Running is a fantastic way to stay fit, healthy, and active, and what better way is there to enjoy your daily run than by having a four-legged companion by your side?
Dogs are not only entertaining running companions, but they also have the ability to inspire their owners to keep going and run for longer distances and at a faster pace. In this piece, we’ll take a look at ten different breeds of dogs that are ideally suited for runners.
Here are the 10 best running dogs
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are incredible running dogs as they are inherently suited for the role of an athlete. They make the best running companions for both long and short runs due to their speed and endurance. They were originaly bred to hunt large game in the forests of Germany’s Weimar region.
These dogs have a reasonable heat tolerance and find pleasure in engaging in a great deal of physical activity. Weimaraners that do not receive the appropriate amount of mental and physical stimulation may even develop behavioral issues such as anxiety.
Vizsla
The vizsla is an active hunting dog that thrives on being put to work. This dog belongs to the sporting group and has impressive stamina as well as speed. The Vizsla is able to do well in hot weather and has a propensity for sticking very close to its owner while running. Some people call this type of dog “the Velcro dog.” It is a reliable running partner and is a wonderful companion.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are natural athletes who require a great deal of exercise in order to thrive, despite the fact that they are classified also with non-sporting dogs. While little is known about the Dalmatian’s ancestry, it is common knowledge that these dogs thrive on daily exercise and mental stimulation.
In the past, people would use them as coach or carriage dogs to travel alongside vehicles drawn by horses. They are also famously used as rescue dogs and in firehouses. Before there were loud sirens, dalmatians would run in front of horse-drawn fire trucks and bark obnoxiously to scare off onlookers.
Border Collie
The Border Collie is widely considered to be among the most intelligent of all dog breeds. This breed, which is a member of the herding group, adores being on the move. Border collies are renowned for their speed and endurance and their incredible agility.
If they don’t get enough exercise, these dogs are prone to becoming frustrated. If you want to add a little bit of a challenge to your runs with your border collie, you might think about going on trails that are somewhat dense and windy. This breed is able to withstand high temperatures but thrives in environments with lower temperatures.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a smart, athletic, and nimble member of the herding group who loves a good race. This breed needs both mental and physical challenges to thrive. On extremely hot days, you should avoid going on long runs because they have longer coats that are more suited to cooler temperatures. Australian Shepherds make excellent running partners and companions because they are witty, devoted, and energetic.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Although it is classified as a member of the hound family, the Rhodesian ridgeback frequently gives the impression of being more of a sporting dog. This massive, musculous dog was originally bred for the purpose of hunting lions in Africa. The breed has maintained its agility and stamina over the years.
The vast majority of Rhodesian ridgebacks are able to cope with relatively long distances and higher temperatures. Till this large dog breed is fully mature, which is typically around 2 years of age, avoid running with them.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian husky was bred to run long distances pulling sleds through the snow. This breed’s seemingly endless supply of energy manifests itself in an intense desire to run. That what makes it one of the best running dogs there is.
You can take this dog with you on all of your daily runs if you live in a climate that is mild. Despite this, huskies are not cut out for long runs, especially when the weather is warmer.
Terriers
Terriers love the long run. These breeds are tough and resilient; they were bred to hunt foxes and find and kill vermin. Consider getting a Jack Russell, a Parson Russell, a rat terrier, or a wire fox terrier if you want a companion dog that is on the smaller side but still loves to run. An Airedale terrier is a good option if you want to run with a bigger terrier.
Pointers
Quite a few pointers have a natural enthusiasm for physical activity and possess the power, speed, and stamina to make them ideal running partners. These breeds include the pointer, German shorthaired pointer, and German wirehaired pointer. These dogs enjoy long runs and do well in warm and cool temperatures.
Sighthounds
A sighthound, such as a greyhound, whippet, borzoi, saluki, Scottish deerhound, or sloughi, may be one of the ideal running dogs for you if shorter, faster runs are your thing. Sprinting comes naturally to them thanks to the streamlined bodies that are so well suited for the activity, and they enjoy it.
Most sighthounds, however, are more sedentary than active. Sighthounds, as a breed, have very little body fat and do not do well in temperatures that are particularly cold.
Breeds to Avoid
No matter the breed, you shouldn’t take your puppy out for long or regular runs just yet. If you start running with a puppy before it is 6 months old, you run the risk of causing damage to its growing joints and muscles. It is best to wait until the puppy is 6 months old before beginning this activity.
There are a lot of high-energy dogs that make great running partners, like boxers or pit bulls, but they don’t do as well with frequent runs as other dogs do. Dogs of the pit bull type, such as American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers, are full of pep but can’t handle the heat for very long, so they should be limited to short runs in the cooler months.
If you have a dog that is brachycephalic, which means they have a short muzzle, like a pug or bulldog, or another breed that is sensitive to heat, you should avoid running long distances with them.
They run the risk of becoming overheated, becoming exhausted, and having difficulty breathing. Although there are exceptions, giant dogs and other dogs prone to orthopedic problems can suffer from joint pain and injuries if they run long distances on a regular basis. Long distance runs can be challenging for dogs with short legs and small frames like dachshunds and corgis because they tire out more quickly.
