One frequent issue new dog owners run into is choosing a breed that can accommodate their lifestyle. For more sedentary pet lovers, the dogs on this list could end up causing enormous mental strain and difficulties. But, for those with a truly active and fast-paced daily life, these breeds are just what you’re looking for!
Let’s explore 6 dog breeds that provide a fantastic fit for owners who like to live on-the-move:
1. Siberian Husky
Originally bred as a sled dog for Arctic workers, the Siberian Husky possesses an almost boundless capacity for energy. Intuitively, this makes a great deal of sense. After all, you would expect a breed that can haul a sled over the frozen Alaskan tundra to have some serious energy stores!
This high activity level makes Huskies an ideal breed for owners who lead athletic lifestyles. If you spend a lot of time running and hiking outdoors, these dogs are typically able to match your pace. In addition to their active nature, they are also highly intelligent, friendly, and curious.
That said, there’s a downside to this ultra-active disposition: Huskies need exercise, and lots of it. If they can’t get at least two hours of exercise a day, their mood suffers, and they can become lethargic.
Or, even more problematic, they sometimes take to “entertaining” themselves by tearing apart clothes and furniture. If boredom or stress becomes a serious concern, you might even see your Husky try to escape!
2. Dalmatian
Owing to their history as coach dogs who often needed to accompany horses and carriages across long stretches of land, Dalmatians have stamina, endurance, and powerful muscles. This combination of traits results in a breed that can make any athletic owner proud! Dalmatians are excellent exercise partners, whether that means a hiking companion or simply a friend to play fetch with.
To stand out in the crowd of similarly energetic dog breeds, this breed has a few extra qualities going for it. The distinctive visual beauty of the Dalmatians’ dark spots is a big selling point, as is the contrasting white ground coat. In terms of personality, Dalmatians are also renowned for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them an ideal watchdog.
One problem area owners need to look out for is the breed’s unusual proneness to deafness. Not all Dalmatians are deaf, but it’s statistically frequent (at 30%) and can make training a bit more difficult, though certainly not insurmountable.
3. Australian Shepherd
With its history of being bred as a herding dog, the average Australian Shepherd is, like all breeds of herding dogs, highly energetic. This breed requires a high degree of exercise and both physical and mental stimulation. While this type of personality can wear out less active owners, those with a bustling, exercise-heavy lifestyle will enjoy the challenge!
Besides their high energy, there are many other reasons owners with active lifestyles might gravitate toward the breed. For one thing, the extremely high intelligence of Australian Shepherds cannot be disputed. This is a very clever breed! That mental dexterity, combined with a friendly and sociable temperament, makes these dogs a pure joy to own.
On the other hand, there are some unique challenges that come with owning an Aussie. Due to their herding instincts, some Australian Shepherds start snapping at people, which, if habitual, can become quite dangerous. Likewise, they, like other high-energy breeds, can start destroying property and furniture if they become bored or anxious.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most widely-beloved breeds you’ll find, and it’s no mystery why! This breed possesses a remarkably friendly and sociable disposition, high trainability, and versatile range of abilities. To top things off, Labradors are energetic and love to exercise, so they are a perfect candidate for physically active owners.
Though this breed still excels at its original job as a good hunting dog, hunters are far from the only ones who can benefit from the company of Labrador Retrievers. These companions make great running or walking partners, and their famous love of water makes them natural swimmers.
However, their natural friendliness and lack of strong protective instincts means Labradors are usually a poor fit for those looking for a guard dog. They can also develop aggressive and territorial behaviors around food, though this isn’t the norm.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
Don’t let their comparatively small size fool you: the Shetland Sheepdog is just as active and athletic as any of the entries on this list! Affectionately known as Shelties, this breed has excellent herding instincts and the energy to prove it. Like other herding dogs, they are highly intelligent, show quick reflexes, and love to learn from their owners.
While Shelties are ideal work dogs, they make great friends and house pets too. Owners who like to get a lot of exercise are a particularly good fit for this breed. Shetland Sheepdogs love exercise and crave plenty of it. They will readily and happily accompany you on runs or walks, but they especially benefit from training in dog sports.
Something to watch out for with Shelties is their herding instinct. Similar to Australian Shepherds or Border Collies, Shelties can start “herding” people and other pets. If left uncorrected, this can create an unsafe environment, especially for children!
6. Border Collie
Border Collies are the classic, archetypal “high-activity” breed. As you can imagine, this makes them a perfect choice for similarly active owners! In conjunction with their famously high energy levels, Border Collies are also renowned for their intelligence. They consistently rank at the top of lists of the most intelligent dog breeds.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your Border Collie active and healthy. If you routinely go on long runs, there’s no better way to bond with a member of this breed than taking them along with you. Border Collies also jump at the opportunity to train in sports, so that’s another route to consider!
Now, that’s not to say there aren’t challenges. Oftentimes, Border Collies are anxious and highly sensitive animals. It’s vital to keep them busy and active to prevent stress and anxiety (and, at worst, destructive behavior.)
