Plenty of us decided to welcome new four-legged friends into our homes in the last couple of years – according to Kennel Club figures dog ownership soared – and post-lockdown demand for puppies remains high.
There are a whopping 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, alongside numerous crossbreeds, so there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest addition.
For some of us, the thought of leaving the house to lift weights or run on a treadmill at the gym is not an appealing thought.
Most dogs, however, love dashing out for some good exercise – at the sound of the word ‘walkies’, they jump up and down in jubilation, eager to get their daily dose of physical activity.
If you are thinking about getting a dog yourself, you need to know that it is crucial to set aside some time for them to walk and run around in an open space – exercise is a fundamental part of a dog’s routine.
Not only does a sprint in the park do wonders to your friend’s morale, but it also helps them keep healthy and in shape.
That said, while all dog breeds need exercise, some require more physical activity than others.
To help, the experts at veterinary retailer VioVet have put together a list of the dogs that need the most and the least exercise, which will also allow you to decide which breed would best suit your lifestyle.
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5. Siberian Husky
There is no hiding that it is difficult to tire out a Siberian Husky. Usually bred to pull heavy sledges and travel long distances in challenging climates, this dog breed has buckets of energy. A Siberian Husky that is not adequately exercised may even dig up gardens or escape. Therefore, it is important to schedule a daily two-hour walk or run and allow them to enjoy some satisfactory physical activity. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. King Charles Spaniel
Possibly one of the most regal-looking breed dogs out there, King Charles Spaniels enjoy sitting on their throne most of the time. Due to their generally relaxed nature, there is no need to take them on kilometric walks – short strolls will do just fine. That said, they also love some playtime and being around both adults and children. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Chihuahua
Tiny and loud, Chihuahuas are small dogs with big attitudes and huge personalities. Weighing just under three kilos on average, it goes without saying that they do not need hours and hours of physical activity. A stroll in the park will do the job, and they will then be ready to head back home without any complaints. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Maltese
Moving to the least active dogs - they may well be intelligent and energetic dogs, but the little Maltese is more than satisfied with a 30-minute walk down the road or a short run in the garden. Indeed, it is plenty of exercise for this adorable dog breed. Once the pampered babies of noble ladies of the Roman Empire, it is no surprise that the little Maltese enjoys relaxing in its cosy abode. Photo: Canva/Getty Images