Every breed of dog is different, but even the canines, which seemingly the least likely to move, need to move to stay strong and healthy.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC), emphasizes the importance of differentiating puppies and adult pooches when it comes to dogs and exercise.
“Just like children, all puppies are energetic, wild, and sometimes even destructive,” he told Newsweek.
“Below is a list of dog breeds that, as adult dogs, require slightly less exercise to keep them happy and content.”
Read on to find out which breeds of dogs need the least exercise later in life.
1. Bulldog
The bulldog is a soft breed that requires moderate exercise to keep them fit
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The bulldog is a soft breed that requires moderate exercise to keep them fit.
Dr. Klein said, “You like to go for a walk every now and then or play lightly.
“It is important not to overexert bulldogs in warm weather as they are prone to overheating. On hot days, bulldogs should spend time in an air-conditioned environment.”
2. French bulldogs
French bulldogs are dogs that are ideal for apartment living because they require relatively little exercise
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Frenchies are considered to be ideal dogs for apartment living, as these canines are apparently content to relax on the couch on their owners lap.
The AKC expert said, “Make sure you take her on short walks every day to keep her in shape. Avoid overexerting them in the hotter months. “
3. Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds only require light to moderate exercise, which means long walks will keep this breed healthy
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Basset Hounds only require light to moderate exercise, which means that long walks will keep this breed healthy and keep them from being overweight and bored.
Dr. Klein told Newsweek, “Basset Hounds benefit from moderate walks daily.”
4. Dachshund
Moderate light exercise daily will help Dachshunds stay in shape and maintain their weight
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Moderate, light exercise daily will help Dachshunds stay in shape and maintain their weight, especially in terms of supporting the back strength of these long-bodied dogs.
Dr. Klein said, “For this breed, avoid too much jumping or high-impact activities to avoid damaging their spine and joints.”
5. Pugs
Daily walks and play sessions are an important way to keep the pugs’ weight under control
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Although pugs often enjoy spending time with their owners on the couch, daily walks and play sessions are important ways to keep their weight under control.
Dr. However, Klein warned, “This breed does not tolerate hot weather well and should not be brought into vigorous outdoor activities in the hotter months.”
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu dog breed should still get some exercise every day in the form of easy walks or play time
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These distinctive-looking Tibetan dogs were bred to be house companions and therefore require relatively light exercise.
The AKC expert said, “Ideally, they should get some activity in the form of light walking or play time every day.”
7. Pekingese
The usually calm nature of the Pekingese means that they often require minimal exercise
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This breed of dog is considered a great companion, and the normally calm nature of Pekingese means that they often require minimal exercise.
Dr. Klein said, “Pekingese shouldn’t get too warm either.”
8. Pomerania
The Pomeranian loves to be a lap dog, but can be kept active through both short and indoor games
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What these little toy dogs lack in stature, they compensate more than with personality.
Dr. Klein told Newsweek: “The Pomeranian enjoys being a lap dog but can be kept active by either brief or indoor play.”
9. Bullmastiffs
Bullmastiffs should be kept lean, especially since these large and athletic dogs grow quickly, which can put a lot of stress on their bodies
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This breed should be kept lean, especially since these large and athletic dogs grow quickly, which can put a lot of stress on their bodies.
The AKC’s chief veterinary officer said, “Daily walks or playing outside are great ways to keep them active.”
10. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua dog breed likes to run and play and can get a lot of exercise in a small space
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Considered one of the smallest breeds of dogs, the Chihuahua needs short walks to maintain a healthy weight.
Dr. Klein said: “You like to run and play and can move around a lot in a small space.”
11. Tibetan mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge breed that tends to conserve its energy and works best when given a work-related task rather than structured play
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This ancient breed of dog has an affectionate and gentle nature that belies their intimidating size.
Dr. Klein said, “The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge breed that tends to conserve its energy and works best when given a work-related assignment rather than structured play.”
12. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano does well with long walks or hikes with its owner
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These thickly haired hounds are a large breed with moderate energy demands.
The AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer said, “The Spinone Italiano gets along well with long walks or hikes with its owner and loves to be part of the family.”
13. Neapolitan mastiff
A moderate walk is best for the Neapolitan mastiff to avoid serious injuries that can result from running or jumping
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This breed is best for less impact exercises because their joints can be easily injured.
Dr. Klein said, “A moderate walk is best for the Neapolitan mastiff to avoid serious injuries that can occur while running or jumping.”
“In summer it should have limited time outdoors to avoid overheating.”
14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels toy breed enjoys being a lap dog, but benefits from going for a walk or being active in dog sports
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Although Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the oldest toy dog breeds in the world, they’re both great choices for first-time dog owners and excellent companions for the elderly.
Dr. Klein said, “This breed of toy enjoys being a lap dog, but benefits from walking or being involved in dog sports.”
15. Chinese forelock
The Chinese Crested can usually be content with a simple short daily walk or some play time in its owner’s garden
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The Chinese Crested can usually be content with a simple short daily walk or some play time in its owner’s garden.
Dr. Klein said, “This breed is quite competitive in canine sports. Please keep in mind that the hairless variety needs sunscreen for dogs during the summer months to prevent sunburn.”
16. Mastiff of Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux should be aware of how strenuous exercise as a puppy can put a lot of stress on the joints of this breed, which means that low-impact movement is best
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Potential mastiff owners should be aware of how strenuous exercise as a puppy can put a lot of stress on the joints of this breed, which means gentle exercise is best.
Dr. Klein said, “As adults, you can slowly add a little more exercise to your routine because they grow up to be very strong dogs.”
17. Great Dane
Great Danes are a great breed of dog that doesn’t require as much exercise as you would imagine
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Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are excellent companion dogs who are more than happy with a brisk walk.
The AKC expert said, “Great Danes are a great breed and very active and lively puppies.”
18. Scottish Deerhound
Scottish deerhounds are difficult to get off the couch, but short daily walks are important to their health
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Despite their immense proportions, these purebred dogs are not suitable for living in apartments because they have high energy requirements.
Dr. Klein said, “Adult Deerhounds are difficult to get off the couch, but short daily walks are important to their health.”
19. Japanese Chin
A slow walk would be most of the exercise the Japanese chin needs
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The Japanese chin is considered the standard pet companion toy, ideal for living in tight apartments.
Dr. Klein said, “A slow walk would be most of the exercise the Japanese chin needs.”
20. Cotton from Tulear
It is important to keep the Coton De Tulear active with exercise to avoid the dog breed becoming destructive
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This breed requires moderate exercise and will benefit from either daily walks or playing in the back yard.
The AKC Chief Veterinary Officer said, “It is important to keep them active to avoid becoming destructive.”
