Are you ready for some excitement? If you’re looking for a furry friend who will keep you on your toes and never let a dull moment pass by, excitable dog breeds are perfect for you! These dogs are full of energy, curiosity, and playfulness, always eager to go on adventures.
Whether you’re looking for a dog to keep you active or simply enjoy the thrill of having a lively companion around, these breeds are sure to add some pep to your step.
From the energetic Border Collie to the ever-enthusiastic Jack Russell Terrier, these dogs live for action and thrive in active households. Let’s dive into the 9 most excitable dog breeds that will keep you busy, happy, and on the move!
Excitable Dog Breeds
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are the ultimate bundle of energy. Known for their herding instincts, these dogs are highly intelligent and thrive when given tasks. They’re always alert and ready to learn something new, making them ideal companions for active families or individuals who enjoy training. Border Collies excel in dog sports, so expect them to stay busy with plenty of mental and physical challenges. breed
According to the American Kennel Club, their energy level is unmatched, and they need ample exercise to stay healthy and happy. Whether it’s running, hiking, or playing a good game of fetch, these dogs are always eager to get moving. If you’re not prepared to meet their high energy, they may find creative ways to entertain themselves, often resulting in some mischief.
These dogs do well in environments where they have room to roam and stay active. A large yard or daily outdoor activities are crucial to keeping them engaged and preventing them from becoming bored. If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Border Collie is a perfect fit.
They bond deeply with their owners and will often want to stay by your side, especially when engaging in physical or mental activities. Their strong bond makes them highly trainable, but they can also become clingy if not given enough space to explore on their own.
Lastly, keep in mind that their intelligence requires constant stimulation. Without proper outlets for their energy, this active breed may get frustrated, leading to potential behavioral issues. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Border Collie is a happy, well-behaved dog.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are known for their boundless energy and intelligence. Bred as working dogs on farms, they thrive in environments where they are constantly moving and given tasks to complete. These dogs are happiest when they are actively engaged, whether it’s running, herding, or participating in agility courses.
With their high energy and trainability, these dogs require a lot of exercise. A daily walk or run is not enough to satisfy their needs. They need activities that challenge both their minds and bodies, so be prepared to provide them with stimulating tasks, like puzzle toys or agility training.
Like some other dogs, they have a deep need to bond with their owners. They are incredibly loyal and will follow you around, always eager to please. However, their need for attention and activity means that they may get anxious or frustrated if left alone for too long.
Australian Shepherds are great dogs for active families or individuals who can give them the time and exercise they need. They are highly trainable and can learn advanced tricks quickly, but they also require consistent stimulation.
While they make wonderful companions for the right owner, Australian Shepherds may not be the best choice for those with a more laid-back lifestyle. They are suited to homes where they can be part of an active family that enjoys outdoor activities.
3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois, an excitable dog breed, is an active and intelligent breed known for its incredible work ethic and high energy. Bred for herding, this breed is highly trainable and excels in various roles, including police, military, and search-and-rescue work. With a strong drive to work and please their owners, Belgian Malinois thrive on stimulation and physical exercise.
This breed is highly agile, athletic, and quick, which makes them great companions for active individuals or families. They are known for their alertness and protective instincts, often bonding strongly with their owners. While they are generally friendly, their high-energy nature means they require a lot of attention and activity to avoid becoming bored or anxious.
Belgian Malinois are medium-sized dog breeds with a well-muscled frame and a sleek, short coat. Their fur is usually fawn to mahogany in color, with black masking on the face. They typically stand between 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 40 to 80 pounds. These dogs are known for their speed and agility, making them exceptional at activities like agility training and obedience.
If you’re considering a Belgian Malinois, it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercise. Daily runs, long walks, and mental stimulation through training or interactive play are essential for their well-being. Without enough activity, they may develop behavioral issues. They are a great fit for experienced dog owners who can give them the time and attention they need.
Overall, Belgian Malinois are highly excitable and thrive in active environments. They are loyal, extremely trainable protection dogs, making them excellent companions for those who can meet their physical and mental needs.
4. Dalmatian
Dalmatians, a spotted dog, are not only known for their unique coat pattern but also for their incredible energy levels. These dogs were historically bred to run alongside carriages, so they have a natural love for running and endurance activities. If you’re looking for a dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Dalmatian is a great choice.
Their energy levels require regular physical activity to keep them happy. Dalmatians enjoy activities like running, hiking, and playing fetch in a dog park, and they need plenty of space to move around. Without enough exercise, they can become restless and develop undesirable behaviors.
While Dalmatians are friendly and playful, they also require consistent training. Their independence and intelligence mean they can be a bit stubborn, so it’s important to start training them early and be consistent. A well-trained Dalmatian is a joy to have around and will be an excellent companion.
Dalmatians are highly social dogs and enjoy being around their families. They tend to bond closely with their owners and thrive in homes where they are included in family activities. Their playful nature makes them great with children, but they can be a bit too energetic for younger kids at times.
If you’re prepared for a dog that needs exercise and training, the Dalmatian can be a fantastic and loyal dog breed. Just make sure you can meet their needs for both physical and mental stimulation.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small dog breed with a big personality. Despite their size, these dogs have endless energy and an insatiable curiosity about the world. Originally bred for hunting, their natural instincts push them to explore, chase, and dig. This breed is always on the move, which means they need regular, high-energy exercise to keep them happy.
Their boundless enthusiasm means they’ll never say no to a game of fetch or a long walk. However, they can be a handful if not properly exercised and mentally challenged. Jack Russells are known for their intelligence, but without enough stimulation, they can become bored and resort to destructive behaviors.
