How much exercise does my dog need?

Having a canine companion is one of the greatest things. They force us outdoors even on the days we may not want to venture past the front door. Whether you’re picking a pup or adopting an older dog, their exercise requirements should be considered every step of the way. This will make things easier and fair for you and your pooch. 

A dog’s activity needs vary depending on a few important factors including their breed, age, and their medical history. 

In this guide, we explore how much exercise a dog needs based on these factors, and what you should consider when deciding on your dog’s routine.

We’ll cover: 

• How much exercise does a dog need?
• Dog exercise requirements by breed
• How much exercise does a puppy need?
• Are there low exercise dogs?
• Can you over-exercise a dog?
• How do I know if my dog has had enough exercise?
• More dog exercise advice
• Dog exercise FAQs

How much exercise does a dog need?

There’s no single amount of daily exercise that will be suitable for every dog. They should be treated as individuals and exercised as such. However, it’s generally recommended that dogs spend between 30 minutes and two hours being active every day. 

This is just a guideline, and exercise needs can vary hugely between dogs of different breeds, sizes, ages, energy levels, and health issues. The type of exercise that suits them can vary, too — some dogs may enjoy activities like running or hiking, while others may be better suited to a short, brisk walk or a game of fetch.

Depending on your dog's individual needs, their daily activity can also be spread across multiple sessions rather than relying on one long period of exercise. For example, shorter walks multiple times a day are brilliant for keeping a dog exercised and mentally stimulated, and can be easier for owners to work into their day, or to limit the pressure on a dog's joints.

Another form of exercise that doesn't apply too much pressure on joints is swimming, which is an excellent non-impact activity that builds muscle strength.

The best routine for your canine companion is one that works around your lifestyle, but gives your dog the right amount of mental and physical stimulation.

Dog exercise requirements by breed

Breed can be a useful starting point when considering your dog’s exercise needs. UK research has shown that there are significant differences in exercise patterns according to breed, breed group, and size. Large dogs were more likely to be exercised at least once a day and for longer periods than medium and small dogs.

However, this only reflects how owners exercised their dogs rather than specific needs. Researchers also found considerable variation between individual breeds, so breed and size alone shouldn't determine your dog's routine.

In general, here’s what to consider for each breed group:

Toy dogs 

Some of the smallest dog breeds belong in the toy dog group, with adults typically weighing around 2–4 kg, although some breeds can be heavier. They might have been bred to be lap dogs, but these tiny pooches need to be exercised just like their bigger counterparts. 

It’s recommended that a toy dog receives around 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise a day. Because they’re small, they can be exercised indoors, in the garden, or further afield. 

Toy dogs include Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Miniature Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bichon Frises. 

Terriers 

These dogs were originally bred to hunt and kill vermin around their family homes and barns, so it’s fair to say they’re both feisty and energetic. 

Don’t let their size fool you though —  terriers are moderately active dogs that typically enjoy around 60 minutes of exercise a day. They also love a challenge, so be sure to offer them plenty of mental stimulation, too. 

Examples include the Border Terrier, the West Highland Terrier, the Welsh Terrier, and the Cairn Terrier. 

Hound group 

This diverse group of dogs were originally used for hunting either by scent or sight, and their exercise needs depend on the type of hound you have. Sight hounds, such as Greyhounds, may be suited to shorter 30-minute walks combined with opportunities for short bursts of faster exercise.

Scent hounds tend to have greater stamina and can enjoy longer walks of around 60-90 minutes, particularly when they’re given plenty of opportunities to sniff and explore their surroundings.

Hound dogs include Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds.

Utility group 

The utility dog group consists of dogs bred for non-sporting purposes. These dogs are diverse in size, personality, and appearance, which means their exercise needs are just as varied, too. 

There isn’t one daily exercise figure that works well for the whole utility group. Some breeds may be suited to around 30-60 minutes of daily activity, while more energetic breeds may need 60-90 minutes or more. Consider your dog’s breed, age, health, and individual energy levels when planning their routine.

Examples of utility dogs include Shih Tzus, Dalmatians, Boston Terriers, and Schnauzers. 

