Dog breed lists
Dog Breeds That Need Little Exercise
Not every dog needs a daily run. These breeds are comfortable with an hour or less of activity and settle well indoors, which suits smaller homes, busy schedules and owners who'd rather not hike every weekend.
-
1
Non-Sporting
Bulldog
Loyal, low-slung and in no hurry.
- 30–45 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 40–55 lbs
-
2
Toy
Yorkshire Terrier
A fearless terrier in a silk coat.
- 30–45 min a day
- Settles well
- 4–7 lbs
-
3
Non-Sporting
French Bulldog
A pocket-sized comedian with big opinions.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 16–28 lbs
-
4
Hound
Dachshund
A badger hunter in a very long frame.
- 30–60 min a day
- Settles well
- 16–32 lbs
-
5
Toy
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Royal lapdog, spaniel to the core.
- 45–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 13–18 lbs
-
6
Working
Great Dane
The Apollo of dogs.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 110–175 lbs
-
7
Toy
Shih Tzu
Bred for palaces, still expects one.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 9–16 lbs
-
8
Working
Bernese Mountain Dog
A tri-colored teddy bear with farm-dog roots.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 70–115 lbs
-
9
Toy
Pomeranian
A pocket-size dog with sled-dog swagger.
- 30–60 min a day
- Settles well
- 3–7 lbs
-
10
Non-Sporting
Boston Terrier
The American Gentleman in a tuxedo.
- 45–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 12–25 lbs
- 11
-
12
Working
English Mastiff
Two hundred pounds of polite.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 120–230 lbs
-
13
Hound
Basset Hound
Low, slow, and never off the trail.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 40–65 lbs
-
14
Sporting
English Cocker Spaniel
Bred for woodcock, built for joy.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 26–34 lbs
-
15
Toy
Chihuahua
Smallest dog, biggest opinion.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 2–6 lbs
- 16
-
17
Toy
Maltese
Professionally adorable since antiquity.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 4–7 lbs
-
18
Working
Newfoundland
A lifeguard in a bear suit.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 100–150 lbs
-
19
Non-Sporting
Bichon Frise
A cotton ball with a social calendar.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 12–18 lbs
-
20
Working
Saint Bernard
The Alpine rescue dog, gentle giant included.
- 30–60 min a day
- Calm indoors
- 120–180 lbs
How we picked
A breed makes this list if its daily exercise need is 60 minutes or less and it rates 6 out of 10 or better for calm at home. We rank the lowest exercise need first. 'Little' still means a daily walk, play and mental work.
Questions people ask
Which dogs need the least exercise?
The breeds on this list, which need about 30 to 60 minutes a day. That's still a daily commitment, not an occasional one.
Can a low-exercise dog get overweight?
Easily. Less activity plus treats can add up fast, so measure meals and keep all treats within about 10% of daily calories.
Is a low-exercise dog right for someone who works long hours?
It can be, but any dog needs company, breaks and attention. Check each breed's guide for how it handles time alone.