Dog breed lists
Dog Breeds That Need the Most Exercise
Some dogs need a job. These breeds need at least 90 minutes of activity a day to stay happy, and without it can turn to chewing, digging or barking. They reward active owners with a tireless partner.
-
1
Sporting
Brittany
Looks like a spaniel, points like a setter.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
2
Herding
Border Collie
The sheepdog with the legendary eye.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
3
Herding
Belgian Malinois
Less a pet, more a lifestyle.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
4
Designer
Aussiedoodle
Einstein on Red Bull.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
5
Sporting
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The retriever that lures ducks by playing.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
6
Sporting
German Shorthaired Pointer
A tireless gundog with a clown's heart.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
7
Working
Siberian Husky
Built to run all day, and to tell you about it.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Willing learner
-
8
Sporting
Weimaraner
The grey ghost that shadows your every step.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
9
Herding
Australian Cattle Dog
A dingo with a job.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
10
Non-Sporting
Dalmatian
The spotted carriage dog with endless stamina.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
11
Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier
A fox hunter on a pogo stick.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
12
Sporting
German Wirehaired Pointer
The pointer that grew a beard.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
13
Herding
Belgian Tervuren
The workaholic in a mahogany coat.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
14
Herding
German Shepherd
Brains, nerve and loyalty in one frame.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
15
Herding
Australian Shepherd
An intellectual athlete that needs a job.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
16
Working
Boxer
The class clown of the dog world.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Willing learner
-
17
Working
Doberman Pinscher
The Velcro bodyguard.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
- 18
-
19
Herding
Miniature American Shepherd
All the Aussie brains in a travel-size dog.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Quick study
-
20
Sporting
Irish Setter
The rollicking redhead of the field.
- 90–120 min a day
- Athlete
- Willing learner
How we picked
A breed makes this list if it needs at least 90 minutes of exercise a day. We rank the highest-energy breeds first. Exercise should include mental work as well as physical, so read each guide's brain-work ideas.
Questions people ask
What dogs need the most exercise?
Herding, working and sporting breeds bred for long days of work, including Border Collies, Malinois and many retrievers and pointers.
What happens if a high-energy dog doesn't get enough exercise?
It may become destructive, vocal or anxious. Physical exercise and mental work both matter.
How do I tire out a high-energy dog?
Mix running or hiking with training, scent games and puzzle feeders. Mental effort can tire a dog as much as physical effort.