When it comes to owning a pet, the responsibilities can be difficult to maintain; from consistent training and strict dietary meals to hours of dedicated walks, it can be difficult for busy dog lovers to keep up with their pooch’s everyday needs. However, not every dog needs hours of exercise to be happy; some are perfectly content snoozing by your side after a short stroll.
For people with hectic schedules or limited space, choosing a low-energy breed can make dog ownership far more manageable. I spoke to Axel Lagercrantz, pet expert and CEO of Pets4Homes, the UK’s leading pet rehoming site, who shared ten breeds that need the least amount of walking to be happy and healthy.
Axel shared: “All dogs need exercise, even those widely known as being lazy. But there are those that need hours to tire them out and some that need no more than a few half hour jaunts in the park.”
10. The clumber spaniel
To begin, Axel revealed a “lesser-known” breed that needs little exercise. He said: “The clumber spaniel is a much less common and lesser-known spaniel breed, but if you’ve ever seen one, you will see they’re built a bit heavier than your standard spaniel.
“Spaniels are generally lively, and while climbers are not strictly sedentary, they’re notable in how little exercise they need compared to most other spaniels. Around an hour per day is usually fine.”
According to Pet MD, Clumber Spaniels are well-known for their gentle, laid-back temperament. As they are affectionate and loyal, they form strong bonds with their families.
Their relaxed nature makes them adaptable to many living situations, and with proper socialisation as puppies, they tend to get along well with both children and other pets.
(Image: Canarian/Wikimedia)
9. The Yorkshire Terrier
Ranking at number nine is the Yorkshire terrier. Despite the terrier breed being one of the most high-energy dogs, this is “tempered by the toy part of their breed,” said Axel. “They can get their liveliness out of their system quickly — a few half-hour walks a day are enough.”
Dog experts at Pooch and Mutt warned that Yorkshire Terriers are full of personality despite their tiny size. These little dogs are bold, confident, and fearless, with an adventurous streak and a touch of feistiness that keeps life interesting.
(Image: Getty)
8. The Whippet
“The whippet is a smaller dog, which is very similar to the greyhound but in miniature. Whippets tend to be fairly sedentary most of the day as long as they’re able to hare around at top speed for half an hour a few times a day,” shared the Pets 4 Home CEO.
Whippets are a gentle and affectionate breed, known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their families. They are typically great with children and get along well with other dogs, making them “wonderful” companions, reported Pooch and Mutt.
(Image: Getty)
7. Irish Wolfhound
According to Axel, the Irish wolfhound needs less exercise than you’d think. “They’re fairly economical on the exercise front, burning off a lot of energy very quickly and then being quiet and enjoying a nap.
“Wolfhounds don’t quite reach greyhound levels of laziness, but they’re a close second.” For owners looking for a furry friend to join their families, the Irish Wolfhound is the perfect pick.
According to Napo, the dog is a gentle giant known for its sweet and friendly nature. They are incredibly affectionate, but while loving with family, they tend to be more reserved around strangers.
(Image: Getty)
