Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Running

by Mary Simpson

Published: October 10th, 2020

Looking for a jogging buddy? Look no further than these four legged ones! Here are our picks for the top 10 dog breeds for running.

If you’re a runner and are thinking it would be fun to have a pooch to keep you company while on your jogs, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Ask yourself these questions: Do you run long or short distances? Do you run in the city or do you prefer to take your trek to off-road locales with trails and hills? Do you typically run with a group, or is your style more solo? And are your running conditions year-round – including hotter days – or do you opt for a treadmill when the weather turns too hot or cold?

Regardless of your answers to these questions, you can be sure that there’s dog breed for you. And if you already have a favorite pooch that you’d love to start training to head out with you, we offer some tips to help keep outings enjoyable for both.

So, before you lace up your Nikes, pop in your ear-buds, and head out the door with your new running companion, lets consider the following:

Train Obedience

Whether you’re using a leash or allowing your pet to run alongside you, he must be trained on the basics in case you run into other animals, runners, or traffic. Commands including “come”, “leave it”, “sit”, “stay”, or “follow” will help prevent your dog from yanking on his lead and potentially causing you to fall, or him from running off and becoming injured. And if your intent is to keep him leashed during these outings, make sure he walks well on a lead before you try running with him. Note to self: bring lots of handy treats.

Build Stamina

All dogs love to run, but not all are designed to maintain a fast pace or continue for long distances. Ease your pooch into this new form of exercise by running for brief, 10-minute periods of time, or for short, half-mile distances, at a slower pace. Build his stamina weekly, while also watching for whether your dog actually enjoys the process. Does he get excited when you pull out his leash, or head for his bed. Some breeds are not designed for longer, forced runs, so in those instances, consider keeping it a fun-run at the leash-free. Take your cue from your dog, and respect his physical limitations.

Pace Yourselves

Start with how much exercise your pooch needs on a daily basis. Factor in his age, breed, weight, and identify the ideal length of time he should be active. If its 60 minutes, then a 3-hour run would be overdoing it – even if he seems up for it. Use common sense and tailor your run to suit your pooch. Maybe he just accompanies you on a good warm-up run, or you plan some frequent rest stops along the way. And understand at what age your dog is considered fully grown. Starting a rigorous exercise regimen when he’s young and before his bones have fully developed can cause injury and permanently sideline your running buddy.

Ready to explore some of the best running companions, you’ll ever find?

Standard Poodle

If you’re looking for a longer-distance running companion that’s sure to entertain along the way, look no further than the fun-loving Standard Poodle. His long legs mean that he’s big enough to keep up a brisk pace, and because he enjoys a little interaction with his humans, you’ll find he’s up for whatever path you take – anything, but the mundane. Yes, this handsome boy not only does well on trails but he’s no slouch when it comes to jumping puddles or crossing streams when the running gets wet. For the seasoned runner, who wants someone to share their off-road route, this is the pooch for you. (Photo credit: Anna Krivitskaya/Shutterstock)

2. Labrador Retriever

He’s not only a multi-purpose dog in the field but he’s also one when it comes to running. For starters, he’s easy to train for when you want to run with him off-leash. Next, his coat is perfect for running in moderate, cooler, and cold temperatures as well as the fact that he’s loyal – which means he won’t suddenly sprint off. Finally, he’s a working dog which makes him keen to stay active. The downside is that he can suffer from joint issues, so when you want to really pick up the pace, a shorter route is best. But beyond that, he’s versatile enough to do well on backwoods trails or on city streets. (Photo credit: Maria Ivanushkina/Shutterstock)

3. Siberian Husky

Baby, they were born to run. And because they were also born to pull sleds at top speed, this powerful dog can keep up with the most ardent of runners… for hours on end. Given their thick, double-coats, these rugged pooches naturally do best in cool to very cold temperatures such as early Spring, Winter, and late Fall but a short, warm-weather run isn’t out of the question. And if they could choose their terrain, it would be rugged trails with dirt, snow, or ice versus concrete and asphalt. So, if you’re a long-distance runner who’s looking for a soul-mate, you’ll find you’ve met your match with the staggering stamina this breed brings. (Photo credit: Julia Siomuha/Shutterstock)

4. Jack Russell Terrier

You may be surprised that in addition to being a super-charged, busy little dog that loves to jump and play with his human pack, this pint-sized pooch is also up for a good run. And I mean, a good run. Given that he was bred to chase down small prey and vermin, it makes perfect sense that he’s not only agile, but ultra quick and ready for the chase. But in spite of his eager nature, those short legs will only take him so far. A reasonable run of 2 to 3 miles is about his limit. If its also your limit, he’s perfect… as long as you can keep up with him. (Photo credit: BIGANDT.COM/Shutterstock)

5. Greyhound

If you’re more of a sprinter than an endurance runner, a Greyhound is going to suit you down to a T. Known for their speed on the racetrack, this lean, agile pooch can actually clock speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to try to keep up, just be prepared to head out on shorter, faster runs that will test your personal best when it comes to pace. And by “shorter” runs, we mean this breed is seriously, not a long-distance runner. He’ll hit break-neck speed very quickly, then taper off and be ready for a comfy spot on the sofa before you pull out your ear buds. (Photo credit: Liliya Kulianionak/Shutterstock)

