Sunday, May 24, 2026

20 dog breeds that do not require a lot of exercise


Every dog ​​breed is different, but even those canines who seem to dislike exercise least still need exercise to stay strong and healthy.

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club (AKC), emphasized the importance of distinguishing between puppies and adult dogs when discussing dogs and sports.

“Just like children, all puppies are energetic, grumpy, and sometimes destructive,” he said Weekly newspaper.

“The following is a list of dog breeds that require less exercise for adult dogs to stay happy and satisfied.”

Read on to discover which dog breeds need the least exercise in later life.

1. Bulldog

The bulldog is a gentle breed and requires moderate exercise to stay slim
Getty Images

The Bulldog is a gentle breed and requires moderate exercise to stay in shape.

Dr. Klein said: “They are happy to go for a walk or play easily.

“It is important to avoid overstretching bulldogs in warm weather because they tend to overheat. On those hot days, bulldogs should spend some time in an air-conditioned environment.”

2. French Bulldog

French Bulldog from AKC Canine Retreat
French bulldogs are very suitable for apartment living because they require relatively little exercise
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

French dogs are considered to be very suitable for apartment living because these canines seem content to relax on the sofa in the owner’s lap.

AKC experts said: “Make sure to take them for short walks every day to stay in shape. Avoid excessive exercise during the hot months.”

3.Budget Hound

Buggy Hound
The Buggy Retriever only needs light to moderate exercise, which means that long walks can keep this breed healthy
Getty Images

The Buggy Retriever only needs light to moderate exercise, which means that long walks can keep the breed healthy and prevent them from becoming overweight and bored.

Dr. Klein told Weekly newspaper: “Budget Hounds benefit from moderate walking every day.”

4. Dachshund

Dachshund being led away
Moderate light exercise every day will help the Dachshund to stay in shape and maintain weight
Getty Images

Moderate and light exercise every day will help the Dachshund keep in shape and maintain weight, especially to support the back strength of these long dogs.

Dr. Klein said: “Avoid excessive jumping or high-impact activities on this breed to prevent damage to their spine and joints.”

5. Pug

Pug
Walking and playing every day is an important way to control the weight of pugs
LexiTheMonster/Getty Images

Although pet pugs are usually happy to spend time with their owners on the sofa, walking and playing every day is an important way to control weight.

However, Dr. Klein warned: “This breed does not tolerate hot weather well and should not be used for vigorous activities outdoors during the hot months.”

6. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu should still take some exercise every day in the form of easy walks or play
Neil Bernstein/EyeEm/Getty Images

These unique-looking Tibetan dogs are bred to be family companions, so only relatively light exercise is required.

AKC experts said: “Ideally, they should still do some activities in the form of light walks or play time every day.”

7. Pekingese

Pekingese
Pekingese’s usually calm nature means that they usually require very little exercise
Gwen Vidig/Getty Images

This breed of dog is considered a good companion, and the usual calm nature of the Pekingese means that they usually require very little exercise.

Dr. Klein said: “Pekingese should not be affected by too warm weather.”

8. Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Pomeranian likes to be a pug, but can stay active through short time or indoor play
PopoudinaSvetlana/Getty Images

These small toy dogs lack body shape, but their personalities make up for it.

Dr. Klein told Weekly newspaper: “A Pomeranian likes to be a pug, but it can stay active for a short time or through indoor games.”

9. Bulldog

Bull Mastiff
Bullmastiffs should stay slim, especially because these large and athletic dogs grow very fast, which can cause damage to their bodies
Charles McQueen/Getty

This breed should stay slim, especially because these large sport dogs grow fast, which can cause physical harm to them.

AKC’s chief veterinary officer said: “Every day walking or playing outdoors is a good way to keep them active.”

10. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Chihuahuas like to run and play, and can get a lot of exercise in a small space
Eudyptula/Getty Images

Chihuahuas are recognized as one of the smallest dog breeds and require short walks to help them maintain a healthy weight.

