There are dogs that return home after an hour-long walk asking for more, and others that sit down on the sidewalk after twenty minutes and refuse to budge. Neither is wrong: every dog has its own limit. Getting it right shows at home, because a dog that has done what it needs usually stays calmer, sleeps better, and breaks fewer things.
The figures, for guidance only
You will see tables with exact minutes by breed. Take them as a starting point, not a prescription: within the same breed, there are very active dogs and others that are quite calm. Broadly speaking:
- Working and herding breeds (border collie, Australian shepherd, Belgian shepherd, husky): they usually need a lot of daily activity, often more than an hour and a half between walking, playing, and mental work.
- Sporting and hunting breeds (labrador, golden retriever, pointer, water dogs): around an hour or more a day, and they really enjoy retrieving, tracking, or water.
- Small and companion breeds (chihuahua, yorkshire terrier, bichon): several short walks and some play are usually enough, although many are more active than people think.
- Brachycephalic breeds (French bulldog, English bulldog, pug, boxer to a lesser extent): they need to move, but with great care regarding heat and exertion, because they breathe less efficiently.
Mixed breeds, which make up the majority, are assessed the same way: by their size, energy, and what their body requires.
How to tell if they need more exercise
Your dog will tell you, although not always obviously:
- Destroys things or digs when left alone.
- Is restless in the afternoon, constantly brings you toys, or barks at everything.
- Pulls hard on the leash as soon as you go out, eager to get everywhere.
- Gains weight even though they eat the same amount.
Keep in mind that these behaviors can also have other causes, such as fear, boredom, or separation anxiety. If pulling on the leash is part of your daily routine, you can find ideas on what to do if your dog pulls on the leash.
It's not all about running
A very common mistake is thinking that an active dog can be satisfied with more miles. If you only increase running, you sometimes end up with a fitter dog with more endurance. What really tires them out is combining:
- Sniffing walks: letting them sniff at their own pace, with a long leash if possible. It tires them out much more than it seems.
- Physical exercise: free running in safe areas, ball games, swimming.
- Mental work: refillable toys, searching for hidden treats, learning tricks, or spending some time on training.
- Rest: an adult dog sleeps many hours a day. They need time and a quiet place to do so.
Puppies: less is more
A puppy has a lot of energy, but their bones and joints are still developing. Until they finish growing, it is best to avoid:
- Running long distances or taking them with you on bike rides or runs.
- Repetitive jumping and excessive stairs, especially in large breeds.
- Very intense play sessions without breaks.
Growth finishes earlier in small breeds and much later in large and giant breeds, which can continue to develop well past a year and a half. Ask your vet when you can start more demanding activities. In the meantime, short walks, plenty of sniffing, gentle socialization, and free play.
Older dogs
Older dogs also need to move to maintain muscle and joint health. What changes is the format: shorter and more frequent walks, soft ground when possible, and no pushing them if they stop. Lameness or a refusal to walk is not "laziness" and should be checked.
Heat, cold, and other details
- In summer, go out early in the morning and at dusk. Touch the asphalt with your hand: if you can't stand it for a few seconds, it will burn their paw pads.
- Bring water on long walks and offer it often.
- Watch for signs of exhaustion: very heavy panting, very dark or purple tongue, staggering. Stop, find shade, and if they don't improve quickly, see the vet: heatstroke is an emergency.
- Increase activity gradually if you are coming off a quiet period, just as you would.
The key: observing your dog
The best indicator is not in any table. A dog that returns from a walk happy, drinks, lies down, and sleeps comfortably, and that is calm at home, is probably doing what it needs. If not, try changing the type of activity before the amount.