By Dawn Coral Drake,
Dog Owner Who Works with Rescue Dogs

The best dog breeds for running will happily trot alongside you during your regular workouts. Running with a friend can make daily jogs more enjoyable and make it more likely that you will stick to your running commitment. If you're a dog lover, then choosing man's best friend as your running partner just makes sense. Here are some of the best dog breeds for running to help you choose your ideal jogging companion:

9 Best Dog Breeds for Running

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Dalmation

The flashy Dalmatian is a superb option as a running companion. The Dalmatian has a history shrouded in mystery, but one of the roles it is most famous for is as the working companion of firemen.

When horses pulled the fire coaches in the 1800s, Dalmatians trotted alongside, helping to clear the path and protect the horses. Not surprisingly, Dalmatians are superb runners, making them one of the best dog breeds for running.

They naturally tend to stay alongside you as you run, and the short coat means that they are able to run even in hot weather. As an added benefit, the eye-catching black and white dog’s coloration stands out and offers increased visibility on your run.

German Shorthaired Pointer

If you are a dedicated distance runner, the German Shorthaired Pointer may be the dog for you. These are some of the most energetic endurance runners in the dog world. This breed can easily run for over 10 miles a day, making them one of the best dog breeds for running long distances.

They may do just as well running alongside your bicycle as running next to you as you jog. Despite their extremely high energy level, they are very trainable, which means that you will easily be able to teach your GSP to have good manners on the run and stay next to you.

Standard Poodle

Standard Poodles have an undeserved reputation as prissy dogs, but in fact, this breed is all dog and has plenty of energy to keep up with you on a run. As an added benefit, these incredibly intelligent dogs can be trained to show excellent manners on the run so you won't have to worry about being tripped up or pulled along by your Standard Poodle.

If you suffer from allergies, this is likely to be the best running companion for you, since they have a nearly hypoallergenic coat. However, you will need to pay for grooming or spend time clipping your Standard Poodle's coat regularly.

Parson Russell Terrier

Are you looking for a small running companion? You will likely find that the Parson - or Jack Russell Terrier - can stay with you even on long runs, but also won't take up too much space in your home.

Jack Russells are intelligent, energetic, and highly spirited, so be ready for some challenges in training despite this dog’s small size. Make sure that you choose the long-legged rather than the short-legged variety so your Russel will be able to keep up with you on your runs.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you want a dog that will serve as an excellent running companion but also make anyone who might think about hurting you on your run think twice, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great option. Bred to hunt lions in Africa, these are powerful, physically imposing dogs.

Nevertheless, they are deeply loyal, dedicated to their people, and quite trainable. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has a very short, tight coat that helps them to run well even in very hot weather.

Siberian Husky

If you live in a cold climate, the Siberian Husky may be the ideal running companion for you. Huskies were bred to pull sleds all day every day. It is very unlikely that you will be able to outrun your Husky.

Huskies can run many miles every day without any trouble at all. A thick, weather-resistant coat keeps them warm even in very cold temperatures. Thick fur between their pads protects their feet from icy conditions. If you want a dog that can run with you in the cold without you having to worry about them getting too cold or needing booties to protect their feet, the Husky is a great choice.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners have unique personalities and tend to be extremely dedicated to their person. It is likely that your Weimaraner will want to stick by your side while on a run without much training, making them an excellent choice as a jogging companion.

The short coat keeps this breed comfortable even in hot weather. They tend to be very energetic and need lots of exercise, so you'll probably find that your Weimaraner can keep up with you even on the longest jogs.

Greyhound

Do you prefer sprinting over long-distance jogging? The Greyhound may be the ideal breed for you. These dogs do not do as well with long-distance running as some other breeds, but they are certainly fast in shorter bursts.

If you want a sprinting partner who will always be able to keep up with you without any trouble at all, the Greyhound is a great choice. This short-coated dog breed isn't bothered at all by the heat either, so even if you want to sprint in very warm temperatures, they’re a great choice.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador has been one of the most popular dogs in America for many years for good reason. Often considered the ultimate family dog, Labradors are good-natured, fun-loving, and highly trainable.

They are also quite good at running even over fairly long distances. Because these dogs tend to be very energetic, a long jog is a great way to exercise your Labrador so they will be a calm house pet. The weather-resistant coat holds up well in the rain, so if you like jogging in inclement weather, this may be the perfect breed for you.

Pick the Ideal Dog Breed to Run With You

Whether you're in a hot or a cold climate and whether you enjoy longer jogs or shorter sprints, you can find the perfect dog to be your running companion. You may also want to consider mixed breeds or dogs with mixes of the above breeds in them. Make sure that you keep in mind the other requirements you have for a pet such as size, shedding, and trainability. Remember that if you choose a dog with a very high energy level, taking them for a run will not be optional if you want a calm pet in the house.

Check out more dog breed and care information on our sister site, Book of Dog, which covers all things pup-related.

From the tiniest Chihuahua to the greatest of Danes, writer Coral Dawn Drake is obsessed with dogs and has been working with dogs for over a decade. She currently works with high-risk shelter dogs and manages a blog to help other volunteers and foster families. Coral has two dogs of her own, a Maltese and a Standard Poodle.

Best Dog Breeds for Running