Top 10 Best Dogs for Running

I have been asked on a number of occasions: “What are the best dogs for running?” The answer is–there are many different breeds that could fit the bill for your next running partner. It depends on what kind of running you do and what kind of lifestyle you lead when you’re not running! In our family, we have a loving greyhound, Holly (in the picture above).

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Holly is very fast, much faster than I am, but she is lacking in the endurance department. If I wanted to turn her into a running companion, I would have to gradually work her up in distance. This is something you should do with most breeds. So, besides greyhounds, what other breeds are the best dogs for running (in my opinion)? Read on (the list is numbered, but they are in no particular order):

1. Australian Cattle Dog— an active breed that needs physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom. They are blue or red and range in weight from 30-50 lbs. They are strong-willed and can be stubborn at times, but they are very protective of their owners and property. They are very social as well and excel at agility and other canine performance activities.
2. German Short-haired Pointer— This breed is well-known as a gun dog and hunting companion. They are highly intelligent and have a very keen sense of smell. German short-haired pointers need an active family, as they need consistent exercise.
3. Labrador Retriever— Who doesn’t love a lab? 🙂 They are great family dogs and LOVE to exercise. As field dogs by nature, they have no problem covering a lot of ground.
4. Jack Russell Terrier— These feisty little terriers are great running companions. They have great endurance and a lot of energy to expend on the run. Consistent exercise keeps them from getting into too much trouble at home! 😉
5. Vizsla— Vizslas are of Hungarian descent that possess characteristics of retrievers and pointers. They are high energy dogs that love to run and need daily exercise.They also make great family pets.
6. Siberian Husky— Siberian huskies are working dogs that possess an incredible amount of endurance (one of the main reasons they make great sled dogs!). They are sociable dogs and make excellent running companions, especially for those choosing to run long distances.
7. Australian Shepherd— Australian shepherds are excellent agility dogs, and they are known for their prowess as herding dogs. They are highly intelligent and energetic–they need a good deal of exercise daily.
8. Dalmatian— Dalmatians are both working and sporting dogs, and they love to be around people. They are very intelligent and highly active. They do best in a home where they get daily exercise.
9. Border Collie— Border collies are also herding dogs. They are very smart and need more than the occasional walk for exercise. They have great endurance and make excellent distance running companions.
10. Weimaraner— Weimaraners are hunting dogs that are quite fast and possess great endurance–making them great running partners. They are also great family dogs.

And now the obvious question–“Why didn’t I put greyhound on the list?” I chose to omit the greyhound simply because I think they really are better suited to short bursts of speed and then rest.

The other breeds above love going on long runs. While you can work a greyhound up slowly in mileage, they like to be couch potatoes (I am not kidding!). Here is Holly in all of her glory!