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10 Dog Breeds With Low Exercise Needs

A fluffy brown and white Shih Tzu sits centered on an ornate runner rug in a sunny home hallway.
Prized for centuries as palace lap warmers, Shih Tzus maintain optimal wellness with just a leisurely 20-minute daily walk.

07 Shih Tzu

Chinese royal courtiers prized Shih Tzus for centuries as devoted palace lap warmers. These sturdy toy dogs require surprisingly little physical exertion to maintain optimal wellness.

A leisurely 20-minute daily walk provides sufficient sensory stimulation and outdoor exercise. They burn off additional energy through short indoor play sessions with soft toys.

Their dense double coats require daily brushing if kept long, or regular trims into a low-maintenance puppy cut every six weeks. Professional grooming keeps their coat manageable and clean.

Because of their warm, friendly nature, they socialize easily with strangers and other household pets. They adapt seamlessly to living in compact urban condominiums.

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