10 Best Dog Breeds for Runners

If you are a dog lover and a runner, then you might like the idea of having a canine running partner. Running with a dog can be a lot of fun and a great way to bond with your pooch. For athletic breeds that have a lot of energy, a runner in the house might also be the right fit for a breed that requires a lot of exercise.

Here are the 10 best dog breeds that tend to enjoy frequent runs.

Many of the best canine runners are part of the sporting, herding, or terrier dog groups. Most of those breeds have been developed over generations for their athleticism and endurance. Some mixed-breed dogs are great runners as well, especially if they are mixed with one or more of the run-loving breeds.

1. Weimaraner

As members of the sporting group, Weimaraners are athletes by design. Their speed and endurance make them ideal running partners for both short and long distances. They can tolerate heat fairly well and enjoy lots of exercise. Weimaraners that do not get enough exercise and training may even develop anxiety or behavior issues.

2. Vizsla

The vizsla is a hard-working hunting dog that thrives on exercise. This sporting group dog possesses excellent endurance and speed. The vizsla can tolerate heat well and tends to stay very close to its owner. Some have nicknamed this breed “the Velcro dog.” It is a great loyal companion and running buddy.

3. Dalmatian

Although they are in the non-sporting group, Dalmatians are natural athletes that need lots of exercise to thrive. The history of this breed is not well-known, but Dalmatians need to stay active and keep busy. They were once used as carriage or coach dogs that would run alongside horse-drawn carriages. They are also well-known as firehouse dogs. In the days before loud sirens, the dogs would run ahead of horse-drawn fire carriages, barking loudly to clear the path of bystanders.

4. Border Collie

The border collie is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. As a member of the herding group, this breed loves to move. Border collies are incredibly agile dogs that can run fast for a long time. These dogs need to keep active or they can become frustrated. Consider running with your border collie through somewhat dense, winding trails to add a bit of challenge. This breed can tolerate heat but does exceptionally well in cooler temperatures.

5. Australian Shepherd

Another intelligent member of the herding group, the agile, athletic Aussie enjoys long, challenging runs. This breed craves mental and physical stimulation. Avoid long runs on sweltering days; they have longer coats best suited for cooler temperatures. Aussies are intelligent, loyal, and full of energy, making them great companions and running partners.

6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian ridgeback is a member of the hound group but often seems more like a sporting dog. This large, muscular dog was initially bred in Africa to hunt lions. Today, the breed has retained its athleticism and endurance. Most Rhodesian ridgebacks can handle somewhat long runs and warmer temperatures. Avoid running with this large dog breed until fully grown, usually around 2 years of age.

7. Siberian Husky

The Siberian husky is a member of the working group and was developed to haul sleds over long distances in the snow. With seemingly boundless energy, this breed loves to run.​ If you live in a cool climate, this dog can be your daily running partner. However, huskies are not suited for long runs in warmer weather.

8. Terriers

Several small, energetic terriers enjoy long runs. These breeds are tenacious and can endure; they were bred to find and kill vermin and to join fox hunts. If you want a smaller dog as your running partner, consider a Jack Russell, a Parson Russell, a rat terrier, or a wire fox terrier. If you prefer to run with a larger terrier, consider an Airedale terrier.

9. Pointers

Several pointers love to exercise and have the strength, speed, and endurance to make excellent running partners. These breeds include the pointer, ​German shorthaired pointer, and German wirehaired pointer. These dogs tend to do well in warm and cool temperatures and enjoy long-distance runs.

10. Sighthounds

If shorter, fast-paced runs are your thing, then a sighthound—namely, the greyhound, whippet, borzoi, saluki, Scottish deerhound, and sloughi—may be the perfect running companion for you. Their streamlined bodies are perfectly designed for sprinting, and they love it. However, most sighthounds are ultimately more like couch potatoes than athletes. In general, sighthounds have very little fat and do not tolerate cold temperatures well.

Breeds to Avoid

Puppies of all breeds should not go on regular, routine runs or long runs. Generally, it would be best if you didn’t start running with a puppy before 6 months of age; any earlier, and you could risk affecting its growing joints and muscles.