While some dogs love to stay at home and take a nap, working dogs have serious jobs, making them reliable companions for their owners. Certain breeds that can perform different tasks with boundless energy and intelligence are categorized by the AKC as a working group. These dogs are especially quick in learning new things, staying alert in different situations, and taking part actively in their jobs.
These high-energy dogs can assist us in many roles, such as herding dogs, therapy dogs, military dogs, and more. Keep reading this article and get to know more about these energetic dog breeds.
Most Active Working Dog Breeds
The following are the most active dogs who hardly get tired and are known for their high energy:
1. Siberian Husky
With unique blue eyes and wolf-like features, Siberian huskies are friendly and extremely loyal to their owner. This big dog is around 3,000 years old. Originating in subzero climates, they are best suited in cold environments. As per Greencross Vets, they have a double coat which has a very thick and short undercoat to keep them warm.
Their life span is 12-14 years. They stand up tall, 20–23.5 inches, and weigh up to 60 pounds. They are not suitable for compact spaces such as a small apartment, as they need enough space to roam around.
They were originally bred by the Chukchi people for pulling sleds. They have high energy and stamina. As a working sled dog, they can cross rough, snowy landscapes for hundreds of miles, showcasing their incredible endurance while pulling heavy sleds.
One thing about them, they hardly get tired, as a high-energy breed, they need proper daily exercises of at least 80 minutes and mental stimulation activities such as puzzles, and more. Although they are very intelligent dogs, their training can be challenging for inexperienced trainers due to their high energy and mischievous nature.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are one of the most loyal dog breeds. They can adjust to apartment living as long as they are getting enough exercise and social interaction. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they are considered one of the popular dog breeds.
They have a life span of 12-14 years, they weigh 60-100 pounds. The training sessions of these highly intelligent dogs should start at an early age, as they have a strong personality and can become pushy, destructive, and unmanageable if not raised early.
They have a strong prey drive, they need at least 2 hours of daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
They have been great guard and police dogs. They were trained to be guards for sleeping troops in World War II, making them excellent dogs for high-pressure situations. Additionally, in modern day, they continue to excel in K-9 duty, proving to be great companions in various roles, such as therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
These spirited, teddy bear-faced dogs are loved for their sweet and affectionate nature. Their wavy or curly coat makes them look extremely adorable. They make excellent family dogs due to their friendly personalities towards kids and other pets.
These spirited dog breeds stand up 17-23 inches tall with a weight of 34-60 pounds. Based on PetMD, their life expectancy is 11-13 years. They have webbed feet and a waterproof coat, making them great swimmers due to their great endurance. They need 1-2 hours of exercise a day, which should include walking and running, and swimming if possible.
Known by their names, they were originally bred to herd fish, retrieve broken or lost equipment, and swim ship to ship as a messenger. These dogs with incredible intelligence were called fishermen’s companions. As active breeds, they have excelled at dog sports, like agility, AKC Rally.
4. Boxer
Boxers are strong and muscular dogs. They are among the most popular dog breeds loved by people of all ages. These high-energy dogs are often considered the best dog choice as pets for active households and loving family environments.
They are friendly and gentle-natured dogs with a life span of 10-12 years. Early socialization and training are important for them. For their training, you must use creative methods, they can get easily bored with repetitive methods.
These energetic dogs need at least 2 hours of daily exercise; however, in hot weather, limit their outdoor activities, as due to short faces, it’s difficult for them to breathe.
Boxers are one of the fastest dogs in the world, they are capable of running 38 to 45 mph. As working dogs Boxers were used as guard dogs, messengers, attack dogs, and pack carriers in World War I and II. They can be used as guide dogs for blind people and excellent alert dogs for people who suffer from epilepsy, alerting them to an imminent seizure.
5. Samoyed
Known for their beautiful, pure white coat, erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes, Samoyeds are playful companions for active people. Although they are friendly in nature and get along well with kids and other dogs, sometimes they can be a bit mischievous. As per AKC, they are among the ancient dog breeds most genetically similar to the wolf.
They are 19-23.5 inches tall and have a life expectancy of 12-14 years. These active dogs can live in extremely cold weather due to their double coat. They always have a pretty smile on their face due to their upwardly curling lips. They also need a minimum of 2 hours of exercise, they enjoy long walks and lots of playtime to keep them mentally stimulated.
They respond well to training due to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature. However, they can sometimes get stubborn, so always focus on positive reinforcement training. They are good emotional support and therapy animals and can make you smile easily. These athletic dogs are known for pulling sleds, herding, agility, and hunting.
6. Border Collie
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, border collies are high-energy working dogs. They have a strong work ethic. Not only are they intelligent, but they are also loved for their friendly temperament, which makes them great pets for families with an active lifestyle. They pick up things very quickly, which makes them highly trainable.
Their height is 18-22 inches, with an average weight of 30-55 pounds. They also have a long life span of 12-15 years. These energetic dogs excel in dog sports such as flyball and disc dog competitions. They require at least 2-3 hours of daily exercise. These exercises can include running, playing fetch, participating in dog sports like agility or flyball, or even herding activities if possible.
As per PetMD, they were originally bred to herd livestock on farms in Great Britain and are now considered one of the most remarkable herding dog breeds in the world. They are used as search dogs in mountain rescue in Britain.
They are extremely alert and built for sharp action. Due to these traits, they are also amazing alert dogs, as they can detect when their owners are suffering from any medical condition, such as low sugar levels or seizures.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Often called Berners, they are one of the most active large breeds. They are known for their affectionate, playful, and friendly nature toward strangers, other dogs, and other pets. They are a great choice for a family with an active lifestyle. They are also easily trainable and can learn basic obedience without any trouble.
These large dogs are 23-27.5 inches tall with a weight of 70–115 pounds. These gentle giants have a calm and affectionate nature. These high-energy dogs do well if they get at least 1 hour of exercise daily. However, limit the outdoor time in warm weather, as hot weather can be hard for them, as they can get overheated.
This breed is originally known as an all-purpose farm dog for guarding property and driving dairy cattle. They were used by farmers to transport their carts of milk and cheese over long distances. Along with that, they are specially suited for guidance and mobility support work.
Conclusion:
These active dogs have a long history of hard work, and till now, they are always ready to provide services. Loved for their high intelligence, lovable and affectionate nature, they have won the hearts of people for a long time. There are more active breeds such as Labrador retriever, German shepherd, Jack Russell terrier, great pyrenees, and more, who are highly active and excel as good working dogs.
