Exercise requirements vary enormously between dog breeds, and mismatches between breed energy level and owner lifestyle cause chronic welfare compromise for both under-exercised and inappropriately exercised dogs.
Dogs chronically under-exercised relative to their breed requirements develop frustration, hyperactivity, destructive behaviour and physical health problems. Dogs pushed beyond their physical capacity through owner enthusiasm suffer musculoskeletal and cardiovascular strain. The most welfare-friendly decision is matching breed energy level to owner lifestyle before acquisition rather than attempting to adapt after problems develop.