Dogs That Don’t Need Lots of Exercise

Are there dog breeds that don't need a lot of exercise? Yes, here you can find out which ones they are!

Do you like lounging around on the couch, and want a dog that will relax as much as you? Dogs can also be “couch potatoes”. 

Although most dogs need plenty of exercise, not every dog enjoys spending hours traipsing through fields and forests. Scroll down to the end of this article to see the complete list. 

Photo: Sarah Lew/Shutterstock

Which Dogs Need Little Exercise?

Some breeds only need an easy walk around the block. This lets them sniff out all the latest “news” of the day. French Bulldogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Chihuahuas and Malteses, for example.

Other dogs will need at least one or two hours of exercise a day. Especially those that were bred for that amount of activity, for example hunting dogs and sheepdogs. However, every dog is a unique being, just like us, so they each have their own character and temperament. So, breed alone isn’t enough to determine how much a dog will need to walk.

Do Old Dogs Need Less Exercise?

Young dogs can be hard to stop. They’ll tear through your home and run amok in the park. The older the dog, the calmer they are likely to be. While a young Jack Russell would love to walk for at least two hours a day, half an hour is often enough for an older dog.

Do Small Dogs Need Less Exercise?

Small dog, less time. Large dog, more time. Well, yes and no. It’s not all about size. There are big pooches that are just a bit lazy. And there are small dogs that are bursting with energy.

Excess Weight Through Lack of Exercise

You should always keep an eye on your dog’s weight, especially if it’s a slow, lazy type. A couple of treats too many can be the difference between normal and overweight. Excess weight is usually clear to see but it’s best to catch it early. Here’s how to check if your dog is underweight or overweight: look at your dog from the side and from above. Run your fingers over your dog’s back. It’s overweight if you can feel the following:

• You can’t see or can hardly feel its ribs or backbone.
• There is a thick layer of fat over its ribs, backbone, belly, legs and chest.
• If you look at your dog from above, you can’t see a clear waist.

Too much weight can cause serious health problems and shorten your dog’s life - by up to 2.5 years. That’s the result of a long-term study (1994-2015) at the University of Liverpool and WALTHAM with over 50,000 dogs.

Undesirable Behavior Through Lack of Exercise

Dogs that don’t get enough exercise to fulfill their needs will also try and get rid of their excess energy by barking, chewing and digging. This results in a lot of dog owners thinking their dog is naughty but not knowing why.

Exercise Isn't Everything

Even if a dog has a calm demeanor and doesn’t need to burn off that much energy - so doesn’t need all too much exercise - training is still a must. Keeping their brains busy with intelligent toys or learning tricks means your dog’s mind will be healthy and their temper well-balanced.

Dogs That Don't Need Lots of Exercise: