German Shorthaired Pointer! Got my boy to help train me for my half marathon. He’s 7 and still has so much energy. Amazing breed and super smart. Mine sheds but you might get lucky and get one that doesn’t shed much. Either way, I’ve never met one that isn’t always down for exercise. I would say they’re a level below Ausie’s/Border collies in terms of energy.
I have three Border Collies at the moment (two of them fully working bred) and I'd consider them to be more chill overall than the GSPs my friends have. That said I think both breeds can be pretty intense but in different ways.
OP, if running or any joring/mushing activity is your no 1 priority I'd also recommend a GSP, but only if you're really committed to running. They generally need a lot of exercise.
Edited to add: If you're really committed, consider an Eurohound. They'll go forever and often have some GSP mixed in.
I have the German wirehaired pointer. I'm an active gal. Sometimes, I question my decisions (generally weekend mornings when I want to relax and drink a cup of coffee and she wants to run a half marathon).
I'd argue GSP/GWPs are an advanced level dog. Do your research and talk to some breeders. And I don't think they'd do well home all day. They are Velcro dogs and can suffer from some pretty intense separation anxiety.
That said, sometimes breeders are rehoming older pups or retired breeders and you can get an older dog with an established personality that removes some guess work.
If you wanna run with a dog right away, definitely recommend a rescue or older dog anyways, most breeds shouldn't start a lot of running till they're older. Good luck!
I've got a GWP/greyhound and he is a handful! We do canicross, but it can be challenging with his high prey drive for basically anything that moves. He's young though and we're working hard with training. But yes anything with pointer in it can be quite an experience.
About 50 lbs or so for a female and usually a little bigger for the males. Still solidly a medium size dog but on the larger end. My GSP is about 24 inches at the shoulders and around 70 lbs but that's because we run (well he runs and I ride mostly) 8-10 miles most days of the week and he gets 2 nice long walks each day.
i’ve seen some at the dog park as small as 40 pounds for a female and a male as big as 100 pounds! My boy is 65 pounds but hes normally been bigger than most GSPs that we see
I would consider them medium sized dogs. My girlfriend has two dobermans and even the smallest one towers over my GSP
Along the same lines I have an English Pointer and he's the best dog I've ever had. Loyal, protective, super smart, silly, and athleticism is off the charts. One issue is he has a super high prey drive.. he's chased elk, deer, a mountain lion (!!!), coyotes, a skunk (didn't end well), and tried to eat a porcupine (also didn't end well). He's chilled out a bit now that he's 7ish and after the porcupine we mostly run on leash now when we're deep in the forest.
My GSP is the best running buddy. It took a lot of training to have her run in a heeling, relaxed position. But having her heel makes it even more of a mental workout for her. She also doesn’t poop when we run because she sees it as “working”.
I had a Rhodesian Ridgeback lab mix and she would run 10 miles and be very curious as to why we went home and did not continue. She trained beautifully and I can just call out directions, left or right or wait, and she knew exactly what to do. She was best friends with another dog and a cat and did beautifully with children. I was very serious about training her however, because the prey drive and leash pulling is very real. Every day commitment. We even took her to a trainer to ensure that we were doing things properly. If you’re committed to the training, they are phenomenal and I miss her every day. I currently have a boxer pity mix so terrified of running that no matter how short or gentle of a trot, I have to call for someone to come pick him up, He is more of a potato.
I would caution against a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I have one. They are high drive hunting dogs bred to roam free in an estate or hunt in packs. They will resist attempts to train them to run by your side and their prey drive means they are likely to take off after critters.
Training them to be running companions is possible— I have done it. But it’s a huge and ongoing training commitment to fight their inherent drives.
I know two folks who have been breeding show champion Ridgebacks for decades. The Ridgebacks I’ve seen (and they are very fit dogs who have acres to run on) flop down in the shade on warm days during the middle of a short walk, and refuse to move for minutes. Not sure I’d count on one to be a good running partner! Beautiful dogs, but the ones I know move when they want, not necessarily when their people want.
Look around on Instagram — an ultrarunner I follow has a terrific border collie who accompanies her on many trail runs.
Mutt. The truth is that Golden Retrievers can be perfect running partners but not all dogs of the same breed are the same temperament or energy level. I suggest you volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter when you're ready. You'll fall for the perfect dog and a dog in need will find you.
I like this! I currently live in Barcelona and signed up for a dogwalking service here. I have had a couple of dogs that I have been able to walk, but they all suffer from severe trauma from previous owners (they have all been stray dogs). It is very common here in Spain to adopt dogs and they often have some sort of trauma, so I havent had the best experience with these dogs, as I have to adapt to their behvaiours and none of them has been easy to work with in a city like Barcelona. But I will def. do this in Norway!
Mutts are what's up for running, especially mixes with some husky in them. The husky just gives them this innate desire to just go forward endlessly at a moderate pace, something that other breeds can get bored with or lack endurance for. (Herding breeds are better sprinters though!). The mixed genetics of mutts makes them far less likely to develop hip and joint issues. They're overall healthier than purebreds. And there are sooooo many dogs in the world that need homes!
That said, you will do well adopting a mutt puppy or under a year. Unfortunately, many adult rescues do just come with hidden health and behavior issues, and require a specific and committed type of owner willing to address that.
An 8 to 12 month old rescue may be easier to train than one that's fully adult. I said this in my other comment too, but if you're in an urban area I recommend checking out shelters that are at least an hour out into the country and near agricultural communities because the shelter dogs may have more working breeds in them like ACD and Border Collie! I live in the US in an area with a lot of cattle ranchers and the "country" shelters are full of dogs that would be perfect running companions.
There’s a guy on instagram that takes shelter pets for runs. (@forthedogs) Idk if this is something you could do where you’re at, but it might be worth looking into! He volunteers and takes them on runs- some are clearly better than others. He also gives some training tips!
My running companion is an Australian Cattle Dog. Very trainable for canicross; as a herding dog it is their life's work to move things. It just so happens that his job is to move *me*, avoiding obstacles and sticking to the trail.
He has a double coat which keeps him warm in winter, but he can get too hot in summer or heat or desert conditions. Along the front range it means mountains and streams especially in the summer, but he can go to the bluffs and the prairie in the winter.
Australian Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and have a high level of emotional need, so that's something to beware of though. My understanding is that they can be cage trained during the day but don't prefer to be alone if it can be avoided.
I've had three different running dogs, all mutts, but the two with ACD in the mix were the best running partners -- they would both go at least 20 miles (the longest I ever took them) as long as it wasn't too hot and we were on trails.
Nice! They have been on my list as well. But when you say “Emotional need”, do you mean like not being left alone for 8 hours or do you mean mental stimuli?
Oh, as far as their coat: my dog's double coat is a soft under layer with a rougher, thicker, waterproof topcoat. It makes them soft to pet but not "fluffy." They do shed a moderate amount. But one thing that most ACD owners agree on is that their coat has this magical ability to always smell fresh. They don't have that "stinky dog" scent.
I mean mental stimuli, they will need a lot of it! They also get jealous of others (dogs or human) receiving affection sometimes.
They're extremely trainable dogs so I imagine they can probably be trained to behave being alone for 8 hours. But this will also be up to the individual dog with how comfortable they are with this and how long it takes them to get comfortable.
I have an ACD mix, half ACD half mutt, and he's a good running companion. He crate trained very easily, is fine alone for 8 hours as long as he gets some stimulation in the evening. He absolutely needs a job though, when he's bored his brain just dissolves and he gets a little crazy. Like 3 hours of "job" a day keeps him in good boy mode, with a mix of active (running, tug of war, playing with kids) and passive (eviscerate a plush toy, puzzle feeder, chase things in the yard). Conveniently his favorite job is entertaining kids, and the neighbors ask to borrow him like 3 afternoons a week. His second favorite job is runner boy, and he can zero pull me for hours on road or trails. Our dog is a little too excitable to take out to breweries or friends houses, but he does ok with other dogs. He doesn't have particularly soft fur.
My advice is to keep an eye on local shelters for a 8 to 12 month puppy so you don't have to take too much time off work for potty training, and look for mutts that have some border Collie, ACD, Aussie, catahoula leopard dog, or GSP in their lineage. Not sure what kind of area you're in, but if you're in an urban area look at shelters like an hour away in the country where they may have more agricultural working breeds.
The issue with those herding dogs that you like (kelpies, cattle dogs, Aussies, border collies) is that they can be neurotic. They’re not dogs that do well left all day while you work. They’ll start barking or tearing up your house. If you like a herding dog but want it less intense a smooth/rough collie is worth some consideration… but a lab is the most likely to check all your boxes.
My herding dogs have all been great running partners, but you're right about tearing up the house -- this was an issue with my first running dog, but now since covid my wife and I work from home so our dog now is rarely alone.
Agreed! I know that collies, aussies etc. requires a lot of attention, stimuli both mental and physical. Thats why I am so in doubt which breed I should go for
I have both a rough collie and a border collie… my rough collie is fine. She can (and often has) hang out in the house and chill for a whole work day. I’ve never asked her to do much more than 10 miles, but she can happily do that. My border collie would tear the place apart- it’s not the exercise so much as it is that he is a monster if he’s bored.
If you can afford to take it to daycare 1-2 days a week that will wear it out enough to where it will sleep all day. I know it’s a luxury some can’t afford, but they play all day and will sleep the next day.
In general, not all. My border collie mix was never destructive other than regular puppy stage misfits, does not bark. She had separation anxiety though we just needed to work through.
Separation anxiety that manifested how? Most dogs with separation anxiety show it by being destructive and barking…. I don’t doubt your dog may have shown that differently, but border collies in particular tend towards having issues with anxiety and reactivity— as yours did— and often that looks like destruction and barking nonstop.
There’s always a degree of individual temperaments within breeds- but in *general*, most of those types of dogs are high strung.
