How Much Exercise Does My Dog’s Breed Need?

Our dogs are unique in every way, including their exercise needs. It’s no surprise that every breed requires exercise of some sort in order to stay healthy, but some breeds need much more energy burned off than others. So, how much exercise does your dog’s breed need? Read on to find out the specifics on dog breeds and exercise!

Exercise Based on Dog Breed

There are a few things to consider when deciding how much exercise your dog needs like size, energy level, physical limitations (such as joint pain), breed, and mental stimulation. Depending on how active your breed is, your pooch needs anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you and/or your vet don’t know your pup’s exact breed, try finding reference pictures of the breed they most resemble! For a rule of thumb, every (adult) dog should be getting at least 30 minutes of activity per day. To gauge if your dog needs more, or even less, exercise than 30 minutes, observe how their energy levels are after activity. If they still seem ready to play, they probably need more exercise!

Exercise Needs According to Breed

Dogs can range from low exercise needs to very high exercise levels! Here is a quick reference for different types of breeds’ minimum and maximum exercise levels per day:

• Herding– Min: 60 mins, Max: 120 mins
• Sporting– Min: 60 mins, Max: 120 mins
• Working– Min: 60 mins, Max: 120 mins
• Scent Hounds– Min: 60 mins, Max: 90 mins
• Terriers– Min: 60 mins, Max: 90 mins
• Toy/Small– Min: 30 mins, Max: 60 mins
• Giant– Min: 30 mins, Max: 45 mins
• Sight Hounds– Min: 30 mins, Max: 45 mins
• Branchy– Min: 20 mins, Max: 30 mins

Pooches With High Excercise Needs

Sporting Group

Sporting dogs enjoy activities that burn off their energy like long walks, hikes, swimming, running, etc. Some breeds in this group include Spaniels, Pointers, Setters, and Retrievers.

Working Group

Working dog breeds are used to sparing energy to last throughout the day. Pooches in the working breed group are best suited for moderate activities like brisk walking/hiking. Some breeds include Akita, Boxer, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, etc.

Herding Group

Herding group dogs are used to physical and mental stimulation, so they need more intense activities. They require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise, try a game of frisbee or a run! Breeds in this group include Shepherds, Collies, and Sheepdogs.

Terrier Group

Dogs in the Terrier group love to play games for exercise. These dogs will benefit from a game of fetch or chasing a ball! Breeds in this category include Jack Russell, Westie, Scottish, Yorkshire, Irish, etc.

Scent Hound Group

The Scent Hound group isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. Because of their hunting instincts, these dogs would enjoy a long hike or playing with the kids. Some breeds include Beagle, Bloodhound, Serbian, and American Foxhound.

Pups With Low Excercise Needs

Brachycephalic Group

Brachycephalic dogs often are small-medium sized and have problems with breathing. Using a harness instead of a collar and keeping exercise to low impact-moderate will help with breathing/over-exertion. Breeds in this group include English & French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzu, and Boston Terrier.

Toy/Small Group

These pups are often the smallest and therefore clingier to their owners. Their exercise for the day should be moderate, but these pooches aren’t afraid for a longer walk/hike either! Some breeds in this group include Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Toy Fox Terrier, and Bichon Frise.

Sight Hound Group

Sight Hound dogs love to chase, so any moderate exercise that involves retrieving is great for them! Be sure to stay in an enclosed area as these dogs tend to wonder when chasing. Sight Hound breeds include Greyhound, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, and Saluki.

Giant Group

Dogs in the Giant group tend to develop hip/joint issues early in age and need lots of space to move around. Moderate exercise should be kept to around 35 minutes a day, try swimming as it’s easy on the joints! Dogs in this breed group include Great Pyrenees, Saint Bernard, Bullmastiff, and Newfoundland.

When in doubt about doggie exercise, consult your veterinarian and see what they suggest for levels and activities! Remember to take it easy on your pooch if you’re not sure what type of activities and energy levels they can handle.