Share This Article
Anyone who’s a runner knows how great it can be to have a running buddy. While running with friends can be a great way to socialize, sometimes you want a quieter run that doesn’t involve worrying about your pace or keeping up with someone else. In these situations, a running dog might be what you’re looking for.
Running dogs are dogs that can handle running long distances. While many dogs are good at sprinting, you don’t want to run alongside a Chihuahua because they can’t keep up and will run out of energy quickly.
The good news is that some breeds are adept at running compared to others. This article covers good running dogs that you can take with you on 3,5,10 and even 15-mile runs. Read on to learn more below.
What Makes a Good Running Dog?
Before you consider adopting a dog breed it’s important to understand what makes a dog a good running dog. While many people believe that it’s just size and strength alone, endurance and other traits can also factor into the success or failure of a running dog.
That said, most dogs can run great distances, so we’re looking at traits that separate the average running dog from the good running dog. Learn more about these traits in detail below.
Trail Type
One of the most important factors to consider is where you plan on running. If you’re someone who likes to run through the mountains or woods, it’s a good idea to go for a large dog breed with strong muscles that can handle the change in terrain.
In fact, you might want to consider herding breeds that have been bred to herd animals through canyons, hills, and work on farms. Some examples include dog breeds like German short-haired pointers and some terriers.
Distance
Another key factor to consider is how far you plan to run. Most dog breeds can run for at least one mile but once you pass the 5-mile threshold choosing a good running dog gets more complicated. For shorter runs, you’ll be fine with larger breeds, short-nosed breeds, and anything that’s medium in size (for the most part).
However, for long-distance running you’ll want something bred for running like a greyhound, Great Dane, or tracking dog like a German shepherd.
Trainability
The last factor to consider is trainability; the easier a dog breed is to train, the better it will be at running. Dog breeds that are eager to please their human companions are the best choice for running dogs, especially if they’re intelligent.
German shepherds, golden retrievers, and Labrador retrievers are a few good breeds to consider. You also have to determine if you want the dog to run with you on a leash or without a leash, so prey drive and the ability to learn complex commands can also be important.
The 10 Best Running Dog Breeds
The best running dog breeds are often sporting dogs that are easy to train, medium-sized, and strong enough to cover great distances. However, we bet our list will have some dog breeds that shock you with their running prowess.
Additionally, when choosing a breed based on how well they run there are many factors to consider, so it’s not always about picking the biggest, fastest, or strongest running dog breed. Learn about our top 10 picks for good running dogs below.
1. Labrador Retriever
Every list that we make seems to have a labrador retriever somewhere on it; they’re simply amazing dogs that can do just about anything. We love Labrador retrievers for running because they’re medium-sized dogs that can handle most trails. Plus, they have plenty of energy and enough stamina to last for long distances.
Most Labrador retrievers are also efficient at great distances, so you won’t have any issues in the 5-mile to half-marathon range. They can also be trained to run a full marathon if you’re feeling up for the challenge.
Labrador retrievers are also easy to train, so you don’t have to spend too much time on leash training or off-leash training with them. What’s more, most Labrador retrievers can train for sprinting or endurance, so you’re not limited to one type of training.
Most Labrador breeds are suitable for running as well, so it doesn’t matter if you’re looking at a chocolate Lab or an English Labrador.
2. Border Collie
The border collie is a good running dog thanks to their nearly infinite energy levels. These dogs need owners that can help them exercise throughout the day or they’ll be bouncing off the walls before bed. For this reason, border collies have no problem running great distances.
In fact, border collies should be able to run anywhere from a 5k to a marathon with a little bit of training. Most climates are also safe for border collies to run in, so you don’t have to worry about the heat or cold slowing them down.
When it comes to training, border collies are smart dogs. They love to learn new commands and you can train them to run by your side, even without a leash. Complex commands aren’t out of the question and you can train them to perform well and respond to your commands on more challenging trails that may require navigating rocks or other tough terrain.
You can even get more out of this breed for running when you have an Australian shepherd and border collie mix. The only drawback to a border collie is that you need to spend time each day playing with them.
3. Siberian and Alaskan Huskies
Huskies make great running dogs and they’re known. They’re medium-sized dogs that have thick coats and great stamina. In fact, Siberian and Alaskan huskies are known for pulling sleds for hundreds of miles in harsh and cold conditions. This makes them perfect for running along trails and going on long-distance runs.
That said, make sure you consider the temperature outdoors and avoid taking them for long runs when it’s too warm outside. This can cause them to overheat and may lead to health problems or you might have to stop frequently. While huskies make great running dogs, you still need to train them.
They’re smart dogs, but they’re not the easiest breed to train, so it might be a good idea to work with a professional for advanced commands. Otherwise, you shouldn’t have any issues training a husky to run on a leash or even off a leash.
4. German Shorthaired Pointers
Among the best running dogs is the German shorthaired pointer. These dogs are some of the best running dogs on the planet due to their high energy levels and natural affinity for running long distances. In fact, they require regular exercise each day, more so than other breeds, or else they will get anxious and have a bad case of zoomies.
While a bad case of the zoomies can be a hassle, if you leverage that energy for running German shorthaired pointers can cover distances of more than 10 miles with ease.
When it comes to training, German shorthaired pointers are easy to train. They were bred as hunting dogs and this gives them a natural responsiveness to commands.
