This is kind of a loaded question. Ask a veterinarian “How long should I walk my dog each day?” and she’ll likely tell you the most general answer:
“You should walk your dog at least 30 minutes a day and up to 2 hours a day to keep him happy and healthy.”
That’s a big time range there. The truth is there’s no perfect amount of time. It really depends on your doggy.
But there are some general rules that can help you to understand how much walking your dog may need depending on his breed.
This article is going to go into a little extra detail to try and help you decide on answering the questions, “How long should I walk my dog each day?”
Keep in mind also that there are considerable health benefits to walking your dog daily.
Is Length Of Time That I Walk My Dog Important?
YES! It absolutely is! If you’re choosing a pup, it’s important to pick a breed who’s needs you can meet. If you are already a dog owner, then it’s good to know what the needs are for the breed of dog that you have.
Different breeds need different walk times (the amount of exercise that a Border Collie needs, is more than that of a Basset Hound,) but all of them require some walking, daily. Even older dogs should go on short walks if they show interest!
Which Breeds Need More Walking?
Each breed of dog has unique walking needs.
Some dogs will need more exercise than others, for various reasons. Plus walks are also a great way to train your fur buddy.
Giant Dog Breeds Walking Needs
The breeds that need the most exercise are giant breed dogs. Giant breed dogs need the extra exercise because their large frames are more prone to skeletal problems than smaller dog breeds. So walking is a huge benefit to keeping their bones healthy.
For giant breeds like these, it’s recommended you try to give your dog close to two hours of walking a day, even if it’s broken into sections.
Keeping a large breed dog active with walks ensures he has the necessary daily exercise to keep fit.
Side note here – This is why it’s important to know about a dog’s breed before you decide to take it home. You want to be able to meet their exercising needs.
Below is a list of large breed dogs who need lots of exercise to keep their skeletal system healthy:
- Great Dane
- Irish Wolfhound
- Mastiff(s) such as Bull Mastiffs, or Pyrenean Mastiffs
- Bully Kutta
- Alaskan Malamute
- Saint Bernard
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Great Pyranese
Important! If you have a large breed puppy (such as a Great Dane, or Grey Hound) do not give it over-strenuous exercise during the first year of his life. Their skeletal system is not fully developed in the first year. Overdoing it can, later, cause damage to their joints and bones. If you have a giant breed dog, you likely already know this. If you didn’t, then I’m glad I was able to share this insight with you.
High Energy Dog Breeds Walking Needs
Differing from giant breed dogs, high energy dogs come in different sizes. What high energy dogs share though is their super active spirit, and their need to release that energy on a daily basis.
These pups require the most rigorous physical exercise to keep them healthy and happy! So a 30 minute daily walk for your high energy dog probably won’t give him enough time to release his wiggles.
For any of the high energy dog breeds listed below by the American Kennel Club, it makes more sense to shoot for 1 to 2 hours of daily walking:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Dalmatian
- Russel Terrier
- Siberian Husky
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Border Collie
- Australian Shepherd
- English Springer Spaniel
- Miniature Pinscher
- Poodle
- Beagle
- Irish Shepherd
- German Shepherd
Medium Energy Dog Breeds Walking Needs
These dog breeds lean more towards lesser energy to release. So taking shorter daily walks than a high energy dog like a German Shepherd won’t bother them. You may only need to give a medium energy dog 1 hour or less of daily walking for him to be happy. According to Purina here are 15 medium energy dog breeds:
- Chihuahua
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Bull terrier
- Blood Hound
- Cocker Spaniel
- Gorgi
- Chinook
- Dachshund
- Golden Retriever
- Maltese
- Miniature Snouser
- Pointer
- Otterhound
- Komondor
- Keeshund
Low Energy Dog Breeds Walking Needs
Last but not least we have our list from Purina of low-energy dog breeds. These doggies are more prone to lounging and chilling throughout the day. They don’t need as much walking on a daily basis. Here’s where walking your low energy dog 30 minutes a day might work out just fine for him:
- Bulldog
- Papillon
- Manchester terrier
- Irish Wolfhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Boston terrier
- Chow Chow
- Basset Hound
- Bichon Frise
- Havanese
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- English Toy Spaniel
You’ll Never Go Wrong If You Just Walk Your Dog Daily – No Matter The Length Of Time
Ultimately there’s no perfect amount of time you should walk your dog daily. But daily should you walk your dog no less.
When you understand your dog, then tailor your walking according to her needs. Just keep in mind that some dog breeds need more activity than others. And some small breeds may tire very easily, so you could consider using a stroller to take your dog out, especially as the doggy ages and stamina won’t last as long.
But if you simply get out every day to walk your doggy even for a few minutes, you’ll give her benefits that far outweigh keeping her cooped up inside the house. Stimulate her mind and her body. Get outside with her and savor the outdoors together.