Dog walking calculator
Walking is not just about burning energy. It keeps your dog a healthy weight, looks after their joints and heart, and gives them the sniffing and exploring that keeps their mind happy. Too little exercise is linked to weight gain and boredom behaviours, while too much can harm growing puppies and older joints, so the aim is the right amount for your dog.
How much exercise does my dog need?
As a rough guide, vets and UK welfare charities suggest most adult dogs need at least one to two walks a day, totalling 30 minutes to two hours depending on the dog. The PDSA notes that some breeds manage on one to two hours, while working breeds often need significantly more.
The biggest factor is what your dog was bred to do. Here is a general guide by breed type for healthy adult dogs.
| Breed type | Daily exercise | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| High energy (working, herding, sporting) | 90 to 120+ minutes | Border Collie, Husky, Springer Spaniel, Labrador |
| Medium energy (terriers, scent hounds, many crossbreeds) | About 60 minutes | Beagle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Cocker Spaniel |
| Toy and small breeds | 30 to 45 minutes | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu |
| Sighthounds | 45 to 60 minutes | Greyhound, Whippet, Lurcher |
| Giant breeds | 45 to 60 minutes, low-impact | Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff |
Sighthounds surprise a lot of owners. Despite their speed, Greyhounds and Whippets are sprinters, happy with a daily walk and a short burst of free running rather than hours on their feet. Giant breeds are another exception, they often need less than you would expect, and high-impact exercise can be hard on their joints.
How much exercise does a puppy need?
Puppies need far less structured exercise than people think. The widely used UK Kennel Club guide is five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day, until they are fully grown. So a four-month-old puppy needs about 20 minutes twice a day, and a six-month-old about 30 minutes twice a day. If you are expecting a litter, our dog pregnancy calculator helps you plan ahead for when the puppies arrive.
Too much, too soon can damage growing joints, so keep it gentle, let them set the pace, and add short play and sniffing sessions rather than long forced walks. If you have a young puppy, it helps to picture where they are in their development, you can work out how old your dog is in human years to understand their life stage.
How much exercise does a senior dog need?
Older dogs still need regular exercise to stay mobile and a healthy weight, but usually gentler and in shorter sessions. Flat walks and swimming are kinder on ageing joints than long runs or jumping. If your senior dog slows down, struggles on stairs or seems stiff after a walk, mention it to your vet, as it can be a sign of joint problems that are worth managing early. Our guide to protecting your dog’s joints and mobility has more on keeping older dogs comfortable.
Do flat-faced breeds need different exercise?
Yes. Flat-faced, or brachycephalic, breeds like Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs often have narrowed airways that make breathing harder. They overheat quickly and can struggle with anything intense, so they need short, gentle walks, ideally in the cool parts of the day, with plenty of rest. Never push a flat-faced dog to keep going if they are breathing heavily or lagging behind.
What counts as exercise?
Walking is the foundation, but it is not the only thing that counts. A slow, sniffy walk where your dog explores at their own pace is genuinely tiring in a good way and great for their mental health. Games of fetch, tug, puzzle feeders, scent games and training sessions all add to their day. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise, especially for dogs with joint issues or those carrying a bit too much weight.
If you are not sure your dog is a healthy weight, checking their body condition score is a good starting point, and your vet can confirm whether they need to lose, gain or maintain.
Can you over-exercise a dog?
You can. Signs your dog has had too much include heavy or laboured panting that does not settle, lagging behind or refusing to go on, limping or stiffness, and sore or worn paw pads. Growing puppies and senior dogs are most at risk, as are flat-faced breeds in warm weather. Build fitness up gradually, just as you would for yourself, and rest your dog on very hot days.
Why regular walks matter
A dog that gets the right amount of exercise is easier to live with and healthier for it. Regular activity helps prevent obesity, supports heart and joint health, and reduces boredom behaviours like chewing, barking and digging. Exercise works hand in hand with the right diet, so it is worth checking their portions with our dog food calculator as well. It is good for you too, dog owners tend to be more active than non-owners.
Active dogs do pick up the occasional knock or strain, and exercise-related injuries are one of the everyday reasons people claim on cover. Dog insurance can help with unexpected vet bills if your dog hurts themselves out on a walk, subject to the policy terms.
This calculator and guide give general information only and are not a substitute for veterinary advice. Exercise needs vary from dog to dog, so always check with your vet before changing your dog’s routine, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced breeds, or any dog with a health condition.
