I love to be outside. If I’m not running my usual 3-5 miles each day, I’m heading to the park for a workout or to the courts to shoot some hoops. I’m active. I’m also looking for a dog that can keep up with me.
If you’re in the same boat as I, here are some options that are regarded as some of the most active and popular breeds available. With my sources listed below, I searched reputable sites online, along with speaking with local veterinarians and groomers, to discover a wide-range consensus on the best high-energy dogs fit for the most active lifestyle.
Remember, you can find just about any breed through adoption. Save a life!
Sources: AKC.org, DogTime.com, PetFinder.com, PetMD.com, AnimalPlanet.com
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
Best Dog Breeds For Active Lifestyle
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Australian Cattle Dog
A very tough herding dog, these energized canines are about as untiring as they come. They always need a job to do or they'll get into trouble, so if you want a challenge and a companion that will be up to some of the most grueling of challenges, this breed is a no-brainer. Just be sure you're willing to go through with the essential obedience training.
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Australian Shepherd
Muscular and athletic, this is another dog bred to herd livestock. Literally ready to run from morning to night, this is another breed that needs activity or he'll become destructive. It has a double coat for chilly weather yet can handle temperate conditions for long periods while outside.
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Border Collie
These herding dogs have near infinite energy and stamina and are rated 5-stars in regards to their exercise needs. They also have an incredibly high IQ that helps them further excel athletically in canine sports which include, obedience, flyball, agility, tracking and 'flying disc competitions,' which I imagine is a fancy term for a bad-ass Frisbee contest.
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Dalmatian
You've seen them with firefighters and the Budweiser carriage, but these alert dogs were bred to run alongside horses. They are typically eager and playful and can run for miles on end before becoming fatigued. Just a walk won't do here. Dalmatians need strenuous workouts to stay fit.
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Agility, power and endurance all describe this devoted family friend. A popular hunting dog, the GSP is a sensitive animal that needs training and exercise daily.
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Greyhound
Want a real challenge? How about owning the fastest breed on Earth. These beauties date back to ancient Egypt (2900 B.C.) and were at one time only bred by royalty. Of course, anyone can own one today, but to make them happiest, be ready to run and often. On the other hand, they're also regarded as the 'world's fastest couch potato,' due to the fact they are extremely laid back and calm while indoors.
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Labrador Retriever
The most popular breed in the country is so for a reason. Not only are they loyal, affectionate, extremely intelligent guardians, but they are a working dog that has enough energy for the most active of families. They're built tough -- originally from Newfoundland, the breed was first used alongside fishermen, helping to pull in nets and catch fish which escaped from the lines.
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
This breed actually hails from South Africa where it was initially used to help farmers hunt in the wild. If they can hunt lions, they can keep up with your workout routine. Don't even think about trying to contain this dog's energy and power -- constant outside activity is a must.
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Shiba Inu
These Japanese guardians are known for being incredibly independent, but just as other spitz breeds, are athletic and full of energy. Obedience training and exercise are musts for this medium sized primitive dog who can also stay comfortable in doors between workouts.
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Siberian Husky
This Arctic husky is quite the escape artist, so don't leave him outside unattended. But this dog is widely considered one of the most fun-loving, smart, adventurous and clever high-energy breeds to own. They are incredibly social and can be mischievous, but if you stay active -- especially in cold weather -- you'll have a happy dog.
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Weimaraner
This German bred 'grey ghost' is just as friendly as it is obedient and needs daily running, hunting or outdoor play to stay happy. Weimaraners are rambunctious, so feel free to take him a long on your greatest adventures.
