Dogs needing less exercise

[custardbear]

Hi
Just wondered who had dogs that require some exercise but not huge walks every day.

Both my husband and I are very used to dogs as had them in our families since we were born essentially. We've never had our own as we both work full time and felt unfair to keep a dog as we worked away from the house so they'd be alone all day

My DH new job is working from home, even post Covid so feel we'd like a family dog. We have 8&12 year old children

We wanted a dog that doesn't need huge walks as we're time poor, And our garden is ok size wise but not really good enough space for a larger dog as unfair on the dog.

I was thinking a teddy bear type dog like a Daisy dog or similar - DD wants a husky so had to tell her no immediately as we don't have enough garden or time for one. DS wants a pug but I really don't like them at all. Had many terriers as kids so avoiding these - any thoughts from the MN dog massive?
Thanks

Be careful with lurchers - I have a greyhound / whippet cross and he would live outside if he could. Yes stamina isn't great but after a run he will lie on the grass and after 5 minutes he will go again. We can't even say the word 'out' in front of him as he will get really excited and bring us his lead even if he's just come back from a walk.
I wonder if you will be better with an older dog where the temperament is known so you will know if they are a couch potato or outdoor junkie. I know someone mentioned chihuahuas earlier but my neighbour's chihuahua is out as often as mine is because he loves it so much and will complain if he doesn't get taken out.

Thanks fir the comments everyone - reading through 😊

@custardbear sorry I just saw your post. Been a bit manic at YlvaHome and things got missed.
Yes, I did own a pair of Powdwepuffs. I think they are lovely little dogs. Really sweet and playful with DC. But also very placid and just happy to take over the couch! They were a real family dog, happy to be with anyone.
I think you should consider them.
Things I didn't like are the traits you are looking for: low energy, sweet little personality and just not as clever as other dogs I owned. Plus their small size. You might also find, that they have a bit of a bad reputation, but mine didn't fit that stereotype. Although I would consider them again if my life would change dramatically and I would have less time for a dog.
I now have Tibetan Terriers they are better suited to my family - and before you check Tibetans out: they are huge personalities, needy and definitely the class clown of the dog world. Not what you are asking for.

@Ylvamoon. I seriously considered chinese crested when I got a dog. As you say they fit many of the time poor family requirements.

The reason I didn’t in the end was I read they are quite fragile and break easily?
I had two youngish children at the time and while they are very good with animals, it was more that they are active and knocking the dog, or tripping over it, playing in the garden etc. That and I have a cat and cats can get quite physical playing with dogs!

So I went for the more robust Yorkshire Terrier. Sound like they have more brains as well!

@Mindymomo

Don’t get a border collie, 3 long walks today.

What she said. I love mine to bits but if she doesnt get enough exercise shes a little shit.

What about a shih tzu? I have ms and can’t walk at all some days, or just 10-20 minutes...at the weekend Dh takes him out for longer and he’s happy with either. They just like company and cuddles!

Ive had jack Russells/Staffies growing up and both need 2 long walks per day.
I now have a lazy chihuahua who is happy with 30 minutes per day and long walks on a Sunday! She doesn't like the cold so has refused to leave this morning! Fine by me

I have a bichon who would be happy with 20 minutes walk twice a week. Or not at all, if it's raining. Not sure if all bichons are like that.

I suspect they are, I know several and they're all like that.

OP: why a mix? A pure bred bichon would be perfect for you.

I'd suggest a Miniature Poodle. Fantastic dogs and brilliant family pets. No need to go for an overpriced crossbreed when the original pedigree dog is perfect for what you're looking for, and easier to find a decent breeder.

@sillysmiles that’s really interesting. Dpup isn’t interested in the garden and only pees out there if he has to. I didn’t realise that was normal so nice to know it is. He’s a cocker spaniel (op don’t get one - he’s perfect for us but not for your needs). He was in the garden for more than 5 minutes yesterday, which was unusual so I went to investigate. We now have a big hole in the middle of the lawn
That said, he’s not into mornings. 10 minute walk this morning for a poo has left him like this...

My standard dachshund didn't need huge walks every day, but was perfectly capable of long hill walks at the weekend. (Past tense because he's nearly 15 and doesn't want to walk much at all now though he'll race around the house or garden for short periods).

However, dachshunds (particularly miniatures) have become far too popular recently which would make me extremely wary of getting one nowadays.

Dragons, I love the blue paint!
The dogs cute too.

@imabusybee

I'd suggest a Miniature Poodle. Fantastic dogs and brilliant family pets. No need to go for an overpriced crossbreed when the original pedigree dog is perfect for what you're looking for, and easier to find a decent breeder.

Poodles (no matter what size) need more than a couple of 20 minutes walk per day. Poodles are working dogs - they need exercise and the chance to run and swim.

bluebluezoo my DC was 3 when I got mine (rescue through friends) and we never had any problems with being fragile.

But then, my DC are used to having multiple dogs around, did they learn early to respect the dogs ... I never allow rough play because let's face it, kids might be heavier than the dog, but the dogs teeth are sharper.

Yes it’s not so much the dc I was worried about, more a generally busy household. Current dog has a habit of following me silently around and had been tripped over, nearly stood on, sat on, pounced on by the cat, caught by someone swinging round, had toys dropped on him, the usual knocks and bumps. I was a bit worried a cc might be better suited to a quieter environment, good to hear they aren’t as fragile as advertised!

I have a Bichon. As a puppy he was a crazy ball of energy ALL the time. Now as an adult dog (he is 3) he is fairly placid. He wakes when I do at about 7am. He comes out for a walk with me from 8:15 to 9am. He likes to be off lead in the morning, to run the fields, to chase sticks and generally behave like a loon. He then settles for a lazy day barking at the postman and snoozing on the sofa. We often have a short walk at lunch, maybe 20 minutes down the lane so he can poop! At around 3 - 4pm he becomes a restless arse and wants his second walk. He needs a 45 - 60 minute afternoon walk. It’s slower and sniffy rather than his morning loon-fest. When we get back he eats and goes back to snoozing. He goes to bed when my daughter does at 8.

He is relatively easygoing but only when he gets his walks. No walks means a dog who steals shoes, chews stuff, barks, gets under my feet etc..

Please don’t run away with the idea that Bichons are low exercise in all cases. Some of them can be but mine likes his walks and will not be pacified with anything else!

He’s happiest out here!

Beddy whippet. Mine’s happy with a half hour or hour after school run twice a day and the rest of the time lolls around happily sleeping.