If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog is getting too much exercise, too little, or exactly the right amount, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions dog owners have, and the honest answer is: it depends. A lot.
According to Danielle Rakestraw, a certified trainer and shelter engagement specialist at Best Friends Animal Society, there’s no single formula. The right amount and type of exercise depends on your dog’s individual breed, age, size, personality, and overall health, not just a chart.
Why exercise matters: body and mind
Exercise isn’t just about burning energy. It affects your dog on two levels, physical and mental, and both matter.
Physical benefits include maintaining a healthy weight, supporting joint and muscle health, improving cardiovascular fitness, and better sleep quality.
Mental benefits are just as real, though less obvious: reduced boredom-driven destructive behavior, lower anxiety and stress, and genuine mental stimulation. Dr. Susan Nelson, a clinical professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, notes that dogs need an outlet for their energy or they can develop destructive behavior, and that a dog who gets adequate exercise is simply a happier, more content dog to live with. That last point matters more for some breeds than others. Working and herding breeds, in particular, were bred to think for a living, not just move. A tired body isn’t the same as a satisfied mind, and a dog who’s physically worn out but mentally under-stimulated can still be restless, anxious, or destructive.
By age
Puppies are bursting with energy but their joints and growth plates are still developing, so short, frequent bursts of play beat one long walk. A good rule of thumb is about five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day, until they’re fully grown.
Adult dogs, generally one to seven years old, need the most consistent daily exercise: most do best with 30 to 60 minutes of real activity a day, not just a stroll around the block.
Senior dogs still need to move. Regular, gentler exercise keeps joints mobile and muscles strong. Shorter, more frequent walks usually work better than one long outing.
By breed type, with real examples
High-energy breeds (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, most working and herding breeds) genuinely need real exercise, often 60-90 minutes a day, and thrive on mentally demanding activity, not just physical. Good options: running or jogging alongside you, fetch, agility courses, herding-style games (even in a backyard), target training, and advanced obedience or trick training. These breeds especially benefit from “job-like” activity that gives their brain something to solve.
Moderate-energy breeds (many spaniels, retrievers, terriers) do well with 30-60 minutes of varied activity. Good options: daily walks combined with fetch, swimming, moderate hiking, and scent-based games like hiding treats around the yard.
Lower-energy breeds (Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, many toy breeds) still need daily movement, just shorter and gentler. Good options: short leisurely walks, gentle indoor play sessions, and puzzle feeders for mental engagement without physical strain. Flat-faced breeds tend to have more heat intolerance than longer-nosed breeds, so they should avoid strenuous exercise, particularly in heat, since they overheat more easily doing the same activity as a Collie or Lab.
The real test
Numbers are a starting point, not a rulebook. A dog getting enough exercise, physically and mentally, is generally calm at home, sleeps well, maintains a healthy weight, and isn’t destructive out of boredom. If your dog seems restless, gaining weight, or acting out, more movement (and more mental engagement) is often the simplest fix.