Whether you’ve got one or 101 Dalmatians at home, making sure they get the right amount of exercise is critical to keeping them in great shape. But just how much exercise do these stars of stage and screen actually need?

How much exercise does a Dalmatian need?

Dalmatians are a highly active breed, originally bred as hunting and carriage dogs. Because of this, they need plenty of exercise to help manage their energy levels. Most healthy adult Dalmatians benefit from at least 90 minutes of exercise every day.

Of course, physical exercise isn’t the only way to tire out your Dalmatian. Mental stimulation is also important, so make sure they’re using their brains by playing games, sniffing and puzzles.

How much exercise does a Dalmatian puppy need?

We all know Dalmatian puppies are born without their spots, but they are born with plenty of energy. And whilst it can be tempting to try and tire them out with long walks and constant playtime, it’s really important not to over-exercise them.

That’s why it’s best to keep their formal exercise (like walkies) to five minutes per day for each month of their age. For example, a 4-month-old puppy could manage a 20-minute walk.

Still looking for ways to manage their energy levels? Enrichment is a great way to keep puppies busy and tire them out. You can buy food-based puzzles like treat dispensing balls or make your own at home. It’s super easy, your puppy will love it, and it’ll give you some time to relax for a bit!

How much exercise does a senior Dalmatian need?

As your Dalmatian gets older, they’ll naturally slow down. They might not be able to manage the long walks that they used to. It’s totally normal, and it’s easy enough to adjust their routines to help them get the right amount of exercise, especially with the help of a PitPat GPS Tracker or PitPat Dog Activity Monitor.

Instead of long walks, opt for shorter, more frequent walks, and go at the pace that is comfortable for your dog. If they’re showing signs of stiffness or are reluctant to go on walks, it’s perfectly OK to skip a day every now and then. Keep in close contact with your vet in case you spot any sudden declines in their mobility.

What are the best types of exercise for Dalmatians?

Being an agile bunch, Dalmatians love activities which use their brains and body. Why not try some of these types of exercise as an alternative to their usual walk?

Gundog training. With their roots in hunting, Dalmatians love to take part in gundog training. Much like Pointers, they’re great at finding prey, so why not simulate this with a food-based treasure hunt at home or on a walk.

Agility. With their agile bodies and quick thinking, Dalmatians love to participate in agility – and it’ll keep you in great shape as well! You can take part with a local group, or create your own course at home.

Sniff games. Much like gundog training, sniff games challenge your Dalmatian to use their incredible nose to find hidden food or toys. The very act of sniffing can be super tiring for your dog, so it’s a great game to play when you need them to calm down and sleep.

Keeping track of your Dalmatian’s exercise and rest is important to keep them fit and healthy. Make it easy with a PitPat Dog GPS Tracker. Our lightweight, waterproof device fits securely onto your dog’s collar so you can track every adventure they go on.