6. Australian Cattle Dog

This dog has to be the quintessential runner’s dog. Not only is he easy to train – ideal for those who want a dog that can run without being leashed – but he’s also highly athletic and in need of an aggressive exercise regimen. You won’t find him hiding when he sees you lacing up his sneakers – he’ll be ready to go and at the door. In spite of his thick double-coat, this breed was designed to work in all climates, including hotter weather which makes him ideal for marathon runners who need to train throughout the year. Now, because he’s a herder, his ideal terrain is going to be trails and rural areas, however he’s up for anything and could easily adapt to an urban route. (Photo credit: LNbjors/Shutterstock)

7. Vizsla

While this pooch is known as the “Velcro” dog because of his penchant for sticking close to his owner, he’s also an avid runner who loves nothing better than to expend his abundance of energy through a good long run. In fact, he not only does well on any type of terrain but can hold his own for those endurance runs that leave most dogs behind. Now, if marathon training is in your future, you’ve just found your running mate. His desire to stay close makes him ideal for those who don’t want to bother with leashing their dog to keep him in check. The only caveat – he’s not big on cold weather runs. (Photo credit: BIGANDT.COM/Shutterstock)

8. Border Collie

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance breed that’s comfortable taking on long distance runs then the Border Collie is your boy. Why is he low-maintenance? Because his independent nature and big-time loyalty mean he doesn’t need you to keep him in check during the entire run – which can often happen with dogs when you run off-leash. This dog is not only super intuitive and full of energy, but he’s quick, agile and just loves to run. Even better, he’s happy to join you in a nice, long jog regardless of temperature – although snow can be a challenge for this type of longer haired breed. (Photo credit: Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock)

9. Weimaraner

As is typical with most hunting dogs, they like to stay close. A lesson learned in the field, when staying close to the hunter often meant they wouldn’t be accidentally shot. So, with this high-energy, super-friendly pooch, you have a running mate that likes to remain close which means he does well off-leash. He’s also great on any terrain – from trails and hills, to city sidewalks plus… he’s up for any distance. From short sprints, to longer endurance runs, they’re even happy to accompany a marathoner in training. While their ideal running weather would be mild to warm, they can handle colder climates, just on shorter routes. (Photo credit: anetapics/Shutterstock)

10. Dalmatian

If you’re looking for a dog that’s not only up for long-distance running, but also brings a distinctive presence when you’re out on your route, this is the one. Not only is this dapper looking, spotted breed a dramatic-looking running companion, but as a breed known for traipsing alongside gypsies through the super-hot temperatures of central Europe, then as a dog that ran along-side horse-drawn firetrucks, this pooch is built for speed, distance, and warm weather conditions. That said, his wanderlust remains, so you may have to leash him while out on the trail. But, if your dream dog is one that can accompany you on a long, well-paced run you won’t find a better dog. (Photo credit: Utekhina Anna/Shutterstock)

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

Scientists Uncover Secrets of Extinct "Wooly Dog" Breed

Throughout history, dogs have played several key roles in the lives of people globally. They have hunted, worked, and provided for us, forever weaving them into the fabric of human existence. We often use this knowledge to better understand our modern dogs by reflecting on their original purpose as a breed. Unfortunately, not every breed continues to thrive among us today.The Coast Salish wooly dog was a unique breed, kept by the First Nations people throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver Island, for its fleece-like coat. A new study reveals insights into the history of the now-extinct breed.Unlike most animals at that time in history, the dog was kept in pens and longhouses. This was done to prevent the dogs from mixing with village and hunting dogs, preserving the breed and the fleece it provided.“They were sheared like sheep, and the wool was woven into blankets,” recounted Eliot White-Hill of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “Blankets were like currency in our economy prior to contact and some of the most important things you could own and give away as gifts.”The dogs were fed a diet of fish and elk and were seen as beloved family members.“It’s not just a dog – it’s a relative. It has enormous spiritual power, conveyed in its wool,” explained Michael Pavel, an elder of the Skokomish-Twana tribe and one of the study's authors. “Imagine being able to receive the gift of wool fiber, being able to learn to weave that into yarn, into an entity, or a blanket or robe that you could wrap yourself in the coldest of winter and feel the warmth of those prayers. That’s how we look at it, and we can now enjoy a scientific view, as well.”Unfortunately, the breed did not survive colonization. It’s not clear exactly what caused the demise of the Coast Salish wooly dog – the introduction of European dog breeds, rules enforced on First Nations people during assimilation and displacement, or smallpox epidemics being a few of the hypothesized factors.But thanks to the preserved pelt of a wooly dog named Mutton, who died in 1859, researchers can now learn a little more about the unique DNA of the dog, its lineage, and insight into the breeding practices of local Indigenous communities.Researchers compared DNA from Mutton’s pelt to that of a separate non-wooly village dog that lived and died in the same region at approximately the same time.While the information gathered from the study did not offer any conclusive answers about the disappearance of the breed, it did hypothesize that the Indian Act of 1876 played a critical role as it would have directly impacted the ability of Indigenous women to pass on valuable knowledge about caring for the dogs and weaving necessary to its survival.On a positive note, the study did support historical facts shared by First Nations people in that area – a valuable piece of the puzzle as many work to reclaim the traditions of their ancestors.“It brought a large group of people together that reaffirmed for us the history we know,” stated Violet Elliott, also of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. “It was a gift of collaboration with other nations.”

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