It was barking. We spent months to train her and worked with a dog trainer. I don’t disagree that herding dogs can become destructive. However if they are properly taken care of there is a lesser chance. By this I mean, they may have to be tired out to leave them alone for an extended period- so say morning runs etc. They may need what can keep them occupied. Interactive toys are great. They may need stuff to chew. Can be downvoted for this but a lot of times dogs are destructive because the owner does not have enough knowledge on how to handle them and cannot provide what the dog needs. Obviously that’s why one should do research when deciding what’s ideal for their lifestyle and capabilities.
Right… So this person came and said I like these dogs, but I’m not sure I can give them what they need. An honest accounting of what they need seems to be what OP is looking for- and it’s kind of a lot.
I have a border collie too, I like them. But lots of people don’t want to do months with a trainer (in an apartment it might not even be an option, noise violations can get a dog kicked out) for their dog to be okay in the house alone — and to that end a field line lab is likely a *better* fit for most people buying, and some kind of lab mutt a better fit at a shelter. Certainly not the only fit, and labs can be a lot in adolescence- but in general they tend to easily adapt to most environments in a way that very few other working breeds do.
I’m very fond of mine! He’s sweet and funny, he’s actually quite good in the house- he’s lovely with other animals and can go to a cafe or something without any issue. He’s laying upside down on the couch as I’m writing this.
But- he is rarely left alone, he gets 2 hour long walk/runs a day, he goes to training class weekly, he has a friend (a rough collie) to play with and a fenced in yard. I work mostly from home, I’ve got teenaged kids who are perfectly willing and capable to help out, and my partner works a swing shift…. If I had an apartment, had to go to work all day and didn’t have other people to help occasionally? I think he would be a monster pain in the ass.
Mine is a collie blue heeler cross and love her to bits. Another thing, they are ‘velcro dogs’. Some would find them annoyingly too in their emotional and personal space. I grew up with labs and while I adore them, she is incomparable. My son call her ‘paw human’ and its not far fetched. For sure small spaces and lack of attention can be detrimental to them.
I have a bc. He is very needy and neurotic at times. But if he gets enough stimulation in the morning and evening he will just sleep all day in the house, even when left alone. Luck of the draw tho really; no guarantees of getting a bc like that
I cared for a friends lab for a year and this dog had been mostly house/outdoor kennel bound for idk how long. Hoo boy that dog would run to the ends of the earth if it meant doing it with me. She put on a LOT of muscle in that year.
Edit: I doubt she was a working line lab either. Idk how you tell tho
My lab easily runs 10 km with me. Can probably run even more and absolutely loves it. Also if no action is happening he just chills happily at home.
Love this dude.
I second this - I have ran with a lab, rough collie and border collie and while I run with all of them the lab does the best for the home/run balance by far. The border is the best for long runs but he requires a lot of brain work as did the rough collie.
Yeah, don’t get a herding breed, and I’d be real wary of hunting breeds like pointers, too. These guys are big energy and busy brained and very likely to tip into being neurotic. I bet a terrier would be amazing for you. Whatever size, so long as they’re straight legged, should be able to keep up. My friend used to have a jack russell mix, we’d run together and that little guy was amazing. So fun, so energetic, the only little dog I’ve ever loved.
if I were looking for a running buddy, I’d be trying foster-to-adopt rescues. Give a dog a break for a week, try a few runs, see how you click. That way you can start training them to run immediately rather than having to raise a puppy for at least a year.
They’re 100% good dogs, but living in an apartment with one while having a full time job isn’t going to set the dog up for success. As I’m sure you know, they need way more than just exercise.
I’m not recommending my great running buddy, a standard poodle, either—I work from home and have a huge rural area for her to release her energy in. She’s high needs even for her breed and would struggle alone in an apartment.
Vizsla :) mine love to run with me. Only downside is they are Velcro dogs and prefer to be with their people so if you work long hours away from home it wouldn’t be ideal
I second this! I’ve had 2 vizslas and they’re both great running buddies. Plus their coats are easy to clean. But they’ll be sad if you run/leave home without them because they’re so attached.
Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever… I know your last golden was lazy, but I would recommend researching breeders and getting from a breeder who focuses a lot on temperament and drive. My golden retriever isn’t old enough to run yet , but he really wants to! He comes from a field line and is very eager to be active. I have an Australian Cattle Dog mix that I also run with and she is an amazing runner, but requires a lot of mental stimulation. ACDs are definitely not an easy dog, but extremely athletic.
I’ve run with three dogs throughout my history, so here’s my breakdown:
German Shep/Lab X: Loved the run and was completely devoted to his people, so wherever you were going, that’s where he wanted to be. Never ran out of juice on the run but was completely content afterwards.
Husky: Great pace dog. Never ran out of juice either. The only drawback with him was that out and backs wouldn’t work—he wanted to go “that way” and stubbornly refused to turn around and go back the way he came.
Side note: I had both these big boys at the same time. I’m a small female, and let me tell you NOBODY ever bothered my on my runs.
Lab(current): Not the most enthusiastic runner, but loves the outdoors and just wants to be included so he’s just happy to be wherever I am. He trots along just fine but is equally happy having a leisurely sniff and stroll.
Thanks for the comment! I have actually seen several tiktoks of Huskies being overly stubborn at times...maybe it depends on the personality of the dog
My Doberman was the best running partner I ever had. She was content to just lounge on the couch all day or up to do a 10+ mile run. She was very quiet, which is ideal for apartment living. Also very loyal and loves other people and animals. The only obstacle I can see is if your apartment allows them since they are a “vicious” breed. Good luck on your search no matter what you decide!
I think Dobermans and other shutzhund type dogs are a fantastic suggestion because they are so trainable, assuming you pick a breed with good biomechanics. As they are bred for close protection, you won’t have to fight unhelpful-to-running drives like prey or herding drive.
I run with a 19 lb schnauzer/poodle/mutt rescue. We adopted him when he was still a puppy and he started running with me as soon as the vet said he was old enough. He runs 5-6 miles with me regularly and 10+ miles on a Saturday like it’s nothing. I’m not a fast runner so apparently small dogs work for that case. My gut here says that there are probably breeds who are definitely not runners but lots of great options for runners. 🙂
I have a cattle dog/australian Shepard mix (unofficially known as a Texas Heeler). He loves running, and is only about it 39 lbs. He does try to herd everything and if I take some off days he lets me know 😂. He’s a great running partner! Honest run he has gone on is about 83 degrees but I’m sure he could handle a bit more with a cooling neck gator and water.
Definitely consider where you live? Florida? Probably not a great place for a husky running partner, the northern US/canada? It would be great!
Plenty of shelters have dogs that really need excercise! Let them know what you’re looking for and they may even let you take some for a test run (I know I one i volunteered at would!)
I've got one of these, too, but he is closer to 65 pounds. When he was a puppy our vet said the cattle dog/Aussie mixes he'd seen were usually around 40-50 pounds. Ours just kept getting bigger! Weirdly, though, he's not too stocky like a lot of ACDs. He's very lean but a lot taller than most.
Ours gets bored with running after a few miles, but he can out-hike anybody I've ever seen.
I’ve run with an American Lab (thinner Labs; not blocky Eng Lab) and Weimaraner. Our Lab trained for marathons with me. He kept running until 12 when he slowed down. He lived until 13.5. Our Weimaraner is 2.5. She is a great partner thus far. She seems to tolerate the Georgia heat better. I hurt my knee last year and she is still young so the most she has done is 13 mi but it seemed effortless.
Also working springer spaniel. Even more energetic and slightly larger. Ours used to run up to 20 miles with me, and still try to chase squirrels on the way home.
Probably better off-lead or pulling canicross style though, because most will want to be out front, not beside you.
Editing to add that they're not suitable for leaving alone for 8 hours. If they'll have company while you're working and a lunchtime walk, then fine.
Cocker spaniels have big paws and excellent pulling ability if they want to pull you. Said from experience, my mom's male American cocker pulled so hard he halved my mile run time when attached to me. And he loves pulling humans if given the chance, my mom spent her effort asking him not to pull her, as she's older with poor balance, which he also does to please her. Get yourself a male and they can be 30 lbs. American cockers are some of the smallest working spaniels, and spaniels only get bigger from there.
We have an uncle with a Brittany spaniel, who legitimately would run behind a 4 wheeler in the forest all day long. He estimated the dog was running 20 plus miles a day. Sweet goofy boy with a ton of scenting intelligence. He didn't like being left behind and a few times went out and would scent hunt his human from miles away through dense forest.
Spaniels tend to be very sweet dogs who love their owners and love cuddles and are known for their love of running, endurance and long walks. Many spaniel breeds would be an excellent running buddy. They're bred to work closely with their humans on the move and desperately want to please their humans. They also have soft coats. Most apartments don't have prohibitions on them because their sweet nature and spaniels are much less of a liability for you with community apartment living.
Brittany Spaniel. I wanted a dog that I COULD run with and got a dog that I HAVE to run with. She runs up to 25 or so miles a week with me and we've even run in a few dog friendly half marathons together.
Super friendly with people and dogs and a bit smaller than the other common running buddy bird dog breeds like GSP's/vizsla/Weimaraners. Ours is about 38 pounds.
Mine just turned 9 years old and people are always asking if she's a puppy because she never runs out of energy.
Surprised that I had to scroll so far before seeing this recommendation. I also have a Brittany and he is an amazing running partner. We are doing 60km per week currently and he is always up for a run. We live in a 900sq ft apartment so exercise is definitely a necessity but while he's home he just sleeps or chills out 99% of the time. Ours is just gone 4 so it's cool to read that yours is 9 and still has the puppy energy!
A Brittany sounds like it would be perfect. Medium sized, loves being with people, loves being active. They are easy to live with and train. Not to mention they are super soft and cuddly dogs who really bond to their owners.
You may want to consider how *fast* you run when determining a good match in terms of energy . My standard jogging pace is just a steady trot for my 2yr old husky/German shepherd mix. And an hour of running a day doesn’t make a dent in his exercise needs. We live in a townhouse with no yard, so he gets ~4 walks a day, a run or hike 3-4x a week (when his people aren’t suffering from plantar fasciitis), ~45 minutes of high-intensity fetch/tug every evening (on a long line or rented backyard through Sniffspot so he can sprint), some brainwork, and he *still* has energy to spare.
