Exercise Requirements by Breed: How Much Does Your Dog Really Need?

Quick Answer: Most adult dogs need 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily, depending on breed, age, and health. High-energy working and sporting breeds need 1-2+ hours. Medium-energy breeds need 45-60 minutes. Low-energy and brachycephalic breeds need 30-45 minutes. All dogs benefit from a combination of physical exercise and mental stimulation.

One of the most common questions dog owners ask is “How much exercise does my dog need?” And one of the most common sources of behavioral problems in dogs is the answer: “More than they are getting.”

Under-exercised dogs develop destructive habits, excessive barking, anxiety, obesity, and a host of health problems. Over-exercised dogs — particularly puppies and seniors — can suffer joint damage, heatstroke, and injury. Getting it right matters.

This guide breaks down exercise needs by breed group, size, age, and health status, so you can create a tailored exercise routine that keeps your specific dog healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

Why Exercise Matters

Before we get into the specifics, let’s understand why exercise is so critical.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), regular exercise provides:

• Weight management: Obesity affects over 50% of dogs in the United States. Exercise is the primary tool (alongside proper nutrition) for maintaining a healthy weight. For guidance on the nutrition side, read our how to choose dog food guide.
• Joint and bone health: Appropriate exercise strengthens muscles that support joints, improving mobility and reducing the risk of injury.
• Cardiovascular health: Regular aerobic activity strengthens the heart and lungs.
• Behavioral benefits: Exercise burns excess energy that otherwise fuels destructive behaviors, anxiety, and restlessness. Many behavioral problems — barking, chewing, digging, separation anxiety — are exacerbated by insufficient exercise.
• Mental stimulation: Exercise provides sensory input (sights, sounds, smells) that stimulates your dog’s brain and prevents boredom.
• Bonding: Shared activities like walking, hiking, and playing strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

Exercise Needs by Breed Group

Different breed groups were developed for different purposes, which directly influences their energy levels and exercise requirements.

Sporting Breeds (60-120 minutes daily)

Examples: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Irish Setter

Sporting breeds were developed to work alongside hunters for hours at a time — flushing, pointing, and retrieving game. They have deep reserves of stamina and high energy levels that require significant daily exercise.

Ideal activities:

• Fetch (the ChuckIt Ultra Ball is designed for the kind of extended fetch these breeds crave)
• Swimming (most sporting breeds are natural water dogs)
• Hiking on dog-friendly trails
• Dock diving and retrieving games
• Agility and field trials

Common mistake: Assuming a backyard is sufficient exercise. Sporting breeds need structured activity with their owner, not just access to outdoor space. A Labrador left alone in a yard will dig, bark, and create their own entertainment rather than self-exercising.

Herding Breeds (60-120+ minutes daily)

Examples: German Shepherd, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois

Herding breeds are among the most intelligent and physically demanding dogs. They were bred to work livestock all day, which requires both physical stamina and intense mental focus. These dogs need not just exercise but mental work — and lots of it.

Ideal activities:

• Agility courses (herding breeds dominate this sport)
• Advanced obedience and trick training
• Herding trials or treibball (urban herding)
• Long runs or hikes
• Nose work and scent tracking
• Frisbee (requires the precision and athleticism these breeds possess)

Critical note: Herding breeds that do not receive adequate mental and physical stimulation develop neurotic behaviors — obsessive behaviors like chasing shadows, excessive licking, spinning, or attempting to herd children and other pets by nipping at their heels.

Working Breeds (60-90 minutes daily)

Examples: Boxer, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Great Dane, Doberman Pinscher, Bernese Mountain Dog

Working breeds were developed for jobs like guarding, pulling sleds, and water rescue. Their exercise needs vary widely within the group — a Siberian Husky needs significantly more exercise than a Great Dane.

Ideal activities:

• Long walks and hikes
• Weight pulling and carting (for appropriate breeds)
• Swimming
• Structured play sessions
• Guard dog sports (for protection breeds)

Note: Some working breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards) are lower energy than their size suggests. Their massive bodies are not built for sustained high-intensity exercise. Moderate, consistent exercise is more appropriate than intense sessions.

Hound Breeds (45-90 minutes daily)

Examples: Beagle, Basset Hound, Dachshund, Greyhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bloodhound

Hounds fall into two sub-groups with very different exercise profiles:

Scent hounds (Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds) have moderate-to-high exercise needs, driven by their desire to follow scent trails. They benefit enormously from nose work and sniff-focused walks where they are allowed to explore and track scents. A 30-minute “sniff walk” (where the dog leads and investigates) provides more mental stimulation than a 60-minute forced march.

Sight hounds (Greyhounds, Whippets, Borzoi) are sprinters, not marathon runners. They need short bursts of intense activity (zooming around a fenced yard) followed by extended rest. Despite their athletic appearance, retired Greyhounds are famously lazy between exercise sessions.

