10 Best Dog Breeds for Running
By Dawn Coral Drake,
Dog owner and writer who works with rescue dogs
The best dog breeds for running will happily trot alongside you during your regular workouts. Running with a furry 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. When you're considering dogs, you'll want a breed with a lot of stamina and medium to long muzzles for efficient breathing. (Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs often have difficulty breathing on runs and are not well-suited to a very active lifestyle).
Here are some of the best best running dogs to help you choose your ideal jogging companion:
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10 Best Dog Breeds for Running
1. Dalmation
The flashy Dalmatian is a superb option for a running dog. 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.
Dalmations are natural athletes with a lot of endurance. They tend to stay alongside you as you run, and the short coat means that they are able to run even in warmer climates. As an added benefit, the eye-catching black and white dog’s coloration stands out and offers increased visibility on your run.
Dalmations are an excellent dog breed for running.
2. 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.
German Shorthaired Pointers are agile and athletic.
3. 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 the 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. A well-trained Poodle will be able to run off-leash with you on the trails.
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.
Poodles are adaptable running partners.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies are high-energy working dogs that make great running buddies. These smart herding dogs can keep pace for many miles, as they have endless endurance and enthusiasm. Border Collies are also very intelligent and trainable, making them perfect for outdoor adventures like trail runs.
These medium-sized pups are tough and can weather both cold and warm weather (but as with all dogs, they should not run in extreme heat).
5. Parson Russell Terrier
Border collies are high-energy dogs.
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.
6. 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.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are natural runners.
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.
7. 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 cold-weather running dog that can keep pace with you without you having to worry about them getting too cold or needing booties to protect their feet, the Husky is a great choice.
Huskies have endless endurance for running.
8. 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.
9. Greyhound
Greyhounds are incredible sprinters.
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 Retrievers are enthusiastic running buddies.
10. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever 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.
More Running Dogs
Many dogs - included all kinds of mixed breeds - can be great running buddies. Working breeds like German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Australian Cattle Dogs can all be excellent running partners. In general, a medium to large sized dog with a good energy level and enthusiasm for running can be an ideal running companion.
Tips for Running with Your Dog
Get vet approval. Before running with your pup, make sure your vet approves and they are at a healthy age. Puppies and older dogs should not run due to the damage it can cause to their bones and joints.
Consider the terrain you'll be running on. Concrete can be very hard on a dog's joints and paws so you may need booties to protect their feet, especially if the pavement has salt, glass, debris, or hot temperatures.
Run on trails and dirt paths are much as possible as it's easier on your pup's feet and joints. Just like with people, running on concrete puts extra pressure on a dog's knees, ankles, and hips.
Train your dog to run with you. Most dogs naturally will want to stop and sniff a lot or criss cross all over the place, so it will take some positive reinforcement and practice to keep your pup at your side.
Build endurance gradually. Just like a person can't go out and run 10 miles with no training, most dogs can't. Start slow and do a half mile or a mile with your dog and gradually add distance to the program over a period of weeks. Also, take rest days so your dog can recover from workouts.
Pick the Ideal Dog Breed to Run With You
These pups can go the distance.
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.
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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.