7

Every dog I've heard of so far has to be walked.

Yet every cat I've heard of doesn't. They can just take care of themselves outside and you don't need to worry about them.

Are there breeds of dogs that have the cat-like trait of being able to take care of themselves, in the sense that you don't have to walk them?

user56834
  • 222
  • 2
  • 7

3 Answers3

20

If your goal is to not have to take a walk every day to get your dog the exercise it needs, then any small breed should get enough exercise running around your house/yard.

If you are looking for a dog that behaves like a cat, may I recommend just getting a cat.

Henders
  • 5,135
  • 5
  • 21
  • 54
Dan Anderson
  • 404
  • 2
  • 7
10

Your question is clarified in the comments as

Looking for a breed of dog that will walk himself to the park and drop his feces under the bushes.

And the answer is Kind of...

Given sufficient freedom and room to roam, almost any breed of dog will do his business out of sight, and where neither him nor you are likely to step on it.

I used to live out in the country, on several acres surrounded by forest. I had a dog most of that time. For years I never had to scoop poop unless the dog was restricted to a small area for a long time. In fact once I had some of the acres fenced. I never even saw dog poop, they went out into the woods to do their business (go poop).

Your problem is legal. The term "Leash Law" applies here, it applies mostly to dogs, there are several posts on the internet about it but in short.

  • If there is a law, you have to keep your dog leashed, fenced or under direct control at all times
  • If there is not a law, and the area is developed your dog is subject to being impounded (taken to the dog pound) if it is not under direct control.
  • In the absence of laws or risks of impoundment, you are liable for any damage to people or property your dog does.

Theoretically the same laws apply to cats, in practice cats are at less risk of having these laws applied.

James Jenkins
  • 29,385
  • 40
  • 135
  • 246
0

If you have a fenced-in yard, you can have really and dog breed you want, but you might be on poop duty.

That's just part of having a dog. Being unable/unwilling to walk the dog is a huge part of the exercise. Generally, though, they'll be likely to do their business in corners or out of your sight. If you want a dog with few needs, just get a cat. However, if a dog is a must, small breeds that get tired easily like Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, and especially dachshunds.

You may love dogs, but may be unable to house one, especially with no fenced-in yard, and that's perfectly okay. You may be suited to house cats.

Generally, exercise is a must for a dogs health. Taking the time to walk may be too much, but at least half an hour needs to be taken out of your schedule to play with them no matter which breed. It's unfair to the dog if you can't offer that.

erin sydrich
  • 261
  • 1
  • 10