One of the first questions new dog owners ask is: How much exercise does a dog need? It’s a tough question to answer, as every breed of dog has different requirements. Even within a breed, there can be fluctuations based on the individual dog’s needs. For some breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever, we discuss minimum levels of exercise required, while for breeds like the Mastiff, the conversation focuses more on the maximum duration and intensity of exercise. Age, body condition, and overall health also play significant roles.
There are many factors to consider when determining how much exercise a dog needs, starting with its breed or type.
How much exercise a dog requires varies from breed to breed. However, we can speak in general terms based on the canine categories developed by North American kennel clubs.
Sporting Dogs – Sporting dogs include everything from the energetic Golden Retriever to the slower Clumber Spaniel. These dogs are happiest when mentally and physically challenged daily, although the intensity of exercise depends on the breed. For example, Clumber Spaniels are bred to maintain a moderate pace all day long, while the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is bred to work at a more intense pace for shorter durations. In today’s world, the Clumber Spaniel is happiest on long walks, whether on or off-leash, while the Toller requires not only long walks but also intense games of fetch at least once a day.
Hounds – The hound group includes both sight hounds and scent hounds, which have very different exercise needs. Sight hounds, like the Whippet and Greyhound, are bred for short, intense bursts of exercise followed by long periods of lounging. They are the couch potatoes of the canine world and require much less exercise compared to many other breeds. Though they love to sprint after prey, a long daily leash walk is often sufficient. Scent hounds, on the other hand, have the endurance to work all day if needed. They prefer daily off-leash walks through areas rich in scents and enjoy activities like fetch or finding hidden treats.
Working Dogs – The working dog class includes a wide variety of breeds, all requiring mental stimulation along with moderate physical exercise. Working dogs are intelligent and highly trainable. However, since each breed was bred for a different purpose, their exercise requirements can vary. These dogs thrive when they can play fetch and engage in activities like agility or tracking. The more they are mentally challenged during exercise, the better. An exception to this rule are the Great Dane and Mastiff breeds, which generally require less exercise.
Terriers – Terriers, whether short-legged or long-legged, require high levels of exercise to stay healthy. These dogs were bred to hunt small game, which means they are highly energetic and intelligent. In addition to physical exercise, they need mental stimulation, making activities like earth dog trials, agility, tracking, and flyball perfect for them.
Toy Dogs – Toy dogs typically require less exercise than other breeds. Bred as lap dogs, they generally have less drive and intensity than their full-sized counterparts. Their small size means that a quick game of ball in the living room is enough to tire them out. However, some toy breeds still love to play with larger dogs at the dog park.
Non-Sporting Dogs – The non-sporting group includes a variety of breeds that don’t fit into any other category, making it difficult to generalize their exercise needs. For example, the Standard Poodle and Dalmatian require high levels of off-leash running and physical stimulation, while the Pekingese is best suited to low-intensity, leash-walk exercises. If you own a breed in this category, it’s best to research its history and origin to determine the appropriate exercise level.
Herding Dogs – Herding dogs are bred to work at moderate levels of exercise from sunrise to sunset. Breeds like the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) have a specific gait that enables them to maintain a consistent level of exertion for long distances. In their country of origin, GSDs are tested before breeding to ensure they can maintain this pace for at least 20 kilometers. Herding breeds are also very intelligent and need both physical and mental stimulation. They thrive on activities like agility, flyball, and herding trials, and they require long walks and daily games of fetch.
Exercise and the Life Stages of Dogs
The amount of exercise a dog needs changes as they grow and mature. Puppies need short bursts of exercise, which should gradually increase in duration and intensity as they grow. Adult dogs are better at moderating their exercise needs, often asking for walks or play sessions when they need them. Senior dogs may fluctuate depending on how they feel, but in general, they do best with a consistent amount of exercise each day, both in duration and intensity.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and every dog is different. Just because you have a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—a breed often described as a miniature Golden Retriever on speed—does not mean there’s something wrong if your Toller is a bit of a couch potato. Some dogs naturally require less exercise than others. On those rainy, windy days, you can be thankful your dog is content with a walk around the block, while the typical Toller might be soaked and hypothermic after their usual workout.
Learning to read your dog’s needs is an essential part of raising a happy and healthy pet. Every dog needs at least one daily leash walk lasting at least thirty minutes. Beyond that, consult your vet, breeder, or trainer, or research the breed through books or online resources.
Remember: A well-exercised dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for happy owners. It’s a win-win for everyone!
