32 best dogs for runners who are looking for a buddy

If pounding the pavement or running long distances with a canine companion by your side sounds like your idea of fun, then the best dogs for runners will put you through your paces.

Let's face it: there are plenty of tips for running with your dog. But the most important one is to ensure that the breed by your side is up to the task.

Just like humans, all dogs are different. This means some dogs are built for running to their heart's content. While others, like many of the most affectionate dog breeds, are much more content with snuggling up to you on the sofa.

The good news is that all breeds featured in this guide are all high-energy breeds and a passion for the great outdoors. Some have second-to-none stamina, while others will prefer shorter sprints – either way, running can also be a great way to help your dog expel some energy. And it can also strengthen your relationship.

Before you start running with your dog, it's worth getting your pet checked out by a vet. We say this because some breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and joint pain. So an in-depth physical will make sure they’re not in any pain and are fit to run.

Best dogs for runners

1. German Shepherd

Topping our guide to the best dogs for runners, the athletic German Shepherd brings together the best of speed and stamina, making this dog the ideal running partner.

With a high mix of curiosity and courage, these dogs love adventure, and because they have so much energy to burn, a run can be the perfect way to let them shake some of it off.

2. Border Collie

Border Collies make great fitness buddies and it’s all down to their inherent qualities, like their smart, affectionate, and energetic nature.

They’re easy to train, full of enthusiasm, and love the outdoors, and the fact that they’re so obedient and responsive to verbal commands means you’ll remain in control when you’re running.

3. Australian Shepherd

Full of liveliness and enthusiasm, an Australian Shepherd dog loves nothing more than to be running with the wind through its coat outside in the great outdoors.

This is an active, intelligent, and high-energy breed that thrives on bursts of intense activity. But just remember that they have a long coat so avoid running with them in hot weather.

4. Weimaraner

If there’s one dog that comes with an insatiable love of exercise, it’s the fearless and friendly weimaraner. The obedient creature is strong and active and built with an athletic body that gives this dog an almost unrivaled level of stamina.

Light-footed and off in the blink of an eye, this natural runner will definitely put you through your paces.

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Fast, powerful, and able to sprint and maintain speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, the Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Africa, where it was used to track lions.

Therefore, these dogs are natural-born runners with high levels of endurance that make them ideal companions for long-distance runners.

6. Dalmatian

Graceful and elegantly proportioned with a lean physique and a love of nature, it’s these qualities make the outgoing and super-smart Dalmatians very willing exercise partners.

This breed has high stamina, so it will favor slower, longer runs as opposed to short sprints. They’ll also prefer soft terrain, so the high-impact activity isn’t too hard on their joints.

7. Vizsla

Known for being light-footed and lean, the Hungarian Vizsla was once bred as a hunting dog.

Therefore, the Vizsla takes pounding the pavement and trekking through tough terrain in its stride. Their sleek coat means they have no problem running in warm weather, and they have bags of energy that lends itself well to vigorous daily exercise.

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

Eager to please, enthusiastic, and coming with boundless energy, German Shorthaired Pointers thrive on positive training methods and bags of love. So will adore running as far as you’re willing to go.

Powerful, fast, and agile, it’s fair to say that this breed can’t get enough of the great outdoors. These pooches are also highly versatile as they are capable of both short sprints and longer runs. So you can consider the German Shorthaired Pointer your perfect all-around running mate.

9. English Springer Spaniel

With their playful nature and their hunting dog background, you can consider the English Springer Spaniel the Tigger of the doggy world. These dogs are very keen to engage in any activity that will help them burn off their energy – and running is included!

English Springer Spaniels thrive when right by their human parent’s side. So they will happily run for more than 10km as long as there are a few short stops for water along the way.

10. Doberman Pinscher

A brilliant all-rounder, whether you want to go on a short sprint, long run, or something in between, Doberman Pinschers can do it all.

These muscular and very powerful breeds love vigorous exercise, which is the perfect coupling for those who love to run. Highly trainable – so you won’t have to worry when you’re in the outside world, as they will respond immediately to commands – they might be one of the best guard dog breeds, but they are also brilliant running partners too.

