Are your weekends packed with trips to the beach, hiking, or hanging out at your nearby park? Do you prefer to camp or explore the outdoors? Do you have kids and love playing outside with them?
If these sound like you, then you have a pretty active lifestyle. If you want a furry best friend to be your companion, but you are always on the go to your next adventure,, then you’ll need a dog with high-energy levels who wants to play.
Take a look at our list of high-energy dogs that would be a perfect fit in your life:
Border Collie
Border collies are fantastic family dogs and are good with children. This breed requires a lot of physical exercise and loves having a job to do for their pet parents, like fetching all the balls and frisbees at the dog park.
They are highly energetic and require more than just a walk around the park for regular exercise. They also need mental exercise from puzzle toys or dog training sessions. In fact, they are some of the most easily trainable dogs.
If you are looking for a breed with which you can do fast-paced, complex sports, then a border collie is perfect. If you’ve dreamed of taking home a big blue ribbon, the border collie is for you — this super-smart breed takes home the majority of agility awards at Westminster.
Beagles
For many dog parents, beagles are fondly remembered as being their family dog. With great reason, as they are friendly, affectionate, and love to romp around no matter what the activity is. Beagles need plenty of exercise and are great dogs to take on hikes.
A word of warning, though, beagles have a very strong sense of smell and are famous for following their nose. While we’d like to give our beagle pups a chance to run free in the park, they do better in a fenced area where they are prevented from wandering off in pursuit of a too-good-to-pass-up scent.
German Shepherds
German shepherds are fiercely loyal and highly intelligent working dogs. They thrive in training classes and look forward to opportunities to show off. They also excel at catching balls or frisbees, as well as tracking and nose work.
A note on shepherds (and the somewhat similar Belgian Malinois) — some working/herding breeds are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide the obedience training, guidance, stimulation, and structure these pups need to thrive.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis
Cardigan Welsh corgis may be little, but they are mighty energetic dogs who need lots of physical activity. (If they look familiar, you might be thinking of the more-low energy Pembroke Welsh Corgi, but these two breeds are actually completely separate.)
Like Australian shepherds, corgis were bred to be herding dogs for livestock. Corgis are great at performing jobs and enjoy regular playtime. While they do require daily exercise, their needs are more moderate. Still, they can thrive with walks around the park followed by a fun training session.
Corgis are affectionate and enjoy playing with their family. If your level of activity involves running around after your children in the backyard, then a corgi might be your high-energy dog of choice.
Dalmations
If a marathon is on your bucket list, a dalmatian will be a great companion as you train toward that goal. Dalmatians’ muscular build and history of trotting alongside horse carriages mean that they will enjoy being your running buddy.
Of course, their spotted coat is fantastic to look at, and they are eager to please in the training department. They need plenty of mental stimulation, so doggie puzzles and toys will help keep them from getting into trouble when left on their own.
Jack Russell Terrier
A Jack Russell is the cutest piece of dynamite you’ll lay your eyes on. While many may think of little dogs as mainly lap dogs, Jack Russell terriers break that mold with their tenacity for being good-humored and spry.
This energetic breedadores playing with well-mannered children and treasures exciting activities. They are easily trainable and will enjoy all the dog puzzles and dog sports that will keep their mind ticking.
Choosing the Best Dog Breed for You
It isn’t as easy as simply picking the breed you think is the cutest (although that would be pretty hard as they are all cute as a button).. While we have compiled a list of high energy pups, there are several other considerations to make when choosing the best dog breed for your lifestyle.
Size
It’s crucial to consider the size of your home when choosing a dog breed. . Even if you are very active, your new furry friend will more than likely have to spend some time alone at home. If you live in an apartment or a smaller-sized home, it may feel a little cramped with a larger breed dog like a pit bull or Airedale terrier.
. While larger size breeds are complete sweethearts, they sometimes do not realize their size and may accidentally knock over smaller children.
Grooming Care
While dog coats vary widely, one easy tip to remember is typically, the longer the coat, the more grooming care is involved. That means a sheepdog or poodle will generally need more coat care than a bulldog.
If you delight in being out on the water, then your dog will also be getting wet frequently, especially if they’re a breed like a labrador retriever that loves to swim. Consider a breed whose coat is water-friendly and low maintenance.
Likewise, your pup will probably look forward to getting down and dirty along with you. A breed whose coat is easily rinsed off when you get home will make settling in after an exciting day much easier.
You simply can’t mention grooming and coats without mentioning climate. While dogs can usually thrive just about anywhere, consider if a Siberian husky (bred for pulling sleds) might be happier in colder climates versus somewhere with record-breaking heat.
Trainability
All dogs can take to training, but some are more easily trainable than others.
Do you want your dog to be able to hike with you without a leash? Do you want to teach them to skateboard or surf? What about working as a therapy dog in a hospital or public library?
Depending on the type of activities you will involve your dog in may help you determine what breed you pick out.
AskVet: Your Source for Everything Pet
With your active lifestyle, the last thing you want to do is worry about making and waiting for a pricey veterinarian appointment when you have a simple question about your dog. It may not even be a health question, but advice on behavior and training.
With AskVet, you have easy access to the best of the best in the animal world — whether you have a cat, dog, fish, lizard, bird, or more.
For questions on animal behavior and how to help your pet live their best life, join Askvet and schedule a virtual session with a Certified Pet Lifestyle Coach™ who can guide you through a Lifestyle Plan and answer any questions you have.
Plus, no matter what time of day your need strikes, if you have medical questions, we are here 24/7 to help you and your furry best friend with a team of veterinarians available to chat in our mobile app.
We want you both to keep enjoying all your fun and exciting times together. Sign up today, and have the peace of mind that you can reach AskVet wherever you are.
Sources:
Effects of breed, sex, and neuter status on trainability in dogs | Taylor & Francis Online
15 Most Active Dog Breeds | American Kennel Club
Westminster agility 2021 winner: Verb the border collie is champion for 2nd time | nj.com
German Shepherd Dog vs. Belgian Malinois: How To Tell The Difference | American Kennel Club
