If you’re a runner searching for a dog to fit your active lifestyle, you’re in luck. With patience and consistency, you can train many types of dogs to become your next running buddy. However, the five dog breeds below possess the natural athleticism, drive, and endurance that make them the top choices for runners of all kinds.
5. Vizsla
Good for: long runs, short runs, fast pace, steady pace
Terrain: trails, roads
Climate: warm, cool
Vizslas are known for their stamina and grace. These dogs are lean and have a sleek, short coat, which makes it more comfortable for them to run in warm weather. For colder runs, your Vizsla might appreciate a winter coat designed for active dogs. Vizslas have an abundance of energy and require vigorous exercise.
As a running companion, the Vizsla is extremely versatile. They do well with shorter, quicker distances, in addition to longer jogs at a steady pace. They even love to jump, which can come in handy while trail running on uneven terrain. The Vizsla loves being with their owner constantly and is often known as the “Velcro” dog, so this is a breed that could be taught to run off leash with reliable recall.
4. Irish Setter
Good for: long runs, short runs, fast pace, steady pace
Terrain: trails, roads
Climate: warm, cool
The Irish Setter is an athletic dog with outgoing and energetic temperament. Bred to assist bird hunters, this sporting breed has the endurance to run for miles. This intelligent breed loves pleasing their owners and will learn running commands, as well as expectations, rather quickly.
Like the Vizsla, the Irish Setter also requires a good amount of daily exercise to keep them happy and out of mischief. Training these dogs to run with you is relatively straightforward, as Irish Setters love having an active job to do. Irish Setters are also known for their friendliness toward people and other animals, so you won’t need to worry about your dog’s attitude while out running. They don’t love the cold but can run well in cool or warm climates.
3. Siberian Husky
Good for: long runs, steady pace
Terrain: trails, roads
Climate: cool, cold
Originally bred to pull sleds over hundreds of miles in harsh weather conditions, Siberian Huskies have incredible stamina. These dogs love to work and, if trained properly, can run very long distances while expending minimal energy. Although they are powerful, they are also very nimble, and would love running alongside you on a winding trail or road.
Huskies make great winter running companions and can serve as extra motivation for runners to get outdoors in cold weather. However, because of their thick double coat, Huskies should not run long distances in warm weather conditions.
2. Labrador Retriever
Good for: long runs, steady pace
Terrain: trails, roads
Climate: warm, cool, cold
Labrador Retrievers are a sporting breed, so they naturally love to work outdoors. Although swimming and retrieving are their favorite pastimes, Labradors also love to run. Because of their stocky, muscular build, Labs aren’t particularly fast. However, they have plenty of endurance and can be trained to cover long distances while running with their owners. Labs do well in a variety of weather conditions but remember to give them plenty of breaks while running on warm days.
Labradors are also known for their loyalty and desire to be close to their people. In fact, Labs would love to be included in everything you do. So, if you love to run, your Lab will happily accompany you on any active adventure.
1. Border Collie
Good for: short runs, long runs, fast pace, steady pace
Terrain: trails, roads
Climate: warm, cool, cold
Known as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, Border Collies also make an excellent choice for runners. Because they are so smart, Border Collies need daily mental and physical exercise to keep them from getting frustrated or destructive.
While running with your Border Collie, change up the route to keep this breed mentally engaged as they’ll definitely appreciate the variety. The Border Collie is a herding dog and loves to chase anything that moves, so make sure this dog is well trained before taking them out on the run. Border Collies are very agile and can run quickly for long periods of time, which is great news for a runner who wants a dog to accompany them on shorter tempo runs or longer recovery miles.
With their smooth double coats, Border Collies do well in a variety of weather conditions. The double coat acts as an insulator—keeping them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