11. Shetland Sheepdog

As is the case with most herding dogs, the Shetland Sheepdog is a brilliant short-distance runner. These pooches are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent creatures who are eager to please. This makes training them simple.

12. Greyhound

Bred for speed, these fast sprinters can reach up to 45mph and are among the fastest dog breeds in the world.

But despite their reputation for being champion sprinters, these pooches don’t have a limitless amount of energy, so they are best racing across short distances.

That said, the average greyhound will still need up to an hour of exercise a day. But once its exercise needs have been ticked off, they’ll be quite happy to spend the rest of the day catching up on some ZZZs.

13. Pitbull

Packed with a load of energy, if you’re keen on heading out on a short and brisk run, a Pitbull could be the perfect fur friend to tick off your cardio with.

This intelligent and energetic breed requires at least an hour of exercise a day to keep them healthy. So, they will be a great companion for short runs or hikes. Just know these pooches won’t want to run long distances as they are prone to overheating.

14. English Setters

Needing anywhere between one to two hours of exercise a day, English Setters are generally considered good running partners because they require a lot of mentally stimulating activity, like running, to keep them active and engaged.

Originally bred for hunting, these high-energy breeds thrive in outdoorsy lifestyles. So an English Setter will feel right at home when running outside.

15. Afghan Hound

With its thick, fine, and silky coat, you could be fooled into thinking that an Afghan Hound prefers to spend more time indoors rather than out. But this couldn't be further from the truth as this athletic dog was in fact built to trek through tough terrain.

Coming with a hunting dog background, these sighthounds are agile and fast. To satisfy their need for speed, they also need at least two hours of activity a day.

16. Beagle

If you’re someone who enjoys taking short breaks during your run, you might consider a beagle as your ideal running partner.

These fur friends have natural sprinting abilities and can run quickly. But as scent hounds – which means they primarily hunt by scent rather than sight – beagles will tend to follow their noses, so will want to stop for sniffing breaks. Therefore, these small-legged creatures are better suited to shorter distances.

17. Sloughi

More informally referred to as an Arabian greyhound, a typical long-legged sloughi can run up to 42mph and is known for being a very fast runner, built for speed and endurance.

Good with other dogs, young children and affectionate in a family setting, this sighthound is a great running partner, but is better across short distances.

18. American Staffordshire Terrier

This breed has a lot of energy to burn, so an energetic activity like running can help make you a better runner – and your dog better behaved.

AmStaffs have a muscular and athletic build and strong hindquarters, which makes them suitable for longer runs. Plus, keen runners will be pleased to know that American Staffordshire Terriers are brilliant with people – including kids – so they will fit well into family life.

19. Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dogs are true fans of an active lifestyle; therefore, these hardworking, intelligent, and loyal breeds make excellent running companions.

Also known as Red Heelers or Blue Heelers because of their coat color, Australian Cattle Dogs are packed full of energy and stamina – which makes sense when you consider that they were bred to drive cattle.

20. Labrador Retriever

If there’s one dog that’s well known for its boundless energy, playful nature, and trainability, it’s the loveable Labrador Retriever.

These beauties need lots of exercise to ensure they stay happy and healthy, and their athletic build means they are well-suited for running. The same goes for their strong legs and their love for the great outdoors.

21. Boxer

Calling all shorter-distance runners! If you favor a short run over a much longer one and you’re looking for a fur friend to match your running style, a boxer could be the breed of dog you’ve been looking for.

They might not be known for their stamina – their short-nosed structure can make cooling down and breathing difficult – but they are known for their love of the activity. So a short jog could be the hobby to help you bond with one another (and tick off your and their exercise needs).

22. Brittany Spaniel

Suited for running moderately long distances, a Brittany Spaniel is a versatile, trainable, and intelligent creature that makes for one of the best dogs for running alongside – and for many reasons.

Long-legged, high on energy, and coming with a willing disposition, a Brittany Spaniel might be small in stature, but these pooches need at least an hour or more of vigorous exercise a day to keep them happy.

