Are you all pumped up for the trail running season and want your dog by your side? Dogs are not just man’s best friends; they have long histories of thriving in the heart of nature. While not all dog breeds are well-suited for trail running, some breeds have a natural talent for it.
Trail running is all about embracing nature and stepping out of your indoor spaces to test your endurance. Whether you’re going on a trail with a party or just by yourself, adding a loyal furry companion to the team enhances the fun.
If you want a resilient dog that can keep up with your active lifestyle, go through the dog breeds listed in this article to find your companion.
Top Dog Breeds that Love Trail Running
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
Watching the gorgeous German Shorthaired Pointer sprint through the woods can be quite a sight with its speckled coat that looks like it belongs in the natural world. This hunting dog breed is known for its high energy, speed, and resilience.
GPS are great runners and can follow uneven trails spectacularly due to their elegant gait and agility. These canines are also known as “bird dogs”; exploring and navigating nature is something this breed is more than familiar with.
Pointers make friendly companions and can stay active outdoors with their owners for extended periods of time. According to PetMD, these pups need a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay at their best.
GPS are dogs with a high prey drive and a nose known for its scenting talents. They need proper training, otherwise they might want to go chase something if they’re off leash.
2. Siberian Huskies
If you live in a harsh environment or just want to go trail running in cold weather, Siberian Huskies are the perfect dogs for you. Originally bred in the frozen environments of Siberia and used as sled dogs, these pups are no strangers to staying active outdoors.
Huskies can make amazing canine companions for active families and people who love trail running. With their thick coats with two layers, Sibes are very resistant to harsh weather and rain.
These amiable and somewhat clownish dogs love the pack life and will generally get along with other dogs if they’ve been trained well.
According to the American Kennel Club, huskies were bred to run. Their escape artist instincts might kick in sometimes, so you will need to watch them.
3. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are really gorgeous, spotted dogs famous due to their many pop culture and TV appearances. With their sleek bodies and long legs, Dalmatians are an energetic breed and make great running partners.
Dalmatians have a diverse and quite impressive history; they’ve been war dogs, sentinels, hunters, shepherds, and performers, according to Britannica. One of their most popular roles, however, has been carriage dogs whose job was to run alongside carriages for long distances.
As one of the best running dogs, Dalmatians can give any dog a run for its money in trail chasing. This energetic breed can’t be satiated with short shorts or walks; they need daily long walks and can stay tireless on long runs.
Dalmatians are amazing trail running besties for people living in warmer climates due to their short coats.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies and trail running is a combination we can all guess is ideal. These highly trainable and vigorous dogs are not only gentle house pets, but are also reliable and cooperative in outdoor adventures in nature.
Collies are muscular but agile dogs that can stay balanced and nimble-footed on rough trails. These beautiful dogs are perfect companions for dedicated owners who can match their physical stimulation needs. They are one of the fastest dog breeds and can move like a bolt through the woods and plains.
Collies are herding dogs and love to be given a job to do. They’ll follow you joyfully and provide a friendship that will make your trailing adventures unforgettable.
They tend to be aloof towards strangers, so if they’re running with other people around on the trail running, they might take a while getting used to it if they haven’t received socialization training.
5. Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are made for outdoor adventures and thrive in the company of active owners. The American Kennel Club calls them “tough ranch dogs”. Aussies are agile and strong, big dogs that need a lot of physical stimulation; they’re not for sedentary owners.
Aussies love running and can stay active for hours each day. They won’t mind joining you on your trail adventures through long distances; it’s going to be their dream come true.
They’re very intelligent dogs and can be trained to be fabulous in any dog sport, including running and dock diving.
Aussies love their humans and can be territorial and protective towards them. Early obedience and socialization training are very important for them.
6. Labrador Retrievers
Labs are on board for pretty much any outdoor activities. They will happily run with you on any type of trail without getting tired.
Labrador Retrievers are not only amazing family pets, but they also make great companions for people who can keep them active. These medium to large dogs have a short coat, which makes them one of the best dog breeds for trail running in warm weather.
Labs are super resilient and intelligent dogs and are often used for search and rescue missions and police work. They’re very trainable and stay tireless in long-distance running sessions. Labrador Retrievers are very loving and loyal pets and love to bond with their humans through physical activity.
7. Vizsla
Vizlas are long-legged and lean dogs known for their robust and athletic nature. Their beautiful and smooth golden-rust coat is one of their most distinct and charming features. They’re great dogs for people who love trail running and provide their pet parents with a nimble-footed partnership.
Vizlas were bred as the companions of hunters; human interaction is in their instincts, and they love to bond with their pet parents. Being left alone is something they’re not very fond of. They’ll follow you on hiking and trailing adventures as loyal sidekicks; the Sam to your Frodo.
Don’t ignore them for long periods of time if you’re on a long trailing adventure. They need their daily dose of affection and attention. They’re very easy to train compared to most dogs with a high energy level. They are smart and eager to please and learn to follow commands pretty well.
Conclusion
While all these dogs can run on trails with you through forests and mountain terrains, make sure your doggo gets sufficient breaks and stays hydrated. If it’s too hot, make sure you get some rest time under trees or some other kind of shade.
Watch out for signs of fatigue in your dog if they’ve been running for a long time.
Some other dog breeds you can check out if you’re looking for a trail buddy are: German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Jack Russell Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and Fox Terriers.
