Do you love dogs and do you also love running? Then we have great news for you: it’s absolutely possible to put your two passions together! For those who love running and spending time with their fellow furry friends, there’s nothing more enjoyable and satisfying than going for a run with a dog. Exercising is healthy and fun for humans and for dogs too. Therefore, canines also enjoy spending time by going on runs with their owners.
Nevertheless, it’s important to know that there are certain dog breeds which manage better with running and strong exercising than others. In this sense, if you are looking for a dog and you know that you would also like to share runs with it, it is worth looking into this. Therefore, we have put together a list of 10 dog breeds that manage running very well. We will tell you all about them below. Are your curious and on the search for a new running buddy? Read the article below!
A few things to consider when running with a dog
There are certain particularities of some breeds which make them more prompt to enjoy and be apt for going on runs. Dog breeds which are athletic, strong and energetic are great fit for runners. Moreover, it’s important to take care of puppies and senior dogs: running can be quite demanding and not a very good exercise for dogs when they are too young or too grown up.
Finally, consider that, whichever breed you choose as a running buddy, all dogs need to have access to water when they run. It is just like humans with humans. Also, always pay attention to how your dog is holding up and how they feel when they are running. Do not hesitate to go back home, take a break or slow down if you see that your dog is tired, overheated, short in breath or distressed in any way.
The best dog breeds for running
Now that you know a bit more about the amazing world of runners and dogs, we are going to take you through a detailed list of some of the best dog breeds for running. Note that this, of course, does not mean that other breeds are not also good for runners! Any dog can be fit for going for runs, given that you consider the precautions we have mentioned. Nevertheless, given their features, the dog breeds that we will mention next are some of the best ones for going on runs with.
Dalmatian
The popular, cute and strong Dalmatians are certainly an option to consider if you love dogs and running. These adorable dogs are athletes by nature, and they always need to have a lot of time dedicated to exercising and stay busy and active in order to thrive. This is why they will surely enjoy going for runs with their humans, and they will be excellent partners for this activity.
Weimaraner
Weimaraner dogs are members of the so-called sporting dogs. These specific dog breeds have developed certain features over the years, which make them great fits for activities such as running. Their endurance and athleticism make them amazing running partners. As members of the spotting dog group, the Weimaraners are, without question, excellent running buddies.
Their endurance, athleticism, great tolerance to heat and speed make them perfectly fit for going for long or short distance runs. Moreover, Weimaraner dogs need to have a fair share of exercise and activity in order to stay healthy, so running can be a very important part of their overall wellbeing.
Border Collie
This beautiful, friendly and adorable dog breed is one of the smartest breeds you will find. Border Collies are very active, extremely agile and super energetic, and they love to be on the move! In this sense, they can be amazing running buddies, as they can run fast and for a long time. They can tolerate heat quite well, but will certainly flourish with cooler temperatures. Border Collies need to have a good amount of exercise and activity in their everyday lives, otherwise they can become frustrated or anxious. Thus, they will really appreciate and enjoy spending time running with you!
Vizsla
Vizsla dogs are active, energetic and hard-working hunting dogs. As such, they are excellent running partners. They need to stay active and on the move in order to make the most out of themselves, thus making them run is very healthy for them. Vizla dogs also belong to the sporting dog group, and tend to have amazing speed and top endurance. During your run, they will surely stay very close to you, as they like to stay next to their owners. Viszlas are, thus, very loyal, affectionate and lovable running companions.
Australian Shepherds
The gorgeous Australian Shepherds are, like the Border Collies, very intelligent dogs. They are agile and athletic, and enjoy runs which are long and challenging. As such, Australian Shepherds will certainly not disappoint you as running buddies! In order to thrive, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated, which makes running an excellent activity for them. Something to keep in mind is the long coat of Australian Shepherd. Due to their fur, they don’t tolerate very high temperatures, so running in cooler weather will be better for them.
Siberian Husky
This beautiful and lovable dog breed was, originally, meant for hauling sleds over long distances in snowy weather and environments. In this sense, it’s in their DNA to be active, strong, energetic and athletic. That’s why Siberian Huskies are, for sure, excellent running companions, and they will enjoy sharing a run with you!
Consider that, as we have explained, the nature of Siberian Huskies is to flourish in cold weather. Thus, running in warm areas is not the best idea for them. But if you live in a place with cold weather, there’s no better running buddy than a loyal and cute Siberian Husky!
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs are muscular, strong, large dogs which were originally bred for hunting lions in Africa. In this sense, running and being active is part of their DNA and their personalities. They are loyal, friendly and lovable, and will certainly enjoy very much going with you for a run.
As they have a short coat, Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs can do very well in areas with high temperature, so they are perfectly fit for running in the heat. Of course, providing that, you take precautions and considerations. Examples of these precautionary factors are giving them access to water when they need it and paying attention to see if they get too tired or overheated.
Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terrier dogs are a wonderful fit for you if you live in a zone with warm temperatures. Their short fur makes them very resistant to heat, thus they will do great if they go for a run with you even if it’s quite hot outside. Airedale Terriers are a bit smaller than the usual dog breeds for running, which means that they will do better running shorter distances. Still, there’s no doubt that they will have an amazing time going for a run!
Poodle
Even though at first sight Poodles don’t seem like the running and active type, they certainly are! These furry, cute and soft dogs make amazing running buddies. Poodles are active, energetic and strong, as well as vivacious and smart. They were originally bred as water retrievers and gun dogs, which explains their athletic instincts and their love for activity and sports. As you can see, Poodles are also a wonderful choice of dog breed for running.
Belgian Shepherds
This elegant, majestic and beautiful breed is, without doubt, an amazing companion for runs. When they run, Belgian Shepherds look slim and graceful. They are very active and energetic dogs and won’t get tired after a long, fun session of running. In the past, Belgian Shepherds were bred for doing tasks such as carrying messages, being herders, ambulance dogs and also pulling machine guns during World War I.
In this sense, they have a long history of being physically active and doing well in demanding environments, and they have it in their nature to enjoy and do well when they exercise. Any Belgian Shepherd dog will enjoy very much joining you for an amazing running session!
Your new canine running buddy – the best options
As you were able to read in the article above, there’s a wide variety of dog breeds which can make excellent running companions. Due to their active and enthusiastic personalities, as well as their athletic and strong bodies, the dog breeds described here will no doubt have a wonderful time going for a run with you. Just to refresh your mind, the 10 dog breeds we have discussed as the best options as a running buddy were:
- Dalmatian
- Weimaraner
- Border Collie
- Vizsla
- Australian Shepherds
- Siberian Husky
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Airedale Terrier
- Poodle
- Belgian Shepherds
Depending on your own running habits and the place you live, it’s possible that you find that some of these breeds are a better fit for you than others. Moreover, there are also many other dog breeds which can be great options for running. All in all, you have a lot to choose from! Which dog breed would you choose to have as a companion to share runs with? Or, do you have a different dog breed that is an excellent running buddy? Please do let us know in the comments below! That way we can help one another out, when necessary.
