How much walking does your breed really need?
Written for Irish conditions — wet winters, short daylight, coastal wind and the odd heatwave that catches flat-faced breeds out. Each guide includes a brief you can paste straight into the chat with a new walker.
- Breed guides
- 8
- Written for
- Irish weather
- Includes
- Walker briefs
- Updated
- 2026
Pick your breed
The eight most commonly booked breeds and breed types on PawPals.
Labrador Retriever
60–90 minutes · 2 walks
Steady, with 10–15 minutes of retrieving or sniffing games
Cocker Spaniel
60–90 minutes · 2 walks plus sniffing time
Busy and nose-down; long-line work in woodland suits them
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
30–45 minutes · 2 short walks
Gentle; frequent stops are normal and healthy
Border Collie
90–120 minutes · 2 long walks plus training
Fast, and mental work is non-negotiable
Jack Russell Terrier
45–60 minutes · 2 walks
Brisk with plenty of sniffing and digging stops
French Bulldog
20–40 minutes · 2 short walks
Slow, flat routes with shade and water
Golden Retriever
60–90 minutes · 2 walks
Steady, water-loving, happy to swim year round
Terrier cross
45–75 minutes · 2 walks
Varies with the mix; assume brisk and curious
Walking questions owners ask
How long should I walk my dog each day?
As a rule of thumb, an adult dog needs 30 minutes to two hours split across at least two walks, depending on breed, age and health. Working breeds like collies and spaniels sit at the top; flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs sit well below it and need heat-aware routes.
Is one long walk as good as two short ones?
Usually not. Two walks break up the day, give more toilet breaks, and spread the mental stimulation. It's also why a midday walker makes such a difference for dogs left alone during working hours.
How much walking does a puppy need?
The common guideline is five minutes of formal walking per month of age, twice a day, until growth plates close. Free play in a garden is different and self-limiting. Ask your vet for large breeds, where over-walking a puppy carries real joint risk.
What should I tell a new walker about my breed?
Three things matter most: recall reliability and whether off-leash is allowed, known triggers (bikes, livestock, other dogs), and any breathing, heart or joint condition with the vet's exercise limit. Every breed page below has a short brief you can copy into the chat.
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