The Top 20 Dog Breeds for Running Partners

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People who enjoy running for improved health and fitness could replace the earbuds with a running partner that would make the trip even more enjoyable. We’re seeing a new trend in runners who take their dogs along for their daily workout. There are so many benefits to doing this that you may wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner. Dogs are amazing companions and they are also a deterrent for would be criminals. While not all dog breeds are suitable for this activity, there are several out there who would thoroughly enjoy taking a brisk run with their owners. Here are the top 20 dog breed for running partners.

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Weimaraner

Weimeraners are amazing running partners because they have an inborn ability to pace themselves for long distance running. Whether you’re going for a run of a few blocks or a few miles, this is a dog that can handle the burn and stay up with you. His short hair allows his body to cool quickly and he is a champion at quick energy bursts as well as setting an even laid back pace. If you’re into running on trails, this is your dog. He’s good at navigating through rough and rocky ground. This dog looks forward to a challenge and will serve as a deterrent for any criminals who may be on the lookout for an easy mark to victimize. Weimaraners are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. In addition to all of this, they make wonderful family pets. With a Weimaraner at your side, your run will be safer and a lot more fun.

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The American Staffordshire Terrier

If you’re looking for a running partner to accompany you on short runs, then you may want to consider an American Staffordshire Terrier. You may be laughing because of his short and stocky build, but this energetic dog is much more agile than he appears. He’s muscular and has the stamina to keep up with you for a couple of miles. A quick run will do hi a lot of good healthwise. It will help him to burn off some of his ample energy store and it will give him something useful to do. He’s probably not the best choice for running a marathon, but for brief runs, he’ll be your running companion as well as your protector from any dangers that may arise.

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Boxer

If you own a boxer then you know that their appearance can be misleading. Boxers may look like they’d rather take a nap, but this dog has made some significant contributions to the military during war-time. They are known for their bursts of energy that makes them tear around the yard or the living room. Afterwards, they’re exhausted, but boxers were the breed chosen by the military as courier dogs. They are also known to be hunters used to chase down game. Running is in the blood of a boxer and they are good running partners for short runs of a few miles or less. They are good family dogs as well and when you return home from your run, he will probably need a long drink of water and a nap after that.

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Australian Cattle Dog

Australian cattle dogs are worker dogs. They love to have something to do and running is something that they are bred to do. They are strong and athletic dogs with tremendous agility. They are naturally expert at herding and this is a job that requires stamina, a strong will and a cunning mind. They don’t mind some hard work, in fact, it’s what they prefer to do. You’ll be surprised at how much your Australian cattle dog will enjoy going on daily runs with you. You may notice that he will become a happier dog and he may even remind you that it’s time to go for your daily run if you forget. You may well create a monster that insists on going out. This breed is highly intelligent and easy to train. Don’t be surprised if he takes it upon himself to bring his leash to you as a reminder that it’s time to go. He’ll push to to keep going and encourage you to get your daily dose of exercise. If you don’t run daily, he may pester you about it on your off days.

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German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired pointers make excellent running partners. You may give out before the dog does. These athletic canines are a breed that requires regular exercise on a daily basis. They are known for their tremendous endurance and high levels of energy. When you look at the build of this dog you can see that they are built for running. They are lean in build until it comes to their hindquarters. The back end of this dog is rippling with strong muscles that power his strong legs. German Shorthaired pointers were originally bred to be hunting dogs. They are focused and surefooted dogs who do remarkably well on trail runs over uneven terrain or on smoother surfaces. Running comes naturally for them and if you’re into ten mile runs, then this dog will keep up with you without a problem. They have the capacity to pace themselves as well as sprinting ahead with lightning speed. You’ll be impressed with the endurance that this breed exhibits when given the chance.

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Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that also have a strong endurance. These natural hunters prefer to be physically active and running is in their blood. This dog has a lean build and a muscular build. They have the ability to make both short runs and longer ones of up to ten miles with their human running partners. They love doing something physical and running helps them to expend some excess energy that builds up. Whether you’re going for a sprint or a longer more even paced run, you’ll discover that your Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice. He’ll keep you company and protect you from any dangers out on the trail or through the neighborhood. You’ll want to take a strong leash along though. Labs are strong dogs and natural hunters. While these are obedient dogs when properly trained, if he sees a bird or a squirrel, he may forget his manners and bolt after the creature. Aside from this occasional departure from good manners, labs make amazing running partners.

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Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniels are natural hunting dogs. They are fast runners and incredibly agile. Brittany’s are on the small side of medium in size, but they are filled with energy and do require a lot of exercise for good health. An occasional walk around the block just isn’t enough for them. Partnering up with them for a daily run is one of the best things that you could do for a Brittany. They are light, very leggy and running just comes naturally. Their stamina will hold out for a couple of miles easily, and maybe more. Brittany Spaniels are smart dogs that learn quickly, so taking them out on a long leash won’t be a problem. In fact, it will be a necessity because like all good hunters, a small animal on the path could be a distraction that is just too hard to resist.

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Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are beautiful dogs who love to run. When it comes to stamina and endurance, there are few that can keep up with this amazing dog that is the top pick for pulling a sled across the frozen tundra. Huskies are strong and heavily muscled dogs who possess a great deal of power. They require daily exercise and just a casual walk around the block may help, but it’s really not enough. To keep them in their best physical condition, Huskies need to be taken on a good long run several times a week if not daily. The are not afraid of a physical challenge and you’ll discover that your dog will love your daily runs so much that he’ll remind you when it’s time to go. When the snow flies and the roads and trails are icy, you may think about discontinuing your daily runs, but these are the conditions that Huskies thrive in, so don’t be surprised if he begs you to go out for a polar bear run.

