i have a 11 year old daughter and a 18 year old i was wondering what dog is small and doesn't need a lot of walks

All dogs need at least two walks a day, every day, whatever the weather - some just need to go further than others. Are you prepared for that? If not, you should perhaps consider another pet.

I agree consider a hamster or fish a dog isnt the pet for you.

> doesn't need a lot of walks

Oh dear, you rather got short shrift there :)  A hamster is NOT your only option and there is quite a difference between no walks and not needing a lot of walks.

I'm sure you know that dogs need regular exercise and you only have to watch any of the TV dog programmes to see the kind of problems experienced by people who make no attempt to fully exercise their dogs.  If you want the range of advice that I know is available on CD it would help to have more information.  Do you work?  How long are you out of the house?  What do you mean by small?  What type of exercise/training/walks can you realistically provide?

There are a lots of people on here who work longer hours that I'd necessarily agree with, but they still manage a dog, I've also seen posts from people who utilise dog walkers from time to time when they are unable to manage.  Be realistic about what type of home you can offer a dog then, if you do want advice, there will be plenty of people willing to offer it.  Many of us are passionate about caring for the needs of our dogs so you may get some strong opinions but, with a few more facts from you, at least you know it is sincerely meant.

A goldfish sounds a sure bet :-)

If you have a big garden and house that they can have free run of then you could get away with any of the super small toy breeds.  Avoid terriers and hounds as they are big dogs in little bodies.  But any dog no matter how fancy looking likes to go for walks even if its only 20 mins.
Maybe consider if a dog is really for you first.  An 11 year old will not take responsibility for a dog and they shouldnt anyway.  An 18 year old will be trying to establish their own life away from the family so they might not be around in the future.  If you want a dog, make sure everyone wants one and that the adults of the family are the ones that will be in charge of training, feeding, walking, vets, etc.

Emma

My dogs are rarely walked in a formal way but have an acre and a half of field to free run so there are ways if you can't manage to exercise in the more expected way. However I don't think dogs should be left for a long period of time with no company, there is no point dogs are companions and as such should be loved and enjoyed.

As people have pointed out all dogs need walking but there are some that only need a short walk. Have you thought about a rescue greyhound? Although they are not small they are very quiet in the house, gentle and patient with people, and most are quite happy with two short walks a day (around 30mins). They're not always keen to go out in the rain or howling wind either :-D

If you don't fancy a greyhound then as a very general rule I suppose the toy group would be the place to start, certainly the KC lists most of them as requiring 'light' exercise. Of course just because they only need light exercise doesn't mean they wouldn't enjoy a longer walk. My Mums chinese cresteds used to walk with the borzois and I often see a Man with a papillion doing the same 3 hour circular walk as I do with my lot.

You need to consider so many more things than just how much exercise your dog will need. How much time can you devote to grooming? Will the dog be left alone at all, many toy breeds are very clingy and don't like to be alone. There's lots to think about, if you let us know more about your home life I'm sure you'll get more advice.

I agree with dogsababe You need to think about why you want a dog as a pet and not another animal.  Have you got the time and inclination
to offer any dog what it need ?
After more research about their needs, maybe you have friends who have dogs and can offer advice too , If you still think a dog is for you the toy breeds do not need long walks regularly although they need to go out and about with you andstill need  human companionship  that  may be a possibility but do examine your  motives cats are loving but far more independant ( I have 2)
I totally agree not to get a dog because either of your children a nagging you it should be for you after a great deal of thought. My 16 year old daughter owns our little pom/chi but if I hadnt intended to look after it I think it would be in a sorry state by now, We had already got agsd and have always had a large dog.  and that is from a very careing loving child full of genuine good intentions , their lives dont usually have time for proper dog ownership.

Excellent post furriefriends

> I totally agree not to get a dog because either of your children a nagging you it should be for you after a great deal of thought. My 16 year old daughter owns our little pom/chi but if I hadnt intended to look after it I think it would be in a sorry state by now, We had already got agsd and have always had a large dog. and that is from a very careing loving child full of genuine good intentions , their lives dont usually have time for proper dog ownership.

I think it depends on the child. I was desperate for a dog at the age of 12, after a lot of nagging I eventually got one at the age of 14. She was 100% my responsibility (other than financially obviously), walking, training, grooming etc. She introduced me to a completely new way of life going to obedience and agility classes and competitions (on my own, on the bus). 6 years later I got a 2nd dog and 5 years after that a 3rd. Then I left home and took all 3 with me. My parents have been dogless since as they don't want the responsibility.

I have a large very long garden with 3 med size dogs they get some good exercise there if I cant get out to walk them but they love to go out for walks to meet people being a people friendly type of breed , they love to sniff etc: so walking is a must .
I think you should consider every aspect of dog ownership before deciding if having a dog is really for you especially if you are looking for a breed that needs hardly any exercise as this is also part of socialisation .

I was the same as you kayenine.  I dog walked neighbours dogs religiously for several years before I finally persuaded my parents to buy me a dog at 10 years old.  She was my responsibility same as yours and my parents have not had a dog since.  I suppose it really depends on the child.

Hi Coolabbie,

We have a Labrador and a Bichon Frise. The Lab is quite laid back and actually doesn't need hours of walking. As long as he gets enough free running exercise he is happy.
However, I note you say a small dog - have you considered a Bichon? Ours is a delight, very friendly and sociable. She does enjoy exercise, and can keep up with our Lab, but many days I have to persuade/make her accompany us, so you couldn't say she needs a lot of walks. Bichons also don't shed - but be aware they need to be groomed and trimmed regularly.
You mention wanting a family friendly dog, but I'm sure you know dogs are to a large extent the product of their upbringing so you need to make them family friendly by doing lots of socialising.
Best of luck with whatever you decide. If you PM me I'd be happy to talk this over with you some more.
Cheers,
Julie