The Best Dog Breeds For Running
If you are a fan of running and exercising outdoors, surely you have a pet that accompanies you on each of your walks. But have you ever wondered what are the best dog breeds to accompany you to practice this sport?
For example, if you like to practice trail running, it is best to do it with a Golden Retriever, Poodle, Border Collie, Spanish Breton or Labrador Retriever. These breeds like to run on these types of surfaces with their owners or with small groups, since they are very sociable dogs.
In case you like to practice long distance races, more than 15 kilometers, breeds such as Jack Russel Terrier, German Pointer, Doberman or Vizla respond very well.
To keep in mind …
If you are going for a run with your dog, the weather is also a factor to take into account. Many animals can suffer from heat stroke or do not perform well in cold climates. If you live in cities that regularly have high temperatures, it is best to go for a run with a dog that has short hair, this makes them more resistant to high temperatures.
In that sense, breeds such as Rhodesian Ridgeback, Fox Terrier, Airedale Terrier or Vizsla, can run without problems. On the other hand, if you live in cities with cold temperatures, try breeds such as Alaskan malamute, German Shepherd, Siberian Husky or Great Swiss Mountain Dog.
In case you like to run on trails that may present some obstacles, it is recommended that for these adventures a Belgian Shepherd, Weimaraner, German Pointer, Vizsla or Border Collie accompany you .
If you plan to go out with your dog for a run, do not forget that your little friend must be the right age to practice this activity. In medium or large dogs it is advisable that they practice sports once they have reached 1 year of life, in case they are small breed dogs it is recommended that they start from 8 months.
Herding or hunting dogs are the best allies for running. Also those races that are somewhat restless and have a lot of energy.
Some races
German Pointer – These dogs resemble runners in that they have a streamlined body and perhaps even the same body fat percentage as an elite marathon runner. If you are looking for a consistent running partner that will make you sweat, this is the breed for you. They are indifferent to the heat and endure several kilometers of running.
German Shepherd: raised to be a shepherd, they are great athletes. They have strong legs, good muscular build, can maintain a fast pace, and have great stamina to start. They are great companions for traveling long stretches.
Siberian Husky – Hundreds of husky dogs travel great distances each year in a sled race through the roughest terrain in Alaska. Therefore, this breed of dog can surely accompany you on one of your walks without major inconveniences.
Obviously, this breed of dog handles much better in cold climates. However, they can also acclimate to temperate places.
Australian Shepherd: they are very agile dogs and can run without much effort. They will surely demand two to three hours of exercise per day and will take you out for a run even if they observe that you are already dragging your heels.
The other great advantage of these dogs is that they have very good character, are super dedicated to their owners and are among the easiest breeds to train. Also, they are very smart.
Golden Retriever: it is one of the most obedient breeds. He loves to please and is willing to follow you and go after anything he can find. Their powerful legs allow them to keep up and have great endurance during long runs.
Rhodesian Ridgeback – This breed of dog is native to South Africa. There they were bred to hunt lions by chasing and cornering beasts until hunters could shoot them. His stride is efficient and long. They are very elegant short-haired dogs. Their fur allows them to handle heat better than most breeds.
Dobermans: they are very athletic and obedient dogs. They can withstand high temperatures, thanks to the short hair of their fur, and reach distances of up to 15 kilometers.
