If you’ve ever run with a great dog, you’ll know that they improve the running experience tenfold. A dog that loves to run, is obedient, and relishes both the activity and your company, is a jogger’s asset. The run – arguably a chore for many of us – becomes a source of joy, a distraction from the toil of putting one foot in front of the other or the inclement weather, and a superb way of channeling your pet‘s energy into a meaningful activity.
Certain dog breeds are built for speed. These are typically those originally developed to hunt or chase, particularly the sighthounds who hold their heads high, galloping onward, rather than snuffling on the ground. Their aerodynamic physiques, with long legs, deep chests, angled hind legs, and lean, lightweight bodies, enable them to power off the ground and clock impressive miles per hour.
And then there are the breeds that just love to run, especially after one of the best puppy toys – these are typically the gundogs and terriers, who have boundless energy and enthusiasm. They love their people, and will gleefully accompany them on any outdoor adventure. These can be the best partners of all, with trainability and willingness coupled with a sporty physique. They might not beat the greyhound on the track – but they’re often the ones that end up being the best running companions. Always up for it – and not so fast that you spend most of the run whistling for them to come back.
Let’s take at some of the dog breeds that were made for running.
32 dog breeds that were made for running
1. Vizsla
Vizslas are natural athletes, with a high cruising speed and impressive stamina. They need plenty of daily exercise, the more vigorous the better. Like many popular gundogs, they are innately sporty, love being outdoors, and are highly energetic, but they have a better turn of foot than most, with a top speed of 40mph! Their sleek coats mean they cope well with hot weather.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
A hunting dog bred to go all day long in the great outdoors. They are both robust and fast, and are able to maintain a decent cruising speed for many miles.
3. Greyhound
The ultimate speed dog. Known for their pace on the racetrack, a greyhound can hit speeds of 45mph. Greyhounds are also known for their chilled-out attitude to life when they aren’t in the fast lane – they are equally outstanding at sleeping – however, they have stamina in abundance. In fact, they’d be able to outrun a cheetah over eight miles, with a cruising speed of 35mph. But it’s fair to say they’re best known for their sprinting abilities.
4. Weimaraner
A fantastic running companion, as they love both vigorous exercise and spending time with their favorite human. They are built like athletes, being streamlined, well muscled and with long legs.
5. English Setter
Setters are very high-energy and running is an ideal outlet. They tend to have a high prey drive, being bred to hunt, but keeping them on the go can be a great way to keep their attention on you. They find running on any terrain, over any distance, comes easily to them. Just watch out that you don’t get them too fit, as they’re hard to tire at the best of times!
6. English Springer Spaniel
A thoroughly enthusiastic running partner, who will go all day long. Springer spaniels thrive on exercise and love to head out in any weather. They may not be supreme speedsters like the greyhound, but what they lack in sheer athleticism they certainly make up for in mentality. They will never give up or say they want to go home, and they’ll run until they drop.
7. Flatcoat retriever
Full of energy and enthusiasm, flat-coated retrievers enjoy all types of vigorous exercise, including running and swimming. Probably the most streamlined of the large retriever types, they thrive on plenty of activity to channel their energy.
8. Dalmatian
Dalmatians were originally bred to run along stagecoaches, and therefore have the ability not only to keep up with horses but for an impressive number of miles. They are strong, active, and athletic, with abundant stamina – not to mention their striking looks.
9. Rhodesian ridgeback
These large dogs were originally bred in South Africa where they were used to hunt big game, such as lions. This means that their well-muscled, athletic bodies are hardwired to require plenty of exercise. They were designed to cover long distances at speed and can cope well with hot, arid conditions.
10. Siberian Husky
One of the many reasons to love Siberian Huskies is that they can run all day long if you give them the chance. They are bred for endurance and in a team can cover up to 150 miles a day! Even without much training, they are quite capable of running some 10–20 miles; it’s just in their genes. With a top speed of 28–30mph, they are capable of short sprints, but at their cruising speed of around 20mph, they can simply run and run. Cold weather is preferred.
11. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are highly trainable, as well as athletic, which makes them good running partners and has the added advantage of looking like a security dog, which is a confidence boost for those running solo. They are keen, clever, and need lots of exercise. They might not have quite the stamina of the leaner dogs, and their heavy coat is better suited for colder weather, but alongside most human joggers, they’ll find the exercise a breeze.
12. Foxhound
Foxhounds are bred to hunt and run for hours and miles on end. Built for working fast and hard on all terrains and in any weather, nothing daunts them – they will keep up the chase until nightfall. Just make sure they’re super highly trained, as this is a breed with a sky-high prey drive.
13. Border collie
Border collies flourish in families with a highly active lifestyle. They adore exercise and are full of energy. They can sprint (watch them round up sheep), or jog along all day long – up to 80km a day in some instances. In short, they’re the ideal companion at any pace. Plus, they're highly intelligent and trainable, the perfect partner.
14. Belgian malinois
Obedient, energetic and athletic – the perfect ingredients for a running companion. This dog also has protective traits, which is a handy asset for those who run alone.