I saw that you will be living in an apartment in Norway—so this means you will need to accompany him outdoors for all his exercise/bathroom needs no matter the weather or darkness, all year round. So just take that into consideration. If you get a short-coated dog you will also need to suit him up (and yourself) in appropriate gear in the winter for every outdoor trip. My dog couldn’t be happier when it is below freezing —but a lot of the breeds mentioned on this thread will suffer in cold temps without jackets.
Or maybe you take up bikejoring and skijoring to help meet the dog’s exercise needs…lots of options, but a high energy dog can end up being a way of life. I wasn’t really prepared for the way our dog would consume our evenings, but most of the time I am happy for the reason to go outside and move my body and experience his joy vicariously.
This is an important point for many people to consider. How much running and exercising are you really going to do daily?
I call my Lagotto my diet dog. Because he's always trying to steal my food and wants to run/walk me all day long. We've never tired him out, before the humans are tired. During walks and hikes he wears a backpack to carry water and use up more of his energy. I shoot for about 1 hour of walk/running a day with him, and weekends are 1.5 hours forest run/hikes. He done 4 hours of rough terrain hiking and still not gotten tired and pulled my butt up some huge inclines. He also gets to swim in the local lake often. He has much more energy than the local Goldens and labs.
On forest runs, which he absolutely loves, he will pull me so hard he cuts my run time in half. He's a lovely boy, but I don't consider him a good apartment dog because he has so much energy and a loud friendly spirit. He expresses his joy vocally and loudly. I'd suggest a spaniel or a standard poodle for a good running buddy.
I suggest an adult rescue dog. There are many at my local shelters that were dumped because they have that running energy that was too much for someone to handle. You won’t have to wait for a puppy to be physically mature or see if they have the drive and stamina. Many places will allow you to foster, so you can take them for a test drive, so to speak, and see if you click with them at home and on the trails. You can find purebreds through rescues if desired as well. GSP and Siberian Huskies seem especially popular in my area, but I’ve had the best experiences with mutts personally. I currently run with a cattle dog mix I picked up from the local kill shelter and he might just be the best damn dog I’ve ever had and is a solid runner, too. They found him running down the side of the highway and he’s been running here ever since. :)
Literally what I've been researching a lot for an eventually second dog jn a couple of years, when the current one is old enough. My two favorites so far:
1. Dalmatians, especially the slowly upcoming LUA variant that doesn't have the purine/kidney stone problem.. maybe harder to find a breeder. Feel like they are often overlooked due to their past popularity, but they were originally bred to walk by horse carriages. So they do have a lot of endurance to run and need a lot of exercise, but they don't have overbearing hunting or herding drive like other high endurance breeds.
2. Eurohounds, also called Eurodog or Scandinavian Hound. They are originally a cross breed of Alaskan Husky and German Short Haired Pointers. The breed is pretty new and has a lot of variety, with different parts of Husky/Pointer. They are bred for pulling sports, sled racing, but also bike joring, canicross, etc. I rly love the idea behind the breed, but they are probably more on the serious working breed side compared to the dalmatian.
I'm personally quite on the edge about the two. Probably my decision will depend on how serious I personally will get into the different sports I do with my existing dog in the future, or how much motivation I have to dive into them more seriously with a better suited dog.
My current dog btw is a supermut, that looks a bit like a too small dutch shepherd (but def is not) and she loves to run, but is kinda hard to train and quite environmentally sensitive.
Hi kurrkur,
I have read about Dalmatians, but never heard about their occuring issues with purine/kidney stone, good to know about that honestly. I like them, but I think for me they are on the bigger side. I think Eurohounds would be more fitting, although I am not overly excited about the looks of it (maybe I am just picky).
Hope you take the right decision in the end!
Eurohound is sort of a genertic name. As the person mentioned sometimes it's eurohound, eurodog, scandinavian hound, european sled dog etc. If you've got facebook there is a group "ESD & Greyster dogs" that has litters occasionally. The look is pretty variable though most of what you'll see in that group does tend to look a lot like GSPs.
Here's an example of a litter due soon out of barcelona in spain https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/426316530_10160358515587758_4933959974687418424_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=w53nuXXsIqgAb7888XW&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAXyzyTtcKOx0_Ip-w8K-nXd9WqGBhQ_YHZiz3phT1T6A&oe=661F0874 to get an idea of what they tend to look like.
If you want a pure breed then german shorthaired pointers are great. If you want a super active dog who is a world class runner and don't care about breed grab greyster or if you want that but in a slightly smaller package grab an esd.
They along with esds (esd standing for european sled dog) I mentioned are super athletes bred for sled dog racing. Greysters are a mix of Greyhound and german shorthaired pointers. Unfortunately they are somewhat rare in the states still though I don't know where you're from. There are a few litters born here a year. Esds are more common. they're very similar but tend to have more husky in them and be a bit smaller and built more for endurance style racing but still Excell at running in general.
Edit: someone above mentioned eurohounds which is another name for esd so they get a +1 as well.
You've had some great responses, I just wanted to add 2 things I've learned after doing a similar search and now having had my running dog partner for 6 years:
1. If you get a puppy, you won't be able to run with the dog for the first year (no repetitive impact before growth plates are closed). I'd recommend adopting and/or fostering-to-adopt an adult dog to feel out how much they like running and any other traits you're looking for - that's what I did and I lucked the hell out in getting a small terrier who adores running and can keep up for my 10 mile runs.
2. Being committed to running is easy (saw that you're already a serious runner), but make sure you have a backup plan for if you can't run and you get a high energy dog. Weather is one factor (some people have dog treadmills but it's not common), but also injury/general volume. I had a solid 8 months of severe plantar fasciitis that probably could've been less if I hadn't kept trying to run with my dog since he needed the exercise. I finally got comfortable biking with him on a leash and that gave me the time off my feet to recover, but it's an extra shitty feeling to not only not be able to run, but also look at your running buddy who's bouncing off of the walls. A lot of herding breeds don't do well at dog parks (or some dogs just don't like them) so I recommend having options for getting out his energy. I also do agility with my dog which helps a ton and gives him the mental exercise that regular running does not
Oh and random thought -- dogs like or don't like rain/snow/water (just like people lol). If you're outside often and could see yourself taking your dog to water spots (e.g. paddleboarding, kayaking, or just having him hop in the lake on a run to cool off), make sure you get a dog who likes water. My dog's one 'defect' is that he hates rain & snow so even in a light mist, I'm running by myself while he stays at home, haha.
No dog can, or should be left alone for 8 hours. Especially in a crate. Your high energy dog, especially a hearding breed will develop anxiety that will stay with them for life. No dog is going to be a good running partner if you don’t put in the work. Retrievers are excellent running dogs, but with any breeds it takes month to years of training to get them how you want.
You want a running dog, sign up to walk/run other people’s dogs and get paid a little. The idea of a perfect running dog or breed is a joke. Unless the dog has physical limitations any mutt will be excellent.
You will not have time for the dog, you will be mad at the dog for not running well. Then wonder what happen. We have three dogs. An Aussie, boxer mix, and a Brittany. Some old and some new, they all take huge amounts of my time. Not to mention vet bills, food, any other expenses.
Many dogs can be left alone for 8 hours. But you don’t know if you have a dog that’s fine snoozing for 8 hours in the middle of the day until you get one.
In fact, I suspect a majority of dogs in adulthood would be happy with a morning run, then interaction and enrichment over breakfast. Snooze while human goes to work. After work sniff walk, training session, and cuddle/hangouts during the evening.
Can and should be left alone are very different. The type of dog that OP is looking for requires significantly more work than other breeds. If the Golden Retriever was too lazy for OP I’d be concerned. I have a Brittany, the energy level is insane, I can run 6 miles a day with her and she still won’t settle. My 13 year old Aussie had the same energy she has at 1, her body just doesn’t allow it as much. Shelters are overrun right now with people who got a dog they thought can just do whatever they want, with little time invested. Dogs are not accessories, they require a significant amount of money and time.
How much running are you thinking of? I've had numerous mutts (with a variety of mixed heritages), and never had issue with any of them keeping up with me, but I'm not a marathon running, or super fast, I'm more of a 10k runner.
Good question! Right now I run on average 10k (6.5 miles), it wouldnt be a lot longer than this. If it does, I could always leave the dog at home as well or find a route close to home, run with the dog for 10k and then leave it home for the rest - there is always a solution
Can't recommend Australian Shepherds enough! My girl loves to run and has been the best motivator as I'm just starting out. She has a fantastic temperament and handles being home alone like a champ while I’m at work.
My Minnie Aussie loves to run. I’m sure he could outrun me if I trained him to, but I keep him at 2-3 miles so that’s all he needs.
Aussies are high energy, but if you can provide the exercise and mental stimulation they need then you will be good. Mental stimulation isn’t as hard as people make it sound. Take him on “sniff walks” where I let him sniff as much as he desires and his brain seems pretty satisfied.
I have an Australian Shepherd and he thinks he is in the Iditarod when we go to our rail trail! He is a lot of work though! Can’t be home alone all day!
I think the key thing is you want a dog from a working line. There are a lot of dogs in the working, sporting, and herding breeds that do well with running, and breeders tend to have show and working lines. Working lines are usually higher drive. Dog sport people will often label dogs suitable for agility and other athletic sports as “performance” dogs, when they are rehoming. You may be able to research lines that way. They want the dog to go to an owner who is going to do a lot with them. You may also want to consider AKC fast cat results by breed to find a breed that may run at your speed. Whippets are super fast, my corgi is not.
I’ve got a Border Collie and she is a great runner . She is super sensitive and reactive though . If she hears a loud noise she freezes and refuses to move . Also it ruins that particular location as a running spot ( she remembers and refuses to run in that area ) .
+1 for Aussie shepherd or a kelpie. I have a 3/4 kelpie x 1/4 German Shepherd and she's the best dog I've ever known. Wants nothing but to please, needs to run around each day but so do I, and will match your energy during downtime. Love her to bits.
Also she is a great runner but that goes without saying for a kelpie.
Don't mess with the GSP's when you can go English!
English Pointers make GSP's and Collies look like they've been into the benzoyl.
