The kind of pet you crave says a lot about your ideal lifestyle and personality. If you’re a chill kinda guy or gal, you’re going to enjoy the company of a lazy or easygoing dog. If you love running, hiking, and staying on the move in general, your ideal furry companion should also be super energetic.
If you want a furry running partner who can do long-distance running efficiently, many dog breeds can keep you motivated and make it fun with their soothing company. If you are too busy to go outside or just want to start training your dog at home, adding a treadmill to their training can be beneficial.
So, if you’re looking for dog breeds that will enjoy running and can be trained on a treadmill too, here’s our review to guide you.
7 Active Dog Breeds that Love Treadmill Runs
1. Border Collie
Summer is hitting hard, and you don’t have it in you to take your Border Collie outdoors for long walks and runs? Don’t sweat (or do, if that’s what you want); you can always add a treadmill to your Collie’s routine to meet its exercise needs.
Border Collies are famously spunky dogs with a lot of stamina and a huge need for regular exercise. Originally, they’re herding dogs built to keep livestock in place and help their farmer owners. They make fabulous canine companions for active pet parents who don’t shy away from a robust life.
This medium-sized dog (18-22 inches, 30-55 pounds) needs their physical and mental stimulation and does amazingly in dog sports like agility. An appropriate dog treadmill can help them with agility, keep them at a healthy weight, and protect them against injury.
2. Dalmatian
Dalmatians and running are two concepts that cannot be separated; they have a history of long-distance running alongside carriages. They don’t just make amazing outdoor running and hiking partners, but will also do well on treadmills indoors.
Dalmatians are elegant canines with short, spotted coats, muscular bodies, and powerful legs. While they’ve also worked with gypsies, and firefighters, running to Dals is what flying is to Superman.
Taking a stroll in the forest or trail running is great for both you and your dog, but if you’re too busy for that, have them hop on a treadmill.
Dals can be 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and can weigh from 45-70 pounds. These medium to big dogs have a protective instinct but also enjoy the attention of their humans. They’re prone to separation anxiety if you don’t call them back for longer than expected.
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds make the best running partners, and they’re often bred as racing dogs. They’re one of the fastest dogs in the world and can achieve a speed of up to 45 miles per hour.
The first thing you’ll notice about a Greyhound is how harmoniously their features go with each other. Their long muzzle, small pointed ears, deep chest, and lean but stocky legs; the balance of their appearance is spectacular. They can be 27-30 inches tall and weigh from 60 to 70 pounds.
As per Britannica, Greyhounds need to run and can spend a lot of time being active. They also make amazing couch dogs once they’ve finally burned off their energy.
It’s awesome if you have a space like a big, fenced yard for them to run. If you don’t, finding a great dog treadmill is also a great idea to keep them from getting sedentary.
4. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is a breed originating from Germany, famous for its beautiful gray coat, big floppy ears, and athletic build. Also called “gray ghosts,” these canines are fierce as hunting companions but also make loving family pets.
Weimaraners are amazing runners due to their strong legs and natural gait, and need a lot of daily activity. For male Weimaraners, the standard height and weight are: 25-27 inches and 70-90 pounds. For females: 23-24 inches, and 55-75 pounds.
Weimaraners are generally friendly dogs, but can be aloof towards strangers and might show a stubborn streak, according to the AKC. With early socialization, they can get along better with kids and other dogs.
These dogs have had famous owners like actress Grace Kelly, President Eisenhower, and modern photographer William Wegman.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are not only one of the most affectionate doggos, but Labs are also highly trainable, smart, and active pups with multiple talents. They are an obvious mention, whether we’re talking about hiking dogs or pooches that can benefit from treadmill runs.
From amazing police dogs to therapy, search and rescue dogs, Labs have proven their high spirit while working with humans. They enjoy running long distances and need a lot of workout and playtime to stay in good health and a perfect mood.
These sturdy retrieving dogs can be 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall at the shoulder, and can weigh from 55 to 80 pounds. With their surplus of affection, they get along with the whole family but also love to bond with their favorite person.
Labs have a lush, thick coat, and they can do well in both cold and hot climates, as they have better temperature adaptability than most dogs.
But like all dogs, they have their limits; make sure to watch out for signs of fatigue if running on a treadmill in warmer climates and when the temperature is spiking.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with a love for long running; they can run daily up to 5 miles. These Pooches can also do with some treadmill running to stay agile if going out for runs is difficult for some reason.
Jackies are bold dogs with big energy in small bodies. They’re not easily scared, even by dogs larger in size, due to their sharp hunting instincts. Whether you want a little pup bouncing by your side as you go on a walk or a capable dog for a hunting event, Jack Russells are the dogs for you.
Jackies can grow 10-12 inches in height, and weigh between 9-15 pounds. They come in three different types of beautiful coats: rough, smooth, and broken, with white being the most common color.
According to WebMD, they can get bored if they’re not getting enough playtime and exercise.
7. Beagle
If you adore little dogs with high energy levels, Beagles are the best breed for you. Beagles are scent hounds and enjoy following their noses; they will happily explore your cupboards, yards, and gardens.
Note that they’re better-suited for running short distances and can enjoy brief sessions on dog treadmills.
Beagles are ‘merry’ dogs that come in two size varieties: those under 13 inches, and those over 13 to 15 inches tall. They are small dogs who love their family and are great companions to take along on your local running or jogging club activities.
They’re easy to train, especially when started as puppies; involving treats will 10x the enjoyment for your pooch. As they love to chase scents, off-leash training is also very important if you don’t want them to find trouble.
Conclusion
We hope this list has helped you find a long-distance running companion fit for your lifestyle and schedule. While treadmill runs aren’t a perfect alternative for outdoor activities, they can be very helpful if you don’t want your dog to miss out on a rainy day.
Starting slow will help your doggo adapt better to running without injuring themselves. It’s also important to be aware of when they need a little rest.
