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10 Dog Breeds With Low Exercise Needs

A tricolor Basset Hound sniffs clover and dandelion flowers along a dirt path outdoors.
Plan for 30 minutes of daily walking at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to investigate scents along the path.

02 Basset Hound

Bred originally to trail game across rugged terrain, modern Basset Hounds prefer lounging on living room rugs over athletic pursuits. Their heavy-boned frames and low ground clearance naturally limit their running speed.

Plan for 30 minutes of daily walking at a leisurely pace. Allow your hound ample time to investigate scents along the path, which provides vital mental stimulation without straining their joints.

Their elongated spines make them vulnerable to intervertebral disc issues. Provide pet ramps to help them navigate furniture, and avoid allowing them to leap off high beds.

Bassets possess hearty appetites paired with low caloric burn rates. Carefully measure daily food portions to prevent excessive weight gain that strains their long backs.

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