If you're interested in having a dog but aren't able to walk long distances, there are options available
All dogs need a healthy amount of exercise to stay on top form, but some breeds are more likely to enjoy long naps in front of the fire to a ten-mile hike in the mountains.
A handful of dog breeds that generally require less daily exercise have been recommended to dog-lovers who may struggle with time constraints or mobility issues, the Mirror reports.
Laura Crotch-Harvey, a nutrition manager at leading healthy pet food brand Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “It's firstly important to keep in mind that even the smaller or lazier of the dog breeds will require a good walk throughout the day.
“Those dog breeds that don't require as much exercise are often ‘toy breeds' who were originally bred as lap dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a great example of this. The popular Dachshunds breed is also worth considering as their small legs mean they won't require extensive daily treks.”
She also suggested potential dog owners consider Chihuahuas. As a smaller breed with small legs, these pooches do not require the same type of daily exercise as a more active dog such as a border collie, which would need upwards of two hours walking daily.
Laura said Chihuahuas “can easily get by on say 45 mins walking spread out across the day”, but will still need a good amount of mental stimulation at home and a good diet to ensure they don't become overweight.
Another easy-going is the Greyhound. Despite being the fastest dog breed in the world, reaching speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, they are nonetheless famously lazy and can doze for 20 hours a day.
A fifth breed known for its love of napping is the sad-faced English Bulldog, which can doze for 12 to 14 hours every day. Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a short nose and flat faces, which can make brisk exercise more difficult. As a result, these dogs can tire out easily, and prefer a laid-back lifestyle.
Laura said: “If you're interested in having a dog but aren't able to walk long distances, there are plenty of options available, such as hiring a dog walker. This can be a fantastic way for your dog to get extra exercise while also allowing them to meet new doggy friends.
“Additionally, engaging in enrichment activities is a great way to tire your dog out without covering a lot of ground. You can do this at home with a snuffle mat, puzzle toys, or even by teaching your dog a new trick.”
For those with mobility issues who would benefit from a trained assistance dog, organisations like Support Dogs provide trained dogs to help with everyday tasks and improve independence.
