Every dog benefits from regular movement—but how much exercise is enough? Should you be scheduling multiple long walks a day? Is an hour of fetch in the backyard sufficient? And if you can’t provide enough exercise yourself, should you consider hiring a midday dog walker?
The short answer is: it depends. The ideal amount of exercise varies widely depending on your dog’s age, breed, size, energy level, and health. While lifestyle factors certainly play a role, one of the best ways to determine how much exercise your dog needs is knowing their breed.
Each breed comes with its own set of traits, energy levels, and history—all of which affect their daily physical needs. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of America’s most popular breeds and break down how much exercise each typically requires.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever—or simply “Lab”—tops the list as one of the most beloved and widely owned dog breeds in America. Despite what the name might suggest, it is not a Labrador-Golden Retriever hybrid, but rather a breed that originated from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. Originally bred from the St. John’s Water Dog and other working strains, they were developed to assist fishermen and retrieve nets from icy waters.
Because of their history as working dogs, Labradors are naturally energetic and athletic. They have strong retrieving and swimming skills, and they thrive when given structure, stimulation, and plenty of movement. On average, healthy adult Labs need about one hour of moderate to vigorous exercise per day. This breed is well-suited to long walks, runs, swimming, and games of fetch.
If your Lab is particularly playful or hyperactive, they may need up to 90 minutes of exercise daily to stay calm and relaxed at home. Older or more laid-back Labs may be content with 30–40 minutes, but it’s essential to continuously evaluate their individual needs based on age, health, and behavior.
German Shepherd
Another staple in households across America, the German Shepherd is a highly intelligent and agile working breed with its origins in Germany. Developed by Captain Max von Stephanitz, the modern German Shepherd was bred for intelligence, strength, obedience, and trainability. These dogs have a strong work ethic and are widely used in law enforcement, military service, and search-and-rescue operations.
German Shepherds require lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay balanced. At minimum, this athletic breed should get 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise per day. And we’re not just talking about leisurely strolls—German Shepherds thrive when given challenging physical activity like hiking, running, or agility training. The more engaged they are, the less likely they are to develop behavior problems stemming from boredom or excess energy.
If your lifestyle makes it difficult to keep up with a high-energy dog, hiring a professional miday dog walker can provide your German Shepherd with the stimulation they need to maintain overall well-being.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is another incredibly popular breed, known for its gentle disposition and family-friendly temperament. Originally bred in Scotland for bird hunting and retrieving game from water, Golden Retrievers are athletic and intelligent, though generally more easygoing than a German Shepherd or Labrador.
Golden Retrievers are moderately active and require about an hour of exercise each day. Fortunately, they love games—especially fetch, swimming, and long walks. Their retrieving instincts make play-based exercise an excellent fit. They also tend to enjoy social interaction, so walks in the park or outdoor play sessions with other dogs can also help meet their daily exercise needs.
Even though they’re not quite as high-octane as Labradors or Shepherds, Golden Retrievers do require consistency. Without enough movement, they can become bored or gain unwanted weight.
Bulldog
Known for their wrinkled face, broad stance, and signature snore, the Bulldog may not look like an athlete—but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to move. Bulldogs were originally bred for bull baiting, a fact that might come as a surprise. Over time, selective breeding resulted in the docile and friendly Bulldogs we know today.
This lovable and stocky breed is generally low-energy and prone to overheating, especially in warm climates. Because of their short muzzles (brachycephalic faces), they can also have difficulty with breathing when over-exerted. Therefore, Bulldogs require far less exercise than active breeds. A short, 15- to 20-minute stroll each day is usually sufficient to keep them healthy and manage weight.
That said, it’s still important to get your Bulldog moving. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which in turn exacerbates their already limited mobility and breathing challenges.
General Guidelines for Determining Exercise Needs
While breed is one of the most reliable factors in determining how much exercise your dog needs, it’s not the only one. Consider the following variables when deciding how long—and how intensely—you should work with your pup:
- Age – Puppies and young adult dogs have bursts of energy and may require multiple sessions of exercise and play throughout the day. Senior dogs, on the other hand, may benefit more from shorter, gentler walks.
- Health – Dogs with arthritis, heart issues, or respiratory ailments might need special routines curated in consultation with a veterinarian.
- Personality – Even within the same breed, individual dogs may have different preferences. Some Lab puppies love sprinting, while others might prefer a sniff-filled walk in the woods.
As a rule of thumb: A tired dog is a happy dog. Dogs that are well-exercised tend to be calmer, better behaved, and healthier than those who don’t get enough physical activity. Remember, exercise isn’t just about tiring your dog out—it’s also about giving them enrichment, mental stimulation, and the opportunity to explore the world.
When to Hire a Midday Dog Walker
If you struggle to find time in your busy schedule to exercise your dog, hiring a professional dog walker can be a game changer. Dogs who are home alone much of the day—especially high-energy breeds—can quickly become bored or anxious. A daily midday walk with a certified dog walker not only gives your dog essential exercise but also offers social interaction, mental stimulation, and much-needed time outdoors.
Professional midday dog walkers can tailor their routes and routines to your dog’s age, breed, and personality. Whether it’s a slow stroll for your senior rescue or an intense play session for your high-energy pup, having help on hand ensures your dog’s needs are consistently met—even on your busiest days.
Give Your Dog the Active Life They Deserve
Every pup deserves the chance to explore, play, and move their body every day. Regular exercise improves your dog’s heart health, digestion, strength, discipline, and mental state. Whether you’re tossing a ball in the backyard, hiking a trail, or simply strolling through your neighborhood, you’re not just benefiting your dog’s health—you’re strengthening your bond.
If you need help keeping up with your dog’s exercise routine, the experienced pet professionals at Paw Pals are here to help. Our reliable midday dog walkers provide personalized care and walks that meet your pet’s exact needs. Whether you’re at work, traveling, or simply managing a hectic schedule, we’ll ensure your furry friend gets the movement, love, and attention they deserve. Contact Paw Pals today to schedule a walk and give your dog a healthier, happier life—one step at a time.
