I never heard the scent thing before but maybe? Idk. I would think the occasional bath would keep it at bay. Also my friend has a beagle and they don’t exercise her that much and she’s perfectly fine. But then again she does have other dogs to play with, not sure how much she does that though. But yeah, I don’t think they’re THAT energetic once older. Otherwise a coonhound or bloodhound or something could work or basset, all are pretty lazy I think. At least once they’re older. But they’re bigger than you want.