These 7 Dog Breeds Live For Fetch, According To Vets

Dec 3, 2025byMichael Tremblay

Dogs and fetch go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Some breeds seem hardwired to chase down balls, sticks, and frisbees with endless enthusiasm.

Veterinarians have noticed certain dogs practically live for this classic game, thanks to their natural instincts and boundless energy.

Every dog has a unique personality, so individual preferences may vary even within these breeds.

1. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Image Credit: © Thijs van der Weide / Pexels

Labs were born to retrieve, making fetch their absolute favourite activity.

Originally bred in Newfoundland to help fishermen haul nets and catch fish that escaped from lines, these dogs have retrieval coded into their DNA.

Their mouths are incredibly soft, allowing them to carry objects without damaging them.

Toss a ball once, and your Lab will happily bring it back for hours without losing interest.

2. Border Collie

Border Collie
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With intelligence that rivals most toddlers, Border Collies turn fetch into an Olympic sport.

These herding champions need constant mental and physical challenges, and fetch provides both in one package.

They calculate trajectories like mathematicians and anticipate where objects will land before they get there.

Expect lightning speed and pinpoint accuracy every single time you throw something.

3. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
Image Credit: © Ömer Saridas / Pexels

Few sights warm the heart quite like a Golden bounding back with a stick clenched gently between its teeth.

Scottish gamekeepers developed this breed specifically to retrieve shot waterfowl during hunting expeditions.

That legacy means Goldens possess an innate desire to carry things in their mouths and bring them to their humans.

Rain or shine, they remain eager participants in any fetching game.

4. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd
Image Credit: © Bryce Carithers / Pexels

Despite the misleading name, Aussies actually originated in the western United States as ranch dogs.

Their work ethic is legendary, and they channel that drive into fetch with remarkable intensity.

These medium sized athletes can play for what seems like forever without showing fatigue.

Vets often recommend fetch as the perfect outlet for their sky high energy levels and need for purposeful activity.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
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Don’t let their compact size fool you.

Jack Russells pack more energy per pound than almost any other breed on Earth.

Originally bred in England for fox hunting, they have relentless stamina and a fearless attitude toward chasing moving objects.

These little dynamos can leap impressively high and will retrieve until you collapse from exhaustion long before they do.

6. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel
Image Credit: © GMB VISUALS / Pexels

Springers earned their name by flushing game birds into the air for hunters.

That instinct translates beautifully into modern fetch games, where they excel at finding and returning thrown objects.

Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their wagging tails never stop moving during play.

Veterinarians appreciate how fetch keeps these energetic spaniels mentally satisfied and physically fit throughout their lives.

7. Vizsla

Vizsla
Image Credit: © chepté cormani / Pexels

Hungary’s national treasure, the Vizsla combines grace with athletic prowess.

These lean hunting dogs were developed to work closely with their humans, creating an intense bond that makes fetch incredibly rewarding for both parties.

They move like liquid gold across fields, covering ground with breathtaking efficiency.

Vets note their gentle mouths and tireless work ethic make them exceptional fetching partners.

Michael Tremblay
byMichael Tremblay

A nature enthusiast from Montreal with a background in wildlife photography. Michael writes about wildlife, conservation efforts, and the beauty of animals in their natural habitats.