Walking can be an excellent way to keep you and your dog in good shape. German Shepherds have a lot of energy and stamina, so they are able to walk a lot. But if you enjoy walking as much as I do, you might wonder how far your dog can walk.
Most German Shepherds will be able to walk for up to two hours. At a normal pace, it represents a distance of around 10 km (6 miles). But some of them won’t be able to walk that far because of their age, health, or fitness level. On the other hand, some German Shepherds can hike up to 20 km (12 miles) per day.
What Can Influence How Far Your German Shepherd?
How far your dog will be able to walk depends on many factors. The breed isn’t the only thing to consider. Even if German Shepherds have several traits in common, they still have different conditions and limits. So here’s what will determine the maximum distance your dog can walk.
Age
As your German Shepherd ages, he will change just as humans do. So the distances mentioned won’t be accurate for all dogs of the breed. It mainly refers to adults. A puppy or senior GSD will probably not be able to walk that far.
How Far Can You Walk A German Shepherd Puppy?
A puppy can generally walk 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day. In distance, it represents around 100 or 200 m. So a 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy can walk up to 800 m (0.5 miles) per day divided into at least two walks. As your pup gets older, he will be able to walk farther and farther.
Puppies are still growing and developing stamina. That’s why they can’t walk very far. It’s also important to know that a puppy has shorter legs and can get distracted easily. So young German Shepherds can have a slower walking pace too.
How Far Can A Senior German Shepherd Walk?
Past a certain age, dogs will gradually decrease in health and physical conditions. So a senior German Shepherd can walk less far than he used to while losing stamina. Old dogs are also more prone to joint problems, such as arthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia, which could make walking more difficult and painful.
So a senior GSD can probably walk between 60 and 90 minutes per day at a slower pace, which means about 5 km or 3 miles. Since older dogs have less endurance, you should ideally divide it into multiple short walks throughout the day.
Health
Your dog’s health is another factor to consider when it comes to how far he can walk. German Shepherds are generally healthy, but they can still have problems that could restrict them from walking long distances. So it’s important to visit your vet for regular health checks if you want to know your dog’s limits.
German Shepherds in perfect conditions should be able to walk for at least 10 km (6 miles) or even more. But some of them with mobility restrictions or other issues might not be able to go that far. The healthier a dog is, the longer he can walk.
Fitness Level
Even in the same breed, some dogs are in much better shape than others. That’s another reason why German Shepherds can’t all walk the same distance. Their fitness level will influence how far they can go. A fit GSD will be able to walk more than one that’s out of shape.
Although walking is a moderate physical activity, it still requires endurance, stamina, and strength, especially for long distances. So your dog’s physical conditions can impact how far he can walk.
Energy
Another thing to consider is the level of energy. Some German Shepherds are more energetic than others. And the more energy they have, the longer it will take to tire them out through walking. So if your dog is active and never seems tired, he can probably walk at least 10 km (6 miles) or more per day.
On the other hand, a GSD that’s lethargic and lazy can probably not go that far. That’s why it’s important to consider your dog’s energy level. But keep in mind that it can vary according to the time. Your German Shepherd might not have as much energy in the morning or the day after a long hike.
Walking Speed
The pace at which your dog is walking will also influence how far he can go. Most German Shepherds can walk for up to two hours per day. In general, this breed will walk at least at a speed of 5 km/h (3 mph).
But some dogs are faster than others. So that means they will be able to go farther because of that. Besides that, the level of training of your GSD might impact how distracted and fast he can be while walking.
Weather
Besides the dog itself, you also need to consider outside factors. The weather might keep your German Shepherd from walking as far as he normally can. Extreme heat, cold, rain, mud, ice, and snow can interfere with walking. So be careful not to walk too far in such conditions, because it’s not a good idea.
It’s especially true when it’s really hot outside. Walking too much with your dog on a warm day can lead to heat sickness, dehydration, burned paws, and other problems. So a GSD won’t be able to walk as far when the temperature and weather are not favorable.
Training & Preparation
The more you do something, the better you will get at it. It’s the same thing for German Shepherds. The more they walk, the farther they will go. Their muscles and cardiovascular system will get used to the physical effort. So dogs that walk a lot can go farther than inactive couch potatoes.
Regardless of their health or fitness level, you shouldn’t walk 20 km straight away. It’s not safe. You and your dog have to build up stamina. So start with short walks and gradually increase the distance, even if your dog can do more. Training and preparation will help you avoid injuries and other problems.
Can German Shepherds Go On Long Walks?
Most German Shepherds can go on long walks. As long as they are old enough, healthy, in good shape, and well-trained, they shouldn’t have any problem with long-distance walking. German Shepherds generally have enough energy and stamina to walk or hike for long periods.
So, How Far Should You Walk Your German Shepherd?
Even if your dog can walk for up to two hours or more, it doesn’t mean you should. And it’s also better to break that down into multiple short walks. German Shepherds could practically walk all day long, but there are other ways to exercise them.
In general, most German Shepherds should be fine with an hour of walking per day divided into two or three walks. Then, you can do more intense physical activities such as running, hiking, playing games, etc. It’s also important not to neglect mental stimulation.
Learn more about your German Shepherd exercise needs!
Last Thoughts About How Far German Shepherds Can Walk!
Finally, an adult and healthy German Shepherd can generally walk around 10 km (6 miles) per day. But some can go as far as 20 km (12 miles) and hike for hours without getting tired. The distance a GSD can walk will depend on his conditions and limits.
So make sure you know your dog well before going on long walks together. Visiting a veterinarian would be ideal to have personalized and professional advice. But most German Shepherds can walk as far as you want as long as they are ready for it.
Let’s Walk That GSD!