A roundup of good running dogs for sporty pet-parents 🏃
When thinking about which dog to get, it’s important to consider all aspects of your lifestyle to make sure your new pup fits in seamlessly!
If you’re an active person who enjoys exercising regularly, then you might want to consider dogs that are good to run with.
Whether you’re a solo runner or part of the local running club, a four-legged running companion can help encourage you to keep up with daily training.
While not all dogs are suited to this type of exercise, there are certain breeds that make perfect jogging partners.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best dogs for runners:
- Weimaraner
- Vizsla
- Border Collie
- Greyhound
- Dalmatian
- German Shepherd
- Labrador
- Beagle
- Rhodesian Rideback
- Jack Russel Terrier
1. Weimaraner
Bred for all-purpose hunting, Weimaraners are able to stay active for hours, so they’re suited to owners who have a similar stamina.
These striking dogs move gracefully and are versatile runners, able to adapt to long runs, short sprints and off-road runs in the countryside.
An ideal long-distance runner, a Weimaraner can run for miles at a time and has even been known to accompany their owners on marathons!
While this breed can be reserved when it comes to strangers, they make great companion dogs and are well suited to running by their owner's side.
- Life expectancy: 12 - 13 years
- Size: 25 - 41 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Long distance running, sprinting, trail running
2. Vizsla
If you’ve owned a Vizsla before, you’ll already know how well this breed responds to training. Because of this, they are one of the best dogs for running training.
Vislas are muscular dogs, with a strong core and long forearms that help them run wild and cover long distances with minimal effort.
Ideally suited to running in warmer temperatures, a Vizsla's coat lacks the insulating undercoat required to help them conserve heat.
So, when running with a Vizsla during winter, you must monitor their energy levels and look out for signs of cold or discomfort.
- Life expectancy: 13 - 14 years
- Size: 20 - 30 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: High intensity runs, warm weather running, long distance runs
3. Border Collie
A beautiful Border Collie is the ideal running dog for physically fit, agile runners.
Everyone knows that Collies are highly intelligent dogs, but they also love to work as a team, which is what makes them great running partners!
If you stay committed to training, these dogs can quickly learn to become loyal running companions, and will stick by your side faithfully during workouts.
While Border Collies are one of the best running dogs out there, it’s important for them to meet their exercise needs.
They are not well suited to restricted spaces, and as well as benefitting from exercise, require lots of mental stimulation too.
- Life expectancy: 10 years +
- Size: 12 - 20 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Long distance running, warm weather running, trail runs
4. Greyhound
Greyhounds have lots of physical characteristics that are actually designed to promote speed - known to be able to run record speeds of 45 miles per hour.
Their narrow, athletic build and long limbs enable them to take large strides and run quickly in short spurts.
These dogs are better suited to owners who prefer short-distance running, though their endurance can be slowly built over time.
However, as long-distance running is not the style of running naturally suited to Greyhounds, you must take careful care with conditioning to avoid injury.
Known for being independent dogs that are happy to chill out at home undisturbed, they won’t say no to a quick run around the block.
- Life expectancy: 11 - 12 years
- Size: 27 - 30 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 1 hour a day
- Running: Short distance runs, sprinting
5. Dalmatian
If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, a Dalmatian is a great choice for trail running.
Known to be one of the best dogs for running and hiking outdoors, if you put in the time and training, you’ll be able to enjoy off-lead runs with your spotty dog by your side!
While some dogs enjoy short sprints, Dalmatians tend to prefer a steady pace - which is ideal if you’re looking for a dog that will stick to a consistent speed to go the distance.
A Dalmatian is also a good dog to run with because they thrive off physical activity, and ensuring they get enough daily exercise can help prevent boredom and behavioural problems.
Just make sure you have all the necessary Dalmatian accessories required for running before you head off!
💡 Fun Fact: Dalmatians were trained to run next to horse-drawn carriages and fire engines that travelled long distances.
- Life expectancy: 10 years +
- Size: 18 - 27 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Long distance runs, trail running, hiking
6. German Shepherd
Originally a shepherd dog, this breed of dogs is now used for lots of important service roles. As well as making good guide and guard dogs, they are commonly found working in the police and armed forces.