23. Siberian Husky

With pulling sheds through harsh conditions and across long distances high up on their CV, it’s no wonder that the Siberian Husky can add being a runner’s sidekick to its list of attributes.

This breed is inherently built for physical activity. Couple this with their naturally high energy levels, and a Siberian Husky will clock up as many miles as your legs will let you.

24. Alaskan Klee Kai

Coming with a long and rich history as a working dog, the Alaskan Klee Kai loves running, hiking, and being outdoors. Which makes them the ideal four-legged friend for staying active with.

These loveable and medium-sized fur babies are also adaptable creatures. This means they can handle long runs and hikes just as well as they can handle shorter jogs. They also thrive on adventure. So, if heading into the great outdoors is your idea of fun, just know your Alaskan Klee Kai will think so, too.

25. Poodle

There are many reasons to love poodles. For starters, with their dense, curly coats, this glamorous breed is often defined by its unique up-do. Secondly, poodles make for great service dogs, guide dogs, assistance dogs and therapy dogs.

This type of dog is also not prone to shedding, so it is considered a hypoallergenic breed that is much less likely to set your allergies off compared to other fur friends. But – perhaps most importantly for runners – they are athletic, with great energy and stamina.

26. Jack Russell Terrier

If you’re after a small dog that would consider running one of its favorite hobbies, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in a Jack Russell Terrier.

Considered good dogs for runners due to their ability to maintain focus during exercise, their natural athleticism, and their high energy levels, this terrier breed can run up to five miles a day.

So, if you’re keen to stretch your legs with a dog at your side, this intelligent and enthusiastic dog could be the ideal running partner.

27. Airedale Terrier

Running requires many things – high energy levels and brilliant stamina being just two factors. It’s also handy to have a lean and robust build, intelligence, and be easy to train. Luckily, the Airedale Terrier ticks all of the above.

Known as the ‘King of Terriers’, this breed loves to run and is gifted at doing so. Airedale Terriers are the largest of the terriers, and they can run for several miles quite happily.

28. Alaskan Malamute

Do you live in a cold climate and love exploring the outdoor world on your two feet? Then an Alaskan Malamute could be the pur-fect four-legged friend to do so with.

Loved for their endurance, Alaskan Malamutes are bred to pull heavy loads over long distances and harsh snowy terrain. Therefore these cuddly creatures are inherently active dogs and require more than two hours of exercise a day to help keep them happy and healthy.

Without enough exercise, they can become bored and this can lead to these pooches exhibiting destructive tendencies.

29. American Foxhound

Designed for hunting, the American Foxhound is believed to make a brilliant addition to any run because of their high energy levels, stamina and adaptable persona.

This means no matter whether you’re trekking through woodlands or jogging around the block, these friendly and sociable characters will love running off some steam with you.

Plus, these dogs have short coats that are easy to groom so they can look and feel their best run after run after run.

30. Saluki

Another brilliant running companion? The muscular-bodied, long-legged salukis are best known for being swift and agile sprinters.

These lean dogs are considered brilliant running pooches because of their natural athleticism and stamina. They also have high energy levels and a natural instinct to run and chase. Plus, like most dogs, Salukis need lots of mental stimulation to keep their mind active – which is where an energetic outside activity like running can step up to the plate.

31. Belgian Malinois

Known for their high energy levels, strong work ethic, and athletic build, it’s no wonder that the Belgian Malinois is favored by the police and military for detection and patrol.

But these characteristics, along with their intelligence and natural endurance, also make this type of Belgian Shepherd, which was bred as a working dog, a firm favorite for runners. So the Belgian Malinois will feel right at home in active families– no matter whether you’re hiking, jogging, or running.

32. Whippet

If you’re looking for a dog with long, powerful legs, speed, and high jumping abilities, you’ll find everything you are looking for in a whippet. These lean and long-bodied dogs might be able to reach fast speeds of up to 35mph, but they are sprinters at heart, not marathon runners.

Therefore, this fast and agile breed is ideal for short bursts of speed running rather than clocking up long and treacherous miles.

Don’t run so often? Here are the best dogs for hiking

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver