Did you know that as of 2022, there are just shy of 200 different dog breeds that are officially recognized by the AKC? That’s not counting unofficial breeds and adorable mixes that we all know and love.
So, when it comes to choosing the best breed of dog for your active lifestyle, we understand it can be quite challenging. However, there are a number of different dog breeds that are perfect for people with active lifestyles, and in this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best dog breeds for you.
Whether you are into running, hiking, or just playing fetch in the park, there is a breed of dog out there that will fit your needs perfectly. So keep reading to learn more about the best dog breeds for active people!
Think About the Activities You Like
Before even thinking about the best pets for an active lifestyle like yours, we suggest really thinking about the activities you like enjoying. More than just that, though, we urge you to consider the types of activities you’d ideally like to enjoy with your dog.
If you love to go hiking and can’t miss a weekend without getting out in the mountains then you’re probably going to need to look for a breed of dog that can not only keep up with your hiking schedule but whose body can withstand that kind of activity and terrain.
However, if you simply love to jog around your neighborhood and play frisbee in the park, you might not need a breed of dog that’s built for mountain terrain. Instead, you’d wanna look for a breed that is high-energy and agile.
Narrowing down the types of activities you’d like to share with your dog can make it easier to find the best dog breed for your lifestyle. Once you’ve got a good idea of what kind of activities you’ll be doing, you can start browsing energetic dog breeds.
What Are Some Energetic Dog Breeds?
So, what are some of the most energetic dog breeds? Many pet parents will tell you that most breeds are. However, there are definitely some that have way more energy than other breeds. Those include the following.
Shepherds
From Australian Shepherds to German Shepherds and definitely Border Collies, shepherds, in general, are a super active breed.
Why are they such high-energy dogs? Well, there are a few reasons. For one, they were bred to be able to keep up with their flock. They needed to be able to run after them if they got loose, and they needed to be able to move quickly to avoid predators.
Additionally, shepherds needed to be able to stay awake for long periods of time in order to keep watch over their flock. This meant that they needed to have a lot of energy stored up in order to stay alert and keep their flock safe.
While your city-born Border Collie might not ever visit a farm with sheep it will need to herd, this is still bred into their instincts and means they have a lot of built-up energy that’s ideal for running trails, playing frisbee, and learning tricks.
Retrievers
If you’ve ever been around a growing Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer then you’ll know just how energetic they are. Their energy comes from a similar background as shepherd dogs.
Retrievers were originally bred to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game that had been shot. In order to be effective at this task, they needed to be fast and have a lot of stamina.
This required them to be very active, which is why even today’s retrievers tend to be high-energy dogs. And fortunately, this makes them great company for active people who enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and even hunting. Plus, they’re easy to train.
Cocker Spaniels
If you love to run around the park and play in your backyard with your kids then a cocker spaniel is a good choice for you as well, as they’re one of the most energetic dog breeds around that are still somewhat medium-sized.
Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs, and they still have the energy and drive of their ancestors. Spaniels are also very intelligent, which means they can get bored easily.
To keep a spaniel happy and healthy, they need an owner who is willing to give them plenty of attention and take them on regular walks or runs. With the right amount of exercise and stimulation, spaniels make great companions for active people.
What to Know About Caring for Energetic Dog Breeds
Before we dive into the best dog breeds for active people, let’s just talk really quickly about caring for energetic dog breeds. As mentioned above, these types of dogs need pet parents who will be able to fully attend to their exercise and mental needs.
In short, exercise is essential for energetic dog breeds. They will need at least one hour of exercise each day, and ideally two or more hours. This could include a long walk, run, or play session in the yard. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers make great walking or running partners.
Energetic dog breeds also need mental stimulation. This can be provided through interactive toys and games, such as fetch or agility courses. Intellectual stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for these dogs (which is why they love the great outdoors).
Finally, remember that energetic dog breeds need plenty of rest. After a long walk or play session, they will need to have some time to relax and recharge.
The Best Dog Breeds for Active People
Alright, here we have it! Here are seven of the best dog breeds for active people and why we think they’d make a great companion for you.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are the perfect breed of dog for active people. They are intelligent, energetic, and trainable, and they love being outdoors. Australian Shepherds are also very loyal and protective, which makes them great companions on hikes and other adventures.
If you are looking for a dog that will keep you company on your next big adventure, an Australian Shepherd is a perfect choice.
Labrador Retriever
There are few dogs more well-suited for an active lifestyle than the Labrador Retriever. These dogs are bred to be working dogs, and their build and temperament reflect this.
They have strong, muscular bodies that allow them to keep up with even the most active person, and their friendly nature means they love being around people.
Labrador Retrievers also have a high level of energy, which makes them perfect for hiking, running, or playing fetch. And because they’re so intelligent, they’re quick to learn new commands, which is perfect for when you want to take them off the beaten track.
Vizslas
There are a lot of reasons why Vizslas are perfect for active people. First of all, they’re intensely loyal and affectionate dogs that bond closely with their owners. They’re also highly intelligent and very trainable, which makes them great companions for hikes, runs, or any other outdoor activities.
Vizslas are also incredibly high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise, so they’re the perfect match for active people who love spending time outdoors. And finally, Vizslas are just plain fun to be around. After a long run or hike, they’re always up for a game or a good cuddle session.
Siberian Husky
Love running and cold weather? A husky is a great companion for you! These dogs were originally bred in Siberia to pull heavy loads over long distances in cold climates, so they have the endurance and strength to keep up with even the most active humans.
Huskies are also highly intelligent and trainable, so you can teach them tricks or commands to help make your outings more enjoyable. And when you’re not out exploring together, Siberian Huskies are content to lounge around the house, making them the perfect companions for both busy and lazy days.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Similar to Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the best dog breeds for active people who live in colder climates. They were originally bred in the Swiss Alps to be working dogs, and their strong bodies and intelligence make them well-suited for a variety of activities.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are excellent hikers, and they also enjoy swimming, sledding, and playing fetch. In addition to being active, Bernese Mountain Dogs are also loyal and protective, making them great companions for those with little ones around the house.
Springer Spaniel
Springer Spaniels are easily trained, eager to please, and quick to learn new tricks. This makes them the perfect breed for people who want an active, obedient dog by their side.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting, and their natural instinct is to run and jump and play. A daily walk or jog is not enough to tire out a Springer Spaniel. Nope. They need room to run and explore. So if you are looking for a high-energy dog who will never say no to a game of fetch or a hike in the woods, then a Springer Spaniel is the perfect breed for you.
Learn More About Being a Dog Owner
As an active person, it’s important to learn about the best dog breeds for your active lifestyle. But that’s only where it all begins. Once you’ve found the perfect canine companion, you’ll need to learn all about caring for them, training them, and more.
To learn more about being a dog owner, browse through all of our helpful articles about dogs!
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