Working dogs 

Working dogs were originally bred to perform practical jobs, from guarding livestock to pulling sleds. As a general guide, they may need around 45-90 minutes of exercise a day, although their needs can vary again by breed, age, and energy levels.

Higher-energy working breeds may need more activity, while larger, heavier dogs may be better suited to shorter or gentler exercise. Alongside daily walks, training and interactive games can provide valuable mental stimulation and curb boredom.

Examples include St. Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Rottweilers.

Pastoral dogs

Pastoral dogs have been bred for their work with grazing animals like cattle, sheep, and even reindeer, so they’re often intelligent, energetic dogs with plenty of stamina. As a general guide, they may need around 60-90 minutes of exercise a day, with some higher-energy breeds needing more. 

Just like working dogs, they get bored easily and need to be exercised daily. Toys like puzzles are great for keeping them occupied indoors as they feel like they have a ‘job’ to do. 

Pastoral dogs include the Border Collie, the Welsh Corgi, and the Australian Shepherd Dog.

Gun dogs 

Traditionally bred to find and retrieve game, these intelligent dogs are both active and high-energy breeds that require moderate daily exercise. They typically need around 60-90 minutes of exercise a day, with some breeds needing more.

Gun dogs often enjoy variety, so mixing up walks with activities such as fetch, swimming, training, and games can help provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Examples include Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, and Irish Setters. 

How much exercise does a puppy need?

Puppies have different exercise needs from fully grown dogs, so it's important not to expect a young pup to immediately keep up with an adult dog's routine.

As a general rule, Vets4Pets suggests around five minutes of physical exercise for every month of a puppy’s age, once or twice a day. So, a three-month-old puppy could have around 15 minutes at a time, while a five-month-old could have around 25 minutes. However, this is only a guide and should be adapted to your puppy’s individual needs.

Exercise can include gentle walks, play, training, and exploration, with your puppy’s breed, health, and development all influencing what’s appropriate.

Pay attention to how your puppy responds to activity and give them plenty of opportunities to rest. For more guidance, read our guide to exercising your puppy safely. 

Are there any low exercise dogs? 

If you have a less active lifestyle, you might be wondering whether some dogs naturally need less exercise than others. It’s true that breeds such as Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Greyhounds can have lower exercise needs than more active breeds such as Border Collies or Siberian Huskies.

However, even dogs with lower exercise needs still need regular physical activity and mental stimulation to help keep them happy and healthy. Age, health, and individual energy levels can also influence how much activity a dog needs. 

So, rather than searching for a dog that needs as little exercise as possible, think about whether the typical needs of a particular breed are compatible with your lifestyle. Our dog breed guides can help you learn more about the characteristics and energy levels of different breeds.

Can you over-exercise a dog? 

Yes. Exercise should be appropriate for your dog's age, health, and fitness, as doing too much strenuous activity too quickly can put unnecessary strain on them.

Build up the length and intensity of exercise gradually, particularly for puppies, older dogs, or dogs with health conditions. More energetic activities also need extra consideration. If you'd like your dog to join you for a run, take a look at our guide to running safely with your dog.

How do I know if my dog has had enough exercise?

Every dog is different, so pay attention to how yours behaves during and after exercise. Some common signs of overexertion include: 

• Slowing down or losing interest in the activity
• Stopping or lying down
• Panting more heavily than usual
• Struggling to keep up
• Appearing unusually tired afterwards

You may want to adjust your dog’s routine if you notice these signs. If you're concerned about how much exercise your dog can comfortably manage, get in touch with your vet.

Note: During hot weather, you should ensure you only exercise your dog during cooler times of the day, or even consider skipping the walk completely. You can find out more about how to keep your dog cool and avoid heatstroke in summer here.

More dog exercise advice

Looking for more ways to keep your dog happy, healthy, and active? Take a look at these guides:

• Keeping your dog active during winter
• Activities to enjoy with your dog
• How to help your pet lose weight

For more helpful information on caring for your canine companion, explore our dog advice hub.

While you're keeping your dog happy and healthy, you can help protect them against the unexpected with dog insurance from Animal Friends.