Some dogs come home after an hour's walk asking for more, while others sit down on the pavement after twenty minutes and nothing will move them. Neither is wrong: every dog has its own measure. You notice when you get it right at home, because a dog that has done what it needs is usually calmer, sleeps better and breaks fewer things.
The numbers, as a guide only
You'll see tables with exact minutes per breed. Take them as a starting point, not a recipe: within the same breed there are very active dogs and others that are quite laid-back. Broadly speaking:
- Working and herding breeds (border collie, Australian shepherd, Belgian shepherd, husky): they usually need a lot of daily activity, often more than an hour and a half between walks, play and mental work.
- Sporting and hunting breeds (Labrador, golden retriever, pointer, water dogs): around an hour or more a day, and they love retrieving, tracking and water.
- Small and companion breeds (Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, bichon): several short walks and a bit of play are usually enough, although many are more active than people think.
- Brachycephalic breeds (French bulldog, English bulldog, pug, boxer to a lesser extent): they need to move, but take great care with heat and exertion, because they have more difficulty breathing.
Mixed breeds, which are the majority, are assessed in the same way: by their size, their energy and what their body asks for.
How to tell if your dog isn't getting enough exercise
Your dog will tell you, although not always in an obvious way:
- Destroys things or digs when left alone.
- Is restless in the evening, keeps bringing you toys or barks at everything.
- Pulls hard on the lead as soon as you go out, desperate to get everywhere.
- Gains weight even though they eat the same.
Keep in mind that these behaviours can also have other causes, such as fear, boredom or separation anxiety. If pulling on the lead is part of your everyday routine, you'll find some ideas in what to do if your dog pulls on the lead.
It's not all about running
A very common mistake is thinking that an active dog is sorted with more miles. If you only increase the running, sometimes all you get is a fitter dog with more stamina. What really tires them out is a combination of:
- Sniffing walks: letting them sniff at their own pace, on a long lead if possible. It tires them out much more than it seems.
- Physical exercise: running free in safe areas, playing fetch, swimming.
- Mental work: stuffable toys, searching for hidden treats, learning tricks or doing a bit of training.
- Rest: an adult dog sleeps many hours a day. They need time and a quiet spot to do it.
Puppies: less is more
A puppy has lots of energy, but their bones and joints are still developing. Until they finish growing, it's best to avoid:
- Running long distances or going with you on bike rides or runs.
- Repeated jumping and too many stairs, especially in large breeds.
- Very intense play sessions without breaks.
Growth finishes earlier in small breeds and quite a bit later in large and giant breeds, which can keep developing until well past a year and a half. Ask your vet when you can start more demanding activities. In the meantime: short walks, plenty of sniffing, calm socialisation and free play.
Older dogs
Older dogs also need to move to keep their muscles and joints in shape. What changes is the format: shorter, more frequent walks, softer ground when possible, and no forcing them if they stop. Limping or refusing to walk isn't "laziness" and should be checked by a vet.
Heat, cold and other details
- In summer, go out first thing in the morning and at dusk. Touch the asphalt with your hand: if you can't hold it there for a few seconds, it burns their paw pads.
- Take water on long walks and offer it often.
- Watch for signs of exhaustion: very heavy panting, a very dark or purplish tongue, staggering. Stop, find some shade and, if they don't improve quickly, go to the vet: heatstroke is an emergency.
- Increase activity gradually if you're coming off a quiet spell, just as you would yourself.
The key: watch your dog
The best indicator isn't in any table. A dog that comes back from a walk happy, drinks, lies down and sleeps soundly, and is calm at home, is probably getting what they need. If not, try changing the type of activity before changing the amount.
To make walks comfortable for both of you, in our dog walking section you'll find accessories designed for everyday use.