German Shepherd Exercise Needs: Energy Level and Activity Requirements

German shepherds are the fourth most popular dog breed behind the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and golden retriever. That’s no surprise given their loyal nature, willing attitude, and fearless demeanor. They make excellent family pets and are equally capable working dogs, a combination of traits only a few breeds hold. That’s what makes the German shepherd so sought after, but also what makes the breed’s exercise needs so unique. They are high-energy level dogs with special activity requirements, so let’s talk about the best exercise routine you can follow to keep your German shepherd happy and healthy.

Physical Characteristics of a German Shepherd

But before we do, you need to know more about the dog breed itself to understand why they need more physical and mental stimulation than most. The German shepherd is a working breed and their body shows it. They have coarse, medium-long coats that can withstand cold temperatures and erect ears that are always on alert. German shepherds are slightly longer than tall with a low-set tail that curves up at the end like a saber. They are strong, muscular dogs with the mind to match.

Since it’s a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club, there are breed standard colors. The accepted colors for a German shepherd are:

• Bi-Colour
• Black
• Black & Gold
• Black & Tan
• Dark Sable
• Gold Sable
• Grey
• Grey Sable
• Sable

Now that you know about the physical characteristics of a German shepherd, let’s go over their exercise needs as a working breed (whether they have a job or not).

German Shepherd Activity Level

German shepherds are considered a high-energy breed alongside other herding group dogs like the Belgian Malinois and border collie. This means that they will require more exercise than a typical dog because of their high energy, high intelligence, and high prey drive. But what kind of activities are best for a German shepherd to get all that energy out? If you can start with one thing, it’s giving them space to run.

How Much Room Does a German Shepherd Need to Run?

German Shepherds are large dogs, so they require more space than average to get their laps in. 20′ x 60′ is the minimum area this breed needs to comfortably chase after a ball, do training or agility work, and get their zoomies out.

However, not everyone has a backyard this big (or a backyard at all) for their dog to run. In this case, an unused soccer or football field, park, or open field is a great place to go. If your German shepherd is well-trained and the area allows it, go off-leash! Otherwise, invest in a long line to allow your dog to roam safely.

How Much Stimulation Do German Shepherds Need?

Dogs are, as a species, smart but German Shepherds are even more intelligent and attuned than most. They require more stimulation, training, and enrichment than other breeds because of this! While most dogs need at least 30 minutes of activity per day, a German shepherd’s daily exercise needs are closer to 90 minutes.

A walk around the block every day won’t cut it. You need to get creative to keep your German shepherd’s mind sharp. This includes consistent training sessions, daily enrichment activities, and variable exercises — from running and fetch to swimming or agility — to help keep them in shape mentally and physically.

What Happens If German Shepherds Don’t Get Enough Exercise?

You will know if your German shepherd isn’t getting enough stimulation or exercise throughout the day. Boredom leads to destruction, anxiety, and stress for dogs. A torn-up sofa cushion, excessive weight gain, neighbor complaints of constant barking, or other attention-seeking behavior tells you all you need to know… they need more exercise!

German Shepherd Walking Time and Miles by Age

The best place to start when you want to increase your dog’s activity levels is on your daily walks. However, a German shepherd puppy will have different exercise needs than an adult dog of the same breed.

You don’t want to over-walk a puppy until their joints have developed properly, which can take up to a year. Stick to slow, meandering walks for the first few months until you can make them longer and more purposeful. When your German shepherd becomes an adult, you’ll find that most can handle 3 to 6-mile walks daily. Just be sure to break up their exercise throughout the day!

The Best Exercise Routine for Your High-Energy German Shepherd Dog

If you own a German shepherd then you know that a walk around the block doesn’t always cut it for them. When you feel unsure about what to do with your dog to keep them happy, pick and choose from these six activities that are designed to stimulate and satisfy your high-energy German shepherd’s exercise needs.

1. Daily Walks

Your daily walks don’t need to be by your house! A different environment is great for stimulating your German shepherd’s noggin and nose. Try going on a hike, using the walking path at a local park, or finding a dog-friendly trail at an arboretum, botanical garden, or national forest nearby.

2. Playtime

Sometimes, the best activities your dog can do to blow off steam involve you! Collaborative games such as fetch, tug-of-war, and wrestling are fun for your German shepherd and nurture a close bond between the two of you. But what about when you need a way to exercise your persistent pooch that doesn’t involve you?

3. Enrichment Activities

Enter: enrichment activities! This type of exercise is play-based, giving your German shepherd’s mind and body a much-needed workout without you having to lift a finger (after some initial prep work). The best type of enrichment is the one your dog enjoys, so experiment to find what works for you.

Some examples of popular activities include hide and seek with treats, frozen lick mats, and treats in a kong. German shepherds will especially love games that involve scent work. That’s because they have an acute sense of smell thanks to their 225 million scent receptors.

4. Room to Run

Beyond enrichment activities, German shepherds also need plenty of room to run. They are a large breed, so they require more space to get their energy out than other dogs. If you have a fenced-in yard, they can release some energy there. If not, consider investing in a long line and taking them to an empty field nearby.

5. Training Sessions

Since intelligence and obedience are key markers of the German shepherd breed, you better believe training is in your future when you own one! There are a variety of sports you can train or compete in such as agility, dock diving, obedience, and scent work. Your dog doesn’t have to reach the highest levels to be happy and healthy, but they will love participating, using their sharp mind, and wearing out their strong body.

6. Give Your Dog a Job

Training sessions are great for your German shepherd if they need more focused work to stay manageable as a household pet. However, the ultimate activity to satisfy your German shepherd’s high exercise needs is to give them a job. As a herding breed, they have an instinct to work. Giving them a specific job to do helps to meet this breed’s specific activity requirements.

Many German shepherds are trained as service dogs for people with PTSD, therapy dogs for the injured and ill, or guide dogs for the blind. The police also use them for explosive detection or as drug-sniffing dogs and emergency services deploy them in certain search-and-rescue efforts.

These jobs are great, but you don’t need to go to the extreme to keep your German shepherd happy. You can train your dog to perform helpful tasks for you around the house like opening and closing doors, carrying items, or fetching the book you left in the other room. This will keep them just as satisfied!

Does Your Lifestyle Align With the Energy Level and Activity Requirements of a German Shepherd?

German shepherds are one of the top five most popular dogs for a reason. Loyal, athletic, strong, and confident, this breed is a pleasure to own. Before you buy a German shepherd, just make sure its exercise needs, energy level, and activity requirements align with your lifestyle. If you’re mostly sedentary, this breed might not be for you. But if you’re ready for fun adventures and to have a companion for life, you’ll love having a German shepherd.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/VictorRicoFoto