German shorthaired pointers are also able to run on most types of trails and can even handle a rock scramble or two if you come across them. Additionally, they can handle trails, pavement, and hills with steep inclines. For these reasons, you can’t go wrong with a German shorthaired pointer and they’re often a good running dog for any occasion.
5. Vizslas
One of the most commonly mentioned breeds when it comes to running, vizslas are a good running breed for anything more than three miles. Vizslas are medium-sized dogs that belong to the pointer category of breeds. They can handle more endurance running and sometimes they can even be good sprinters.
That said, these dogs shine in the three to five-mile range. With the right training, vizslas can even make it to a half marathon or more – just keep an eye on them in this range to avoid injuries.
When it comes to training, vizslas are amazing. You can train them with ease and they’re known for being velcro dogs because they never want to leave their companion’s side. This makes the breed perfect for off-leash training and off-leash running.
If you’re someone who loves to run trails or in busy cities and you don’t want a dog on a leash, the vizsla might be your best option.
6. Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd is a well-known breed for its unique appearance. While they’re on the smaller side, they’re loyal, easy to train, and have a surprising amount of endurance. In fact, Australian shepherds can run for about three miles with little to no prior training.
However, once you spend time with them, you’ll have no problem going for more than five miles. Plus, some Australian shepherds can make it for a whole marathon. You also have some options when it comes to an Australian shepherd. For example, you can opt for a mixed breed or toy Aussie if you want a smaller dog.
Australian shepherds are also easy to train. They’re loyal and eager to please, so teaching commands shouldn’t be an issue. This makes them suitable for off-leash and on-leash running.
The only drawback to running with an Australian shepherd is that they might get standoffish with strangers due to their loyalty, so keep this in mind when running in populated areas.
7. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
When you want a dog that can cover great distances in any condition, the Rhodesian ridgeback is a good running dog. The Rhodesian ridgeback was initially bred to chase lions in Africa; yes, you read that right, chase lions. For this reason, they’re designed to cover great distances and are large enough to conquer any terrain with ease.
While Rhodesian ridgebacks can handle warm temperatures with ease, they do struggle with the cold, so you might need to give them a jacket during the colder months.
Due to their history, Rhodesian ridgebacks are also easy to train. Since they were trained as hunting dogs they respond well to most types of commands and you shouldn’t have any issues with on-leash or off-leash training.
They do have a slight prey drive, so it’s a good idea to focus on behavioral training to avoid problems if they end up chasing squirrels or other small animals while you’re out on your run. This is especially true if you plan on running without a leash.
8. German Shepherds
German shepherds are good running dogs thanks to their high energy levels and responsiveness to training. After all, German shepherds have been used in police and military work for more than a century. Plus, many German shepherds were bred to track people or rescue them, so they had no problem covering long distances.
When it comes to training, German shepherds can learn complex commands, handle off-leash training, and even learn to not get distracted by other animals. Typically, your German shepherd should be able to run five to ten miles in almost any terrain.
You can also extend this distance when you consider German shepherds mixed breeds like the golden shepherd, which is a combination of the German shepherd and golden retriever.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Not interested in one of the larger or medium-sized dog breeds for running? Let us introduce you to the Jack Russell terrier. The Jack Russell terrier is a good running dog if you’re looking for a small companion that has a lot of speed. These small dogs can run sprints, slow jogs, and even long marathons.
Aside from their small size and fast little legs, Jack Russell terriers are also easy to train. They were bred to chase small prey, so they respond well to commands and they’re smart enough to run on or off a leash.
The only drawback to the Jack Russell terrier is that their little legs aren’t suitable for all running conditions. For example, they may struggle in the snow or on rocky mountains.
10. Shetland Sheepdog
Another great small breed for running is the Shetland sheepdog, also known as the sheltie. This breed is on the smaller side but they were bred to herd animals, so they’re full of energy and smart enough to train.
You’ll have no problem running with a Shetland sheepdog and there’s a good chance that they can cover longer distances than you when given the time to train. While you may have to start slow, they can easily run a 5k, 10k, or even a half marathon.
As for training, they’re smart enough to learn complex commands and can be trained to run alongside you with or without a leash. The only drawback you have to consider is their size and smaller legs. This means that they might tire out faster and only make it for a half marathon as opposed to a full one. For medium-distance runners, this can be perfect.
What Dog Breeds Should You Avoid for Running?
Most dog breeds can be good running dogs but some have disadvantages that can be challenging to overcome. For example, short-nosed breeds with flat faces have a lot of respiratory issues. This makes it hard for them to handle long-distance runs and running can even lead to health complications.
Some examples of breeds you should avoid for running dogs include:
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- French bulldogs
- Boxers
- Mastiffs
- Apsos
- Shih Tzu
- Lhasa apso
- Boston terrier
Depending on the breed you can work around these issues but it’s not always worth the effort and time that it will take. If you currently have one of these breeds, take them for a run and see how they feel or perform to determine if running is right for them. Like humans, dogs can also improve their cardiovascular endurance.
Start Running With a Good Running Dog Today!
You don’t have to experience the highs and lows of running all alone. A good running dog can push you to do better, make your runs less lonely, and help you develop a bond with your canine companion. Depending on the type of dog breed you can also choose a running dog that can handle your mileage, so take some time to consider your needs before adopting.
If you already have a dog and want to start running with them, don’t let their breed type deter you. Start slow and wean them into a running program to see how they perform.
We also recommend seeking professional leash training if you haven’t trained them already to ensure that they remain by your side while you’re running. You can also opt for off-leash training if you don’t want to worry about holding something the entire time.