Most dogs are known for their high energy or affinity for long walks. Some breeds, however, don’t fit into that mold. Introducing the 13 dog breeds that require the least amount of exercise.

Bulldog

Probably the most well-known less-active breed is the Bulldog. Though athletic, the Bulldog is notorious for wanting no part in long walks or exercises. Their spot is on the couch and they’re perfectly happy there.

Chow Chow

No need for long hikes or walks for this breed. The Chow Chow is perfectly fine just hanging out with their humans all day.

French Bulldog

Similar to their counterpart the Bulldog, the French Bulldog doesn’t require a lot of exercise. While they love to play, they’d prefer to chill out with you on the couch.

Chinese Crested

This hairless breed may be more work to take care of than other breeds thanks to its non-existent coat, but they actually have quite a low need for exercise. Chinese Crested’s are also loving and friendly companions.

Bullmastiff

You may be fooled by the Bullmastiff’s size, but this breed is calm-natured and doesn’t require a ton of exercise. They were, however, bred to be guard dogs so they are constantly alert.

Bichon Frise

A daily walk is all this breed needs. The Bichon Frise would rather hang out with their humans anyway.

Miniature Pinscher

This small, adorable breed does not require a lot of exercise and is the perfect family companion – especially those who prefer nights in over nights out.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu’s, though playful and alert, were bred as companion dogs. So it’s in their nature to be around their humans at all times.

Pomeranian

Pomeranian’s weren’t always as small as they are today. In fact, they were bred to be smaller so they can fit in their owner’s laps. And now, they prefer to hang out with their human’s than play around outside.

Japanese Chin

Actually hailing from China, the Japanese Chin is a pint-sized breed with a playful personality. However, they don’t require much exercise and prefer to chill out with their owners.

Chinese Shar Pei

This wrinkly-faced breed prefers lounging to running and will be a great pup for Sunday’s spent on the couch.

Sussex Spaniel

Although they were originally bred as hunting dogs, the Sussex Spaniel has strayed away from their former responsibilities and is now known as a slow-paced dog that loves to lounge around all day.

Irish Wolfhound

Despite their size, the Irish Wolfhound doesn’t require a ton of exercise. They were originally bred as war dogs, but today they are family companions that enjoy just hanging out with their humans.

Orla O'Keefe

Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

hellonuzzle.com

Dogs, like people, need exercise. They crave movement. They need to get out of the house and explore the world.

Unfortunately, most dogs are under-exercised, and are suffering mentally and physically for it.

Lack Of Exercise Leads To Mental Strain

The old school of thinking believed that dogs were playful as puppies, then around a year old, they got lazy and boring. This lead to a lot of unhappy, destructive dogs. And, more sadly, it has led to many adult dogs being dumped in kill-shelters because they weren’t playing like a puppy anymore.

The truth is that dogs are pretty active at all ages. If they’re not sick or injured, a dog wants to move. Sitting in the house every day leads to boredom. Bored dogs become destructive. Or, depressed. They become lethargic.

Again, old school thinking about dogs led to the belief that they’re nothing more than dumb animals. But, the truth is that dogs are intelligent, emotional beings. They need mental stimulation.

Exercise As Mental And Physical Stimulation

Even seen a high energy breed like a German Shepard or a Husky destroy a house or yard? They’re under stimulated. These dogs are working breeds.

Keep a hound from exploring with its nose and you’ll have a sad, destructive dog.

Every breed, even mixed breeds, have things they crave. Exercise helps them satisfy this need.

Movement helps them physically, just as it does for humans. It controls weight, helps with metabolic rate, keeps disease at bay.

Walking Is Key

Waling is the best exercise for most dogs.

Daily walks of 20-minutes is minimal.

Two walks are better.

Know your dog – if you have a high energy dog, you’ll need to either walk more or run with them to use up their considerable energy.

What about dog parks and the back yard?

There are many experts that believe that running around a dog park or your yard is good for exercise but doesn’t provide the same primal mental stimulation that a long walk does. While this is debatable, the best option is to always include a walk whenever possible.

There seems to be something about moving forward, walking, that stimulates your dog’s brain, and helps them release a lot of mental stress. Walking could be tied into the act of searching for food and shelter that is embedded in your pup’s genetic coding.

If you can walk with them, and give them access to a yard or dog park, they’ll get the best of both worlds.

Bad Weather and Older Dogs

What if your dog is older and can’t handle long walks?

What About When It Snows Or Rains?

Do your best to get your dog out walking, even if it is for several short (as little as 5-minute) walks. Finding ways for them to exercise their minds with toys, bones, chew toys is important in these cases as well. If they’re up for it, play games with them. This will get them moving and thinking.

In bad weather, short walks can help. Some experts contend that a walk to the mailbox can help relieve mental stress and boredom. A short ride in the car can help. If you are confined to the house, turn to games using toys, treats, and simply being playful with your puppy can help them burn off mental and physical energy.

A Special Note For Puppies

In general, puppies are like toddlers – they have a seemingly inexhaustible energy supply.

Walking them multiple times per day, letting them run, and playing games with them are all necessary. If that energy is not put to positive use, it will turn negative. If you’d like to keep your couch, curtains, carpet, and shoes intact, get your new baby exercised.

The old adage that “a tired puppy is a good puppy,” holds true.

Orla O'Keefe

Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

hellonuzzle.com

A question we get a lot is how do I keep my senior dog healthy? We want to answer that but first we must address the issues that many senior dogs face. The recent drives to promote the adoption of senior rescue dogs is a huge step in the right direction. Every day, thousands of older dogs are placed in shelters. They are abandoned and have little chance for escape. We want to  Even puppies can have trouble finding a home, and it’s much harder for the seniors because:

• Many deem older dogs as being “lazy” or “not as fun as a puppy”
• Others believe they’re little more than a walking collection of health problems

The reality is that senior dogs deserve a second chance at life. Whatever their circumstances for ending up on death row, they deserve the opportunity to get out and flourish in a rescue home.

If you’ve decided to adopt an adult or senior dog, congratulations. You are making a huge difference in that dog’s life.

Here are 4 things you can do to make sure you keep your senior dog healthy, active, and living her new life to the fullest:

How To Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

1. Senior Blood Panel

All breeds are different in when they enter their senior years, but no matter what, after age 4, all dogs should begin getting yearly or twice-yearly blood tests.

A senior blood panel test is a great idea. It tests:

• Complete blood count
• White blood cell count
• Red blood cell count
• Kidney and liver function
• Electrolytes
• Cancer
• Pancreatic function

And much more. Catching problems in these areas can literally add years to your new buddy’s life.

2. Dental Work

Having dental done for senior can be tricky. If they have to be put under, this can be dangerous, depending on your dog’s health. But, having your regular vet monitor the state of their teeth and gums is important. So is brushing their teeth regularly. Many health problems start in the mouth. Tartar and bad breath are signs that something could be going wrong.

3. Check Their Eyes

Despite common belief, dogs of all ages should have bright, clear eyes. Cloudiness is a sign of internal problems. If your senior is healthy, their eyes should be clear.

4. Best Diet Possible

What you feed your dog is a highly personal choice. Whether it’s bones and raw food, high-end kibble, or home made meals, the important thing is to focus on giving your senior the maximum nutrition possible at each meal. If they are overweight, a consistent walking routine and good diet will slim them down, and take the stress off of their joints and internal organs. This alone can extend their life, and give them back some of that long-forgotten puppy energy.

Orla O'Keefe

Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

hellonuzzle.com