Q: How much exercise does my breed really need?

A: It depends on your dog’s breed, age, and individual energy levels. Working and herding breeds (like Border Collies, Vizslas, or Belgian Malinois) thrive on both physical and mental challenges and often need 90–120 minutes of structured activity per day. In contrast, companion breeds (like Cavaliers or Bulldogs) may be perfectly content with shorter, gentler walks.

Puppies, seniors, and brachycephalic – or flat-faced – breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers all require tailored exercise that avoids overexertion. In brachycephalic dogs, their shortened airways mean heat and effort build up faster, making it especially important to keep sessions short, cool, and low-intensity.

Beyond time, the type of exercise matters. Variety – from sniff walks and puzzle games to swimming or controlled agility – keeps both body and mind engaged. Research from the Dog Ageing Project, which tracked health and lifestyle data across tens of thousands of dogs, found that exercise frequency, pace, and duration were among the key predictors of long-term health outcomes, underscoring that how your dog moves matters as much as how long.

The goal isn’t exhaustion; it’s fulfilment. A tired dog isn’t necessarily a happy dog, but a satisfied one usually is!