While the majority of our four-legged friends love to exercise, some breeds are particularly resilient and athletic. If you are an active person looking for a running partner, here is a list of dog breeds that can accompany you on your runs.
Sighthounds
Although they are rather calm and discreet dogs, sighthounds are great runners because they have an innate need to exercise and run. They love to explore the outdoors and sprint when they have enough place to run. It is important to note that the sighthound is not a breed in the strict sense of the word, but rather a type of dog. There are at least 20 sighthound breeds that are all atheletic and fast. Each of them are known for their slender silhouette, elegant bodies, long legs and elongated heads.
Among the most famous sighthound breeds are the Whippet, the Spanish Greyhound, the Azawakh, the Italian Greyhound, and the Saluki (Persian Greyhound). These gentle, calm, affectionate and endearing dogs are great companions for active people. All sightbounds are great running partners. They can accompany you on your long runs without a problem —as long as the distance is within reason.
The German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its boundless energy. It is a hunting dog that is particularly trustworthy, intelligent, and easy to train. If that wasn’t enough, they are also known for not being aggressive, shy, or nervous. Therefore, it is easier to establish a relationship of trust and bond with them. Like other hunting dogs, they are very active and love running. Moreover, they are very resilient and have a lot of stamina. All of these qualities make the German Shorthair Pointer a great running partner, even for long distances.
The Dalmatian
Dalmatian are known for their black spots and are seen as powerful and intelligent dogs. It is undoubtedly one of the best dogs for long runs. This breed loves to exercise several times a day with its owner. As they are particularly athletic, they can accompany you while you jog or even ride your bike. However, because of its large body, it may have difficulties if you are used to running on sidewalks. To keep your Dalmatian feeling comfortable during your outings, it’s best to find softer surfaces or trails to go running on.
The Samoyed
The Samoyed is known for its strength and stamina. This athletic, powerful, and energetic dog is a medium dog with a muscular body. Although Samoyeds were originally sled dogs, they have adapted to a life as companion dogs, as long as they have enough space to run and play. They can be excellent running partners because they can run for a long time without getting tired.
The Dobermann
The Dobermann has a powerful look and a strong personality. It is also known for being very protective because they can be fierce and aggressive. With that being said, this dog is actually very calm, affectionate, and loyal. It has all the qualities that make it a trustworthy companion dog. Like the Samoyed, the Dobermann is an exellent athlete. They need to go outside for at least 2 hours a day to go for walks and run freely. If you are looking or a dog with enough stamina to run with you, this dog breed is the perfect running companion.
The Siberian Husky
Like the Samoyed, the Siberian Husky is a sled dog that was born to run. This breed is very resilient and powerful, capable of running miles and miles just for fun. Because they are so active, you can exercise together and have a Siberian Husky be your running partner. This breed is known for its intelligence, its kindness, its tenderness, and stubbornness.
The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is very active and needs regular physical activity to feel happy and fulfilled. If you want to participate in sports with your dog and go on runs together, the German Shepherd for you. They are excellent running partners for any distance, especially in cold areas. With that being said, when the weather is warmer, it is better to limit the distance. This is true even if your German Shepherd is physically active and healthy.
The Border Collie
Border Collies are outstanding athletes. Highly energetic, dynamic, and almost tireless, this dog loves to play and constantly needs to be on the move. They are even called hyperactive because they can’t stay still. If you are planning on adopting a Border Collie, you should be prepared for hours of movement and running, especially when you are on long walks together. When properly trained, the Border Collie is a great running partner. This breed is also a very loyal companion.
The Jack Russell Terrier
Despite the Jack Russel Terrier’s small size, it loves to run and is hyperactive like the Border Collie. It is super passionate about running. Even the greatest athletes would get tired before this ball of fur tires itself out. In the past, this dog breed was used for hunting. If you want a Jack Russel Terrier to be your running partner, take the time to train it so that prey will not distract it when it is running beside you.
The Beagle
Beagles are not just small dogs that need to be pampered at home. They are excellent hunting dogs! This means that they are very fast, active, and need to exercise daily. While this dog breed has little stamina, they can work on improving it through training.