They are one of the small dog breeds that are excellent companions for active people who can keep up with their energy levels. They love running, hiking, and exploring new places, and they are incredibly fast and agile. Be prepared for a dog that loves to move and will keep you on your toes.
While they’re small in size, they make up for it with their fiery spirit and playful nature. Jack Russells will happily chase after anything that moves, so keeping them on a leash during walks is a good idea. They are also quick learners, but their independent streak may mean they don’t always listen right away.
One of the best things about this breed is their loyalty to their families. Though they have an energetic nature, they form strong bonds and enjoy being part of a family that can provide them with plenty of love and activity.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a highly energetic and versatile breed, known for its athleticism and strong hunting instincts. Developed in Germany, this breed was originally used for bird hunting and retrieving in both water and land. Their sharp noses and agility make them exceptional hunting partners, but they are also beloved family pets for active households.
GSPs are very excitable and enjoy engaging in a variety of activities. Whether it’s running, swimming, or playing fetch, they need exercise to keep them happy. These dogs are incredibly loving with their families, often forming strong bonds with all members of the household. However, they are also independent and will enjoy their time outdoors exploring and tracking scents.
With a sleek, short coat that comes in a variety of colors like liver, black, and white, the GSP is a beautiful and functional dog. They are typically 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. Their athletic frame and energy make them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
Training is essential for this breed, as they can be quite independent and strong-willed, as noted by the AKC. Consistent, positive reinforcement training will ensure they develop good manners and remain manageable at home. German Shorthaired Pointers are also great with children and other pets when properly socialized, making them a great choice for families who lead active lives.
7. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is a breed with an impressive sense of smell and boundless energy. Originally bred for hunting in the southeastern United States, this dog is known for its endurance and ability to track down game in rugged terrain.
Redbone Coonhounds are particularly skilled at treeing coons, which is why they’ve become a popular breed for hunters, but they can also make great companions for active families.
Redbones are friendly dogs with a gentle disposition, though they can be quite independent due to their hunting background. While they love to be with their families, they also enjoy spending time outdoors, where they can exercise and explore. This breed’s excitable nature makes them a fun, playful addition to an active home, but they also require consistent obedience training to avoid developing undesirable behaviors.
This breed has a distinctive appearance with a smooth, short coat that’s typically a rich red color, though some may have small white markings. Redbone Coonhounds are a medium to large breed, standing between 21 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 45 to 70 pounds. Their athletic build allows them to keep up with demanding activities, but they also enjoy lounging with their family after a day of adventure.
Because of their hunting instincts, Redbone Coonhounds require plenty of physical and mental exercise. Long walks, runs, and opportunities for scent-based games are essential for their well-being. They also need space to roam, making them more suitable for homes with large yards or access to open areas.
8. Vizsla
Vizslas are known for their loving nature and boundless energy. This breed was originally developed as a hunting dog breed in Hungary, and they have an innate drive to run, fetch, and stay active. With their athletic frame and keen instincts, Vizslas are perfect for those looking for a high-energy dog that can keep up with outdoor activities like hiking, running, and playing fetch.
Their high energy requires a lot of daily exercise to keep them happy. A simple walk around the block won’t be enough for these dogs. They thrive on activities that challenge both their mind and body, so expect to spend a lot of time playing with your Vizsla or taking them on long, stimulating walks.
Without sufficient exercise, they may become anxious or exhibit undesirable behaviors like chewing or digging.
Despite their energy, Vizslas are incredibly affectionate and loyal. They tend to form strong bonds with their families and are known to be excellent companions. They are particularly great with children and are often described as “velcro dogs” due to their desire to stay close to their humans.
Training a Vizsla can be an enjoyable experience, as they are highly intelligent and eager to please. However, their independence can sometimes make them a bit stubborn, so it’s important to maintain consistency and patience in training. These dogs thrive in environments where they can be involved in family activities and get plenty of attention.
9. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are a highly energetic breed that loves being active and engaging in physical activities. These dogs were bred as hunting companions and have a strong instinct to run, chase, and explore. If you’re looking for a dog who will always be ready for a hike or a jog, the Weimaraner is the breed for you.
As mentioned by PetMD, their athletic build and endurance make them great exercise partners, but they require more than just a daily walk. These dogs thrive on longer, more intense physical activities that challenge their stamina. Be prepared for an energetic companion who will demand plenty of attention and activity.
Weimaraners are also highly intelligent, which means they need stimulation to keep them from getting bored. They excel in activities like obedience training and agility courses, and they love tasks that allow them to use their natural instincts. Without enough stimulation, they can become destructive.
These dogs are loyal, but they are also known for being independent and sometimes aloof. They form strong bonds with their families, but they can be a bit standoffish with strangers. Early socialization is important to ensure they are well-behaved in various settings.
While Weimaraners make excellent companions for active individuals or families, they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. Their high energy and independent nature require experienced handling and consistent training.
Conclusion
Excitable dogs bring endless joy and energy into any home. Whether you’re looking for a companion to keep you active or a playful family addition, breeds like the friendly Labrador Retriever or independent Siberian Husky are perfect for active individuals. These dogs thrive on physical activity, so consistent exercise, training, and mental stimulation are key.
If you need extra help, a certified professional dog trainer can guide you in channeling your dog’s energy positively. Some excitable breeds also make amazing service dogs or hunting dogs, offering both companionship and support. With the right care, they’ll be loyal, fun-loving friends.
Choose wisely, and enjoy the adventure with your energetic furry companion! Let us know in the comments which breed you’d choose!
