Some dogs need long walks, hours of exercise and strenuous play every day to stay happy and healthy. However, not all dog lovers have the time to care for high maintenance hounds.
Although all dogs needs daily exercise and mental stimulation, not all breeds need a huge expanse of countryside or a big garden to stay fit and well. According to the American Kennel Club, some are suited to city or suburban life, too—and are happy with a daily walk and playtime in a park.
Dachshund
Although Dachshunds are small, they do need regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their backs. The AKC recommends two walks every day of moderate length.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for reaching top speeds, but at heart they are quite lazy. While they are happy to lounge around the house, greyhounds do need regular exercise time and the opportunity to run at full speed. Luckily many cities and suburban areas have fenced-off dog parks to let pets run safely.
Whippet
Whippets love to relax for hours and enjoy the company of their owners. Although they prefer a fenced yard to run in, they can be apartment dogs too as long as they are walked properly and allowed to run safely. Whippets tend not to bark too much, which is another bonus for apartment dwellers.
French Bulldog
A short walk or outdoor play session with their owner each day should provide enough exercise to keep the Frenchie happy and healthy.
Chihuahua
These tiny dogs are happy to run and play but only need a small space to do so, according to the AKC. Short, slow walks will help keep your dog healthy.
Pekingese
Once favoured by Chinese emperors, these aristocratic dogs are friendly and docile but still enjoy a relaxed walk.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier was bred to be a lap dog and they are more than happy to spend time with their owners at home. However, the AKC states they are descended from sporting dogs and still require moderate exercise.
Brussels Griffon
Griffs need to be walked for at least half an hour a day, making them well-suited to suburban dwellers who are not bothered by long walks. They also love to play and are happiest when doing activities with their humans.
West Highland White Terrier
Westies love to play and they are entertaining to watch when chasing a ball around. These cheeky little dogs enjoy walks and can go on longer treks, but they are happy with a couple of shorter walks a day and a run around in a safe area.
Mastiff
Although these dogs are giants, they have relatively low exercise needs and only need to be walked a couple of miles a day, the AKC advises.
Boston Terrier
Some Boston Terriers are content with shorter walks, while others prefer to run and chase toys to let off steam. You'll need to engage these little dogs with play to exercise them properly.
Basset Hound
Although they are known for being lazy, Basset Hounds actually require moderate exercise and daily exercise to prevent them from becoming overweight. These dogs also love to play too.
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibbies love to run and play in a fenced-off area but they are also happy to lounge around at home too, making them fairly low maintenance pets.
Border Terrier
Although these dogs were bred to be in the countryside, they are happy to live in cities or suburban areas as long as they get enough exercise. A fast walk for half an hour should be enough to keep them happy and healthy, the AKC states.
Maltese
These laptops actually have quite a lot of energy, but only require occasional exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk or a run around a safe garden can be enough.
Pug
Pugs will happily spend much of the day lying around the house and eating, but this means the breed is at risk of obesity. These dogs can be playful and energetic, so require daily walks and play.
Pomeranian
The ultimate lap dog, Pomeranians enjoy relaxing with their owners. However, they also need some exercise and like to run, play and go for walks.
Papillon
Papillons can be well-suited to apartments but they still need regular exercise as they are active. These dogs love to run, play fetch and chase, so it's important that they are exercised in a safe area.
Havanese
Havanese need a brisk daily walk or a fun play session with their owner in a back garden, but it's important not to over-exercise these dogs.
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers require regular daily exercise to prevent boredom and stay physically fit. However, their energy levels aren't too high and they are happy with walks and some playtime.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds, known as Iggies, are an active breed and need regular exercise. They love to play and enjoy walks, but the AKC warns they should be kept on a lead to prevent them getting distracted and running into danger.
Affenpinscher
These little dogs are happy to live in apartments, but they do need regular exercise. A good walk can keep them healthy, but they also love indoor play too.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Although these dogs are large, they don't need hours and hours of exercise every day to stay happy and fit. According to the AKC, Bernese Mountain Dogs need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise every day but they are happy to be at home.
Shi Tzu
These dogs were bred to keep royalty company inside palaces and they adapt well to apartment living - and are happy to be a lap dog. However, they still require daily walks and exercise for mental stimulation.
English Toy Spaniel
English Toy Spaniels are moderately active and enjoy playing, but at home they are relaxed. The AKC states they are easy-going dogs who make good companions for city dwellers in small apartments, as long as they can provide daily walks on a lead.
