion to exercise. Their unique build and respiratory issues make it easy for them to gain weight if not carefully managed. Keeping these lovable, snorting pups in shape requires short, frequent walks and a strict diet—but they’ll still try to charm you out of extra treats.

Beagle

A beagle sits on a light-colored wooden floor, looking up, while a bowl of dog food is placed nearby.
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Beagles are known for their love of food, and their strong sense of smell can lead them to sniff out snacks wherever they go. While they have the energy for exercise, their constant quest for food can lead to overeating. To keep a Beagle fit, you’ll need to balance their natural curiosity with plenty of physical activity—and keep the kitchen off-limits.

Cocker Spaniel

A person feeding a golden-colored dog a treat at a table with a plate of pancakes topped with berries, a bowl of blueberries, a bowl of raspberries, and a glass of layered coffee.
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Cocker Spaniels are known for their affectionate nature and love for treats, which can easily lead to weight gain. Their luscious coats may hide the extra pounds, but staying fit is essential to prevent joint issues. Regular exercise and portion control are crucial, even if they give you those irresistible puppy eyes.

Saint Bernard

A Saint Bernard dog lies in a grassy field, looking over its shoulder. The background is a soft blur of green foliage.
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Saint Bernards are massive and mellow, often preferring a good nap to a run in the park. Their sheer size makes them prone to weight gain, and they can easily become couch potatoes. Keeping a Saint Bernard in shape requires activities like swimming or short walks—just don’t expect them to be your jogging partner.

Lhasa Apso

A long-haired dog stands on a path with a blurred background of grass and foliage.
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Lhasa Apsos are small dogs with a big attitude, and they’re not always fans of exercise. Their independent streak means they’ll often choose lounging over playing, leading to potential weight gain. To keep them in shape, regular walks and a controlled diet are essential—though convincing them to move might require some serious persuasion.

Meet The 12 Laziest Dog Breeds That Just Want To Lounge

A dog with black, white, and brown fur is lying on a leather couch with its paws up, looking at the camera.
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When you think of big dogs, you probably imagine them running around with endless energy. But some large breeds are surprisingly lazy and love nothing more than lounging around. If you’re looking for a laid-back companion who prefers chilling on the couch over endless playtime, these dogs might be perfect for you.

Read it Here: Meet The 12 Laziest Dog Breeds That Just Want To Lounge

13 Dog Breeds That Are Stubborn As A Mule To Train

A person’s hand holds a treat close to the nose of a sitting puppy, encouraging the puppy to sniff the treat.
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Training a dog can be a challenge, but some breeds are tougher than you might think. Even if they’re cute and lovable, these dogs can test your patience with their stubborn and independent streaks. If you’re considering one of these breeds, be prepared for a bit of a battle.

Read it Here: 13 Dog Breeds That Are Stubborn As A Mule To Train

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