Every dog needs exercise, but the amount and type varies dramatically between breeds. A Border Collie's requirements differ vastly from a Bulldog's, and understanding these differences helps you choose dog parks and activities that truly meet your pet's needs. This guide explores exercise requirements across breed groups and how to find appropriate environments for your dog.

Mismatched exercise—either too little or the wrong type—leads to behavioural problems, health issues, and frustrated dogs and owners alike. By understanding what your breed was developed to do, you can make smarter choices about where and how to exercise them.

High-Energy Working and Herding Breeds

Breeds like Border Collies, Australian Kelpies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Belgian Malinois, and German Shepherds were developed for jobs requiring sustained physical and mental effort. These dogs typically need 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily, and a quick walk around the block won't cut it.

For these breeds, large dog parks with ample running space are ideal. They benefit from parks where they can sprint, chase, and cover significant distance. Fetch-friendly parks work well, as do parks with varied terrain that challenges them physically. Many working breeds also enjoy parks with agility equipment, which provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

Important for herding breeds: watch for herding behaviour toward other dogs or children at parks. The instinct to chase and nip at heels is strong in these breeds, and while not aggressive, it can frighten other park users. Redirect this energy into appropriate games like fetch.

Find large parks with space for high-energy dogs using our dog park directory, filtering for size and agility equipment where available.

Sporting and Gun Dog Breeds

Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers, and Setters fall into this category. Developed for long days of hunting work, these dogs have substantial exercise needs—typically 1-2 hours daily—but often with a different character than herding breeds.

Many sporting breeds love water, making dog beaches and parks with lake access particularly appealing. Swimming is excellent exercise that's easy on joints, particularly valuable for breeds prone to hip dysplasia like Labradors and Goldens.

Retrieving breeds generally excel at fetch and can exercise efficiently through ball-throwing games. Pointer breeds may prefer running and exploring over retrieval games. Understanding your specific breed's preferences helps you choose appropriate activities.

These breeds often maintain high exercise needs well into middle age, though intensity may decrease. Don't assume an older sporting dog needs less activity just because they're calmer at home—they often still need significant outdoor time.

Terrier Breeds

Terriers—from Jack Russells to Bull Terriers—were bred for hunting vermin, requiring quick bursts of energy, tenacity, and prey drive. Their exercise needs are often moderate to high, but the style differs from larger working breeds.

Terriers typically do well in smaller, enclosed parks where they can explore, dig, and run in bursts. Their prey drive means recall in unfenced areas can be challenging; a squirrel or rat can override even good training. Fenced parks are often safer choices.

Many terriers enjoy playing with other dogs but can be selective about their playmates and may not back down from confrontation. Knowing your individual terrier's social preferences helps you choose appropriate times and parks for visits.

Mental enrichment is particularly important for terriers. Parks with varied smells, textures, and exploration opportunities engage their active minds alongside their bodies.

Brachycephalic Breeds

Flat-faced breeds—Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar—have unique exercise considerations due to their compromised airways. These dogs often cannot sustain extended exercise and are extremely vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Short, gentle exercise sessions are appropriate for these breeds. A 20-30 minute walk or play session may be sufficient, with multiple breaks. Parks with good shade and water access are essential; dog beaches where they can paddle (not swim—many brachycephalic dogs cannot swim safely) in cool water can be excellent choices in warm weather.

Avoid busy, high-energy dog parks where your brachycephalic dog might be pressured into more activity than is safe. These breeds do better with calm exploration than intense play sessions. Time your visits for cooler parts of the day—early morning is ideal in Australian summers.

Giant Breeds

Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and Irish Wolfhounds are gentle giants who often need less exercise than their size might suggest. Most require moderate activity—30-60 minutes daily—split into multiple sessions to avoid stress on growing joints in young dogs.

Giant breeds benefit from parks with soft surfaces like grass rather than hard paths or concrete. Their joints carry substantial weight, and impact exercise should be limited, especially during growth phases. Swimming is excellent for giants, providing good exercise without joint stress.

Many giant breeds are laid-back socially and do well in calmer dog parks. They may be intimidating to smaller dogs due to sheer size, so watching interactions carefully is important. Some giant breed owners prefer visiting during quieter times when intense play from other dogs is less likely.

Companion and Toy Breeds

Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, and similar companion breeds were developed for human companionship rather than work. Their exercise needs are typically low to moderate—30-60 minutes of activity daily, often achievable through indoor play and short walks.

These breeds often do well in smaller dog parks or dedicated small dog areas where they won't be overwhelmed by larger, more energetic dogs. Use our small dog area finder to locate appropriate parks.

While exercise needs are lower, socialisation remains important. Regular park visits, even if brief, help maintain social skills and provide enrichment that home environments alone cannot offer.

Sighthounds

Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, and similar breeds present a paradox: they're capable of incredible speed but often have surprisingly moderate exercise needs. Most are content with daily walks plus occasional opportunities to run.

When sighthounds do exercise, however, they prefer sprinting to sustained jogging. Large, enclosed spaces where they can safely reach top speed are ideal. Their prey drive means unfenced areas are risky—a sighthound in pursuit of a rabbit will not hear your recall command.

Many sighthounds are sensitive souls who don't enjoy rough play. Calmer parks during quieter times often suit them better than chaotic environments. They may prefer the company of other sighthounds, who understand their play style, over boisterous retrievers or persistent terriers.

Matching Park to Dog

Understanding your breed's needs is just the first step. Individual variation within breeds is significant—some Border Collies are calmer than average, some Bulldogs more active. Age, health status, and conditioning level all affect appropriate exercise.

Use our dog park directory to filter parks by features that match your dog's needs. Large dogs from high-energy breeds need space; filter for large parks. Water-loving breeds should seek parks with beach or lake access. Dogs requiring secure areas should filter for fenced parks.

Don't be afraid to try different parks until you find what works. A park that suits a friend's Labrador might be completely wrong for your Greyhound. Pay attention to how your dog behaves during and after visits—signs of stress, over-tiredness, or frustration indicate the environment or duration needs adjustment.

Conclusion

The right exercise environment makes an enormous difference in your dog's quality of life. A Border Collie languishing in apartment confinement with occasional short walks is a recipe for behavioural problems, while a Bulldog forced into intensive exercise risks health crises. By understanding your breed's heritage and individual needs, you can create an exercise routine that keeps them happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

Ready to find the perfect park for your dog's breed and energy level? Explore our comprehensive dog park directory to discover parks across Australia with the features your dog needs for optimal exercise and enjoyment.