What are my dog's exercise needs?
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: exercise needs depend mainly on breed type, age and health. Herding and gun dogs need plenty of physical activity and sniffing; small companion dogs and mastiff types need more moderate but daily exercise. A puppy has short, frequent outings, a senior gentle, regular walks. Mental exercise (sniffing, search games) matters as much as the miles.
What does each breed type need?
High needs. German shepherd, border collie, Australian shepherd, Malinois: dogs bred to work all day.
- Long daily walks and activities that make them think
- Training, search games, dog sports (agility, obedience, tracking)
- Without enough to do, they invent their own jobs
High needs. Labrador, golden retriever, spaniels, beagle: energetic and scent-driven.
- Walks full of smells, retrieving games
- Swimming for water lovers
- Scent games: they love to search
Moderate, but real needs. Cavalier King Charles, bichon, shih tzu, chihuahua, bulldog.
- Several walks a day, at their own pace
- Indoor games and puzzle toys
- Flat-faced breeds: go out when it's cool, keep effort moderate
Moderate, regular needs. Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux, St Bernard.
- Regular rather than intense walks
- No repeated jumping or hard effort while growing
- No intense exercise just before or after meals
Breed is only a starting point. Two dogs of the same breed can have very different needs. Watch yours: it will tell you whether it's enough.
What exercise at each age?
| Age | Recommended exercise | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (up to 6 months) | Short, frequent outings, discovery, play, basic training | Long hikes, running beside a bike, repeated stairs |
| Young dog (6 months to 2 years) | Longer walks, recall, active play | Intense sports before growth is complete (ask your vet) |
| Adult | Daily walks, hiking, dog sports, swimming | "All weekend, nothing on weekdays" |
| Senior | Gentle, regular walks, swimming, scent games | Sudden effort, hot weather |
Is my dog getting enough exercise?
Over the last few days, my dog:
Ideas to tire it out (body and mind)
Countryside walk
Paths, woods, beach: more smells and varied ground than a lap of the block.
Scent games
Hidden treats, snuffle mats, tracking: sniffing tires a dog as much as running.
Fun training
A few minutes of tricks or obedience a day keep its mind busy and strengthen your bond.
Dog sports
Agility, canicross, hiking, swimming: adapt to your dog's age and health.
For long outings, a Confort Y harness leaves the shoulders free, and a water bottle with built-in bowls means you don't rely on puddles.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I walk my dog each day?
It depends on breed, age and health. Most adult dogs need several outings a day, including at least one proper walk where they can explore and sniff. Working and gun dog breeds need considerably more.
Is the garden enough?
No. A garden doesn't replace a walk: your dog needs new places, new smells and encounters.
How can I tire my dog out when I'm short of time?
Focus on mental exercise: 10 minutes of scent games or training is very tiring. A snuffle mat or food toy also keeps a dog busy on its own.
Can a puppy go on long walks?
Short, frequent outings are better, and avoid repetitive effort (running, stairs, jumping) while it grows. Ask your vet, especially for large breeds.