Best Dog Breeds For People Who Love To Stay Active
There is a wide and dizzying array of dog breeds out there, and that can be exciting and overwhelming for new pet owners. However, most people will find that some breeds work far better for their lifestyles than others. While it's true that a lot of people want a low-maintenance dog that doesn't require much exercise, that's not for everyone.
After all, there are many other people in this world who find left so much harder to deal with when they don't have regular opportunities to exercise. As it turns out, the good news is that there are so many dog breeds in the world that work the same way.
Portuguese Water Dogs
Bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese water dogs are smart, easy to train, and eager to please their owners. However, the American Kennel Club noted that while these are great qualities for any owner, this breed is best suited for those with active, disciplined lifestyles.
That's because the Portuguese Water Dog requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis to keep it healthy and emotionally fulfilled. Although it specializes in water activities, it has the energy to accompany owners during any athletic activity.
Golden Retriever
Considering how happy, sweet, dedicated and immensely capable they are, it's no surprise that golden retrievers are such a popular dog breed. Their photogenic looks certainly don't hurt their widespread perception either.
However, they're not a breed for couch potatoes. According to the American Kennel Club, those who enjoy long runs and bike rides among other activities will love golden retrievers and vice-versa, as they need lots of exercise every day. If they don't get it, they're more likely to misbehave.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Although it's a little unrealistic to expect most Rhodesian ridgebacks to have this one's surfing skills, it's certainly an athletic and capable dog breed considering that it was bred to track lions. According to the American Kennel Club, they can be fiercely independent and require a firm but loving hand as soon as they're puppies.
Although they require just a moderate level of daily exercise, they do love to run and that physical activity is crucial to ensure their health and happiness. That said, they can be adaptable to a wide variety of living situations as long as they get long walks.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Although Bernese Mountain Dogs are certainly large, their personalities are as adorable as their big, fluffy bodies. They're easygoing and particularly gentle with children, but they're also eager to please and bred to work hard.
For that reason, the American Kennel Club advises at least a half-hour of moderate exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy. Although they're used to indoor environments, they're also very capable companions for outdoor adventures.
Redbone Coonhound
The American Kennel Club describes this breed as "kindly at home but a tiger on the trail," which is perfect for families who are active together. Although redbone coonhounds require long periods of rest after strenuous activities, they can handle themselves well on even the most difficult terrain.
Runners and hikers will love them and the feeling will be mutual because this breed needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. It's also worth noting that it shouldn't be let off the leash during these activities, as its hunter's instinct makes it prone to wandering off.
Vizsla
Although their floppy ears can make them look more like goofy lapdogs, the Hungarian Vizsla, they can be surprisingly rugged as they face the world with their human companions. The American Kennel Club cautions not to underestimate the importance of this companionship, as this dog gets lonely easily.
It also needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation, so while a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day is a requirement for this dog, that play should also be a little challenging for the dog. Some individual specimens will require more than that half-hour, as well.
Italian Greyhounds
Despite their racing reputation, many greyhounds are actually far less energetic than most people would expect. However, the same can't quite be said for Italian greyhounds. Although they're very sweet and playful, they're also very energetic.
For that reason, the American Kennel Club recommends regular exercise for this breed. Although playtime is often sufficient for burning off their energy, walks are as aprpeciated with them as they are with most other breeds. Keep them on the leash, though, as they're known to chase small animals.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Although German shorthaired pointers have an aloof, aristocratic look,they're actually very friendly and enthusiastic. They thrive on love and respond well to positive reinforcement during training but it's also worth noting that these dogs are filled with boundless energy.
That means that the American Kennel Club recommends plenty of exercise for this dog, with a fun variety of activities. There are dog sports it thrives in but running and swimming are encouraged as well. This physical activity should occur at least twice a day.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman pinschers have a fearsome reputation, as their sleek, powerful bodies are matched by how vigilant they are to threats and how ferocious and fearless they can be when that threat to their companions is identified.
While this makes them ideal guard dogs, it also means that the breed requires a lot of exercise to maintain its sleekness. It's also important to incorporate a lot of play into their exercise, as they're intelligent dogs that need mental stimulation. A large fenced-in area is recommended for the dog's needs.
Siberian Husky
Most people associate Siberian huskies with dog sleds and that's an important clue for how to keep them healthiest and happiest. That's not to suggest that husky owners need to move to Alaska and register for the Iditarod race but it does mean that huskies are working dogs and are best treated as such.