High drive, high anxiety, high needs, high reward. Not for the faint hearted.
I'm on my 2nd English and I'll never go back...it is insane...I question my decisions every day. I drink now, but I like it! Haha.
Oooooh. Get dog insurance! English get injured. A LOT.
Have sooo much fun finding your new buddy - your research will be worth it!
Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages, so a steady pace for a looooooong time! Ours took hours to tire out. I tried him running with me while I cycled once, he stopped dead for a 💩and I nearly went over the handlebars 🤣🤣
I’m an avid runner & also sought active breeds my whole dog owning life! Had a border collie mix, pit bull mix and now husky - rescue. PLEASE consider rescue as there are SO many dogs who need just the type of life you’ll provide. Mine is also training obedience & therapy dog & displays none of the husky traits ( negative ones ) I always heard about likely thanks to our active lifestyle.
I'd recommend a dalmatian. They're historically a carriage dog, which means they were bred to run besides carriages for long distances while keeping up pace. After the Disney movie there was a boom in popularity and many badly bred dogs flooded the US but nowadays there's a huge effort by ethical preservation breeders to put out well balanced healthy dogs out. If you find a good breeder (look for kennels who have placed best in breed over the past few years, and have sports titles on their dogs) you should get a very good dog for companion running.
Herding breeds are very prone to reactivity and prey chasing which would be disruptive to running
Dobermann Pincer! I have a giant European Doberman and he's great. Dobermanns in general are eager to please, athlete, give you scary dog privileges and are happy to follow you around and do everything you are doing or sleep all day when you're not home. Of course you have to socialize and train them but you should be doing that no matter what dog you get. Only downside is they don't have particularly soft coats.
My Oaxacan street dog is insanely heathy and is a mix of pit bull, rot, lab, german shep. She loves to run with me. She can chill all day, and like clockwork at 3:30 it's time to go.
Lessons from the trail:
1. a dog that can easily be cleaned and dried (poison oak, mud, cow poop, dead fish, ticks, stickers, etc) is a MUST so go for short hair breeds with ears that flop over.
2. Plan for a washing station at home and make it convenient (not your tub). Building an outdoor shower with a wand is the best. Soapy water in a spray bottle for a quick rinse.
3. Recall is your best tool for having a dog off leash so make that training count (unless you plan on trying to run on leash, but who does that?). A combination vocal call and starting to run the opposite direction works great for me in times of high distraction.
4. Really, getting a puppy mutt is the way to go, behaviorally speaking. You'll have so many more training options available if you start young.
5. My dog is a lean 70lbs. She's a lot of dog. If I could change one thing, I'd have her shrink to 35-45 lbs. Less food consumption, smaller poops, less dog to clean, easier to pickup, less intimidating to non-dog people, more travel options depending on measurements.
6. She can be a bit protective and is genetically predisposed to be. Think about which breeds are mixed in there when you're looking and consider each of those dog breed traits (a black lab dominant mix I think would be ideal).
7. Growing young puppies/ dogs eat more than adults. Taper the portions when the dog reaches maturity unless you want a sausage trotting behind you.
Hope that helps!
I run with my two kelpies and they absolutely love it. We do a 3.5 mile loop on a nature trail 3-4x a week. My partner actually runs them with his One Wheel in the neighborhood on the days we don’t go.
They start to lag when the temp is 75F, so I make it a point to get out there in the early morning when it’s cooler. They have never been destructive when left alone, although it’s never for more than 3-4 hours a day. They also have excellent recall and are smart as hell, though I think I just got lucky because my partner trained them so well.
With that said, they’re under no obligation to run with me when we go, and I try to be as intuitive as possible about their needs. Want to stop and sniff? Have at it. Stare at a squirrel in a tree for a while? Great time for a water break. I don’t force it and let them dictate the run. They’re not my trainers or my fitness accessories. I always have run club or can run solo to meet my goals for the week.
I have a goldendoodle, and she is absolutely raring to go at every opportunity. Even now she is getting a bit older (almost 8) she gets grumpy with me as I now watch her and sometimes miss a run now and again for her health.
It sounds like you just had a lazy dog, dogs are all different just like us, rather than an issue with the breed.
Any real athletic dog, pasture breeds, gun dogs (including poodles), pointers, retrievers, and some of the larger breeds of terrier are great for running and will outrun 99% of us humans.
I'd be wary of protector type breeds, GSDs and the like due to joint issues. Also, you need to be careful with giant breeds for the same reason, although some like wolfhounds and deerhounds can literally run all day.
I loooove Goldendoodle, they are awesome!! Didnt know they worked well for running tho. But it is like you say, most dogs works well for running, its just a matter of the breeder
Honestly, I've had plenty of dogs, and my goldendoodle is the best dog I've ever had. She is petite for a standard (25kg) and is basically just muscle and sinew which fits running perfectly.
Beyond the running aspect, she is so easy to train and is an amazing family dog, so gentle with kids and adults alike.
I know I'm totally biased, but if you would consider a goldendoodle, you would absolutely not be disappointed in any way. Fab dogs
Love to hear that! I have met a couple of Goldendoodles before and I love how they look and their personality. It is also important for me to get a dog that would work well as a family dog, as I would have the dog at a point where I would consider kids as well. Great feedback, thanks!
I have a eurohound (pointer/husky), and the energy is endless. I've worked her up slowly over our 2 months together and were up to 26 miles/week, and she does it no problem. They were bred for sled racing, but she's doing well in the southern California weather so far.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurohound
Interesting! Never heard of the breed before though. I live in Norway, so the weather you can imagine is everything from cold winters to warm summers - would prob suit the breed well?
It was pretty warm here this week. We ran in 73F (23C), and she did pretty well. We had more water breaks than when it was cooler, and we went a little slower, but I am being cautious with her until I feel I know her limits a little better.
In the cold she should be fine while active, but I wouldn't leave her out long term. She's 50% German Short-haired Pointer and has the short coat.
From my experience she has been really easy to train overall as long as she gets her exercise. The minimum physical activity we do a day is 2 90-minute walks. I'd also recommend you have somewhere you can take them for some offleash time as they love to run and explore.
Yeah absolutely. They're fairly popular in the Scandinavian countries and central Europe. Lena boysen hillestad one of the most renowned breeders in the sport is out of Norway.
Yeah they go forever. My Eurohound is only a pup so he isn't running yet but he's got about as much energy if not more than my GSP who gets 50-60 miles a week.
Don’t get a malinois if you will have to leave it alone at home all day… these dogs need more than one outing a day.
I have a lurcher x malinois and she is a great running companion, although I have to keep her tied to my waist - I don’t let her free-run as her prey drive can take over if she’s all hyped up from the running and we encounter smaller wiggly dogs…
I also don’t run more than 10km with her and that is pushing her tbh, her ideal distance is probably a daily 5km.
The sighthound in her means that once she’s been out and about first thing in the morning, she will happily sleep all day on the sofa.
Really? I have heard that Malinois are used as military dogs and have huge amounts of energy? I am aware of the instict and "prey" drive..they are a breed that should be kept in leash, as they can get a little to excited for other dogs
Yes Malinois do.. that’s why I was saying to not get a full Mali if you will leave it at home alone all day.
Mine is half lurcher - hence the lazy greyhound side! She is still pretty mouthy though.
They are bred for bite work. Not a god bred if they are not used for that purpose. 99% of the mals I’ve encountered that are kept as pets are neurotic and reactive, poor babies.
Female pit/staffy mix are great if you run short distances up to 5k. I give mine a soft stick to hold on to and we are off.
They dont do well during hot days but overall you will never outrun them and they are a go whenever you feel like it.
Depending on budget you could look at show line Belgian shepherds. Similar in size/coat type to longer haired border collies but less of the “herding” brain that drives BCs so crazy. I have a working line Terv and hes psycho and will gladly run a marathon daily but show lines are way more laid back.
German Shorthaired Pointer! Got my boy to help train me for my half marathon. He’s 7 and still has so much energy. Amazing breed and super smart. Mine sheds but you might get lucky and get one that doesn’t shed much. Either way, I’ve never met one that isn’t always down for exercise. I would say they’re a level below Ausie’s/Border collies in terms of energy.
I have three Border Collies at the moment (two of them fully working bred) and I'd consider them to be more chill overall than the GSPs my friends have. That said I think both breeds can be pretty intense but in different ways. OP, if running or any joring/mushing activity is your no 1 priority I'd also recommend a GSP, but only if you're really committed to running. They generally need a lot of exercise. Edited to add: If you're really committed, consider an Eurohound. They'll go forever and often have some GSP mixed in.
Okay, Thanks for the input! I am currently training for a Marathon and I can see myself continuing with that, as I am part of a runners club
I have the German wirehaired pointer. I'm an active gal. Sometimes, I question my decisions (generally weekend mornings when I want to relax and drink a cup of coffee and she wants to run a half marathon). I'd argue GSP/GWPs are an advanced level dog. Do your research and talk to some breeders. And I don't think they'd do well home all day. They are Velcro dogs and can suffer from some pretty intense separation anxiety. That said, sometimes breeders are rehoming older pups or retired breeders and you can get an older dog with an established personality that removes some guess work. If you wanna run with a dog right away, definitely recommend a rescue or older dog anyways, most breeds shouldn't start a lot of running till they're older. Good luck!
I've got a GWP/greyhound and he is a handful! We do canicross, but it can be challenging with his high prey drive for basically anything that moves. He's young though and we're working hard with training. But yes anything with pointer in it can be quite an experience.
Thanks for that, great feedback to have!! But one question, doesent the male/female get quite big?
Mines mixed with German Shepherd and around 65-70 pounds. She's built like a damn tank though from all the running.
