Some dogs take literal joy in spinning around their humans when excitement hits—whether it’s greeting time or the promise of fun. You might see them twirl in circles or chase their tail before jumping into your arms. While it’s undeniably adorable, it’s also rooted in behavior shaped by both instinct and genetics.
Scientific studies suggest that breed alone accounts for only about 9% of a dog’s personality traits, meaning most of their quirks, like that joyful spin, come from a mix of genetics and environment.
Meanwhile, experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC) explain that circling before lying down reflects fixed action patterns passed down from wild ancestors, used to flatten grass or scan for potential threats before resting.
What this really means: when a dog spins around its owner, it’s not just playful chaos—it’s instinct meeting excitement. That burst of joyful motion is their built‑in expression of pure energy and affection.
Dog Breeds That Spin Around Owners in Excitement
Here are the 7 dog breeds:
1. Jack Russell Terrier
- Energy Level: Boundless stamina
- Behavior Cue: Spins frequently
- Unique Trait: Vocal pup
- Dog Zoomies Type: Quick bursts
- Excitement Style: Spirited circles
Originally bred in 1800s England for fox hunting, the Jack Russell Terrier is the definition of nonstop motion. Their sharp intelligence, high prey drive, and natural confidence often show up as frenetic random activity periods—sudden whirlwinds of movement, including spinning in tight circles when they’re hyped up or overstimulated.
Their small size makes them agile, but it’s their mental sharpness and excess energy that fuels the spinning, digging, and zooming. Jack Russells are expressive and loud, often barking as they whirl in excitement, whether at the doorbell, a squirrel, or their favorite human.
2. Border Collie
- Energy Level: Intense drive
- Behavior Cue: Precision spins
- Unique Trait: Striking gaze
- Dog Zoomies Type: Herding loops
- Excitement Style: Focused whirl
The Border Collie is practically a genius in fur. According to Hills Pet, they were bred along the border of Scotland and England for herding sheep. This breed is famous for its razor-sharp intelligence and unmatched work ethic.
When a Border Collie spins around their owner, it’s often tied to instinctual behavior inherited from generations of herding work. Their excitement is rarely chaotic—it’s laser-focused.
For owners, the key is to channel their enthusiasm into training, agility courses, or advanced games that challenge both brain and body. A bored Border Collie isn’t just restless—they’ll make up their tasks, which can turn wild fast.
3. Labrador Retriever
- Energy Level: Steady enthusiasm
- Behavior Cue: Joyful spins
- Unique Trait: Water lover
- Dog Zoomies Type: Splashy dashes
- Excitement Style: Tail tornado
According to PDSA, the Labrador Retriever is the ultimate all-around companion—playful, devoted, and always ready to please. When a Lab spins around its owner, it’s often a mix of anticipation, joy, and sheer enthusiasm for interaction.
These spins can kick off right before a walk, during play, or when you pick up the leash—any time something exciting is about to occur.
Their love of water and fun makes them natural zoomie champions, especially when wet. A Lab charging out of a lake and spinning on the grass is just doing what Labs do best: living big, loving hard, and enjoying every moment by your side.
4. Beagle
- Energy Level: Lively spark
- Behavior Cue: Spins playfully
- Unique Trait: Floppy charm
- Dog Zoomies Type: Pack sprints
- Excitement Style: Nose-led whirl
The Beagle brings curiosity, charm, and chaos in equal measure. Known for their incredible nose and social nature, Beagles often spin in circles when excited, especially around their favorite people. This behavior is typical of many dog behaviors that emerge when a pup is overstimulated or simply thrilled to be part of the action.
As natural pack animals, Beagles thrive in social settings and tend to mirror the energy of other dogs or people around them. If a walk, treat, or even your voice signals fun ahead, they may spin, bark, and bounce—all in a flash.
Sometimes that energy builds up fast. When a Beagle hasn’t had enough stimulation, their spinning can come from pent-up energy, and letting it out is their way of staying balanced.
5. Golden Retriever
- Energy Level: Gentle drive
- Behavior Cue: Friendly spins
- Unique Trait: Soothing presence
- Dog Zoomies Type: Graceful loops
- Excitement Style: Happy twirl
The Golden Retriever has earned its spot as one of the most beloved family dogs on the planet—and for several reasons. Beyond their silky coats and soulful eyes, these dogs are emotionally intuitive, eager to please, and incredibly patient.
When a Golden spins around their owner, it’s a warm mix of happiness, readiness, and habit—an easy way to say “let’s go” or “I’m excited to see you.” It’s also completely normal for Goldens to display their happiness through movement.
Golden Retrievers do have their brand of joyful motion. These dogs are all about other things, too—like swimming, fetching, and being wherever you are.
The good news is they tend to settle into a calm rhythm easily, especially once they’ve had their walk, play, or a quick dip in the water. Their spins are affectionate, not chaotic—a graceful expression of their golden hearts.
6. Boxer
- Energy Level: Explosive energy
- Behavior Cue: Bounding spins
- Unique Trait: Play-first mindset
- Dog Zoomies Type: Muscle sprints
- Excitement Style: Full-body whirl
Boxers are bouncy, expressive, and wildly entertaining companions. With their square jaws and powerful build, they might look tough, but underneath, they’re goofballs that love nothing more than making their humans laugh. When they spin in excitement, it’s usually a result of a sudden burst of energy that seems to come out of nowhere.
Because of their physical strength, that excitement can sometimes overwhelm smaller children or new pet owners. But with the right boundaries and plenty of structured exercise, their high energy can be a joy to watch.
7. Australian Shepherd
- Energy Level: Relentless motion
- Behavior Cue: Agility spins
- Unique Trait: Herding drive
- Dog Zoomies Type: Tactical bursts
- Excitement Style: Focused whirl
The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, was perfected in the American West—bred for stamina, instinct, and fast thinking in the field. These dogs don’t just run—they anticipate, strategize, and engage every muscle and sense while moving. When an Aussie spins in excitement, it’s often a calculated form of expression, not random chaos.
This breed is a master of agility, and spinning is just one more outlet for their athleticism. It shows up before games of fetch, during herding simulations, or when they’re thrilled to see you grab a leash.
Their minds work just as fast as their bodies, and without proper outlets, all that brilliance can turn wild. An Aussie who isn’t stimulated physically or mentally might spin, nip, or pace as a call for attention or relief.
Conclusion
Spinning in excitement is one of those wonderfully weird dog behaviors that’s both entertaining and deeply rooted in instinct. Whether it’s a full-grown herder doing tight loops at the door or a young pup doing puppy zoomies in the hallway, the message is the same: they’re thrilled to be near you.
For some breeds, these spins are a natural way to release energy before dogs run out the door. For others, it’s about anticipation or bonding. While the intensity can vary, especially in puppies, most of the time it’s harmless and even healthy.
If the spinning lasts for a longer period, becomes obsessive, or seems disconnected from a trigger, that’s when it’s okay to feel concerned or even a little worried. But in most cases, it’s just your dog doing the right thing in the only language they know—movement.