Dr. Klein said: “They like running and playing, and they can get a lot of exercise in a small space.”

11.Tibetan Mastiff

Stock Image of Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge dog breed that tends to conserve energy and performs best when it is given work-related tasks rather than structured games
~User7565abab_575/Getty Images

This ancient breed of dog has a cute and gentle nature, which conceals their fearsome size.

Dr. Klein said: “The Tibetan Mastiff is a huge dog breed that tends to conserve energy. It performs best when it is given work-related tasks rather than structured games.”

12. Spinone Italiano

#86.Spino, Italy
Spinone Italiano is suitable for long walks or hikes with the owner
Caroline Granicum / Wikimedia Commons

These thick hounds are a larger breed with moderate energy requirements.

AKC’s Chief Veterinary Officer said: “Spinone Italiano is suitable for long walks or hikes with the owner, and likes to be part of the family.”

13. Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff
Moderate walking is best for Neapolitan Mastiffs to avoid serious injuries caused by running or jumping
Chris Muller/Getty Images

This breed is best for low-impact sports because their joints are easily injured.

Dr. Klein said: “For the Neapolitan Mastiff, moderate walking is the best to avoid serious injuries caused by running or jumping.”

“In the summer, it should be limited outside time to avoid overheating.”

14. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel New York City
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel toy breed likes to be a pug, but benefits from walking or actively participating in dog sports
Cindy Odd/Getty Images

Although one of the oldest toy dog ​​breeds in the world, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an ideal choice for first-time dog owners and an excellent companion for the elderly.

Dr. Klein said: “This toy breed likes to be a pug, but it can benefit from walking or actively participating in dog sports.”

15. Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested Dog can usually be satisfied with a simple short walk every day or playing in the owner’s backyard
Ekaterina Gorochova/Getty Images

The Chinese Crested Dog can usually be content with simple short walks every day or playing in the owner’s backyard.

Dr. Klein said: “This breed is very competitive in canine sports. Please note that hairless breeds need to apply sunscreen to their dogs in the summer to prevent sunburn.”

16. Dogue de Bordeaux

Doge Bordeaux
Dogue de Bordeaux should be aware that as a puppy, strenuous exercise will put a lot of pressure on the joints of this breed, which means that low-impact exercise is the best
AB Photography/iStock/Getty Images

Potential owners of Dogue de Bordeaux should be aware that as a puppy, strenuous exercise can put tremendous pressure on the joints of this breed, which means that low-impact exercise is the best.

Dr. Klein said: “As an adult, you can slowly add some exercise to their daily lives because they will grow up to be very strong dogs.”

17. Great Dane

Great Dane
The Great Dane is a great dog breed and does not need as much exercise as you think
Earl Wilkson/Getty Images

Despite its large size, the Great Dane is an excellent companion dog, not only satisfied with walking fast.

AKC experts said: “The Great Dane is an excellent breed, very active and lively puppies.”

18.Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhound
The Scottish Deerhound is difficult to pry off the sofa, but a short walk every day is very important to their health
Forest/Getty Images

Despite their large proportions, these purebred dogs are not suitable for apartment living because of their high energy requirements.

Dr. Klein said: “It is difficult for adult deerhounds to pry off the sofa, but a short daily walk is very important to their health.”

19. Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin UK Crufts Dog Show 2017
Slow walking will be the most needed exercise for the Japanese chin
Matt Cardi/Getty Images

The Japanese Chin is considered a standard companion toy running dog, very suitable for cramped apartment life.

Dr. Klein said: “What Japanese people need most for their jaws is to walk slowly.”

20. Coton De Tulear

Cotton tuliar
It is important to keep Coton De Tulear active and exercise to prevent the breed from becoming destructive
Renja/Getty Images

This breed requires moderate exercise and can benefit from daily walks or playing and fetching balls in the backyard.

AKC’s chief veterinary officer said: “It is important to keep them active so that they do not become destructive.”



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