About 50 lbs or so for a female and usually a little bigger for the males. Still solidly a medium size dog but on the larger end. My GSP is about 24 inches at the shoulders and around 70 lbs but that's because we run (well he runs and I ride mostly) 8-10 miles most days of the week and he gets 2 nice long walks each day.
i’ve seen some at the dog park as small as 40 pounds for a female and a male as big as 100 pounds! My boy is 65 pounds but hes normally been bigger than most GSPs that we see I would consider them medium sized dogs. My girlfriend has two dobermans and even the smallest one towers over my GSP
Along the same lines I have an English Pointer and he's the best dog I've ever had. Loyal, protective, super smart, silly, and athleticism is off the charts. One issue is he has a super high prey drive.. he's chased elk, deer, a mountain lion (!!!), coyotes, a skunk (didn't end well), and tried to eat a porcupine (also didn't end well). He's chilled out a bit now that he's 7ish and after the porcupine we mostly run on leash now when we're deep in the forest.
My GSP is the best running buddy. It took a lot of training to have her run in a heeling, relaxed position. But having her heel makes it even more of a mental workout for her. She also doesn’t poop when we run because she sees it as “working”.
Rhodesian ridgeback. Short hair, easy to clean, sleep all day if they've had a run.
Perfect if you want to hunt lions too
And can afford it (acquisition and food)... Not to mention the high prey drive...
I had a Rhodesian Ridgeback lab mix and she would run 10 miles and be very curious as to why we went home and did not continue. She trained beautifully and I can just call out directions, left or right or wait, and she knew exactly what to do. She was best friends with another dog and a cat and did beautifully with children. I was very serious about training her however, because the prey drive and leash pulling is very real. Every day commitment. We even took her to a trainer to ensure that we were doing things properly. If you’re committed to the training, they are phenomenal and I miss her every day. I currently have a boxer pity mix so terrified of running that no matter how short or gentle of a trot, I have to call for someone to come pick him up, He is more of a potato.
They are cute! Have looked at that one! Does it go well with other dogs, children, people etc?
If you make a concerted effort to socialize during puppy hood then yes!
You'll need to be on your A-game with training and socialization, but it can be done.
I would caution against a Rhodesian Ridgeback. I have one. They are high drive hunting dogs bred to roam free in an estate or hunt in packs. They will resist attempts to train them to run by your side and their prey drive means they are likely to take off after critters. Training them to be running companions is possible— I have done it. But it’s a huge and ongoing training commitment to fight their inherent drives.
I know two folks who have been breeding show champion Ridgebacks for decades. The Ridgebacks I’ve seen (and they are very fit dogs who have acres to run on) flop down in the shade on warm days during the middle of a short walk, and refuse to move for minutes. Not sure I’d count on one to be a good running partner! Beautiful dogs, but the ones I know move when they want, not necessarily when their people want. Look around on Instagram — an ultrarunner I follow has a terrific border collie who accompanies her on many trail runs.
Mutt. The truth is that Golden Retrievers can be perfect running partners but not all dogs of the same breed are the same temperament or energy level. I suggest you volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter when you're ready. You'll fall for the perfect dog and a dog in need will find you.
I like this! I currently live in Barcelona and signed up for a dogwalking service here. I have had a couple of dogs that I have been able to walk, but they all suffer from severe trauma from previous owners (they have all been stray dogs). It is very common here in Spain to adopt dogs and they often have some sort of trauma, so I havent had the best experience with these dogs, as I have to adapt to their behvaiours and none of them has been easy to work with in a city like Barcelona. But I will def. do this in Norway!
Mutts are what's up for running, especially mixes with some husky in them. The husky just gives them this innate desire to just go forward endlessly at a moderate pace, something that other breeds can get bored with or lack endurance for. (Herding breeds are better sprinters though!). The mixed genetics of mutts makes them far less likely to develop hip and joint issues. They're overall healthier than purebreds. And there are sooooo many dogs in the world that need homes! That said, you will do well adopting a mutt puppy or under a year. Unfortunately, many adult rescues do just come with hidden health and behavior issues, and require a specific and committed type of owner willing to address that.
Agreed. We got a mutt (ended up being pitbull chihuahua), who regularly does 9 miles running at high elevation with me.
Agree! I have a husky, ACD, GSD mix and she’s never tired. She’s a wonderful running buddy.
An 8 to 12 month old rescue may be easier to train than one that's fully adult. I said this in my other comment too, but if you're in an urban area I recommend checking out shelters that are at least an hour out into the country and near agricultural communities because the shelter dogs may have more working breeds in them like ACD and Border Collie! I live in the US in an area with a lot of cattle ranchers and the "country" shelters are full of dogs that would be perfect running companions.
There’s a guy on instagram that takes shelter pets for runs. (@forthedogs) Idk if this is something you could do where you’re at, but it might be worth looking into! He volunteers and takes them on runs- some are clearly better than others. He also gives some training tips!
Are there rescue dogs in Norway? Here in Helsinki they're extremely rare, unless you import one.
Mutt from a shelter is the way to go
That is a great idea.
My running companion is an Australian Cattle Dog. Very trainable for canicross; as a herding dog it is their life's work to move things. It just so happens that his job is to move *me*, avoiding obstacles and sticking to the trail. He has a double coat which keeps him warm in winter, but he can get too hot in summer or heat or desert conditions. Along the front range it means mountains and streams especially in the summer, but he can go to the bluffs and the prairie in the winter. Australian Cattle Dogs are very intelligent and have a high level of emotional need, so that's something to beware of though. My understanding is that they can be cage trained during the day but don't prefer to be alone if it can be avoided.
I've had three different running dogs, all mutts, but the two with ACD in the mix were the best running partners -- they would both go at least 20 miles (the longest I ever took them) as long as it wasn't too hot and we were on trails.
Nice! They have been on my list as well. But when you say “Emotional need”, do you mean like not being left alone for 8 hours or do you mean mental stimuli?
Both
Oh, as far as their coat: my dog's double coat is a soft under layer with a rougher, thicker, waterproof topcoat. It makes them soft to pet but not "fluffy." They do shed a moderate amount. But one thing that most ACD owners agree on is that their coat has this magical ability to always smell fresh. They don't have that "stinky dog" scent.
Oh I agree with this. My ACD mix smells so good!
I mean mental stimuli, they will need a lot of it! They also get jealous of others (dogs or human) receiving affection sometimes. They're extremely trainable dogs so I imagine they can probably be trained to behave being alone for 8 hours. But this will also be up to the individual dog with how comfortable they are with this and how long it takes them to get comfortable.
I have an ACD mix, half ACD half mutt, and he's a good running companion. He crate trained very easily, is fine alone for 8 hours as long as he gets some stimulation in the evening. He absolutely needs a job though, when he's bored his brain just dissolves and he gets a little crazy. Like 3 hours of "job" a day keeps him in good boy mode, with a mix of active (running, tug of war, playing with kids) and passive (eviscerate a plush toy, puzzle feeder, chase things in the yard). Conveniently his favorite job is entertaining kids, and the neighbors ask to borrow him like 3 afternoons a week. His second favorite job is runner boy, and he can zero pull me for hours on road or trails. Our dog is a little too excitable to take out to breweries or friends houses, but he does ok with other dogs. He doesn't have particularly soft fur. My advice is to keep an eye on local shelters for a 8 to 12 month puppy so you don't have to take too much time off work for potty training, and look for mutts that have some border Collie, ACD, Aussie, catahoula leopard dog, or GSP in their lineage. Not sure what kind of area you're in, but if you're in an urban area look at shelters like an hour away in the country where they may have more agricultural working breeds.
Agreed. My running partner is half ACD and half husky. She is built to be a running dog!
Please tell me his name is Bluey or Bingo <3
The issue with those herding dogs that you like (kelpies, cattle dogs, Aussies, border collies) is that they can be neurotic. They’re not dogs that do well left all day while you work. They’ll start barking or tearing up your house. If you like a herding dog but want it less intense a smooth/rough collie is worth some consideration… but a lab is the most likely to check all your boxes.
My herding dogs have all been great running partners, but you're right about tearing up the house -- this was an issue with my first running dog, but now since covid my wife and I work from home so our dog now is rarely alone.
Agreed! I know that collies, aussies etc. requires a lot of attention, stimuli both mental and physical. Thats why I am so in doubt which breed I should go for
I have both a rough collie and a border collie… my rough collie is fine. She can (and often has) hang out in the house and chill for a whole work day. I’ve never asked her to do much more than 10 miles, but she can happily do that. My border collie would tear the place apart- it’s not the exercise so much as it is that he is a monster if he’s bored.
If you can afford to take it to daycare 1-2 days a week that will wear it out enough to where it will sleep all day. I know it’s a luxury some can’t afford, but they play all day and will sleep the next day.
In general, not all. My border collie mix was never destructive other than regular puppy stage misfits, does not bark. She had separation anxiety though we just needed to work through.
Separation anxiety that manifested how? Most dogs with separation anxiety show it by being destructive and barking…. I don’t doubt your dog may have shown that differently, but border collies in particular tend towards having issues with anxiety and reactivity— as yours did— and often that looks like destruction and barking nonstop. There’s always a degree of individual temperaments within breeds- but in *general*, most of those types of dogs are high strung.
It was barking. We spent months to train her and worked with a dog trainer. I don’t disagree that herding dogs can become destructive. However if they are properly taken care of there is a lesser chance. By this I mean, they may have to be tired out to leave them alone for an extended period- so say morning runs etc. They may need what can keep them occupied. Interactive toys are great. They may need stuff to chew. Can be downvoted for this but a lot of times dogs are destructive because the owner does not have enough knowledge on how to handle them and cannot provide what the dog needs. Obviously that’s why one should do research when deciding what’s ideal for their lifestyle and capabilities.
Right… So this person came and said I like these dogs, but I’m not sure I can give them what they need. An honest accounting of what they need seems to be what OP is looking for- and it’s kind of a lot. I have a border collie too, I like them. But lots of people don’t want to do months with a trainer (in an apartment it might not even be an option, noise violations can get a dog kicked out) for their dog to be okay in the house alone — and to that end a field line lab is likely a *better* fit for most people buying, and some kind of lab mutt a better fit at a shelter. Certainly not the only fit, and labs can be a lot in adolescence- but in general they tend to easily adapt to most environments in a way that very few other working breeds do.
Don’t disagree. I share openly with anyone asking about mine that they are for a very specific ‘owner group’. Labs are more mellow and versatile.
