Any good dog parent knows that ALL dogs have the potential to help us stay active. That being said, we love this list from our friends at The American Kennel Club. Having shared our lives with some of these breeds, we can attest to their energy!
The exercise needs of these ten active breeds would keep any owner in shape! Walking, jogging, biking, hiking, swimming and playing Frisbee with your dog are all fun workouts you can take part in together.
Courageous and strong, the Am Staff’s athletic build and intelligence make him ideally suited to many dog sports such as obedience, agility, tracking and conformation. The conditioning required for these different sports would make the Am Staff a great workout partner! This people-oriented dog thrives when he is made part of the family and given a job to do.
The high-drive Border Collie would help keep any owner fit – its energetic nature requires more exercise than just a walk around the block or playing in the yard. If owners don’t have cows or sheep available for herding practice, running would be a great activity to tire out the BC.
This strong, quick and agile dog can hunt all day in the field. Brittanys thrive on activities like running, hiking and swimming, and the breed possesses a willing attitude to participate in any activity with its family.
The Belgian Malinois is an alert, high-energy breed and is used regularly as a police and military working dog. Since both professions require the dog to be active and in-shape, the Belgian Malinois would gladly accompany its owner out for a run or a romp in the yard. This breed is happiest with something stimulating to do!
The Dalmatian has a working heritage as a “coach dog,” where it ran alongside horse-drawn carriages for miles. Today, many Dalmatians take part in an activity called a “road trial” that mimics this historic usage. It requires Dals to run alongside a horse in a staged situation, a perfect environment for this high-energy breed. The breed’s endurance makes it a great running companion.
The Doberman Pinscher is a muscular dog that possesses endurance and speed. The properly bred and trained Doberman has proved itself to be a friend and guardian, and his intelligence and ability to absorb and retain training have brought him into demand as a police and war dog.Energetic, obedient and loyal, the Doberman enjoys exercising and spending time with its owner.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, eager to please dog that historically was used to hunt all day in the field. GSPs thrive on exercise like most other pointing breeds and love being involved in outdoor activities with their families. Running, swimming or dog sports would be a great choice for this active breed.
The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog and was originally bred to use its vision and speed to chase after deer, stag, fox and hare in its native England. Although today the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion, the breed’s athleticism makes it a great running partner.
The Redbone Coonhound was bred to hunt and swim over varied terrain while still maintaining its speed and agility. The breed developed great endurance and tenacity tracking game ranging from raccoons to cougars. During its downtime, Redbones have plenty of energy to spend exercising with their owners.
The Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that provides daily exercise. He is happy and affectionate with his people, very trainable in the house, but also able to go all day while out hunting.
Ten Dog Breeds That Will Help You Stay Fit – ShowSight Magazine July 2014 Issue
Showsight Magazine–the world’s most influential purebred dog publication since 1992. Each issue reaches a global audience dedicated to preserving the history and health of purpose bred dogs. Filled with award-winning editorial focused on news and insights from the dog show community, top breeders, handlers, AKC Judges, and more!
