Certain dog breeds are a perfect example of loyalty, packed with power and speed. These strong running dogs are not only adorable, but they can win many competitions for you due to their energy and love for sports.
Whether you want a Belgian Malinois, well known for speed and focus, or Doberman Pinschers used for search and rescue operations along with running competition, these dogs offer more than just these qualities, but they also require high care and engagement from their owners.
This guide explores the top running dog breeds that are great for adventure as well as running in competitions.
Strong Running Dog Breeds
1. Belgian Malinois
In the late 1800s in Belgian Malinois were bred in Malines, Belgium, for herding. But with the modern and changing times, they have also switched the roles and transitioned into the role of detection and other special operations. They are also called “Mals”, and some people even confuse them with Dutch Shepherds because both of them share similarities in their coat patterns.
These herding dogs are exceptionally good at running as they can run with speeds of more than 30 miles per hour, which is very fast in short bursts. Moreover, they can maintain a constant pace of 15 to 20 miles per hour for a longer period.
AKC states that they are exceptional runners and biking companions. They can even run on challenging surfaces like rocks, forests, and hills. They have exceptional loyalty and focus.
They love to face challenges both mentally as well as physically, due to which they are well suited for military purposes and police work.
2. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are outgoing, smart, and affectionate to their family. Although their origin is yet unknown, they have been serving as war dogs and hunters for centuries. You might be shocked to know that these short-haired dogs are born with a white coat; however, after a few weeks, they develop dark coloured spots, due to which their white coat looks spotted.
They originated from Dalmatia but became popular as carriage dogs in England in the 18th century. They used to run for many miles with horse-drawn carriages, and therefore, they are not easily satisfied with short walks. These playful dogs love running and enjoy daily jogging, they require owners who can devote these dogs their time.
One other surprising fact of this breed is that they have a high chance of deafness. Some dogs have one deaf ear, while many others have both ears deaf. These dogs are perfect for active families, and even for seniors and children.
3. Saluki
They are well known for their superb speed and large bodies with a lot of stamina. They originated from the Middle East, and they were even given the prize by the royalty due to their speed as well as hunting abilities. They are also known as “Persian Greyhound,” and they are a hound breed.
Britannica states that these fast-running dogs have a life expectancy of about 11 to 13 years, with a weight of around 38-65 pounds and a height of about 23 to 28 inches, due to which their physique is their power. They have long legs as well, which further aids them in running as fast as they can.
They are also very unique and beautiful in looks and come in shades from white and black to tan and red. They cannot tolerate cold, and at least one hour of exercise daily is needed to keep them engaged and happy.
4. Doberman Pinscher
In the late 19th century, Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann developed this breed by crossing Greyhounds, German Pinschers, Black and Tan Manchester Terriers, and Old German Shepherds. These dogs were bred to be effective guard dogs. Doberman Pinschers are highly alert and smart dogs, as per PetMD.
They have also been used in search and rescue operations as well as for security purposes. They are exceptionally good at long-distance running due to their energetic nature. They can become excellent running companions. Their high energy accounts for the acceleration they attain while running, which means they should be kept away from young kids.
However, with early socialisation, they remain calm and patient with young kids as well. Still, their time with children should always be supervised to prevent any unwanted injury.
5. Great Dane
They were originally bred in Germany to hunt boars. They are highly courageous, swift, and possess an elegant and beautiful appearance. They have a short coat which comes in various colours including fawn, black, and blue-grey. The unique trait that they possess is that they are the tallest of all the working breeds.
They enjoy running and trick training; however, until they are two years of age, they should not be taken for runs. They do not have a long lifespan; their life expectancy is around 7 to 10 years.
Unlike other energetic dog breeds, they have low levels of energy, but their desire to run keeps them on the list of top running dogs. They do not bark excessively, and they remain friendly and affectionate with other unfamiliar dogs as well.
6. Vizsla
Vizslas are a unique dog because they can work as a retriever as well as a pointer. Like most other breeds, they were also developed to be a swift and persistent hunter. These dogs are usually 21 to 24 inches high and weigh around 44-66 pounds; their life expectancy is around 12 to 14 years.
But what makes them happy is interaction with humans, due to which they make a good family pet. They are easy to train, for which they need positive reinforcement. They love to hunt birds, swim, and run; all of these interests are aroused in them due to their enjoyment from exercise.
They can even maintain a speed of 12 to 15 miles per hour. Although they are very calm by nature and remain exceptionally well-mannered, they can be stubborn at times due to which Vizslas require training from professional dog trainers.
7. Weimaraner
German nobles developed this breed in the early 19th century as hunters, but later on, they were provided training for being a bird dog. An interesting fact about their appearance is that although they are born with stripes on their body, these stripes fade away in just a few days after their birth.
These graceful and hunting dogs usually have silver-grey or mouse-grey colours sleek coat with sometimes amber or blue coloured eyes, which add to their overall appearance. Their meaningful stance makes them aggressive hunters, and their need for physical activity is also very high; therefore, they like running and retrieving tasks.
8. Greyhound
Greyhounds are a type of breed that is explosive outdoors but remains exceptionally calm indoors. They are adaptable, and therefore, they can adjust well in an apartment building with their owners.
They are independent and noble, with males as high as around 28 to 30 inches, and females are about 27 to 28 inches long. Each inch of their body is made just to help them run at a fast speed.
When they sprint, their narrow skull helps reduce the air resistance; they even have “shock absorbing pads” on their feet to prevent any unwanted injuries during running, as per the report of the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are an ideal high-speed breed, perfect for races and built just for speed, even by nature.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
These dogs are well known for their eagerness to please, due to which they remain affectionate with family and even kids. They behave well with other dogs due to their friendly temperament. But they are not just good by nature, they are also talented when it comes to running.
If you want a dog that behaves nicely and is an incredible runner, then German Shorthaired Pointers are the most apt for you. They are always on the go for various sports, including running, but dog owners need to be extra cautious in their care. After eating and drinking, they must not exercise or run for a minimum of one hour.
Additionally, they should not eat or drink anything immediately after exercise. If provided proper care, they run for miles and win many competitions while remaining adorable with their family.
Conclusion
Strong runner dogs are a perfect example of physically powerful dogs with strong drives to lead an active lifestyle, therefore, they are best suited for active owners who also love adventures or exercises.
Although they are not as popular as Border Collie, Australian Cattle Dog, Labrador Retrievers, standard poodle, Jack Russell Terrier, and Pit Bulls but if you are looking for a dog who can run miles with you or win trophies as an incredible runners, exploring these breeds is essential for you to deeply understand their behaviour so you can opt for the best one based on your preferences.
