TOP 10 Best Dog Breeds For Running

 Running is amazing exercise, not only for people, but also for dogs. And running with dogs is definitely a lot of fun! Most dogs love running, it is natural for them, but some dogs are much better running companions than others.
Some dogs will love to run in snow, others will prefer warmer climate. Some dogs are amazing for shorter runs, while others are marathon runners. Choosing a perfect running buddy depends on your running style, preffered terrain, distance and on the climate of your region.

1) German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer definitely must be on this list. It is a breed developed to hunt for long time without tiring and they not only posses amazing stamina and endurance, but they are also pretty fast.
These dogs are best for long and steady runs, but they can go for a quick and fast run without any problem as well. They will be just ready for a run anytime you want. And they can run in any kind of weather or terrain without slightest problems.
The GSP, as a hunter, might have a higher prey drive and chasing instinct, so they might try to run after moving objects on the run. But of course, it is vastly influenced by early training and socialization.

2) Australian Shepherd, Border Collie and other herding dogs
In general, all the herding dogs are pretty good partners for runners. They just have the large stamina and excitement about running. The Australian Shepherds and Border Collies are especially good running companions with endless stamina that can run a marathon with you without any problems. They can also run in any weather and terrain and both are pretty trainable.

3) All working retrievers
Retrievers, especially Golden and Labrador Retrievers are the most popular companion dogs. They are easy going, trainable, but also athletic and adventurous. They are do-it-all dogs and always ready for action. All the Retrievers are good for longer runs, but do not over do it when the climate is too hot or humid.
Also remember, that retrievers are prone to joint and bone problems and you should make sure your dog has healthy hips before you start doing long runs with it, since it can make things worse.
And there are not only Goldens and Labs. You can go running with Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever or Flat Coated Retriever as well. They all will love and they all will love if you will combine your runs with swims as well, as they are all excellent swimmers.

4) Saluki and some other sighthounds
Everybody knows that Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on the planet. They just had to be good partners for runners as well, right? Well, its quite the opposite. Greyhounds and many many other sighthounds that are built for pure speed are big and lazy coach potatoes.
But, there are some exceptions of sighthounds, that are very endurant and that love long runs. One of them is the Saluki, which is sometimes nicknamed as the marathon runners of sighthounds.
It is better to run with sighthounds in unpopulated areas, for example in woods, or when they are on leash, as most of the sighthounds have rather chasing instinct and they will love to run after any moving objects, which can be dangerous in populated areas with high traffic.

5) Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, All Laikas
Many northern breeds were bred to pull sleds over frozen terrain for long hours or even for days and weeks without tiring. So it is no wonder, that they make amazing companions for runners as well. They are ready to run in any terrain, but they will obviously prefer colder climate. They can adapt to warmer weather as well, but it is not advised to make long runs with northern sled dogs when it is hot outside.
Next to Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, there are all kinds of laika dogs. Those are hunting dogs from Siberia and they all have good qualities for running. There is for example Yakutian Laika or East and West Siberian Laika.
All these breeds are also excellent partners for dog sports which are similar to pulling sleds, like skijoring or bikejoring. Or of course, for sledding.

6) Belgian and German Shepherd
Belgian and German Shepherds are all around dogs, often times used in police and military. Such job need athletic and energetic dogs, and indeed, both German and Belgian Shepherds are very athletic and agile dogs that excell at both, shorter and long runs.
You can choose any of the four Belgian Shepherds and you will make no mistake, as they all have the same qualities for being amazing running partners. There is the Malinois, Laekenois, Groenendael and Tervuren.

7) Jack Russell Terrier
Generally, larger dogs are much better for long runs than smaller dogs as they have longer and stronger legs and larger lungs. But there are some exceptions of smaller breeds that are good for runners as well.
One of them is definitely the JRT, which is lightening fast and they have endless energy. It is one of the most hypoallergenic dogs of all. Other smaller dogs suitable for runners are for example Whippets or Shelties.

8) Vizsla and Weimaraner
Many hunting breeds are also amazing for hunting. Some of them are definitely Vizslas and Weimaraners, but you can also go for a good run with almost any Pointer. Both Vizsla and Weimaraner are known as velcro dogs and they typically stay close to the runner, to its owner, so they can be trained to be quite good for off leash running.
But just like all hunting dogs, they have high prey drive and they might chase squirrels, cats and other small animals when they see them.

9) Rhodesian Ridgeback
If you are looking for an athletic and strong dog, that will love to go for a run even when it is hotter outside, than the Rhodesian Ridgeback might be a perfect choice for you. They are capable to run for very long distances and they typically stay close to its owner when they are on the run.

10) Eurohound
The last dog of this video is Eurohound. It is not a purebred dog, but a crossbreed specifically developed for sled dog racing, canicross,skijoring, bikejoring and all kinds of other similar dog sports.
The dog is most often a cross of an Alaskan Husky and German Shorthaired Pointer, or some other similar Pointer breed. It combines the speed of the Pointer with incredible stamina of the sled dog.
Eurohound is probably the best dog for canicross professionals, as they almost always win the Canicross Championship.

There is definitely a running dog buddy for everyone. Every runner can find a perfect dog for them, but it is important to choose the right breed. But, you can go running with almost any breed in the world. Even tiny Dachshunds will love to go for a shorter runs.

You should be very careful when running with young pups and senior dogs. It is extremely important to not take young pups on long runs, or even hikes and walks, because their joints are still vulnerable. The bones and muscles are also not fully developed, so there is a risk of othopedic damage. Every breed mature differently, but it is advised to not go for a long runs with your pup if it is not at least 12 months old. With larger breeds you should not run even if they are not over 18 month of age, especially not on surfaces like concrete.

Most of the healthy senior dogs will love runs. Of course, their fitness level will not be the same as it used to be, so you can slow down a little bit and just enjoy the time with your dog. If the dog is healthy, there is no reason to not go for a run. If they have some problems with joints, heart, muscles or any other important organ, i would not go for long runs as it can make the problem much worse.