Most canines tend to be active and playful. This one trait makes us more attracted to dogs than anything else. Some dog breeds are more athletic than others. They keep their owners on their toes and help them maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Some dogs run faster than you, some are good at jumping, and some might beat you in a swimming competition. These canine superheroes thrive on challenges and love exercise and workout more than anything else.
Their bodies are built for speed, stamina, and endurance. These dogs also excel at playing fetch, outdoor adventures, and even at various dog sports. If you are looking for a dog breed known for its athleticism and love for physical activities, this article is for you!
Have a look at the top 9 most athletic dog breeds that are born to move.
Dog Breeds that are Natural Athletes
1. English Springer Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: Around 20 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
The English Springer Spaniel is an athletic and enthusiastic fellow having a gentle disposition. In the 19th century, this breed was characterized by two traits. Some breeders wanted to use them in the athletic field while others wanted them to participate in dog shows and competitions.
These bouncy and cheerful dogs have high energy levels. They need long walks and other outdoor activities to get adequate physical and mental stimulation. Pet owners engage their English Springer Spaniels in hunting tests, agility competitions, and obedience training.
When bored, they will try to create their own entertainment by chewing on things, including household items. It is a highly intelligent dog that is eager to please its humans and responsive to training.
2. Vizsla
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 44 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Vizsla is an athletic dog breed having lots of endurance. These curious and intelligent hunting dogs make excellent companions for individuals who enjoy activities like running, hiking, and swimming. A Vizsla is always up for anything physical!
A fully grown Vizsla needs at least 1.5 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. They also require a lot of off-leash running to fulfill their exercise needs.
Originally bred for hunting, Vizslas thrive on activities that allow them to stretch their legs and use their sharp minds. According to PDSA, Viszlas love being busy. They want to be surrounded by people all the time.
3. Belgian Tervuren
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Tervs are the fast learners, always ready for your next command. They are affectionate and devoted to their families and have an incredible work drive. Due to their high energy levels and exercise needs, they are well-suited for experienced owners.
The majestic herding dogs, Belgian Tervuren, are known for their active nature and agility. Just like other breeds on our list, they also need owners who can fulfill their need for constant attention and activity. These intelligent and alert dogs excel at obedience trials.
They thrive in homes with spacious yards where they get enough space to burn off their energy. Tervs can be easily characterized by their medium to large size and erect ears. According to WebMD, they have elegant and muscular bodies.
4. Brittany Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 17.5 to 20.5 inches
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Brittany Spaniels are very intelligent and highly trainable among all sporting dog breeds. They excel in various sports and activities, including obedience, agility training, flyball, and hunting trials. They are quick learners and can be trained well using positive reinforcement methods.
Originally bred for pointing and retrieving, these medium-sized dogs have a well-balanced and athletic build. Their highly energetic nature makes them excellent companions for running, hiking, or biking. These pooches are always eager to please their owners.
Brittany Spaniels need a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to stay fit and happy.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Profile
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Shetland Sheepdog is an athletic dog breed filled with boundless energy, so it requires plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy. Without proper exercise, Shelties are likely to exhibit destructive behaviors like chewing and excessive barking.
The Shetland Sheepdog is a small dog that was originally bred for herding sheep. Britannica claims that they look like a miniature version of a rough-coated Collie. Shelties are the sturdy dogs known for their agility, intelligence, and alertness.
Shelties have a lovey-dovey nature and are known for forming a strong bond with their families. They are the natural competitors in agility and obedience trials.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 23 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Portuguese Water Dogs are fun-loving and eager to please. They are avid swimmers. Due to natural love for water, they are always up for dock diving, water trials, and fetching floating tennis balls. Portuguese Water Dogs love playing games and learning new tricks.
Initially bred to assist fishermen, Portuguese Water Dogs are the true “Velcro dogs” that will follow you anywhere you go. Their sharp minds, strong bodies, and high energy levels make them ideal for owners with an active lifestyle.
Do you know? The most famous Portuguese Water Dogs are Sunny and Bo, President Obama’s family dogs during their two-term stay at the White House after the 2008 election.
They also make excellent candidates for dog sports like agility courses, obedience, and tracking. Porties need daily exercise to burn their energy.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Primarily bred to hunt birds, Cocker Spaniels are the most popular dogs of the 80s. These high-energy dogs thrive when they have a job to do. Cocker Spaniels are known for their expressive eyes and athletic abilities.
They are the smallest members of the sporting group, always eager to please their owners and participate in family activities. They thrive on companionship and form strong bonds with their owners.
According to the American Kennel Club, they need plenty of exercise to maintain their muscle tone. Exercise can involve playing fetch with their favorite toy, retrieving a ball, or accompanying their human on long walks.
8. German Pinscher
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 25 to 45 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
German Pinscher is an intelligent and curious dog that feels happiest when running freely in the yard. They have playful and energetic personalities and love playing with toys. These athletic and nimble dogs need plenty of exercise every day for their physical and mental health.
Having an athletic build, German Pinschers enjoy games, going on walks, and any activity that provides physical and mental stimulation. Take your German Pinscher to vigorous walks and engage them in plenty of playtime.
Make sure to keep your dog in a fenced yard and do not leave them unsupervised in the presence of other dogs due to their high prey drive.
9. Dalmatian
Breed Profile
Height: 19 to 24 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Dalmatians are calm and gentle, yet very active dog breeds. These loving and intelligent dogs are easy to train and are quite obedient. They possess the stamina and endurance to excel at dog sports like tracking, flyball, scent hurdling, and obedience.
Dalmatians an athletic dog that requires a lot of cardio to stay healthy. Dalmatians love getting praised and are eager to please their families, which makes training very easy. They are well-suited for families who can provide frequent exercise and an active lifestyle.
They are muscular dogs characterized by their distinctive white coats with black spots and sleek bodies.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are known for being natural athletes. These dogs make excellent candidates for dog sports and are known for their intelligence, high trainability, and eagerness to please. Remember, adopt a four-legged athlete only if you can provide them with adequate exercise!
Remember, if you choose from the above list, be prepared to provide them enough physical and mental stimulation. They are highly energetic dogs that have amazing stamina and also love adventures and challenges.