15. Pharaoh hound
This lean and athletic dog requires abundant daily exercise. And if you don’t exercise them, they’ll do it themselves, tearing off around the yard at top speed! They are muscular and graceful, so running comes easily to them, whether sprinting or for longer outings.
16. Australian Shepherd
In common with many of the pastoral breeds, the Australian shepherd dog loves to work off his prolific energy. They relish a demanding exercise routine, challenging terrain, and decent mileage. However, bear in mind that their luxuriant coats can get a bit toasty in hot weather.
17. Australian cattle dog
This strong and agile herding dog has limitless energy. They are bred to work all day long, managing large herds of cattle in the outback, so jogging alongside comparatively sluggish humans can feel like small fry to these highly athletic and bouncy dogs. Any outlet for their bubbling energy is a winner.
18. Whippet
Perfectly formed for speed, the neat little whippet is lightweight, aerodynamic, and long-legged. Smaller than its fellow sighthounds, the whippet is nonetheless an agile sprinter with a serious turn of foot.
19. Jack Russell terrier
Maybe not the fastest dog on the block, but you can’t fault them for trying. The Jack Russell isn’t built for speed with its short legs, however they are explosive and quick off the mark. The can catch any rat or mouse, when their supposedly speedier colleagues cannot, thanks to their lightning reactions. Add to this their extraordinary gameness and you have a super all-round running mate whose tenacity and enthusiasm know no bounds.
They are also one of the best dog breeds for companionship, so a great pooch all around!
20. Sloughi
Also known as the Arabian Greyhound, this large, elegant dog is a similarly speedy sighthound, with a smooth coat, long legs, and a deep chest.
21. Wire fox terrier
While not as naturally aerodynamic as some dogs, these highly energetic terriers love to run. As a natural hunting dog, they crave exercise, and a quick walk round the block simply won’t do. They might not be the speediest around, but they’ll never say no to a jog and will happily head out several times a day to burn off their energy.
22. Doberman pinscher
These are powerful and energetic dogs, and although they are more heavily built than the lithe sighthounds, they are natural athletes with a long stride, impressive musculature, and a desire to press forward. In their role as security dogs, Doberman pinschers are relied on to chase down wrongdoers and can outrun any human.
23. Saluki
Lightweight and elegant, the Saluki is a superb runner. They are fast, strong, and full of stamina, so almost any running distance and pace is a breeze for them. However, they tend to be on the lazy side, like many sighthounds, so they tend to keep their speed for a quick sprint and then take a long nap.
24. Poodle
Their ornate hair-dos are just one of the many reasons to love poodles. While some Poodles may look too pretty for sport, they actually make great running companions. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, and are a versatile, energetic breed that loves to run, swim and enjoy outdoor adventures.
25. Brittany Spaniel
In common with the springers and cockers, Brittany Spaniels are typically energetic and need a good deal of exercise, with running being the perfect outlet. They are fairly lightweight and long-legged, giving them both agility and speed. Just keep them on task, as they are liable to find prey a distraction.
26. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers make excellent running companions because they are so faithful, trainable, and have superb stamina. However, bear in mind they can be prone to arthritis so they aren’t suited to overly long or fast runs, but if you want a partner for a gentle jog, look no further than the loveable Lab.
27. Shetland sheepdog
Like most herding dogs, the Sheltie is an exceptional runner over short distances. They are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise, but a long, slow jog would be less appealing to them than a fast-paced workout with plenty of stopping and starting. Or just round and round in circles!
28. Irish Wolfhound
With such long legs, the Irish wolfhound can make giant strides with very little effort. As a giant breed, however, it’s really important to go slowly with the amount of exercise especially when they are young and their enormous joints are still developing. Once mature, they can make the most of their athletic stature, run both fast, and show impressive endurance.
Bred to track wolves on long, solo hunts, they tend to be independent workers rather than devoted running partners.
29. Borzoi
Borzois are large, graceful and athletic. Thanks to their greyhound ancestry, they possess both speed and endurance. But like most sighthounds, they tend to prefer showing off their pace than trudging along for miles on end.
30. Afghan Hound
Underneath that luxuriant coat is a lean and aerodynamic physique that is built to run – and fast. They are full of energy and extremely speedy, reaching up to 40mph, and have plenty of energy. They are also exceptional jumpers, so are natural winners in lure coursing and agility competitions.
31. Catahoula leopard dog
Very fast, athletic, and agile, this American dog breed hailing from Louisiana is a gifted athlete known for its speed and endurance. They are high-energy dogs, crave adventure, and excel at hunting and tracking sports. Ideally suited to a home with people who love hiking, running, and other outdoor pursuits, dog in tow.
32. Bloodhound
One fun fact about bloodhounds is that like other pack hounds, bloodhounds can run for miles and miles. There have been cases of this breed tracking for over 100 miles! They make excellent running dogs, being well capable of marathon training for runners who want a jogging partner. These rangy and athletic hounds tend to be easy-going and mild-mannered in the home, but they relish long walks or runs.
