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Buying guide

How much exercise does a dog actually need? A breed-by-breed guide

The biggest welfare issue for UK dogs is under-exercise. Here is how much your specific dog needs — and how to know if they are getting it.

The huge range between breeds

A working cocker spaniel needs 2+ hours of energetic exercise daily. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is content with 30 minutes. A greyhound — one of the fastest dogs in the world — needs only 20–30 minutes of actual running and then sleeps for 20 hours. Breed characteristics, not size, determine exercise needs.

Signs a dog is under-exercised

Destructive behaviour (chewing, digging), excessive barking, restlessness, inability to settle, weight gain, hyperactivity indoors. An exercised dog is a settled dog. Most behavioural problems in dogs have inadequate exercise as a contributing factor.

Tracking it

Use our free dog walking log to log daily walks for a week. Many owners are surprised by how short or infrequent their walks actually are when written down. The log creates accountability.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I walk a dog too much?
Yes — particularly puppies (whose joints are still developing), older dogs, brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs) and dogs recovering from surgery. For puppies: 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily, until fully grown.
Does swimming count as exercise?
Yes — and for many dogs it is better exercise than walking, being lower-impact and more tiring. Many hydrotherapy centres allow recreational swimming.