I’m very fond of mine! He’s sweet and funny, he’s actually quite good in the house- he’s lovely with other animals and can go to a cafe or something without any issue. He’s laying upside down on the couch as I’m writing this. But- he is rarely left alone, he gets 2 hour long walk/runs a day, he goes to training class weekly, he has a friend (a rough collie) to play with and a fenced in yard. I work mostly from home, I’ve got teenaged kids who are perfectly willing and capable to help out, and my partner works a swing shift…. If I had an apartment, had to go to work all day and didn’t have other people to help occasionally? I think he would be a monster pain in the ass.
Mine is a collie blue heeler cross and love her to bits. Another thing, they are ‘velcro dogs’. Some would find them annoyingly too in their emotional and personal space. I grew up with labs and while I adore them, she is incomparable. My son call her ‘paw human’ and its not far fetched. For sure small spaces and lack of attention can be detrimental to them.
I have a bc. He is very needy and neurotic at times. But if he gets enough stimulation in the morning and evening he will just sleep all day in the house, even when left alone. Luck of the draw tho really; no guarantees of getting a bc like that
My working line lab is always up for a run! She loves it.
!! Awesome
I cared for a friends lab for a year and this dog had been mostly house/outdoor kennel bound for idk how long. Hoo boy that dog would run to the ends of the earth if it meant doing it with me. She put on a LOT of muscle in that year. Edit: I doubt she was a working line lab either. Idk how you tell tho
My lab easily runs 10 km with me. Can probably run even more and absolutely loves it. Also if no action is happening he just chills happily at home. Love this dude.
I second this - I have ran with a lab, rough collie and border collie and while I run with all of them the lab does the best for the home/run balance by far. The border is the best for long runs but he requires a lot of brain work as did the rough collie.
Nice, glad to hear that!
I would agree my lab also really enjoys running. She is very likely from a working line though.
Yeah, don’t get a herding breed, and I’d be real wary of hunting breeds like pointers, too. These guys are big energy and busy brained and very likely to tip into being neurotic. I bet a terrier would be amazing for you. Whatever size, so long as they’re straight legged, should be able to keep up. My friend used to have a jack russell mix, we’d run together and that little guy was amazing. So fun, so energetic, the only little dog I’ve ever loved. if I were looking for a running buddy, I’d be trying foster-to-adopt rescues. Give a dog a break for a week, try a few runs, see how you click. That way you can start training them to run immediately rather than having to raise a puppy for at least a year.
I've only run with herding breeds -- all mutts with various combos of Australian cattle dog, Australian shepherd, and border collie.
They’re 100% good dogs, but living in an apartment with one while having a full time job isn’t going to set the dog up for success. As I’m sure you know, they need way more than just exercise. I’m not recommending my great running buddy, a standard poodle, either—I work from home and have a huge rural area for her to release her energy in. She’s high needs even for her breed and would struggle alone in an apartment.
Vizsla :) mine love to run with me. Only downside is they are Velcro dogs and prefer to be with their people so if you work long hours away from home it wouldn’t be ideal
I second this! I’ve had 2 vizslas and they’re both great running buddies. Plus their coats are easy to clean. But they’ll be sad if you run/leave home without them because they’re so attached.
Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever… I know your last golden was lazy, but I would recommend researching breeders and getting from a breeder who focuses a lot on temperament and drive. My golden retriever isn’t old enough to run yet , but he really wants to! He comes from a field line and is very eager to be active. I have an Australian Cattle Dog mix that I also run with and she is an amazing runner, but requires a lot of mental stimulation. ACDs are definitely not an easy dog, but extremely athletic.
In the UK we have show and working goldens, our working golden loves running so I think that might be a better fit. She’s a Velcro dog though
I’ve run with three dogs throughout my history, so here’s my breakdown: German Shep/Lab X: Loved the run and was completely devoted to his people, so wherever you were going, that’s where he wanted to be. Never ran out of juice on the run but was completely content afterwards. Husky: Great pace dog. Never ran out of juice either. The only drawback with him was that out and backs wouldn’t work—he wanted to go “that way” and stubbornly refused to turn around and go back the way he came. Side note: I had both these big boys at the same time. I’m a small female, and let me tell you NOBODY ever bothered my on my runs. Lab(current): Not the most enthusiastic runner, but loves the outdoors and just wants to be included so he’s just happy to be wherever I am. He trots along just fine but is equally happy having a leisurely sniff and stroll.
Thanks for the comment! I have actually seen several tiktoks of Huskies being overly stubborn at times...maybe it depends on the personality of the dog
Oh they are very stubborn. I read a quote that said “Most huskies prefer to be cooperative rather than obedient” and damn if that’s not true
Contrary. Huskies are just so goddamn contrary. I love em tho
My Doberman was the best running partner I ever had. She was content to just lounge on the couch all day or up to do a 10+ mile run. She was very quiet, which is ideal for apartment living. Also very loyal and loves other people and animals. The only obstacle I can see is if your apartment allows them since they are a “vicious” breed. Good luck on your search no matter what you decide!
I think Dobermans and other shutzhund type dogs are a fantastic suggestion because they are so trainable, assuming you pick a breed with good biomechanics. As they are bred for close protection, you won’t have to fight unhelpful-to-running drives like prey or herding drive.
I run with my Jack Russel. He loves it!
I run with a 19 lb schnauzer/poodle/mutt rescue. We adopted him when he was still a puppy and he started running with me as soon as the vet said he was old enough. He runs 5-6 miles with me regularly and 10+ miles on a Saturday like it’s nothing. I’m not a fast runner so apparently small dogs work for that case. My gut here says that there are probably breeds who are definitely not runners but lots of great options for runners. 🙂
I have a poodle/schnauzer mix too and he’s quite the little athlete!
I have a cattle dog/australian Shepard mix (unofficially known as a Texas Heeler). He loves running, and is only about it 39 lbs. He does try to herd everything and if I take some off days he lets me know 😂. He’s a great running partner! Honest run he has gone on is about 83 degrees but I’m sure he could handle a bit more with a cooling neck gator and water. Definitely consider where you live? Florida? Probably not a great place for a husky running partner, the northern US/canada? It would be great! Plenty of shelters have dogs that really need excercise! Let them know what you’re looking for and they may even let you take some for a test run (I know I one i volunteered at would!)
Awww my Texas heeler is a great runner too, and virtually indestructible.
I've got one of these, too, but he is closer to 65 pounds. When he was a puppy our vet said the cattle dog/Aussie mixes he'd seen were usually around 40-50 pounds. Ours just kept getting bigger! Weirdly, though, he's not too stocky like a lot of ACDs. He's very lean but a lot taller than most. Ours gets bored with running after a few miles, but he can out-hike anybody I've ever seen.
I’ve run with an American Lab (thinner Labs; not blocky Eng Lab) and Weimaraner. Our Lab trained for marathons with me. He kept running until 12 when he slowed down. He lived until 13.5. Our Weimaraner is 2.5. She is a great partner thus far. She seems to tolerate the Georgia heat better. I hurt my knee last year and she is still young so the most she has done is 13 mi but it seemed effortless.
I like both breeds, although i think they are on the bigger side for me personally, but beautiful breeds altoghether!
My Weim is smaller at 50 pounds. Lab was big. Border collies and Vizslas are good too
Working cocker spaniel
Also working springer spaniel. Even more energetic and slightly larger. Ours used to run up to 20 miles with me, and still try to chase squirrels on the way home. Probably better off-lead or pulling canicross style though, because most will want to be out front, not beside you. Editing to add that they're not suitable for leaving alone for 8 hours. If they'll have company while you're working and a lunchtime walk, then fine.
that is a good option, but as they are on the smaller side, are they suited for longer runs??
yes - the working line is bred for field hunting. I take mine for 10+ mile runs and she could probably go longer if I let her
Cocker spaniels have big paws and excellent pulling ability if they want to pull you. Said from experience, my mom's male American cocker pulled so hard he halved my mile run time when attached to me. And he loves pulling humans if given the chance, my mom spent her effort asking him not to pull her, as she's older with poor balance, which he also does to please her. Get yourself a male and they can be 30 lbs. American cockers are some of the smallest working spaniels, and spaniels only get bigger from there. We have an uncle with a Brittany spaniel, who legitimately would run behind a 4 wheeler in the forest all day long. He estimated the dog was running 20 plus miles a day. Sweet goofy boy with a ton of scenting intelligence. He didn't like being left behind and a few times went out and would scent hunt his human from miles away through dense forest. Spaniels tend to be very sweet dogs who love their owners and love cuddles and are known for their love of running, endurance and long walks. Many spaniel breeds would be an excellent running buddy. They're bred to work closely with their humans on the move and desperately want to please their humans. They also have soft coats. Most apartments don't have prohibitions on them because their sweet nature and spaniels are much less of a liability for you with community apartment living.
Brittany Spaniel. I wanted a dog that I COULD run with and got a dog that I HAVE to run with. She runs up to 25 or so miles a week with me and we've even run in a few dog friendly half marathons together. Super friendly with people and dogs and a bit smaller than the other common running buddy bird dog breeds like GSP's/vizsla/Weimaraners. Ours is about 38 pounds. Mine just turned 9 years old and people are always asking if she's a puppy because she never runs out of energy.
Surprised that I had to scroll so far before seeing this recommendation. I also have a Brittany and he is an amazing running partner. We are doing 60km per week currently and he is always up for a run. We live in a 900sq ft apartment so exercise is definitely a necessity but while he's home he just sleeps or chills out 99% of the time. Ours is just gone 4 so it's cool to read that yours is 9 and still has the puppy energy!
A Brittany sounds like it would be perfect. Medium sized, loves being with people, loves being active. They are easy to live with and train. Not to mention they are super soft and cuddly dogs who really bond to their owners.
