Adopt-a-Pet.com Blog 10 Best Dogs for Running

Andrey Pavlov / Stocksy
If you’re looking for a dog who can double as a household companion and running buddy, it’s important to consider the dog’s athletic ability carefully. While most dogs love to run and play, many dogs aren’t bred to run long distances. Of course, plenty are up to the challenge, and we rounded up 10 breeds who are used to covering many miles in a day, thanks to the jobs they were originally bred for.

What makes a good running dog?

Dogs who are ideal running companions should have high endurance levels; breeds that were once working dogs, specifically sled dogs, herding dogs, or hunting dogs are ideal because they were bred to travel long distances for long periods of time. These dogs are usually medium or large sizes with long legs and are high-energy, or dogs who are happiest when they’re moving.

A couple of important things to note: A running companion should be at least one and a half years old — puppies should never be jogging companions because their bones are still developing, and they can become easily injured, which could hinder their development. It’s also important to realize that many breeds great for running can also become destructive if they don’t get enough exercise, so even if you’re skipping a run, your pooch will still need an hour or so of exercise.

10 Best Dogs for Running

Ivan Gener / Stocksy

Weimaraner

With their long legs and S-shaped bodies, Weimaraners are beautiful gray hunting dogs designed for running. They might be more excited about your long runs than you are and end up as your running coach. These pups also aim to please; they’re loving, cuddly additions to families with other pets and young children. Kids should still be supervised around this breed, though, because they can weigh as much as 90 pounds and reach up to 27 inches at shoulder height. The Weimaraner’s coat just needs the occasional run-through, but if you take your pup running, their nails need to be diligently cared for.

Volodymyr / AdobeStock

German Shorthaired Pointer

You might recognize the German Shorthaired Pointer from classic paintings of hunting scenes, helping aristocrats locate their felled prey. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a former gundog with immense amounts of energy — they were bred for an active lifestyle and are happiest when running, playing, or even dock-diving. They have power and endurance, so don’t be surprised if they have a faster mile time than you. Thanks to their pack mentality, these short-haired pups are good around other dogs and young children. They weigh up to 70 pounds and can be as tall as 25 inches at the shoulder. German Shorthaired Pointers’ coats are relatively easy to care for; they shed sometimes and will need regular brushing.

Studio Firma / Stocksy

Vizsla

The Vizsla, a hunting dog originally from Hungary, loves stretching their legs with you on your jog around the neighborhood or on a trail. Physical activity isn’t enough for this dog, though — it’s important to mentally stimulate the Vizsla’s mind with games or activities to keep them happy, too. These pups make great companions for young children and other furry family members. In fact, these red short-coated pups prefer to spend all their time by their human’s side and can be clingy. Vizslas can be as much as 60 pounds and be as tall as 24 inches in height, and their coat, like many other dogs on this list, is easy to care for with an occasional brushing.

A itor Lamadrid Lopez / Shutterstock

Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd is known for their stunning, fluffy coats (which are high-maintenance), piercing blue eyes, and immeasurable energy. This pup, who can weigh as much as 65 pounds and stand as tall as 23 inches, was bred to be a herding dog (as their name implies). They are highly intelligent dogs who prefer to spend all of their time with their humans and flock (if they have one). Australian Shepherds need at least one hour of exercise per day but can require as much as two. They’re great running as well as hiking companions.

Photoboyko / AdobeStock

American Staffordshire Terrier

The American Staffordshire Terrier, nicknamed the “AmStaff,” might not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of a dog suited to running, but these pups are more than happy to accompany their humans on jogs. These affectionate terriers are agile yet graceful runners thanks to their muscular build. AmStaffs also have a lot of energy, so running is a great way to fulfill their exercise quota. They tend to overheat, though, so pet parents should avoid taking them running when it’s hot outside. AmStaffs can weigh up to 170 pounds and reach up to 19 inches at shoulder height. Their short coats are easy to maintain; they only need a brush once a week and a bath when they start to develop an odor.

