Ultimate Dog Activity Level Guide 2026: These are the 22 most and least active breeds of adorable dog - from lazy Bulldog to loving Labrador 🐶

If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a new dog into your home then you’re in good company – Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the UK Kennel Club) stats show that the number of people looking for puppies has surged to record levels.

Dogs come in all shapes, colours and sizes - there are 221 different pedigree dogs recognised by breeders in the UK, from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier (there are sadly no dog breeds starting with the letter ‘z’!).

So there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your family’s latest four-legged addition – whether you want a large dog, family-friendly dog, or an easy to train dog.

Read more:

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There is even scientific research to guide you, in particular psychologist Stanley Coren’s groundbreaking book The Intelligence of Dogs.

Choosing the right breed is absolutely essential – for example opting for a small dog if you don’t have much room at home, or a hypoallergenic dog if you suffer from allergies.

It’s important to understand that it is crucial to set aside some time for a dog to walk and run around in an open space – exercise is a fundamental part of a dog’s routine.

Not only does a sprint in the park do wonders for your four-legged friend’s morale, but it also helps them keep healthy and in shape.

That said, while all dog breeds need exercise, some require more physical activity than others.

To help out here are the 22 most and least active breeds.

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