Being a runner that runs with my dog, I often get questions about how I chose the breed I chose and what other breeds are good runners. There are hundreds of websites out there that will list the best dogs for running half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, or just a mile, but really, any of these websites are to guide you.
My Blue Heeler/Lab mix is on the list for running 10k or less, but she has run half marathons with me. She runs 10 miles with me all the time!
I am going to give a list and explain a variety of breeds of dogs that may fit into your family. This is all through research, what I've learned from vet tech school, and what I have learned through my own experience of owning and walking dogs!
These breeds go in no order:
1. Australian Cattle Dog- From my own experience of owning one, these dogs are runners! They are literally meant to run! My dog has worked up to 13 miles and doesn't even seem tired. They are good for distance, speed, and have tremendous endurance!
My Blue Heeler/Lab mix is on the list for running 10k or less, but she has run half marathons with me. She runs 10 miles with me all the time!
I am going to give a list and explain a variety of breeds of dogs that may fit into your family. This is all through research, what I've learned from vet tech school, and what I have learned through my own experience of owning and walking dogs!
These breeds go in no order:
1. Australian Cattle Dog- From my own experience of owning one, these dogs are runners! They are literally meant to run! My dog has worked up to 13 miles and doesn't even seem tired. They are good for distance, speed, and have tremendous endurance!
2. Weimaraner- These dog are incredible. They have such long legs that their stride looks effortless. They are known to be really good trail runners too because of these long legs. They are great for long distance on roads and trails!
3. German Short-Haired Pointer: These dogs are amazing! They have an extremely streamlined body and they do really well in the heat as well. They have very little body fat and can run very long distances!
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback: These dogs were bred to hunt lions in South Africa. They have an efficient and long stride and short sleek coats which means they can tolerate the heat well. They are another long distance runner!
5. Australian Shepherd: This is another herding breed that unlimited energy and good go for miles and miles. They are good for long distance but have shorter legs with short strides. Their thick coat also causes them to not tolerate heat as well as some other breeds.
6. Siberian Husky: These dogs can handle any weather and terrain! They can run in thick snow, rocky trails, on the road, and in the cold! They are another dog that does well with distance. Think about it, these pull dog sleds for thousands of miles!
7. Vizsla: This is a breed that does well on trails. They have slim bodies and short coats and do well in the heat. They are good at navigating rocks, roots, and other obstacles along the way. This breed is very versatile and athletic and is sure to be a good distance and trail runner!
8. Border Collie: Yet another herding breed that can run and run and run forever. They are good at switching speed and direction very quickly and are great agility dogs. They do well on trails, but are best on an open-land run such as the ocean or farm land.
9. Labrador Retrievers: These dogs are not great for long distance running, but they are awesome for tempo runs when pushing the pace and shorter distance up to probably a 10k. They were bred for swimming, but they can build a tremendous amount of endurance and can be great short to mid distance partners.
10. Jack Russell Terrier: This one is probably surprising to you because of the small size, but don't let that fool you! These guys are little energizer bunnies! Because of their short little legs, they are best running on roads for short to mid distances. They are very muscular and can handle more than your average little dog!
11. German Shepherd: These loyal dogs are great for running! They have a sturdy, muscular, solid build great for hilly trails and mountains. They love to run far distances and would do well training for a marathon with you!
12. American Staffordshire Terrier: These thick, muscular, athletic dogs are great for a short run. They love vigorous exercise so they are good for short bursts of speed. They are great for 5k runs and would be a great short distance running partner!
13. Boxer: This breed was bred during wartime to hunt down large prey. They are strong and great runners on trails and roads, and they are good for mid distance running. They are brachyocephalic, which means they have a squishy face. This can pose breathing problems and you must be careful running with them!
14. English Setter: These dogs are a little bit smaller and are great for mid distance runs like 4-6 miles. They were bred as gun dogs to run around all day. They are good for speed running on the roads!
15. Dalmatian: These dogs are large and lean are great long distance running dogs. They have long legs for long striders and are very smooth runners. They are great on all types of terrain!
Every dog is different and not every dog wants to run, but these dogs are typically breeds you will find running down the road or up and down trails with. They are strong, athletic dogs that crave physical activity!
Just make sure you gradually build these dogs up with their running because you do not want to risk injuring your dog!
I hope this helps your decision on adopting a dog because they are the best running partners ever!!