Best Dog Breeds For Active Owners

1. Border Collie

First up on our list is the popular Border Collie. These dogs are known to be exceptionally smart. They are quick to solve problems they are faced with and known for having excellent athletic skills. These are not the dogs an inactive person wants to keep around. The Border Collie dog breed is always busy and needs frequent mental and physical stimulation. This makes it a great dog for people who want to take their pet on a run. 

The Border Collie is a medium dog breed. Many people consider them to have an unlimited supply of energy and they excel at stamina. These are the properties they were bred for as Border Collies were used to help with the herding of sheep. 

It is known that Border Collies can be very obedient when trained properly. They are highly intelligent and are great at flying disc, tracking, flyball, and agility competitions. 

A Border Collie might be your perfect partner if you can live with a dog that is sensitive and requires a lot of stimulation. They do have excellent tolerance to hot and cold weather, but do not like being left alone. Border Collies are also great for families as they are very child-friendly.

2. Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is a breed often known as a slay dog - in movies, we often see these dogs pull slays through the snow. It is true that they were once used for this purpose, but today, the Siberian Husky has become an exceptionally popular pet dog.

The Siberian Husky has an appearance that somewhat resembles a wolf. They have blue eyes and rich history. As the name suggests, this dog breed originated in the area of Siberia but has grown popular all over the world.

The breed does very well in cold weather - even when it snows. Their outer coat is also considered to be water-resistant. While adorable and smart, the Siberian Husky breed is also known to have a very high level of energy. They do take maintenance to care for but if you are active and take your Husky with you on a run, they will surely keep up with you.

These dogs are great for many activities. They love walking and running, making a Husky an ideal jogging buddy. It is, however, important to limit their activities on those extra warm days. The thick coat of the Husky is meant to protect them in snow and cold weather which may cause them to feel a bit overheated during the summer months.

3. Hungarian Vizsla

The Hungarian Vizsla is not as well-known as the Siberian Husky or the Border Collie but it definitely deserves a spot on our list. These dogs endurance is exceptional. They are known to have a lot of energy and be able to endure long tracks which means you can take your Vizsla on a long run and they would be able to keep up until the end.

While energetic, the Vizsla still remains one of the gentler breeds on our list. They are known to be very affectionate, which makes them an ideal family companion. These dogs are family-friendly and can adapt to homes with other dogs. A male Vizsla can grow up to 24 inches in height, while a female’s height generally ranges between 21 and 23 inches. They weigh between 20 – 30kg in adulthood.

The Vizsla dog breed is classified as a sporting breed. The dog has a reddish coat and its build is often considered elegant. The breed is very popular among Hungarian sportsmen. The Vizsla’s life expectancy ranges from 12 to 14 years, which means that, all being well, you’ll have this dog as your companion for over a decade.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

The variety of Swiss Mountain Dogs is known to be quite versatile. The Bernese Mountain Dog is classified within this group and is one of the most versatile breeds. The dog has a long coat and was developed to be an all-around companion. The Bernese Mountain Dog is loyal to its owner and make great watchdogs. They are energetic and have excellent levels of stamina, meaning they can keep up with your running pace, while also lasting for the entire session.

Originally, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to help with pulling carts and to herd cattle on the farmlands. They originate from Switzerland but have become a common breed to see in other countries too. These working dogs are also known to be friendly and affectionate, making it a good option if you have kids around. Another major benefit is the fact that the Bernese Mountain Dog is highly trainable, especially if you start from a young age.

One thing to consider with this breed is that they tend to shed more than some other dog breeds. This means you should expect hair on the sofa, bed, and carpet. They also drool - so this is another factor to take into consideration.

5. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is another great dog breed for running. These dogs are often called the Grey Ghost because they have a grey coat and run exceptionally fast. The Weimaraner is a favourite breed among hunters but also makes for an excellent family-friendly companion at home. The obedience of the Weimaraner is another feature that makes them popular household pets.

The Weimaraner is also known for its endurance. These dogs excel at running at high speed on long tracks, ensuring you won’t have to carry your dog back home after a few miles.

The breed measures between 23 and 27 inches in height. They are not as big as some of the other active breeds, but their muscular body can get quite heavy over time, weighing up to 39kg once they hit adulthood. The life expectancy for this dog breed ranges from 11 to 14 years.

The dog has a thin coat with ears that are often described as feeling like velvet. The breed is also renowned for its intelligence, making them easier to train and a very obedient pet to own.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was initially bred in Southern Africa. Over the years, the breed has become quite a popular option among people who need an active dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a smooth, brown coat with short hair that is easier to groom than some other breeds.

This gorgeous breed combines features of multiple dog breeds that were bred together including the Greyhound, Mastiff, Great Dane, and Bloodhound. They were bred with the Ridged Khoikhoi dog, which is native to the Southern regions of Africa. The resulting breed was a Rhodesian Ridgeback.

One of the most promising features of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is its agility. The breed is exceptionally fast. They’re even often said to outrun a Lion! In its native lands, the dog breed is often called the African Lion Hound.

The athletic build of the dog makes it a great runner. Their speed is accompanied by endurance, ensuring your Rhodesian Ridgeback can keep up - no matter how fast you are running. At home, these dogs are protectors and quickly become a guardian for your entire family.

7. German Shorthaired Pointer

Another highly active dog is the German Shorthaired Pointer; a type of sporting dog that is often seen in speed and agility competitions. A major feature of this breed is that they are excellent swimmers, which means taking a run on the beach or by a lake is no problem. The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred to be a hunter, which explains their excellent speed, endurance, and stamina.

It is very easy to care for the German Shorthaired Pointer. They have a smooth, short coat. These dogs do, however, need a lot of vigorous exercises or they will become bored. In addition to physical exercise, the breed requires sufficient mental stimulation too, as they are rather intelligent.

The breed is medium-sized, so don’t expect the puppy to stay small forever. The German Shorthaired Pointer is not a good companion for someone who lives in an apartment but makes a great dog if you have a large garden. They are quite sensitive, so that is something to take into account too. While the breed performs well in hot weather, they have less tolerance toward colder weather conditions.

8. Labrador Retriever

Next up is the Labrador Retriever, a very popular breed that many people overlook when they want an active companion to run with. These dogs come in different colours, ranging from golden to chocolate. The Labrador Retriever can grow up to 24.5 inches in height and the male will generally be around one inch taller than a female. The breed can weigh up to 36kg, making it one of the heavier options. A Labrador Retriever will usually live for a period between 10 to 12 years.

The high spirit of the breed is what makes it such a good companion for runners and other active people. This means the dog will always be in the mood to go out for a run. The dogs are outgoing, ensuring your dog will not resist going out. Furthermore, the breed is also friendly - able to easily adapt to your family, kids, and even other dogs. While not the fastest dogs, the Labrador Retriever does have excellent stamina, which means they can continue to run for a long period.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

The last breed on our list is the Portuguese Water Dog. The pet is often called a velcro dog, due to the thick, curly coat. This is a highly rated family dog, offering a great companion for kids and adults alike. The Portuguese Water Dog is also a breed that gets along with other pets in most cases.

The dog is not only fluffy but also a high energy breed. They measure up to 23 inches at an adult age, and the dog can weigh up to 27kg. The breed has a lifespan that can go up to 13 years. The playful temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog makes them great for kids who like to play outside.

The Portuguese Water Dog needs a lot of exercise. They are also highly intelligent and do not shed as much as some of the other breeds that have a thick coat. The breed comes in different colours, including black and white. They are sometimes found in brown, chocolate, and liver colours too.