Gillian Vann / Stocksy

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback might resemble a chocolate lab, but their main job in Africa used to be tracking lions. This breed is powerful, energetic, and requires daily exercise. Thanks to their lithe form (and the breed’s ability to follow lions around), this pup is a fun running buddy who can keep up with your pace. When not running, these pups are known for being sweethearts who are great with kids and are loving family companions. They weigh up to 85 pounds and can stand up to 27 inches at shoulder height, and their short coat just needs to be brushed once in a while to keep this pup healthy.

Oleksii Syrotkin / Stocksy

Siberian Husky

Thanks to Balto’s heroic sled run across the tundra to deliver life-saving medicine to Nome, Alaska, it’s probably unsurprising that Siberian Huskies are on this list. These Huskies were bred to run — and can probably run further than you can. Huskies are adaptable pups and can live in warmer climates, but like with any dog, they shouldn’t run in high temperatures because they can overheat. These dogs have boundless energy and an independent streak, so they aren’t great picks for first-time pet owners. Loving and affectionate, Huskies are beautiful additions to families with kids and other dogs — just make sure to socialize and train them early. These double-coated dogs shed regularly and have “blowing coats” that need to be groomed twice a year.

Boris Jovanovic / Stocksy

Jack Russell Terrier

Generally, small dogs usually do not make great running companions, but the Jack Russell Terrier is an exception to the rule. Only weighing 15 pounds and reaching up to 12 inches at shoulder height, the Jack Russell Terrier is a tiny but high-endurance dog; this breed can run up to five miles with their pet parents. These terriers were originally bred as fox hunters but now need to release their pent-up energy in other ways. Highly affectionate and great with other dogs, the Jack Russell Terrier is also happy to curl up with you on the couch at home. Their coat is short and relatively easy to maintain and should be brushed once a week.

Milles Studio / Stocksy

Mixed Breed Dog

Mixed breeds can make perfect running companions. Just ask someone at a shelter or rescue what the exercise level of a pup is and what breeds they might be (you can do a DNA test after adoption). Mixes of the breeds above are ideal, but you could also adopt a larger dog who would likely be able to run with you. Adopted pups can also be loving and devoted companions.

Liudmila Bohush / Shutterstock

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs are high-energy pups who make excellent running companions thanks to their muscular and sleek bodies. These dogs have a herding background and are used to having a job, so they easily become bored and thus destructive; working their energy out in a productive manner, like running or dog sports, is crucial. These medium-sized dogs can weigh up to 50 pounds and stand up to 20 inches tall at shoulder height. Australian Cattle Dogs’ double coats were designed to endure the outdoors, so they are relatively low-maintenance (aside from a weekly brushing) most of the year, though they will need their undercoat brushed out twice a year.

How do you train a dog to run with you?

Before your pooch hits the trail or pavement with you, make sure they can handle loose-leash walking. If your pup constantly pulls on their leash, they will do that when you run, which can be dangerous for both of you. Start walking with treats to train and encourage them to let up on a tight leash.

After they’ve mastered that, get your dog in shape. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training for it, so why would you do that to your pup? While on your regular walk with your pup, give them a verbal signal that you’re about to start jogging and then start. They’ll learn that when you say that command, you’re both going to run. If you’re a regular jogger, you also might want a command, like “Come on!” or “Faster!” to tell your dog to pick up the pace a bit.

Start by turning a minute or two of their usual walk into a run. After a week, switch a few more walking minutes into running minutes. Notice how your dog behaves — if they stop or start walking, that means they don’t want to continue. Also, be prepared with a bottle of water for your pup and be ready to take bathroom breaks when they need it.

What breeds aren’t suitable running partners?

Many dog breeds aren’t meant to go running with their owners. It’s smart to research your dog’s breed to make sure that they can run because otherwise, they could become injured, overheated, or overexerted. Breeds with flat faces are not suitable for running because they can become easily overworked and struggle to breathe. Small dogs also shouldn’t be running companions because their small legs will have trouble keeping up, and they generally were not bred for long-distance runs. Also, sprinters, like the Greyhound and Whippet, are not meant to run long distances, so joggers shouldn’t consider them if they’re looking for a pup to run with.

Best of Breed Information |