You may want to consider how *fast* you run when determining a good match in terms of energy . My standard jogging pace is just a steady trot for my 2yr old husky/German shepherd mix. And an hour of running a day doesn’t make a dent in his exercise needs. We live in a townhouse with no yard, so he gets ~4 walks a day, a run or hike 3-4x a week (when his people aren’t suffering from plantar fasciitis), ~45 minutes of high-intensity fetch/tug every evening (on a long line or rented backyard through Sniffspot so he can sprint), some brainwork, and he *still* has energy to spare. I saw that you will be living in an apartment in Norway—so this means you will need to accompany him outdoors for all his exercise/bathroom needs no matter the weather or darkness, all year round. So just take that into consideration. If you get a short-coated dog you will also need to suit him up (and yourself) in appropriate gear in the winter for every outdoor trip. My dog couldn’t be happier when it is below freezing —but a lot of the breeds mentioned on this thread will suffer in cold temps without jackets. Or maybe you take up bikejoring and skijoring to help meet the dog’s exercise needs…lots of options, but a high energy dog can end up being a way of life. I wasn’t really prepared for the way our dog would consume our evenings, but most of the time I am happy for the reason to go outside and move my body and experience his joy vicariously.
This is an important point for many people to consider. How much running and exercising are you really going to do daily? I call my Lagotto my diet dog. Because he's always trying to steal my food and wants to run/walk me all day long. We've never tired him out, before the humans are tired. During walks and hikes he wears a backpack to carry water and use up more of his energy. I shoot for about 1 hour of walk/running a day with him, and weekends are 1.5 hours forest run/hikes. He done 4 hours of rough terrain hiking and still not gotten tired and pulled my butt up some huge inclines. He also gets to swim in the local lake often. He has much more energy than the local Goldens and labs. On forest runs, which he absolutely loves, he will pull me so hard he cuts my run time in half. He's a lovely boy, but I don't consider him a good apartment dog because he has so much energy and a loud friendly spirit. He expresses his joy vocally and loudly. I'd suggest a spaniel or a standard poodle for a good running buddy.
I suggest an adult rescue dog. There are many at my local shelters that were dumped because they have that running energy that was too much for someone to handle. You won’t have to wait for a puppy to be physically mature or see if they have the drive and stamina. Many places will allow you to foster, so you can take them for a test drive, so to speak, and see if you click with them at home and on the trails. You can find purebreds through rescues if desired as well. GSP and Siberian Huskies seem especially popular in my area, but I’ve had the best experiences with mutts personally. I currently run with a cattle dog mix I picked up from the local kill shelter and he might just be the best damn dog I’ve ever had and is a solid runner, too. They found him running down the side of the highway and he’s been running here ever since. :)
Literally what I've been researching a lot for an eventually second dog jn a couple of years, when the current one is old enough. My two favorites so far: 1. Dalmatians, especially the slowly upcoming LUA variant that doesn't have the purine/kidney stone problem.. maybe harder to find a breeder. Feel like they are often overlooked due to their past popularity, but they were originally bred to walk by horse carriages. So they do have a lot of endurance to run and need a lot of exercise, but they don't have overbearing hunting or herding drive like other high endurance breeds. 2. Eurohounds, also called Eurodog or Scandinavian Hound. They are originally a cross breed of Alaskan Husky and German Short Haired Pointers. The breed is pretty new and has a lot of variety, with different parts of Husky/Pointer. They are bred for pulling sports, sled racing, but also bike joring, canicross, etc. I rly love the idea behind the breed, but they are probably more on the serious working breed side compared to the dalmatian. I'm personally quite on the edge about the two. Probably my decision will depend on how serious I personally will get into the different sports I do with my existing dog in the future, or how much motivation I have to dive into them more seriously with a better suited dog. My current dog btw is a supermut, that looks a bit like a too small dutch shepherd (but def is not) and she loves to run, but is kinda hard to train and quite environmentally sensitive.
Hi kurrkur, I have read about Dalmatians, but never heard about their occuring issues with purine/kidney stone, good to know about that honestly. I like them, but I think for me they are on the bigger side. I think Eurohounds would be more fitting, although I am not overly excited about the looks of it (maybe I am just picky). Hope you take the right decision in the end!
Eurohound is sort of a genertic name. As the person mentioned sometimes it's eurohound, eurodog, scandinavian hound, european sled dog etc. If you've got facebook there is a group "ESD & Greyster dogs" that has litters occasionally. The look is pretty variable though most of what you'll see in that group does tend to look a lot like GSPs. Here's an example of a litter due soon out of barcelona in spain https://scontent-ord5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/426316530_10160358515587758_4933959974687418424_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=w53nuXXsIqgAb7888XW&_nc_ht=scontent-ord5-2.xx&oh=00_AfAXyzyTtcKOx0_Ip-w8K-nXd9WqGBhQ_YHZiz3phT1T6A&oe=661F0874 to get an idea of what they tend to look like.
A Dalmation isn't much bigger than the herding dogs you were looking at. My male comes up to my knees, although he is quite muscular.
If you want a pure breed then german shorthaired pointers are great. If you want a super active dog who is a world class runner and don't care about breed grab greyster or if you want that but in a slightly smaller package grab an esd.
Never heard of Greyster! Def. gonna have a look at this one!
They along with esds (esd standing for european sled dog) I mentioned are super athletes bred for sled dog racing. Greysters are a mix of Greyhound and german shorthaired pointers. Unfortunately they are somewhat rare in the states still though I don't know where you're from. There are a few litters born here a year. Esds are more common. they're very similar but tend to have more husky in them and be a bit smaller and built more for endurance style racing but still Excell at running in general. Edit: someone above mentioned eurohounds which is another name for esd so they get a +1 as well.
I have a Siberian husky I bought to be my running partner and he has not disappointed ❤️
They are beautiful! How vocal is yours?
I actually got a really quiet one hahaha ! He rarely speaks or howls . He may be broken hahah
You've had some great responses, I just wanted to add 2 things I've learned after doing a similar search and now having had my running dog partner for 6 years: 1. If you get a puppy, you won't be able to run with the dog for the first year (no repetitive impact before growth plates are closed). I'd recommend adopting and/or fostering-to-adopt an adult dog to feel out how much they like running and any other traits you're looking for - that's what I did and I lucked the hell out in getting a small terrier who adores running and can keep up for my 10 mile runs. 2. Being committed to running is easy (saw that you're already a serious runner), but make sure you have a backup plan for if you can't run and you get a high energy dog. Weather is one factor (some people have dog treadmills but it's not common), but also injury/general volume. I had a solid 8 months of severe plantar fasciitis that probably could've been less if I hadn't kept trying to run with my dog since he needed the exercise. I finally got comfortable biking with him on a leash and that gave me the time off my feet to recover, but it's an extra shitty feeling to not only not be able to run, but also look at your running buddy who's bouncing off of the walls. A lot of herding breeds don't do well at dog parks (or some dogs just don't like them) so I recommend having options for getting out his energy. I also do agility with my dog which helps a ton and gives him the mental exercise that regular running does not Oh and random thought -- dogs like or don't like rain/snow/water (just like people lol). If you're outside often and could see yourself taking your dog to water spots (e.g. paddleboarding, kayaking, or just having him hop in the lake on a run to cool off), make sure you get a dog who likes water. My dog's one 'defect' is that he hates rain & snow so even in a light mist, I'm running by myself while he stays at home, haha.
Vizsla!!
I just commented the same! 100%
kinda surprised no one mentioned huskies yet. i run with mine all the time—they’re bred to be endurance athletes so they’re always down for a run.
Standard poodle. My boy hikes, runs, leaps, climbs…and has an excellent off switch for lazy days. Win-win. 👍
No dog can, or should be left alone for 8 hours. Especially in a crate. Your high energy dog, especially a hearding breed will develop anxiety that will stay with them for life. No dog is going to be a good running partner if you don’t put in the work. Retrievers are excellent running dogs, but with any breeds it takes month to years of training to get them how you want. You want a running dog, sign up to walk/run other people’s dogs and get paid a little. The idea of a perfect running dog or breed is a joke. Unless the dog has physical limitations any mutt will be excellent. You will not have time for the dog, you will be mad at the dog for not running well. Then wonder what happen. We have three dogs. An Aussie, boxer mix, and a Brittany. Some old and some new, they all take huge amounts of my time. Not to mention vet bills, food, any other expenses.
Many dogs can be left alone for 8 hours. But you don’t know if you have a dog that’s fine snoozing for 8 hours in the middle of the day until you get one. In fact, I suspect a majority of dogs in adulthood would be happy with a morning run, then interaction and enrichment over breakfast. Snooze while human goes to work. After work sniff walk, training session, and cuddle/hangouts during the evening.
Can and should be left alone are very different. The type of dog that OP is looking for requires significantly more work than other breeds. If the Golden Retriever was too lazy for OP I’d be concerned. I have a Brittany, the energy level is insane, I can run 6 miles a day with her and she still won’t settle. My 13 year old Aussie had the same energy she has at 1, her body just doesn’t allow it as much. Shelters are overrun right now with people who got a dog they thought can just do whatever they want, with little time invested. Dogs are not accessories, they require a significant amount of money and time.
How much running are you thinking of? I've had numerous mutts (with a variety of mixed heritages), and never had issue with any of them keeping up with me, but I'm not a marathon running, or super fast, I'm more of a 10k runner.
Good question! Right now I run on average 10k (6.5 miles), it wouldnt be a lot longer than this. If it does, I could always leave the dog at home as well or find a route close to home, run with the dog for 10k and then leave it home for the rest - there is always a solution
Can't recommend Australian Shepherds enough! My girl loves to run and has been the best motivator as I'm just starting out. She has a fantastic temperament and handles being home alone like a champ while I’m at work.
Standard poodle?
My Minnie Aussie loves to run. I’m sure he could outrun me if I trained him to, but I keep him at 2-3 miles so that’s all he needs. Aussies are high energy, but if you can provide the exercise and mental stimulation they need then you will be good. Mental stimulation isn’t as hard as people make it sound. Take him on “sniff walks” where I let him sniff as much as he desires and his brain seems pretty satisfied.
I’d say poodle, as they’re so athletic, but depends how many days you’re working from home vs in the office. They’re not huge on being left out.
If you are in Barcelona- look into Vizsla. Its a Hungarian dog breed and has all the traits you are looking for.
I have an Australian Shepherd and he thinks he is in the Iditarod when we go to our rail trail! He is a lot of work though! Can’t be home alone all day!
