Fit with dogs: Are dog owners really more athletic?

When you wake up in the morning with tired eyes and your dog looks at you expectantly, you know there's no turning back. The leash is ready, the world is waiting outside – and your four-legged friend reminds you of something we forget far too often: movement is life.

But how much more athletic are dog owners really? Is the cliché of the ‘fit dog lover’ justified – or just a nice myth? Science and experience say: yes, dog people do actually exercise more. And significantly so.

Scientifically proven: dog = more exercise

A large-scale study from the UK has shown that dog owners are up to four times more likely to meet the WHO's exercise recommendations than people without dogs.

They spend more time in the fresh air, cover longer distances and, over time, develop routines that have a positive effect on their heart, circulation and mental health.

‘Dog owners are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without a dog.’ – Scientific Reports, University of Liverpool, 2019

A meta-analysis of 29 international studies also comes to the same conclusion: people who live with dogs exercise more – regardless of whether they are young or old, live in the city or the countryside.

The researchers refer to dogs as a ‘natural exercise motor’ – a social and emotional motivator that literally gets us on our feet.

Not every dog owner is automatically athletic

But just because you have a dog doesn't mean you're automatically fit.

The key is whether you actually walk your dog regularly. A US study found that only those owners who actually walk their dogs themselves are significantly more active – on average, almost three times as active as those who delegate the walks to others.

‘It's not the ownership – it's the walking.’ – American Journal of Public Health, 2015

This shows that a dog is not a fitness subscription. But it is the best reason to finally get going.

More than just exercise – what it does for us

Dogs not only get the body moving, but also the mind.

Several recent studies show that regular walks with your dog reduce stress, lessen loneliness and increase well-being.

Especially during and after the pandemic, it became clear how much our dogs give us structure, social contact and emotional stability.

‘Dog ownership is associated with improved mood, lower loneliness and greater daily activity.’ – BMC Psychology, 2024

The daily walk thus becomes a little mindfulness exercise: fresh air, nature, bonding. And best of all, your dog will notice immediately if you switch off.

4. Caution: Not every dog can or should be athletic

Particular caution is advised with short-snouted breeds (e.g. French Bulldogs, Pugs or English Bulldogs). Breathing problems or joint misalignments caused by cruel breeding practices can quickly make exercise a torture.

This calls for consideration – and healthy alternatives.

Conclusion: Dogs make life more active – and better

Dog ownership is not a fitness programme – it is a lifestyle that combines exercise, mindfulness and heart.

Between morning walks, trips to the park and weekend excursions, something grows that no app in the world can replace: genuine vitality.

And the next time you don't feel like going out, just look into your dog's eyes. They already know what's good for you.

Your opinion:

How active are you with your dog? Share your favourite routes, tips or #DogWorkout moments with us.