Ideal activities:

• Scent hounds: Nose work, tracking, sniff walks, field trails
• Sight hounds: Lure coursing, fenced sprinting, short fetch sessions
• Both: Daily walks, gentle hiking

Terrier Breeds (45-90 minutes daily)

Examples: Jack Russell Terrier, Airedale Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer

Terriers were bred to hunt vermin, which required speed, determination, and boundless energy in a compact package. They are deceptively energetic for their size — a 15-pound Jack Russell can out-exercise a dog three times its size.

Ideal activities:

• Digging pits (yes, give them an acceptable place to dig)
• Fetch and ball games
• Earthdog trials
• Agility
• Interactive play with tug toys

Warning: An under-exercised terrier is a destructive terrier. Their tenacity, combined with excess energy, makes them world-class furniture destroyers and garden excavators.

Toy and Companion Breeds (20-45 minutes daily)

Examples: Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Pug

Toy breeds have lower exercise requirements, but “lower” does not mean “none.” Even the smallest dogs need daily walks and play for physical health and mental stimulation.

Ideal activities:

• Short walks (2-3 per day, 10-15 minutes each)
• Indoor play sessions
• Puzzle toys and food-dispensing games
• Short fetch games

Note: Toy breeds have faster metabolisms and smaller bladders, so more frequent, shorter outings work better than one long session.

Non-Sporting Breeds (Varies widely, 30-60 minutes daily)

Examples: Poodle, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Chow Chow, Boston Terrier

The Non-Sporting group is the most diverse, with exercise needs varying dramatically by breed. Standard Poodles are athletic and need 60+ minutes of activity. Bulldogs need only 30 minutes and must be carefully managed to avoid overheating.

Always research the specific breed within this group rather than applying a blanket recommendation.

Brachycephalic Breeds (20-30 minutes daily, with caution)

Examples: French Bulldog, Pug, English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pekingese

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds require special exercise considerations. Their shortened airways make breathing less efficient, which means they overheat faster and fatigue more quickly than dogs with normal snouts.

According to the AKC, exercise guidelines for brachycephalic breeds include:

• Limit exercise to 20-30 minutes in moderate weather
• Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day
• Watch for signs of respiratory distress: excessive panting, loud breathing, bluish gums, collapse
• Provide frequent water breaks
• Never push a brachycephalic dog past their comfort zone
• Prefer short, gentle walks over vigorous activity

Exercise Needs by Life Stage

Puppies (5 minutes per month of age, twice daily)

A common guideline is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. A 4-month-old puppy would get two 20-minute sessions. This is a general guideline — always let the puppy set the pace.

Critical restrictions for puppies:

• Avoid forced exercise on hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt) until growth plates close (12-18 months)
• No jumping from heights (off furniture, out of vehicles)
• No long-distance running until fully grown
• Favor free play on grass over structured long walks
• Short training sessions count as exercise

Over-exercising a puppy can damage developing joints and bones, potentially leading to orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia or osteochondritis dissecans. Consult your veterinarian for breed-specific puppy exercise guidelines. For more puppy guidance, read our puppy socialization guide.

Adult Dogs (Breed-specific guidelines above)

Healthy adult dogs between 1 and 7 years old are in their exercise prime. This is when you can match exercise to the breed-specific guidelines listed above. A fit adult dog can handle more intensity, longer duration, and more challenging terrain than puppies or seniors.

Senior Dogs (Reduce by 25-50%)

As dogs age, their exercise needs decrease, but exercise remains essential. Regular, gentle activity maintains muscle mass, joint flexibility, and cognitive function in senior dogs.

Adjustments for senior dogs:

• Reduce duration by 25-50% from adult levels
• Favor shorter, more frequent walks over one long session
• Choose soft surfaces (grass, dirt trails) over hard pavement
• Avoid high-impact activities (jumping, sprinting)
• Watch for signs of pain or fatigue (lagging behind, limping, lying down during walks)
• Consider swimming as a zero-impact exercise option
• Consult your vet about joint supplements if you notice stiffness

Types of Exercise: Physical and Mental

Physical Exercise

Physical exercise includes anything that gets your dog’s body moving:

• Walking: The foundation of any exercise routine. Aim for at least one 30-minute walk per day, more for active breeds.
• Running/jogging: Excellent for high-energy breeds with fully developed joints. Start slowly and build distance gradually.
• Fetch: One of the most efficient ways to exercise a dog — 15 minutes of intense fetch can burn as much energy as a 45-minute walk. The ChuckIt Ultra Ball is our top pick for durable fetch play.
• Swimming: Low-impact, full-body exercise that is especially good for dogs with joint problems, seniors, and water-loving breeds.
• Hiking: Trail exercise provides physical and mental stimulation. Read our hiking with dogs guide for trail safety and gear.
• Dog sports: Agility, flyball, dock diving, and disc dog are structured activities that provide both exercise and mental stimulation.
• Tug-of-war: Great for building strength and providing interactive play. Use durable toys designed for tug.

