The American Kennel Club (AKC) estimates that 20 minutes of physical activity is the bare minimum requirement for the average dog.1 However, the specific activity needs of a dog depend on their breed. For instance, a smaller breed such as a Chihuahua won’t need as much activity as a larger breed like a Labrador Retriever.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the physical activity requirements of the most popular dog breeds in the US and provide a table that shows the recommended amount of activity (in hours or minutes) for each breed sorted by type. We’ll also discuss why physical activity is essential for canine health and offer tips for providing your dog with the exercise they need.
Why Physical Activity is Essential for Dogs
Physical activity is essential for a dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Not only does it help them maintain a healthy weight, but it also helps to reduce stress, improve joint and muscle health, and enhance their cognitive development.
According to Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian with PetMD, “Physical activity is a key component of overall health for dogs of all ages and sizes. Exercise helps keep them fit, stimulates their mind, and can even prevent or reduce behavior problems.”2
Physical activity also helps to keep your dog’s senses sharp and their mind active. It can also help to reduce boredom and improve their relationship with you.
Recommended Physical Activity for the Most Popular Dog Breeds
Table 1 shows the recommended amount of physical activity (in hours or minutes) for the most popular dog breeds in the US, sorted by type.
Table 1 – Recommended Physical Activity for Top 50 Dog Breeds
| Breed | Type | Recommended Activity (Hours/Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Affenpinscher | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Akita | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Terrier | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Australian Cattle Dog | Herding | 2 - 4 hours of exercise daily |
| Australian Shepherd | Herding | 2 - 4 hours of exercise daily |
| Basenji | Hound | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Beagle | Hound | 1 - 2 hours of exercise daily |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Bichon Frise | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Bloodhound | Hound | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Border Collie | Herding | 2 - 4 hours of exercise daily |
| Boston Terrier | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Boxer | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Brittany | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Bull Terrier | Terrier | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Bulldog | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Bullmastiff | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Chihuahua | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Cocker Spaniel | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Dachshund | Hound | 1 - 2 hours of exercise daily |
| Dalmatian | Non-Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| English Springer Spaniel | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| French Bulldog | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| German Shepherd | Herding | 2 - 4 hours of exercise daily |
| Golden Retriever | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Great Dane | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Great Pyrenees | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Havanese | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Irish Setter | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Japanese Chin | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Keeshond | Non-Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| King Charles Spaniel | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Labrador Retriever | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Lhasa Apso | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Maltese | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Miniature Schnauzer | Terrier | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Newfoundland | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Old English Sheepdog | Herding | 2 - 4 hours of exercise daily |
| Papillon | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Herding | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Pomeranian | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Poodle | Non-Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Pug | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Rottweiler | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Saint Bernard | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Schnauzer | Terrier | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Shar Pei | Non-Sporting | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Shiba Inu | Non-Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Shih Tzu | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
| Siberian Husky | Working | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Vizsla | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Weimaraner | Sporting | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| West Highland White Terrier | Terrier | 2 - 3 hours of exercise daily |
| Yorkshire Terrier | Toy | 30 minutes of exercise daily |
As you can see, the recommended physical activity for most breeds is between two and four hours daily. It’s important to note that this is a general guideline and that some breeds may need more or less activity depending on their individual needs. Additionally, most breeds require significant outdoor physical activity and it takes thoughtful planning and commitment to provide and maintain such routines.
Tips for Providing Your Dog With Adequate Exercise
Now that you know the recommended amount of physical activity for the most popular dog breeds, here are some tips for providing your dog with the exercise they need.
1. Stick to a Routine: Establishing a regular exercise routine helps to ensure that your pup is getting the physical activity they need. Make sure to schedule at least 20 minutes of activity each day and ensure that it is appropriate for your dog’s breed, age, and health.
2. Seek Variety: Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Seek out activities that you and your dog can enjoy together, such as going for walks, playing fetch, or doing agility courses. This can help to keep your dog engaged and prevent them from getting bored.
3. Monitor Your Dog’s Health: It’s important to monitor your dog’s health and adjust their physical activity levels as necessary. If your dog seems to be having difficulty with their exercise routine, consult a veterinarian.
Conclusion
As a pet parent, it’s important to understand the physical activity requirements of your pup’s breed and ensure they are getting the exercise they need. The recommended amounts of physical activity for the most popular dog breeds in the US are listed in table 1, and it’s important to note that most breeds require significant outdoor physical activity and that it takes thoughtful planning and commitment to provide and maintain such routines.
By following the tips outlined above, you can help your pup stay healthy and happy.
References
1. "Dogs Need Exercise: The Benefits of Physical Activity for Dogs." American Kennel Club, 2021, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dogs-need-exercise-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-dogs/.
2. Coates, Jennifer. "Physical Activity for Dogs: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?" PetMD, 2021, https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/physical-activity-dogs-how-much-exercise-does-your-dog-need.
3. "Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Breed." Animal Humane Society, 2021, https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/adoption/factors-consider-when-choosing-dog-breed.