All the things I wish I knew before I got my first ever puppy!
Busy lifestyle and don’t have time for lots of long walks? Live in the city and have no parks nearby? Suffer from limited mobility and can’t physically do the exercise? Don’t despair, there are plenty of dog breeds which don’t require much exercise at all! (Note though, even the biggest couch potato dog needs at least some exercise!)
1. BULLDOGS
A short walk and a bit of indoor play is plenty for this breed. Due to their short noses and disposition to breathing problems, it’s important that you don’t over exercise this type of breed or exercise them in hot weather.
2. SHIH TZU
This little friendly dog was bred for life in a palace, so are definitely more of an indoor dog. A lot of the time they can get enough exercise walking around your home all day. You’ll probably end up spending more time grooming this breed than walking it!
3. POMERANIAN
A massive personality in a tiny dog. These dogs are so small that they are actually prey for wild animals. They have a lot of energy and love walks, but due to their size it doesn’t take a lot to tire them out. They are also a fairly independent breed, making them an excellent choice for people with busy lifestyles.
4. CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL
Short daily walks, a bit of play and lots of cuddles are all these adorable little dogs need to survive. Although make sure you work at training them as pups otherwise they can become a bit unruly as adults!
5. BASSET HOUND
Basset Hounds are exceptionally calm and quiet as a breed. Their short legs are build for endurance not speed, making them ideal for slower walkers. Also down to their natural disposition to sniff out prey, the chances are any walks are going to be spent nose down!
6. PUG
Pugs love their food, and can become podgy very quickly so it is important that they are exercised, but like bulldogs, their disposition to breathing problems mean that they often don’t need anymore than a short walk to keep them happy and healthy!
7. CHIHUAHUA
Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds that you can find, and although they are energetic and like to run around a lot, it’s all relative to their size, and with an average weight of less than 3 kilos- it’s really not a lot!
8. GREYHOUND
Probably the most surprisingly entry on the list because of their racing background, but you’d be surprised to find out that Greyhounds are actually massive couch potatoes. A short 20 minute walk and the odd runaround in a field/garden is all they need.
9. BOLOGNESE
These little clouds of fluff absolutely love to play, and standing at less than a foot tall, they can get most of their exercise through play alone. This breeds main need is to have someone at home with them- so if you live a busy lifestyle that they can’t fit in with, they may not be the dog for you.
10. YORKSHIRE TERRIER
As much as Yorkie’s enjoy a walk, due to their small size and their general hyperactivity inside, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep up with their exercise needs!
