Avid runners know there’s nothing quite as exhilarating as the feel of your feet pounding the pavement first thing in the morning or after a hard day of work. That time spent on the road is even better with a willing companion in the form of a trusty canine pal. If you’re a runner and a dog lover looking to adopt, these breeds can not only keep up with you but are more than happy to hit the road for adventure whenever you’re feeling restless.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are incredibly active dogs with tons of energy, so taking them out on your daily run will prove no problem at all. This incredible breed once worked with fishers from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were responsible for catching escaped fish and even pulling nets. They are reliable, willing companions with fantastic attitudes and joy de vivre, making them reliable and willing partners for everything from hunting to hiking or even just lazy days on the beach. Because Labs are smart and easy to train, they also make excellent companions for marathon runners!
Siberian Huskies
You’ve probably seen at least one movie where Huskies were pulling sleds, proving it’s in their nature to run (and run, and run — and then run some more). Originally bred for the harsh winters in the north, these dogs are naturally incredibly active.
Thick fur coats make it easier for Siberians to keep up with you if you enjoy running in the brisk late-fall and early-winter weather. Furry padding between the toes also provides a layer of protection from the rough ground. Just be careful when running during the warmer summer weather as heavier fur coats limit their ability to cope with the heat.
Jack Russell Terriers
Great things come in small packages, right? The Jack Russell terrier may be small but has what may seem like an endless amount of energy. They’re always running, bouncing, dashing, herding, chasing, and playing, especially in the first few years of life.
Jack Russell Terriers were also once hunting dogs; thus, they’re bred for fast reactions and adventures in many conditions. While they aren’t the fastest pup, they make up for it in longevity. Slow and steady wins the race if you want a smaller pup with the proclivity towards endurance.
Weimaraners
These lean, energetic dogs have a medium build with the musculature necessary to exercise with you for long periods or short bursts. They’re also very active and need regular exercise and play to remain healthy, giving you an extra source of motivation.
The Weimaraner is incredibly devoted and will stay by your side during either a long run or a short sprint. Their ability to navigate different terrains makes them great trail companions, and their short coats make it healthier to take them on runs in warmer climates.
Vizslas
This beautiful breed needs at least an hour of active exercise every day to ward off obesity and maintain health. They’re also incredibly sleek and adorable dogs! A tall stature with a long gait makes the Vizsla perfect for running through everything from marshy outlands to hard racetracks.
Vizslas do very well on long, steady runs and can tolerate the heat better than a few dogs on this list — something to consider if you live in a climate that remains warmer throughout the entire year.
This breed is also unfailingly loyal; expect your Vizsla to stick to you like superglue with basic coaching. You should have no trouble training your four-legged best friend to stick by your side.
Poodles
You didn’t expect to see Poodles on the list, did you? Believe it or not, there is more to this breed than prim and proper grooming. Far from lazy, Poodles were initially bred to serve as retrievers. They had to be quick, responsive, and highly active at all times when working, and these features remain with the breed even now when they’re mostly adopted as pets.
Poodles (both large and miniature) are intense bundles of energy that better suit short-burst running rather than marathons. You will need to stick to shorter runs, but given a chance, they make excellent morning and evening running companions.
Shetland Sheepdogs
The Shetland Sheepdog was originally a shepherd’s best friend; farmers still utilize them today in agriculture. As they’re bred for tasks like herding, running, and corralling, they love to conform and are incredibly obedient with an incredible sense of organization. Fortunately, that means most Sheepdogs will mimic what you want them to do with very little training.
The Sheepdog is another short-burst activity dog. Their bodies aren’t naturally prepared for 20-mile marathons, but you should break out the leash for your shorter tempo training days.
Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds have qualities similar to the Shetland Sheepdogs in that they are excellent and obedient working dogs. European, Australian, and Kiwi farmers continue to use these dogs to herd sheep and have done so for hundreds of years.
Australian Shepherds have a high stamina level and adapt easily adapt to longer runs, and thus, may be a better choice for marathon runners than the Shetland Sheepdog. They’re also very protective, so if you run in nature’s backyard, you may feel more secure having an Australian Shepherd by your side.
Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are also ridiculously loyal, incredibly loving, and nearly always willing to stick by your side as long as you’ll let them. This breed loves to hunt, fetch, and run and will push you when it comes to setting a pace.
While Goldens are obedient, you should always use care when training them to run with you. Many of these dogs tend to exceed the owner without proper leash training — a skill best learned in obedience classes or with a private trainer.
Border Collies
Border Collies are incredibly smart, making them ideal for multiple or professional runners. Some dog experts even believe they may be among the most intelligent dog breeds in existence!
The Border Collie has an almost overwhelming energy level, and thus, it may not be a good first-time dog for families with young children. It’s important to know that while they are great running buddies, they are also highly distractible adventurers. You’ll need to be a stern human companion to prevent your pup from running off after squirrels and other animals along the way.
That said, Border Collies are amazing and loyal friends and will gladly stride by your side on both short and long run days. Like other working dogs, they see it as their duty.
Greyhounds
While most often recognized for their work in racing, Greyhounds do in fact enjoy running for the simple joy of the experience. Sure, you aren’t likely to turn your companion into a marathoner, (Greyhounds have excellent burst speeds but limited endurance) but bringing him along on short, high-activity outings are just fine.
Life with a Greyhound isn’t all fun. These dogs can sometimes experience anxiety, especially if retired from racing and may startle easily around other people or animals. Your biggest challenge will be in teaching your companion to keep to a pace you can maintain.
It is incredibly important to remember that your dog (no matter what breed you choose), can’t set out on all of your runs with you right away. While some dogs have a more solid natural bone structure than others, they all need time to grow and strengthen their bodies. Puppies can overexert themselves or even break bones from even simple trail running, so it’s best to work up to longer runs just as you did. Start small and slow, remember to carry extra water for your companion, and prepare to take an extra break or two in the beginning. Once you’re both in shape, you’ll be able to share and enjoy your runs for years to come.