Mental Exercise (Just as Important)

Mental exercise tires dogs out just as effectively as physical exercise, and it is essential for preventing boredom-related behavioral problems.

• Training sessions: 10-15 minutes of obedience, trick, or skill training is mentally exhausting in the best way.
• Puzzle toys: Food-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders make dogs work for their meals. The KONG Classic stuffed and frozen is one of the simplest and most effective enrichment tools.
• Nose work: Hide treats around the house or yard and let your dog find them. This taps into their natural scenting ability and provides intense mental engagement.
• Sniff walks: Instead of a fast-paced walk focused on distance, let your dog lead and sniff at their own pace. Fifteen minutes of sniffing is more mentally stimulating than 30 minutes of brisk walking.
• Socialization: Supervised interactions with other dogs provide both mental and physical exercise. Dog parks, playdates, and daycare all count.

Creating an Exercise Routine

Sample Daily Routine for a High-Energy Breed

• Morning (30-45 min): Brisk walk or jog, followed by a short training session
• Midday (15-20 min): Fetch or tug in the yard, or a puzzle toy during lunch break
• Evening (30-45 min): Walk, park visit, or dog sport activity
• Night: Frozen KONG or chew toy for winding down

Sample Daily Routine for a Moderate-Energy Breed

• Morning (20-30 min): Walk around the neighborhood
• Afternoon: Puzzle toy or snuffle mat
• Evening (20-30 min): Walk with some fetch or play time

Sample Daily Routine for a Low-Energy/Brachycephalic Breed

• Morning (10-15 min): Short walk in cool morning air
• Midday: Short indoor play session or puzzle toy
• Evening (10-15 min): Gentle stroll around the block

Signs Your Dog Is Getting Enough (or Not Enough) Exercise

Signs of adequate exercise:

• Calm, relaxed behavior at home
• Healthy weight (ribs easily felt, waist visible)
• Good sleep quality
• Minimal destructive behavior
• Responsive to training

Signs of insufficient exercise:

• Destructive behavior (chewing, digging, scratching)
• Excessive barking or whining
• Restlessness and inability to settle
• Weight gain
• Hyperactive behavior, especially in the evening
• Attention-seeking or demanding behavior

Signs of over-exercise:

• Excessive panting that does not subside with rest
• Limping or stiffness
• Reluctance to continue walking or playing
• Extreme lethargy after exercise
• Worn or bleeding paw pads
• Joint soreness lasting more than 24 hours

Special Considerations

Hot Weather Exercise

Dogs overheat more easily than humans because they cannot sweat through their skin. In hot weather:

• Exercise during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening)
• Test pavement temperature with the back of your hand — if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog’s paws
• Carry water and offer it every 15-20 minutes
• Watch for signs of heatstroke: excessive drooling, bright red tongue, staggering, vomiting
• Brachycephalic breeds are at highest risk and should avoid outdoor exercise above 80 degrees

Cold Weather Exercise

• Short-coated and small breeds may need a jacket
• Check paws for ice balls and salt irritation after walks
• Reduce outdoor time in extreme cold
• Wipe paws after walks to remove ice melt chemicals
• Senior dogs may be stiffer in cold weather — warm up with a slow start

Dogs with Health Conditions

Always consult your veterinarian about exercise for dogs with:

• Arthritis or joint problems (swimming is usually recommended)
• Heart disease (moderate, low-intensity exercise may be beneficial)
• Respiratory conditions (especially brachycephalic breeds)
• Obesity (gradual increase in activity under veterinary guidance)
• Post-surgical recovery (follow your vet’s specific timeline)

The Bottom Line

Exercise is not optional for dogs. It is a fundamental need that directly affects physical health, mental well-being, and behavior. The right amount varies enormously by breed, age, and individual dog, but the principle is universal: a well-exercised dog is a healthier, happier, and better-behaved dog.

Start with the breed-specific guidelines in this article, adjust based on your individual dog’s response, and create a consistent daily routine that combines physical activity with mental stimulation. Your dog — and your furniture — will thank you.

You Might Also Like

• Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails — Take your dog’s exercise to the next level
• Separation Anxiety Guide — Exercise helps reduce anxiety
• ChuckIt Ultra Ball Review — The best fetch ball for tiring out active breeds
• KONG Classic Review — Mental exercise through enrichment feeding
• Labrador Retriever Breed Guide — A high-energy breed that needs plenty of exercise
• German Shepherd Breed Guide — Exercise needs for this demanding breed
• Beagle Breed Guide — A scent hound with surprising stamina

Frequently Asked Questions