Choosing a Dog that requires little exercise
Before choosing any dog to suit your lifestyle requirements you should read our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog to get an overall view of the many areas you should consider before making your final decision to get the right pet dog for you.

Dogs that require a small amount of exercise:-

Our list below is is not a guide to dog breeds requiring no exercise at all. It simply includes dogs that are generally satisfied with less exercise than some other breeds. All dogs instinctively need and enjoy a walk with their owners. A fit dog is generally, mentally and physically, healthier.
Our list just gives general recommendations, as not every dog in a breed type will have the same energy levels.
Observation and instinct will tell you if your dog is restless and in obvious need of more exercise.

There are some basic areas that anyone, whatever their lifestyle requirements, should consider before making the choice of what type of dog would be most suitable.
These start with details about your lifestyle:- (Previous dog owners will probably have assessed these points already but their lifestyle and requirements may have changed).

Our Guide to Choosing a Pet Dog contains a further, broader, range of information that you should consider before choosing any new pet dog.


  • How active are you, what are your energy levels? The activity levels of dog breeds will vary, many dogs require long walks and outside exercise (boredom and bad behaviour often result from lack of exercise}

  • What size of dog would suit your lifestyle:- (dogs fall into three size groupings- small, medium and large),
    Is your accommodation and outside space sufficient for a large dog?
    Are you able to handle a larger dog on walks?
    Could you lift or carry a larger dog if necessary?
    Small dogs can also be full of energy and busy dogs at home can cause all sorts of problems

  • How much time can you give to your pet dog. Apart from exercise, dogs could make other demands on your time.
    Easy to train dogs obviously require less time spent on training.
    Little or no grooming may be a factor.
    Do you require a dog that likes playing or a more docile “lapdog”?

  • Noise levels…many dogs react to unfamiliar noises, some by barking or growling and others who may be more shy or reserved can become frightened. Extreme barking can obviously cause problems for you or your neighbours.

  • Will you need to leave your dog alone for short periods? (Doctor or hospital visits even social visits to “dog free” zones). Some dogs can cope with this, others, unless trained, find it difficult and can get bored.

  • Will the added cost of keeping a dog fit in with your lifestyle and circumstances?



Some suggestions for Dog Breeds that will need minimum exercise.

Dog Breed
 

Bichon Frise -
Good natured small dogs that make excellent pets . Very attractive and distinctive with a predominately white coat and a pocket-sized appeal, they do not need particularly long walks and are just happy in big houses or small flats Good with children and other pets they make excellent gentle and loving companions.

Boston Terriers -
Small impressive looking dogs who often prefer the company of their owners to other dogs. Not demanding with a gentle demeanour. They are gentle and friendly dogs who are easily housetrained. Not requiring lots of exercise they are happy in big houses or small flats

Bulldog
Affectionate dogs that are also resolute and courageous.
Devoted to their owners, good with children but need socialising to be tolerant of strangers and other dogs.
calm, bold and courageous. Loyal to owners and intelligent making them responsive to commands and easily trainable.

Chihuahua -
Alert, spirited, bold little dog that is also friendly and affectionate.Devoted to owners and usually good with children and other pets Chihuahuas have strong personalities and tend to bond with one adult. Their tiny size makes them easy to handle. They are easy to train, require little grooming and they are happy in big houses or small flats Chihuahua

Dachshund
Available as long or short haired varieties, Small but active little dogs. Friendly with family and other pets but can become a "one man dog". Playful, friendly, brave and fearless. They need little grooming and exercise and they are happy in big houses or small flats

Maltese -
The Maltese is a tiny, docile breed that is extremely affectionate and loves to be pampered it is among the gentlest mannered of all little dogs, and its trust and responsiveness are appealing Easy to train, they love to play fetch and learn tricks. They do not shed but require regular brushing to keep their coats from matting. Like other non-shedding dogs, they are a good choice for allergy sufferers. A good pet in limited accommodation, the Maltese's exercise needs are minimal

Pinscher (Miniature)
Feisty, independent, brave, curious dogs that are constantly busy, Intelligent and easy to train, a good family dog easy to train and god with children and other animals

Papillon -
A small pretty and lively dog ideal as a companion or as a loving easily socialised dog for families Its beautiful coat is prone to frequent shedding and needs to be combed at least daily. These dogs make wonderful lapdogs, and they are relatively quiet, compared to other small breeds.The breed is also relatively hardy.

Pekingese -
Small affectionate little dogs with long silky coats and a shortened pug like face. They are affectionate but have independent personalities. Pekingese usually get along well with other dogs and people, but may be wary of strangers. They need regular grooming but require little exercise.

Pomeranian -
These vivacious, extrovert little dogs will bring a smile to any face, although sometimes they can be noisy. They just love to snuggle up and nap in a person's lap. They usually prefer adults to children and get along well with other pets. They are intelligent, feisty dogs and have a low need for exercise. Despite having fluffy coats they do not need much grooming.

Poodle (Toy)
Good natured, affectionate and dependable dogs full of spirit but responsive. Highly intelligent making the easy to train. great family pets, good with children and other animals

Pug -
A small dog that is sociable, homely, companionable and friendly , their playful and clownish nature makes them ideal family pets.
Not overly intelligent which means patience is required when training..Has a low exercise requirement but can be high-energy dogs that love to cuddle. Can shed quite a bit which might require regular grooming.

Yorkshire Terrier -
Small but feisty, tenacious and courageous.
Popular dogs that are intelligent and easy to train, learning commands quickly .They love human companionship without being too clingy Good with children and strangers
Very affectionate and loyal. Their long coat can be trimmed to a shorter length for ease of maintenance. They do not shed and are good low-allergy dogs.



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