Do small dogs not need walking then?

[FiveHoursSleep]

I've always had bigger dogs who absolutely need a walk every single day of their lives but I've got a few friends with smaller dogs.
Shih tzus, Llasa Apsos and CKC spaniels, that kind of thing ( not terriers!) who say their dogs don't need walking every day.
Instead, some weeks they only take them out once or twice a week.
The dogs seem okay for it, not as nuts as mine would be if they weren't walked, so is this usual?

[D0oinMeCleanin]

Small dogs often need walking more than large dogs. Spaniels for example, need a lot of exercise and stimulation, as do most terrier breeds. My terrier has just had a whale of a time romping through the woods for an hour getting puppy (large breed) to chase him. Puppy is now tired the terrier is chasing birds in the yard

Your friends are wrong, irresponsible and cruel. The dogs have gotten used to it, is all, it doesn't make it right. Any dog will get used to not being walked after a long time, but there will be behavioral issues because of it. They may not be obvious to you as someone who doesn't live with the dogs, but they'll be there.

[imawigglyworm]

I would say they still need walking even if only a short one, but I'm not an expert.
We have just rescued a cavalier and were told a short walk about 20-30 mins and a run around in the garden each day would be plenty for him.

[imawigglyworm]

As d0oin says its not just the health side it's the socialising, training etc.
I think people are too lazy sometimes, without even realising it.

[tabulahrasa]

Some little dogs need masses of exercise, some are a bit more laid back, but they'd still should get short walks and would be even happier to get longer ones.

They must be fairly unfit and bored if they're not even getting short walks every day.

[Bubblemoon]

My 3 year old JRT/Chihuahua cross is pretty much the smallest dog we ever meet, but she laps any opportunity for exercise. She will join us on a run (about 30 mins) and is still chasing crows and running around us in circles when we're knackered. Every day she gets 2 daily walks of between 45 mins and 3 hours each. She likes little breaks on the way for a drink and a sit down, but so do we!

After any walk she'll crash out for half an hour then, if you asked her if she fancies walking to the post box she'll leap out of her basket and bounce around like an idiot waiting for her collar and lead to go on and she'd walk for hours given the chance.

Exercise needs depend on the fitness and age of the dog and the weather (not being too hot), not the size of the dog.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Not all dogs need tons of exercise, but I think it's a pretty poor show not to take even the laziest of hounds out for a trot around the block every day. They love to smell, investigate, pee on things, greet other dogs/people, woof at cats etc etc. I don't see why you'd have a dog if you can't be arsed to give it the bare minimum of a quick on lead walk. You should just get a cat, imo.

[Ephiny]

I've never had a small dog, but to me it seems a shame for a fit healthy dog (of any size) to only get out and about once or twice a week.

In my experience little dogs often have more energy than the biggest ones!

[imawigglyworm]

agree Ephiny, especially if they are pups. My 9months cavalier is full of energy all the time

[susiedaisy]

We've had jack Russell's in our family and they have been lively and full of mischievous energy and have always needed walking everyday!

[FiveHoursSleep]

Thanks everyone. I'd always assumed that ALL dogs needed walking every day and figured my friends were being a bit lazy, but just wanted to check as I'd not had any experience of smaller dogs.

[ditavonteesed]

I have small dogs, they need a lot of excercise, the terrier actually needs slightly less than the cocker which tells you how much the cocker needs, they go out for at least an hour everyday and 2 or 3 hours at least a couple of times a week.

[groovejet]

I have a ckc, he is a bit of a lap dog at heart but he typically has 2 walks a day, one a stroll around the park morning or lunch and then a good romp around a field in the evening with his collie friend.

He detests the rain, despite his cosy rain coat so some days he refuses to go out and normally sticks to the garden but on those days I find that he is a bit more hyper so have to do more games inside to make up for it so can't imagine what he would be like with only one walk a week.

[Aquelven]

I have very small dogs, Yorkies, & middle sized...two Skyes.
If anything the tiny Yorkies need more exercise than the Skyes,who can be right couch potatoes, but get one good walk a day plus runs round the garden, big garden.

The Yorkies on the other hand are always on the go. Glued to my heels every time I move & mostly come everywhere with me out & about. They get a formal " walk" every day unless it's chucking it down with rain. They hate the rain.

[dazzlingdeborahrose]

I wish we could bust this myth that ckc's don't need exercise. They're amazingly energetic dogs. Yes you can get get away with a twenty minute walk around the block but they live running up and down the beach, walking the fells, chasing rabbits in the woods. The further the better. So the answer to the question is you definitely have to walk small dogs. Just because they can manage with less exercise doesn't mean they should have to. They'll be healthier happier dogs as a result.

[puffinnuffin]

I'm fostering a KCC. He gets a 20 minute walk first thing in the morning and then another later in the day. He is quite fussy though about the weather and hates the rain as well. He has a look of utter disgust when I try and take him out- even in drizzle!
He sleeps alot but can have very potty moments (usually when the cat comes in).

[dazzlingdeborahrose]

Yes, Puffin, they don't like the rain do they.?Oddly mine won't go in the garden if it's raining but get the leash out and he can't wait to get drenched! Funny little things they are.

[imawigglyworm]

My cavvie doesnt like the rain either and just grounds himself in the doorway or gives thoses eyes while hes standing in the rain looking like a drowned rat lol.