If you’re thinking about introducing a new dog into your home, it’s always important to look at your own lifestyle first. If your day-to-day routine involves a busy schedule which leaves you with limited time to head out for long walks or alternatively you are not a particularly active person, then you need to think about what breed would best suit you.
Remember all dogs need exercise, however there are some that can be satisfied with less exercise than other breeds. Here are our top 10 canines whose exercise needs can be a satisfied with some indoor playtime or a short stroll in the park…
Pug
Pugs are playful and determined little things that will never give up on a walk even if they are struggling to keep up – so you must keep an eye on them and not over walk them. Giving an adult Pug two 20-minute walks a day is the most they will need and then space either in your home or a secure garden for them to play is perfect.
Bichon Frise
As a lap lounger extraordinaire, the Bichon Frise is gentle and spirited and when they do get up off the sofa they unleash short bursts of activity in the form of racing around your home or garden. These cute bursts mixed with short daily walks are all your ball of fluff will need.
Chow Chow
Despite being a medium-size dog with a strong build, the Chow Chow is more about guarding your home than racing around and long walks. A short daily walk will keep this pooch happy.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Despite having the word spaniel in their name, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel isn’t as hyper as Cocker Spaniels or Springer Spaniels and this toy dog loves nothing more than curling up on their owners lap. However, despite enjoying sofa time they do love playtime with the kids and make the perfect family dog.
French Bulldog
If you are looking for the perfect dog for city and apartment dwelling then the French Bulldog is the ideal choice. Only needing 15-20-minutes to keep them looking trim, French Bulldogs are also sensitive to heat so you need to choose the time of day you take your pup out to avoid them succumbing to heatstroke.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog that was bred to sit on its owner’s lap. Short daily walks will suffice and if there are days where this isn’t possible then they will happily race through your house and bound on and off furniture to meet their exercise needs.
Lhasa Apso
Bred as temple watchdogs in Tibet, Lhasa Apso are happy doing what they know best and watching for trouble and alerting people. One or two brief walks a day is enough for this small but sturdy pooch and as a popular family dog they are happy to go along at the same pace as their family.
Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier loves to dig and chase cats, as any true terrier does, however they are also very happy chilling out on the sofa. Owners of Skye Terriers can build up their stamina so that they can achieve long walks but at the same time they are just as content with a couple of short walks and some playtimes to keep them in shape.
Pekingese
Jumping on and off the sofa is the most energetic activity the Pekingese likes to partake in and a stroll through the park is enough for this low-activity pup. However, remember that despite what they tell you or how small and cute they are, they do need exercise so don’t be tempted to carry them every where.
Yorkshire Terrier
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep a Yorkshire Terrier exercised. As long as they get some exercise every day, whether that is a good play session or a short walk around the park, Yorkies will be content and happy.