Why exercise levels matter
Too little exercise is one of the main drivers of behaviour problems (destructive chewing, barking, hyperactivity) and obesity in pet dogs. On the other side, pushing low-energy breeds or puppies too hard can cause joint damage.
The right amount depends on three things: breed, age and health status.
High-energy breeds (90-120+ minutes/day)
These breeds were bred to work all day. They need intense physical and mental exercise:
- Border Collie: 2+ hours of intense activity. Also needs mental stimulation (agility, frisbee, scent work).
- Siberian Husky: can run up to 100 km a day in its element. At home, a minimum of 90 minutes of real movement.
- Belgian Malinois: 2+ hours. Without a job they find one — and rarely one you would like.
- Dalmatian: 90 minutes minimum, with plenty of off-lead running where safe.
- Jack Russell Terrier: small but relentless. 1-1.5 hours of active exercise.
- Weimaraner: an endurance hunter. 90 minutes of running or hiking.
- Springer Spaniel: 90+ minutes — bred to flush game all day.
Medium-energy breeds (45-90 minutes/day)
Most popular UK family breeds sit here:
- Labrador Retriever: 60-90 minutes. Prone to weight gain without enough exercise.
- Golden Retriever: 60-80 minutes. Loves swimming and retrieving games.
- German Shepherd: 60-90 minutes plus mental stimulation.
- Boxer: 60-90 minutes. Loves active play.
- Cocker Spaniel: 60 minutes. Loves sniffing routes through the countryside.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 60 minutes of varied activity.
Low-energy breeds (20-45 minutes/day)
Brachycephalic and giant breeds that do not tolerate intense exercise:
- French / English Bulldog: 20-30 minutes. Be careful in heat — over-exertion can cause breathing distress.
- Basset Hound: 30-45 minutes at a gentle pace.
- Great Dane: 30-45 minutes. Giant breeds should avoid heavy impact.
- Chow Chow: 30 minutes. Independent and low energy.
- Shih Tzu / Bichon Frise: 20-30 minutes.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 30 minutes — and watch the heart.
Puppies: less is more
The classic vet rule of thumb: 5 minutes of formal exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. A 4-month-old puppy should get no more than 20 minutes of structured walking per session. Free play in the garden or house is different and can be longer.
This protects the growth plates in the bones, which do not close until 12-18 months depending on breed. Too much impact before then can cause hip dysplasia and permanent joint problems.
Senior dogs
Reduce exercise gradually — never stop it. Gentle movement keeps the muscle that protects the joints. Several short walks beat one long one. Avoid uneven ground and stairs if there is arthritis.
Beyond the walk: mental enrichment
A mentally tired dog is as worn out as a physically tired one — sometimes more. Free sniffing in fields, find-it games, obedience training and puzzle feeders are excellent companions to physical exercise.
How CanAI helps
Set up your dog’s profile with breed and age in CanAI and we tailor activity guidance to your dog. Ask the AI chat if you are unsure how much your specific breed needs.