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English Setter

English Setters are more apt to become agitated or destructive if they don’t get their required amount of exercise. This dog is a runner and is a breed that requires more than a walk around the block. It is recommended that setters run between four and six miles a day. They are energetic dogs who have a lot of energy to expend and they love to be outdoors. These dogs are typically seen running the fields ahead of hunters. They were bred to run and to remain task oriented. If you enjoy running for several miles a day, then you may want to consider an English Setter as a running partner.

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Standard Poodle

We’re not talking about the toy or miniature lap breeds here. Standard Poodles are large dogs who may look like they’re prissy pillow sitters, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is an energetic breed with a high intelligence level and an obedient spirit. They were originally bred to be water retrievers. They have a natural instinct for engaging in physical activities. Poodles are a good choice if you like to go on longer slower paced runs Their long legs make it easy for them to keep pace with you. This dog isn’t a long distance runner, but when kept to a few miles, they perform remarkably well and offer good company while you’re getting your exercise.

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Belgian Shepherd

Belgian Shepherds are an elegant dog with a somewhat regal stature and a smooth gate. This graceful dog is like watching art in motion. One of the greatest benefits of having him for a running partner is that he’ll look so good that he’ll make you look good too. The breed is strong and features a lean musculature. this is perfect for pace running. Belgian Shepherds were bred to be work dogs and they do have a strong work ethic embedded in their DNA from the years that they were used as ambulance dogs, message carriers, herders and during World War I, as machine gun pullers. This dog isn’t a sprinter, although he can do this if needed. He’s best suited for longer, slower runs.

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Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are smaller dogs but they carry with them a large store of energy. This dog has the ability to run for long periods of time without consequence. They are adventurous dogs who enjoy getting out and seeing the sights and hearing the sounds. Of course, you’ll need a leash to help keep him focused at first, but once he gets the gist that the two of you are out to run, not to explore, he’ll make an amazing running partner that is highly likely to keep up with you, despite the fact that his legs are shorter.

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Alaskan Malamute

Similar to the endurance and strength of a Husky, the Alaskan Malamute is a dog who is perfectly suited to long runs. He’s an endurance runner bred for pulling sleds and heavy loads for long periods of time. He has the stamina to stick with you for every step of th run when you’re going out for a several mile jog. This breed requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Malamutes are intelligent dogs that are easily leash trained, making them an amazing choice for a running partner. We’re warning you that once you start running with him, don’t plan on skipping too many days because he’s going to remind you when it’s time to go.

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Airedale Terrier

Airdale Terriers are dogs that are suitable for runs of tn miles or less. They are natural runners who love to be outside and getting their exercise. Airedales are energetic with plenty of stamina but they are also smaller dogs, so keeping the runs on the short side are probably a good idea. In addition, slower paced runs are better than sprints because his short little legs may not be up to a long grueling challenge.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are the dogs with the beautiful white coats and black markings. They are also fast runners who have been known to catch up to and pass a running horse. It’s clear that they are fast runners who could probably outrun you, but they are also energetic and willing to go. These distance runners have a great deal of stamina and endurance, so if you enjoy long distance jogs, then a Dalmatian may be a good choice for you. This breed is also among the more protective canines which makes your jog a bit safer than going it alone.

Vizsla

Vizslas are known as the super athletes of the canine world. this breed of dog has an amazing amount of energy and they are capable of achieving his speeds when running in the open. They are great at jumping and navigating through obstacles. This makes them wonderful running partners if you enjoy trail running over rocky or uneven terrain. There is another trait that makes the Vizsla one of the better choices for a running partner. They are so highly trainable and obedient that you can actually teach them to stay at the right distance by your side without the use of a leash. How amazing is that?

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are a breed that has been used for decades to perform police work, as service dogs and for guard dogs. They are multi-talented, smart and learn quickly. This dog is a natural born runner who does best when he has something physical to do. He will make an excellent running companion because he is strong, is built for stamina and endurance and and he’ll easily be able to keep up with you whatever the pace that you set. Whether you’re out on the trail or running through neighborhood streets, a German Shepherd is an excellent running partner who will protect you from harm. When you make a German Shepherd your running partner, his gratitude shows and it will help you to form an even stronger bond with him because he will have an outlet for doing something that comes naturally.

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd breed is one of the most amazing on the planet. It is a distinguished breed that has so many different talents and abilities that it is mind boggling. They are natural herd dogs and their bodies are perfectly built to carry out this task. Of course, this is something that they love to do and it does require a fair amount of running in addition to using other physical strategies to redirect the herd. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs who have a strong work ethic. They equate running beside you as work, so you’re actually doing them a big favor by taking them out on a run with you. If you’re a trail runner and the going gets tough, this dog will truly be in his element. Aussies are sure footed and they don’t mind navigating over rocky or rough terrain. He’ll also make the run a lot safer for you. This dog will protect you from all threats of harm while you’re out and about. In addition to being a great choice for running partner, Australian shepherds are good family dogs as well as being good companions.

Border Collie

Border collies are a lot like Australian Shepherds in their temperaments. They are considered to be one of the smartest of all the different herding breeds of dog. Border Collies are agile and born runners. They are the type of dog who truly needs to have a job to do. It is because of their strong work ethic that they thrive under working conditions. If you take this dog out on a daily run and make sure that he gets a good workout, he’ll be happier because he is satisfying a need to perform physically, which is a part of who he is.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed that is a known extreme athlete. This dog was first bred in Africa for the purpose of hunting lions. This alone tells us that it’s an agile dog that can run very fast when he needs to. They are agile athletes with a short hair coat that helps them to do well running under hot conditions. They have a good supply of energy and high endurance levels. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also very good with people. They do make good family pets.