That means they're at their happiest when they have a purpose to fulfill but it especially means that they need a great deal of exercise to keep happy and healthy. That exercise should be mentally stimulating and fun, as this bonds huskies with their owners.
Dalmatian
Although 101 Dalmatians made the world fall in love with these special dogs, it's likely that most of the children who insisted on having one weren't quite prepared for how much work they would be. Dalmatians are muscular dogs with strong protective instincts, which fits their high-energy nature.
As such, they require regular exercise to burn off that energy and to keep them in shape and a healthy mood. They can misbehave when they're not active but be wary of strenuous exercise before the dog is two years old, as their bones and joints don't fully develop until that point.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are widely beloved dogs with popularity rivalling golden retrievers, and that's because they're so famously friendly and affectionate. That's largely true whether they're meeting adults, young children, or other dogs.
That said, they're also high-energy dogs, which means they need a lot of regular exercise. Without it, they build up excess energy and are more likely to release it in hyperactive and potentially destructive ways. Much like huskies, these are working dogs and that means they crave stimulation.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a popular choice for a working dog, especially one trained for intense work like law enforcement or protection. That's because they're alert and have the muscles to make them capable of big jobs.
However, they need deep companionship and a lot of physical and mental stimulation to be happy, healthy, and effective at their tasks. This requires serious commitment and a walk every day is simply not going to cut it. As the American Kennel Club put it, "To deprive a Malinois of activity and human companionship is to deprive him of his very reasons for being."
Weimaraner
Although Weimaraner dogs are known to be friendly and obedient, their fearlessness is a good indicator of the energy level one can expect from this breed. As the American Kennel Club put it, "A tired Weimaraner is a good Weimaraner."
In other words, this dog needs regular and considerable exercise to have the happiest, healthiest life. While walks are a decent outlet for this, they get the most mental and physical stimulation from more strenuous activities like running.
English Springer Spaniel
As is evident here, the English springer spaniel is a very adorable dog with good manners, a friendly outlook, and high people-pleasing tendencies. One thing to note, however, is that they crave companionship and can become very sad when left alone for extended periods.
Although the dog is small enough to make apartment living feasible and relatively comfortable, daily exercise is necessary to keep the dog happy and healthy. If possible, a large fenced-in yard is ideal for this dog's energy.
Brittany
Brittany dogs are renowned for their soft faces and photogenic qualities, but they're also known to bright, happy dogs who have a lot of fun. Yet while it's certainly refreshing to have such an upbeat presence in ones life, that also means dealing with a lot of energy.
Brittany dogs are perfect for outdoorsy, active families because they require a considerable amount of regular exercise to release their boundless energy. Activities that stimulate the mind and body are best but this breed also enjoys long, brisk walks and running while leashed.
Border Collie
Collies rightly have a reputation as intelligent, dedicated and exceedingly capable dogs and while they have many of those traits in common with border collies, there's another trait about those within the collie family that owners should be aware of. Namely, border collies can be pretty high-energy dogs.
Although individual needs vary from dog to dog, border collies generally require regular exercise. They want to be engaged and go on physically and mentally stimulating adventures because they have a habit of barking when they get bored.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russel Terriers are known for their small, adorable sizes and their alert, lively personalities. These dogs are curious little fellows that move with confidence and a trademark jaunty gait.
If that makes it sound like they need a lot of exercise, that is indeed the case. The Jack Russell terrier is full of energy and loves games but can also accompany human companions on hikes and other outdoor activities. Like with the Weimaraner, a tired terrier is a good terrier.
Australian Shepherd
Australian shepherds were bred to accompany cowboys. This not only makes them rugged and capable dogs but also animals that still exhibit a clear herding instinct, which includes herding human children. They're also intelligent with a strong work ethic.
While that certainly makes them impressive dogs, that may very well be the problem for first-time owners. That's partially because they require a great deal of exercise every day and work best when they have a job like herding. Since one to two hours of activity every day is a necessity, a large fenced-in yard is strongly recommended.
American Staffordshire Terrier
In many ways, the American Staffordshire Terrier seems like the total package. This breed is known to be smart, good-natured, loyal and one that approaches life with confidence. This makes them fairly easy to train but sedentary owners may still want to consider a different dog.
That's because the American Staffordshire Terrier requires a lot of exercise. It's also not a dog that can left alone even in an appropriately-sized yard because it thrives on company. That makes them great for active, outdoorsy families.