Some prospective dog owners are looking for a workout buddy as much as a lap dog. Be it going on long walks with your Aussiedoodle, running with your Greyhound, biking with your Great Dane, skateboarding with your Bulldog, whatever physical pursuit you undertake can be more fun with a dog.
And having the right dog breed can make all the difference. Not only to ensure both dog and human ability and enjoyment but also to help a canine companion better fit an active owner’s lifestyle. After all, if your pup likes to park itself on the couch, you might also find yourself spending more time there. So, what are the best dog breeds for active lifestyles?
What breed of dog will best fit your active lifestyle will depend on what activities you wish to do with your dog, the size of dog your space will be able to handle, and how much time you’ll devote to your new pet. Some of the best breeds for active people include Aussiedoodles, Greyhounds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and other sporting breeds.
Excited to learn more about the breeds we’ve mentioned above? Good, there is a lot more to know. So keep reading for all the details you need to know about seven of the best dog breeds for active pet owners.
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The Best Breeds for Active Lifestyles:
Aussidoodles are a hybrid between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle. The poodle can be either a standard or miniature poodle, and the difference will impact the size of the Aussiedoodle, with standard poodles resulting in larger dogs.
The Aussiedoodle is considered a brilliant dog. Still, they require the correct socialization to ensure they gel with their forever family. If you’re interested in the breed, it can be good to watch Aussiedoodle puppies for sale. Besides being able to form a deeper connection with your new dog, Aussiedoodle puppies are cute!
Bulldogs
Despite their often pudgy appearance, Bulldogs are surprisingly athletic animals. In addition, they are smaller than most other active dog breeds, making them ideal for urban or apartment dwellings. And while a Bulldog will happily partake in long strolls with their master, it is good to know this breed is also happy just to chill at home—as they won’t be able to keep up on a run or bike ride.
Great Danes
Looking for a dog that can keep up with you on a bike? Consider a Great Dane. These lumbering giants can easily keep up with even a brisk peddle without breaking out of a trot. And routine, rigorous exercise is a must if you want to keep your Great Dane happy and healthy. (This breed can be destructive if it doesn’t get enough exercise, as the lack of stimulation can be mentally distressing to them.)
Issues that are most often associated with a bored Great Dane are destructive chewing habits. If your Great Dane is acting out, upping their daily walk time or making more visits to the park can make a big difference. Troubling chewing behavior can also be easily avoided by preplanning activities for your dog and investing in durable and enticing chew toys.
Greyhounds
These dogs are famous as racing dogs, though the number of Greyhound tracks has dramatically diminished since their 1980s heyday. Continuous track closures have made dog racing a relative rarity in the process. Luckily for dog parents, there is no need to run a Greyhound around a track to get some exercise. Most Greyhounds are happy with their daily walks and the occasional run or jog. They are a sporting breed that can handle physical activity, yet they aren’t a hyper breed that needs to be run raged to be happy. This mix of personality and physique makes Greyhounds lovely family dogs for those that still want a dog that can keep up with the hustle and bustle of life.
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Labrador Retrievers
There is a reason why Labrador Retrievers are known for their can-do, don’t-stop personalities. These dogs have energy reserves for days. Though originally bred to retrieve game during a hunt, modern Labrador Retrievers will still be happiest when out on the prowl with their human companions. And these English gun dogs are as unflappable as they are energetic and friendly, making the athletic breed suitable for families with small children (still with adult supervision, of course).
Weimaraner
Better known to many of a certain age as the Sesame Street dogs, the Weimaraner is a large dog breed that originally hails from Germany, known as the ‘Gray Ghost.’ These dogs are friendly yet fiercely loyal and protective of their family. The Weimaraner was originally bred for hunting, and this is still reflected in the breed’s obedience and easy training.
Maxing out at 25 inches tall and 90 pounds for males, these aren’t small dogs. They require ample room for stretching their legs and burning off excess energy. This is great if you plan on taking your Weimaraner for a run every day, but if your lifestyle is less active, a different breed may be better.
Other Sporting Breeds
They have not sold on if any of the above breeds are perfect for you? Don’t fret. Almost any species classified by the American Kennel Club in the sporting group should be a friendly match for a family with an active lifestyle. Other options include spaniels, pointers, and setters. To further increase dog ownership opportunities, mixed and hybrid breeds are also available to blend the physiques and personalities of two disparate dog types with often fantastic results.
And finally, if you still aren’t sure, a conversation with a local breeder or shelter should help potential puppy parents find a dog that meets their specific requirements.
