Dog trainer shares 26 breeds that need the longest walks and most exercise

When considering getting a dog, it’s important to factor in how much exercise they will need daily.

Dogs have different energy levels based on their breeds, with larger dogs often needing more of a workout and longer walks. 

Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine behaviourist and partner at Canine Cottages, explains that one breed group, in particular, requires more exercise.

While there are 223 pedigree breeds in the UK, it’s the working dogs that need more exercise due to their high stamina.

According to The Kennel Club, working dogs are a group of breeds that were bred to perform tasks, such as guarding property or searching for missing people.

Well-known working dog breeds include Boxers, Dobermanns and Rottweilers. However, there are actually 26 official working dog breeds recognised by the UK Kennel Club.

Full list of working dogs 

• Alaskan Malamute

• Greenland Dog 

• Bernese Mountain Dog

• Hovawart

• Bouvier Des Flandres

• Leonberger

• Boxer

• Mastiff

• Bullmastiff

• Neapolitan Mastiff 

• Canadian Eskimo Dog

• Newfoundland 

• Dobermann

• Portuguese Water Dog 

• Dogue de Bordeaux

• Pyrenean Mastiff 

• Entlebucher Mountain Dog

• Rottweiler 

• German Pinscher

• Russian Black Terrier 

• Giant Schnauzer

• Siberian Husky 

• Great Dane

• St. Bernard 

• Great Swiss Mountain Dog

• Tibetan Mastiff

Dr Scales-Theobald added that most dogs typically enjoy 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, while elderly or injured dogs may need shorter sessions. 

On hot days, exercise sessions for all dogs should be shorter and kept to the cooler times of day – early morning and evening.   

Puppies need special care since their joints are still developing. Until they are at least a year old, it’s best to limit their exercise to protect their joints. 

She emphasises that factors such as breed, age, weight, stamina, weather, and the type of exercise should all be taken into account when determining how long to exercise your dog.

Elderly dogs, usually eight years and older, should also be cautiously exercised due to joint issues and other age-related conditions.

Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at Canine Cottages, said: “As we see sunnier days arriving across the UK, many of us are excited to continue our fitness routines in the sun, and including our furry friends can keep us motivated and active.

“Emma’s tips are crucial for dog owners, offering valuable advice on the right steps to take and how to ensure your dog’s safety during exercise.”