Exercise Guidelines by Dog Breed and Age

Not all dogs need the same amount of exercise. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), exercise requirements vary significantly based on breed, age, and individual health. Most dogs need between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day.

High-Energy Breeds (60-90+ minutes daily)

Sporting and herding breeds were bred for high-energy work and thrive on vigorous daily activity:

• Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers - Swimming, fetch, running
• Border Collies, Australian Shepherds - Need mental stimulation too; consider agility
• German Shorthaired Pointers - Long runs, hiking
• Siberian Huskies - Distance running (but careful in heat)

Moderate-Energy Breeds (45-60 minutes daily)

Guard breeds and some working dogs benefit from moderate, consistent activity:

• Rottweilers, Dobermans - Structured walks, moderate play
• Boxers - Active but prone to overheating
• Standard Poodles - Versatile; enjoy swimming and fetch

Lower-Energy Breeds (30-45 minutes daily)

• Greyhounds - Despite their speed, they're sprinters who prefer short bursts followed by naps
• Great Danes, Mastiffs - Large but low-energy; controlled walking to protect joints
• Basset Hounds, Bulldogs - Shorter walks; avoid overexertion

Puppy Exercise Guidelines

Puppies need exercise, but their growing bones and joints can be damaged by too much. The general rule:

• 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, once or twice daily
• Example: A 3-month-old puppy gets 15 minutes of walking
• Avoid jogging until bones mature (6-8 months for small breeds, 12-18 months for large breeds, 18-24 months for giant breeds)

Senior Dog Adjustments

Older dogs still need exercise, but you may need to shorten runs to walks and add more rest breaks. Watch for signs of fatigue, limping, or reluctance to continue. Regular moderate exercise helps maintain muscle mass and joint mobility.