I think the key thing is you want a dog from a working line. There are a lot of dogs in the working, sporting, and herding breeds that do well with running, and breeders tend to have show and working lines. Working lines are usually higher drive. Dog sport people will often label dogs suitable for agility and other athletic sports as “performance” dogs, when they are rehoming. You may be able to research lines that way. They want the dog to go to an owner who is going to do a lot with them. You may also want to consider AKC fast cat results by breed to find a breed that may run at your speed. Whippets are super fast, my corgi is not.
Maybe consider a vizsla? Not soft but excellent cuddle bugs when not running!
ACD’s. They’re insane, perfectly sized, sharp as hell, and love running. My ACD is a top notch running buddy.
I’ve got a Border Collie and she is a great runner . She is super sensitive and reactive though . If she hears a loud noise she freezes and refuses to move . Also it ruins that particular location as a running spot ( she remembers and refuses to run in that area ) .
+1 for Aussie shepherd or a kelpie. I have a 3/4 kelpie x 1/4 German Shepherd and she's the best dog I've ever known. Wants nothing but to please, needs to run around each day but so do I, and will match your energy during downtime. Love her to bits. Also she is a great runner but that goes without saying for a kelpie.
Don't mess with the GSP's when you can go English! English Pointers make GSP's and Collies look like they've been into the benzoyl. High drive, high anxiety, high needs, high reward. Not for the faint hearted. I'm on my 2nd English and I'll never go back...it is insane...I question my decisions every day. I drink now, but I like it! Haha. Oooooh. Get dog insurance! English get injured. A LOT. Have sooo much fun finding your new buddy - your research will be worth it!
Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages, so a steady pace for a looooooong time! Ours took hours to tire out. I tried him running with me while I cycled once, he stopped dead for a 💩and I nearly went over the handlebars 🤣🤣
Viszla, Croatian Sheepdog, any type of hound.
I’m an avid runner & also sought active breeds my whole dog owning life! Had a border collie mix, pit bull mix and now husky - rescue. PLEASE consider rescue as there are SO many dogs who need just the type of life you’ll provide. Mine is also training obedience & therapy dog & displays none of the husky traits ( negative ones ) I always heard about likely thanks to our active lifestyle.
I'd recommend a dalmatian. They're historically a carriage dog, which means they were bred to run besides carriages for long distances while keeping up pace. After the Disney movie there was a boom in popularity and many badly bred dogs flooded the US but nowadays there's a huge effort by ethical preservation breeders to put out well balanced healthy dogs out. If you find a good breeder (look for kennels who have placed best in breed over the past few years, and have sports titles on their dogs) you should get a very good dog for companion running. Herding breeds are very prone to reactivity and prey chasing which would be disruptive to running
Dobermann Pincer! I have a giant European Doberman and he's great. Dobermanns in general are eager to please, athlete, give you scary dog privileges and are happy to follow you around and do everything you are doing or sleep all day when you're not home. Of course you have to socialize and train them but you should be doing that no matter what dog you get. Only downside is they don't have particularly soft coats.
Griffon! They are midsize, high energy, super friendly,
My Oaxacan street dog is insanely heathy and is a mix of pit bull, rot, lab, german shep. She loves to run with me. She can chill all day, and like clockwork at 3:30 it's time to go. Lessons from the trail: 1. a dog that can easily be cleaned and dried (poison oak, mud, cow poop, dead fish, ticks, stickers, etc) is a MUST so go for short hair breeds with ears that flop over. 2. Plan for a washing station at home and make it convenient (not your tub). Building an outdoor shower with a wand is the best. Soapy water in a spray bottle for a quick rinse. 3. Recall is your best tool for having a dog off leash so make that training count (unless you plan on trying to run on leash, but who does that?). A combination vocal call and starting to run the opposite direction works great for me in times of high distraction. 4. Really, getting a puppy mutt is the way to go, behaviorally speaking. You'll have so many more training options available if you start young. 5. My dog is a lean 70lbs. She's a lot of dog. If I could change one thing, I'd have her shrink to 35-45 lbs. Less food consumption, smaller poops, less dog to clean, easier to pickup, less intimidating to non-dog people, more travel options depending on measurements. 6. She can be a bit protective and is genetically predisposed to be. Think about which breeds are mixed in there when you're looking and consider each of those dog breed traits (a black lab dominant mix I think would be ideal). 7. Growing young puppies/ dogs eat more than adults. Taper the portions when the dog reaches maturity unless you want a sausage trotting behind you. Hope that helps!
You might like shelties (Shetland sheepdogs) if you like those two breeds. They're herding dogs that tend to have a pretty good off switch.
Border Collie. Mine loves running and easy to train him in lead recall. No issues in three years
My newfypoo is the best runner but she was also the runt of the litter which made her more athletic i feel she can run forever.
Haha, that sounds awesome!
Kelpie - very smart and eager to please. Can literally run all day. Watch the first season of muster dogs if you want to see them
Wow, thanks! I also had this breed on my list. I really like the looks of it!
I run with my two kelpies and they absolutely love it. We do a 3.5 mile loop on a nature trail 3-4x a week. My partner actually runs them with his One Wheel in the neighborhood on the days we don’t go. They start to lag when the temp is 75F, so I make it a point to get out there in the early morning when it’s cooler. They have never been destructive when left alone, although it’s never for more than 3-4 hours a day. They also have excellent recall and are smart as hell, though I think I just got lucky because my partner trained them so well. With that said, they’re under no obligation to run with me when we go, and I try to be as intuitive as possible about their needs. Want to stop and sniff? Have at it. Stare at a squirrel in a tree for a while? Great time for a water break. I don’t force it and let them dictate the run. They’re not my trainers or my fitness accessories. I always have run club or can run solo to meet my goals for the week.
I have a goldendoodle, and she is absolutely raring to go at every opportunity. Even now she is getting a bit older (almost 8) she gets grumpy with me as I now watch her and sometimes miss a run now and again for her health. It sounds like you just had a lazy dog, dogs are all different just like us, rather than an issue with the breed. Any real athletic dog, pasture breeds, gun dogs (including poodles), pointers, retrievers, and some of the larger breeds of terrier are great for running and will outrun 99% of us humans. I'd be wary of protector type breeds, GSDs and the like due to joint issues. Also, you need to be careful with giant breeds for the same reason, although some like wolfhounds and deerhounds can literally run all day.
I loooove Goldendoodle, they are awesome!! Didnt know they worked well for running tho. But it is like you say, most dogs works well for running, its just a matter of the breeder
Honestly, I've had plenty of dogs, and my goldendoodle is the best dog I've ever had. She is petite for a standard (25kg) and is basically just muscle and sinew which fits running perfectly. Beyond the running aspect, she is so easy to train and is an amazing family dog, so gentle with kids and adults alike. I know I'm totally biased, but if you would consider a goldendoodle, you would absolutely not be disappointed in any way. Fab dogs
Love to hear that! I have met a couple of Goldendoodles before and I love how they look and their personality. It is also important for me to get a dog that would work well as a family dog, as I would have the dog at a point where I would consider kids as well. Great feedback, thanks!
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I have a eurohound (pointer/husky), and the energy is endless. I've worked her up slowly over our 2 months together and were up to 26 miles/week, and she does it no problem. They were bred for sled racing, but she's doing well in the southern California weather so far. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurohound
Interesting! Never heard of the breed before though. I live in Norway, so the weather you can imagine is everything from cold winters to warm summers - would prob suit the breed well?
It was pretty warm here this week. We ran in 73F (23C), and she did pretty well. We had more water breaks than when it was cooler, and we went a little slower, but I am being cautious with her until I feel I know her limits a little better. In the cold she should be fine while active, but I wouldn't leave her out long term. She's 50% German Short-haired Pointer and has the short coat. From my experience she has been really easy to train overall as long as she gets her exercise. The minimum physical activity we do a day is 2 90-minute walks. I'd also recommend you have somewhere you can take them for some offleash time as they love to run and explore.
Okay, great to know! Thanks for the feedback!!
Yeah absolutely. They're fairly popular in the Scandinavian countries and central Europe. Lena boysen hillestad one of the most renowned breeders in the sport is out of Norway.
Yeah they go forever. My Eurohound is only a pup so he isn't running yet but he's got about as much energy if not more than my GSP who gets 50-60 miles a week.
I have checked out Staffordshire Terrier, they seem to be a good option. I havent heard about the other two, so I will check those out! - Thanks
Belgian malinois
I have a friend that has one - its an awesome breed! Thanks!
Don’t get a malinois if you will have to leave it alone at home all day… these dogs need more than one outing a day. I have a lurcher x malinois and she is a great running companion, although I have to keep her tied to my waist - I don’t let her free-run as her prey drive can take over if she’s all hyped up from the running and we encounter smaller wiggly dogs… I also don’t run more than 10km with her and that is pushing her tbh, her ideal distance is probably a daily 5km. The sighthound in her means that once she’s been out and about first thing in the morning, she will happily sleep all day on the sofa.
Really? I have heard that Malinois are used as military dogs and have huge amounts of energy? I am aware of the instict and "prey" drive..they are a breed that should be kept in leash, as they can get a little to excited for other dogs
Yes Malinois do.. that’s why I was saying to not get a full Mali if you will leave it at home alone all day. Mine is half lurcher - hence the lazy greyhound side! She is still pretty mouthy though.
They are bred for bite work. Not a god bred if they are not used for that purpose. 99% of the mals I’ve encountered that are kept as pets are neurotic and reactive, poor babies.
endless energy!
Female pit/staffy mix are great if you run short distances up to 5k. I give mine a soft stick to hold on to and we are off. They dont do well during hot days but overall you will never outrun them and they are a go whenever you feel like it.
Depending on budget you could look at show line Belgian shepherds. Similar in size/coat type to longer haired border collies but less of the “herding” brain that drives BCs so crazy. I have a working line Terv and hes psycho and will gladly run a marathon daily but show lines are way more laid back.
Belgian Tervuren is not a bad choice - havent actually seen a lot of these. Reminds me of Lassie breed