26 high-energy dog breeds that need the most exercise

Before falling head over heels for an adorable puppy face or selecting a dog purely on appearance, there’s one crucial element every prospective owner must consider: exercise requirements. Dogs vary enormously in shape, size, and energy levels – some flourish with lengthy runs, daily rambles, and countless hours of activity, while others are perfectly happy with a leisurely walk around the local park.

Larger breeds frequently demand greater physical activity and longer walks, making it essential to select a dog that suits your way of life. Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine behaviourist and partner at Canine Cottages, reveals that one particular breed group requires significantly more exercise. Despite there being 223 pedigree breeds across the UK, it’s the working dogs that need substantially more physical exertion owing to their exceptional stamina, reports the Express.

The Kennel Club explains that working dogs are a group of breeds developed for particular jobs such as guarding property or undertaking search and rescue operations. They are clever, powerful, vigilant, and attentive.

Well-known working dog breeds include Boxers, Dobermanns and Rottweilers. Nevertheless, the UK Kennel Club officially recognises a total of 26 working dog breeds.

Dr Scales-Theobald went on to explain that most dogs generally benefit from 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, while elderly or injured dogs may need briefer sessions.

During warm weather, all dogs should have curtailed exercise periods, and these ought to be arranged during the coolest times of day – early morning and evening. Puppies also need particular care as their joints are still developing.

To safeguard their joints, it’s advisable to restrict their exercise until they’re at least one-year-old.

She emphasises that elements including breed, age, weight, stamina, weather conditions, and the nature of exercise should all be taken into account when deciding how long your dog should be active.

Older dogs, generally those aged eight and over, should be exercised carefully to accommodate 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.”