These dogs suit active owners and respond well to an outdoor lifestyle where they can enjoy lots of exercise.
Remember that these dogs have a herding nature at heart, and enjoy running long distances through fields.
Like all of the best running dogs, they have long forelegs and strong hindquarters, so they won’t find it difficult to keep pace!
- Life expectancy: 10 years +
- Size: 22 - 40 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Short distance running, sprinting
7. Labrador
Since the cute Andrex puppy rocketed this breed of dogs to fame, this affectionate family dog is also a huge lover of sports like running and swimming.
Often used as a gun-dog and tracker, Labradors respond well to training and are eager to please their owners.
You won’t find it difficult to take a Labrador for on-lead runs with a quality dog lead. They enjoy human companionship and are likely to stay close by your side.
Labradors benefit from long walks, and they have a lot of energy that can be channeled through running.
The distance your Labrador will be able to run will be largely determined by their endurance, so you must put time into careful conditioning.
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
- Size: 25 - 37 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Jogging, long distance running and on -lead runs
8. Beagle
If you’re looking for small running dogs to train with, there’s no better than a loving beagle!
Lots of first time dog owners don’t realise that despite being small, beagles are high-energy dogs that require plenty of daily exercise.
As a scent hound, Beagles have a strong instinct for following a trail. Although they can run quickly, they are better suited to joggers who enjoy running short distances.
Beagles don't like being left to their own devices for long periods, which is why they are great running dogs to accompany you on daily jogs.
So if you’re looking for a brisk running companion, a beagle might just be your new best friend!
- Life expectancy: 13 years
- Size: 9 - 11 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 1 hour a day
- Running: Jogging, short distance running, brisk walking
9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
We couldn’t list the best dogs for running without mentioning Ridgebacks.
Native to Zimbabwe, these dogs were once used to hunt lions in packs, but despite their strength and stature they are extremely well-natured and gentle dogs.
Ridgebacks thrive on off-lead exercise, and if trained correctly, are well suited to running long distances with their owners. So much so that these dogs are known to be able to run up to 8 miles a day without difficulty.
💡 Top Tip: Before letting your Ridgeback join you for runs off the lead, make sure they have mastered dog recall training.
- Life expectancy: 10 - 12 years
- Size: 29 - 41 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 2 hours a day
- Running: Long distance running, warm weather running, off-lead runs
10. Jack Russel Terrier
Another wonderful small running dog breed is the Russel Terrier, known to be able to run up to 5 miles a day.
Jack Russels have high-energy and are naturally athletic dogs, which means they make great running dogs for owners looking for a smaller sized breed.
This type of terrier is able to maintain focus, which means they can hone in on running and jog by their owners side without getting easily sidetracked.
💡 Fun Fact: Don’t let their small size fool you, these pups can run as fast as 30 miles per hour in short bursts.
- Life expectancy: 13 - 14 years
- Size: 4 - 7 kg
- Energy level: Active
- Exercise requirements: Minimum of 1 hour a day
- Running: short distance running, long distance running, trail runs
Tips to help you run with your dog responsibly:
Jogging is a great way to build and maintain your dog's fitness, while also providing an amazing opportunity for human-canine bonding.
However, before you take your dog out, there are some important factors you need to consider first:
- Your dog's age: Puppies aren't suitable running partners because their bones are still growing and developing. Always be sure to wait until your puppy becomes a dog, around 1.5 - 2 years old.
- Hot temperatures: Because dogs aren't able to regulate their temperatures as well as us, you must avoid heading out in high temperatures. If it's too hot to walk a dog, it's definitely too hot to run!
- Hydration: When running with dogs, it's important to carry water with you at all times. As well as this, it's a good idea to know how to keep a dog cool and protect them from overheating.
- Know their limits: Just like humans, dogs need to build their strength and stamina over time. It's vital to do plenty of research and understand how to go about starting to run with a dog.
🐕
There you have it! A roundup of the most pawsome running partners a pet-parent could ask for.
Happy running!
