People who have an active lifestyle need great companions. One of the best companions you can have is an active dog breed that is always willing to tag along. These dogs are compatible and the perfect fit for those looking for a running buddy or an agility partner.
8 High-Energy Dog Breeds
Here are eight of the most popular high-energy dogs that can accompany you in your daily activities.
1. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs known for their unique and striking white coats with black spots. These dogs are high-energy dogs.
The American Kennel Club describes them as active and alert. They also have great endurance, liveliness, intelligence, and speed. This breed is powerful and athletic; hence, they need a fair amount of exercise and energy release. They make excellent jogging, hiking, and running companions.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small terriers, mainly white and smooth or broken-coated, which can also be of mixed color. This breed is known to be enthusiastic, eager, and energetic. They act as if they have a limitless supply of energy. They enjoy being with active, sporty, and outdoorsy people.
3. Border Collie
Known as a highly intelligent breed, the Border Collie is one of the most active dogs you will meet. You will often see this breed excel in competitions like sheepdog trials and dog sports.
They are also known as the best herding dog you can have with their stealthy crouches, followed by a sudden burst of energy. Border Collies enjoy running around in vast areas. They are considered in the canine kingdom as the most agile, graceful, balanced, and sturdy.
4. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is naturally a herding dog. They enjoy “herding” playfully and chasing children and other animals. This canine breed excels in dog sports because they love agility and high-energy challenges and games.
If not given enough training and exercise, they may become stubborn, hard-headed, and grumpy. When you decide to adopt one, give it proper training, structure, and enough exercise.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is large-sized dogs that are part of the Sennenhund-type dogs family from Switzerland. They can weigh up to 115 pounds. These dogs are bred to carry fruits and vegetables in Switzerland’s mountainous areas because of their robust built, muscular hind legs and their ability to pull and take items five times their weight.
These big pets are also very lovable, sweet, and extremely playful. They need a home where they can stretch their legs and exhaust all their energy.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog with a short coat, usually with two primary color forms. These high-energy dogs are the perfect pet if you need someone to go hiking and running. This breed is also known to be very affectionate, loving, sweet, intelligent, and loyal.
These dogs have the stamina to herd cattle, so as pets, they can quickly get bored if they are not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. They love learning new tricks, puzzles, and most dog sports.
7. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is known for their work with the military and law enforcement. They enjoy running, challenging games and are excellent watchdogs. As pets, it is best to enroll them in agility classes and participate in dog sports. These dogs need daily exercise like nose work, running, and other games for their mental stimulation.
8. Siberian Husky
Just like the Bernese Mountain Dog, Siberian Huskies are known to be experts at pulling produce and even humans in sleds for ages. They are excellent endurance dogs, and they have been bred in the harshest climates making them one of the sturdiest dog breeds around.
Having them as pets, they need plenty of exercise. They will enjoy long walks every day, hikes, and any activity to keep them continuously active. Note that they are prone to overheating, so always watch out for that.
How to Care for Active Dogs
Like athletes who face injury risks during competitions and practice, active dogs may also experience injuries while doing strenuous activities and competition.
There are plenty of dog owners with an active lifestyle; therefore, their canine companions adapt to the same energetic and outdoorsy lifestyle. It is common to see dog owners hiking, running, walking, and playing fetch with their pets.
Ranchers have herding dogs to assist in managing their cattle and sheep. Some people even compete with their dogs in herding, field trials, agility, disc contests, and dock jumping.
If you own an active or competitive canine athlete, note that they can be prone to musculoskeletal injuries and diseases. Here are some tips on how to avoid these issues:
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet for your dog. Giving your pets the right nourishment is vital for their outstanding performance.
- Always condition your pets before any activity or competition. It is still a great idea to give them a consistent training regimen.
- Always warm-up before doing anything that is physically demanding for them. A good example would be to try a more accessible trail before going on a long hike with your dog.
- Keep your dog lean. Overweight dogs tend to have stressed joints and ligaments, making them more prone to injuries.
- Visit your vet regularly.
There are also other ways to care for your high-energy dogs. Caring for them and keeping the dogs healthy should be taken seriously by owners. Before adopting one of the breeds mentioned, consider things like your living environment, how many hours you work every day, and how much activity you can provide your active pets.
If you plan to hang out and run around in your backyard once a day with your dogs, this will not be enough for these active breeds. When their energy requirements are not met, these pets can end up having destructive and disastrous temperaments.
These high-energy pets can also suffer and deteriorate physically from not exercising enough for their strong legs and muscles.
Here are other ways you can care for your active and energetic dogs:
- Bring them as your running companions.
- Take them to the park regularly to play “fetch” and just run around.
- Have a playdate with other active dogs in your neighborhood.
- Go swimming.
- Enroll them in training classes or agility competitions.
Conclusion
Owning an active dog that requires plenty of physical activity is something that can make every owner happy. These dogs will help keep their humans busy, fit, and healthy. Having a buddy to do all these activities is going to be more enjoyable with a dog around.
