How Long Should You Walk Your Dog Each Day?
Most dogs need somewhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours of exercise a day, depending on breed, age and health. Small companion breeds like Shih Tzus may need 30 to 45 minutes, Golden Retrievers 80 to 100 minutes, and working breeds like Labradors and Border Collies more than 2 hours. Puppies need less structured walking: about 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day.
Exercise needs vary enormously between breeds. A Bulldog and a Border Collie need very different days.
Daily exercise by breed
| Daily exercise | Example breeds |
|---|---|
| 30–45 minutes | Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Miniature Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, English Bulldog |
| 45–60 minutes | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Miniature Schnauzer, Toy/Miniature Poodle, Shetland Sheepdog |
| 60–80 minutes | Cairn Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Whippet, West Highland White Terrier |
| 80–100 minutes | Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky |
| 100–120 minutes | Border Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Great Dane |
| More than 2 hours | Border Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, Weimaraner |
Source: The Dog Clinic's breed table, based on PDSA guidance and fact-checked by a veterinarian. These are guidelines; your vet can tailor them to your dog.
Puppies
The UK Kennel Club's rule of thumb, cited by The Dog Clinic, is about five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. A 4-month-old puppy could have about 20 minutes twice a day. Free play in the yard is separate.
Senior dogs
Older dogs may need much less, sometimes about half their earlier exercise, starting for many breeds between 6 and 8 years. Shorter, gentler, more frequent walks are easier on joints.
Split it up
Several shorter walks are usually better than one long one, and short daily walks beat a long walk every few days. A typical day for a medium-energy dog might be a 30-minute morning walk, a short midday potty walk and a longer evening walk.
Not all exercise is walking
- Fetch, tug and flirt-pole play
- Sniff walks (letting your dog explore at its own pace)
- Swimming (great for joints)
- Training sessions and puzzle feeders (mental exercise tires dogs too)
Adjust for weather and health
Flat-faced breeds and overweight dogs are at higher risk in the heat, according to the AVMA, so walk them in cooler hours. See is it too hot or cold to walk your dog.
Find dog walkers near you if you can't fit it all in.
Sources
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This article is general information for pet owners, not veterinary, legal or financial advice. Prices vary by city and clinic; always ask your veterinarian or provider about your own pet.