All dogs need exercise in order to be healthy. However, some
dogs require more than others. There are dogs that can get by
with just a short jaunt around the block once or twice a day,
whereas other breeds need to run and play for hours. It helps
to get a dog that meshes well with your daily routine. For
those people out there who simply canโt stop moving, these are
some breeds that are guaranteed to keep up with your
cardio-centric lifestyle.
Originally used for their boundless energy, keen intelligence,
and ability to help during a hunt, these dogs were a staple for
large game and bird hunters the world over. Easy to train
(assuming the training doesnโt become repetitive), these dogs
require hours of engaging activity every day, otherwise they
might get destructive. Superb with kids, the Weimaraner is a
natural fit in any outdoorsy family.
Thought to have helped the ancient Israelites herd goats, this
breed is a natural working breed that has been assisting people
for thousands of years. Extremely loyal, obedient, and
intelligent, Canaan Dogs are quite headstrong and need a family
that's able to actively assert their dominance, otherwise they
might think that they are running the show. Also, this a breed
that requires an ample amount of time every day to burn through
their seemingly bottomless well of energy.
A natural herding dog, this breed is one with boundless amounts
of energy and a keen intelligence. Making for a great family
dog (assuming the family is active) Australian Shepherds are
great with children, although their herding instincts may kick
in, causing them to attempt to corral the kids, but this
behavior can be broken. Thanks to their limitless energy, these
dogs perform very well in competitive training arenas.
A classic working dog, the Belgian Shepherd Dog is known for
being territorial and protective, making them a natural for
guarding. Also a terrific herding dog, this breed has a
tendency toward aggressive behavior and should be socialized
early. Requiring hours of exercise every day, this dog was made
to work hard for the better part of the day, so if you are
thinking about getting a Belgian Shepherd, make sure you have
the time to help them burn through their deep reserves of
energy.
A wicked smart, highly loyal, and deeply dedicated breed, the
Belgian Tervuren is highly trainable and well suited to a
number of different tasks, such as watching, guarding, or
herding. Because of their innate herding nature, socialization
should begin early to prevent the development of a protective,
aggressive nature. While they are easy to train, they do
require a strong minded, decidedly superior trainer, otherwise
they may ignore the instruction. Also, being such a natural
working breed, these dogs need tons of exercise every day to
avoid destructive behavior.
A loyal, friendly, obedient, loving breed, the Gordon Setter is
a natural hunting companion, helping on countless bird hunts
over the years. However, due to their innate hunting nature,
this breed requires hours of engaging activity every day to
keep from becoming restless. Also, because of their nature,
this breed should be socialized early to prevent aggressive
behaviors toward other animals.
A clever breed, the Irish Water Spaniel has been considered a
โfreethinkingโ dog, known to refuse directions given by someone
they view as weak willed. Great with kids and other pets (if
introduced early on), this dog is a natural fit for an active
family, assuming their ample need for engaging activity is met.
This dog is known to display mischievous behavior, or act
protective of their own volition. To limit their unwanted
behaviors, they should be trained and socialized early, as well
as have loads of opportunities to run and play every day.
The Most Active Dog Breeds for Your Lifestyle
Do you like to camp? How about hike? Fish? Hunt? Canoe? If
youโre a real outdoors-person, the type that thinks a quiet
weekend at home is the worst way to spend your time, then you
need a dog that loves the great outdoors as much as you
do.
The following breeds were created for a sporty, active life.
These dogs will accompany their people on adventures with
gusto, and may even help you to maintain your active
lifestyle.
If hiking is your thing, especially mountain hiking or over
steep, rough terrain, then the Australian Shepherd is your
dog. Bred to herd cattle in the Western U.S., these dogs are
as agile and long-winded as you can get. They love to climb
and run, and can negotiate even the toughest terrain. This
breed is also smart and loyal and will keep close to you in
the wild.
What better companion could the boat or water lover have than
a dog bred to herd fish into nets? The Portuguese Water Dog
loves the water in all its forms, whether lakes, rivers, or
even the rough and tumble of the sea. Those who canoe or
regularly spend time at the shore will find this dog an eager
mate.
Some folks canโt get enough of the cold. If you are a winter
person who hikes, camps, or plays in the snow, the Siberian Husky
will love and cherish you. While they may look like ferocious
wolves, this breed is 100% domesticated, first bred to pull
sleds in the great white north. Frigid temperatures are in
the Huskyโs wheelhouse. Theyโll eagerly carry a pack of
provisions through the snow as well.
The Lab is the ultimate hunterโs companion. Easy going and
water loving, this breed will wait patiently for the
marksperson to get his or her game and then go headlong into
the water to retrieve it. Whatโs more, the Retriever is also
the ultimate family dog.
Time spent with kids and parents around the old campfire will
please the Lab to no end.
The Bernese isnโt a high-endurance dog, but will work well
for those who like to take regular moderate hikes. Your
Bernese can also help carry gear, if you donโt ask them to go
too far for too long, as they were bred to pull small farm
carts. Friendly and good-natured to a fault, the Mountain Dog
is a great breed for the family. He or she will also stick
close by, even off the leash, making hiking a worry free
pastime.
The Border Collie is another dog that was bred to herd and
thus loves the challenge of the outdoors. These dogs are
smart and agile, and so can handle almost any hike, even deep
into the forest or up the mountainside. In fact, all of the
Collie breeds, including the Rough and Smooth Collies and
the Shetland
Sheepdog, are all great companions for the active pet
parent.
These curly headed pooches may have gotten the reputation for
being the companions of New York dandies and ladies who
lunch, but the Poodle was bred, in fact, as a hunting dog.
True to form, the Poodle is still favored in the role of
retriever by many hunters because of their keen intelligence,
obedience, and love of the water. These dogs are also great
sniffers, and as such are used widely in Europe for truffle
hunting.
Keep an eye on your active companion as they begin to age.
Joints can become arthritic, and the old ticker wonโt
maintain its hearty endurance forever. Be patient as your dog
ages, and respect their limits as you would any elderly or
aging family member.
More on Active Dog Breeds
7 Ways to Exercise Your Dog in Cold
Weather
The Benefits of an Active Dog
Agility Training for Australian
Shepherds
