Soccer isn’t just for kids; some dogs are just as excited to be on the sidelines, tails wagging and eyes glued to the ball! These sporty pups aren’t just spectators; they live for the thrill of running, chasing, and (sometimes) stealing the ball mid-game.
Dogs and balls have always been a perfect match, and for some breeds, it’s practically in their DNA. Whether they’re darting across the field like tiny strikers or happily sitting by, cheering (well, barking) their favorite little player on, these furry fans make the best playtime companions.
So, if you want a four-legged teammate or maybe a playful rival, check out these top dog breeds that would happily star in the next “Air Bud: World Pup.” Because when it comes to soccer, some dogs aren’t just watching; they’re ready to join the fun!
Dog Breeds That Love Watching Kids Play Soccer
1. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21.5-24.5 inches | Weight: 55-80 lbs.
Lifespan: 11-13 years
Energy Level: Moderate to High
Temperament: Eager-to-please, active, loyal
Try throwing a ball in front of this highly enthusiastic and playful Mr.Popular and see how happy it will make this sporting breed, originally bred as a hunter and retriever in Newfoundland, Canada. The Labrador Retriever has tried many things in life, like popular breeds contests and games of fetch, but not a game like soccer.
But be prepared to see the journey of a shining star of the soccer world once you introduce him to this game, at which it is bound to excel. Chasing the high and running free, being involved in the joy and team-playing activities is what this loyal pup enjoys most.
VCA Animal Hospitals affirms that you just brought your luscious chocolate brown pup the perfect kind of play that it can enjoy for long hours. (Ah! You’ve made the Lab so emotional that it is now forever grateful for your gesture of generosity.)
2. Golden Retriever
Height: 21.5-24 inches | Weight: 55-75 lbs.
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Energy Level: High
Temperament: Exuberant, loyal, smart, eager to please.
Big or small, bringing any kind of ball to this golden sunshine-like puppy is the best gift ever. Because the size doesn’t matter, it just loves to play with a ball and enjoys itself all the time.
There are two things the Golden Retrievers love the most: to be the center of attention and the center of your world, and the second is sports like soccer. (This pup was also featured as “Buddy” in the Disney starrer “Air Bud” and is great at soccer)
Purina says it will be the funniest and most adorable thing on earth to see these golden beauties cheering for your favorite soccer team. But it will also be a great family bonding experience. You can even get them cute jerseys and soccer kits to wear while they enjoy the match.
3. Border Collie
Height: 18-22 inches | Weight: 30-55 lbs
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Energy Level: High
Temperament: Energetic, athletic, agile, and obedient
These pups are strictly ideal for an active and sporty family with older kids. They love being with their people and need lots of training and exercise every day. Hence are perfect for this sort of thing called soccer.
The American Kennel Club mentions that this pup is unfazed and unspoiled by passing fads, but wait until your kids start playing soccer in front of this medium-sized dog. Who has all the energy in the world for high-energy and demanding sports like soccer, and you’ll literally see a soccer star being born.
Omlet says these smart pooches have an attention span of less than 15 minutes and are quite quick-witted strategists. They stay happy when they run and fetch and conquer those agility courses. They need lots of exercise and are great companions for watching or playing soccer.
4. Boxer
Height: 21.5-25 inches | Weight: 65-80 lbs
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Energy Level: Always Elevated
Temperament: Fun-loving, alert, athletic, loyal, obedient
This good-looking and friendly doggy package of strong work ethic, determination, a bit of goofiness, and stern attitude is ideally muscular and strong to be the next Ronaldo or Messi of Canine World. This pup will be a smooth player and teammate who’ll enjoy the thrill of chasing a ball with your children.
Continental Kennel Club confirms that its graceful strides and upbeat attitude will be the talk of the neighbourhood. This brindle and fawn boxer is sure to be the next big star champion, on whom ladies will fawn over because of its rippling muscles and short, tight-fitting coat.
5. Australian Shepherd
Height: 18-22 inches | Weight: 30-55 lbs
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Energy Level: Extremely High
Temperament: Rugged, agile, active, intelligent
This lean, tough ranch dog and cowboy favorite from the wild west is the perfect pooch for the tedious soccer sport, and if you are asking why? Then these natural herders already excel at herding sheep into a pen. Hence are hard-wired for moving the ball into the goal.
You would also be shocked to know that this Aussie loves to use his penetrating gaze for watching kids playing soccer. Who knew this ranch dog was a secret soccer fan?
PetMD says this mottled and merle puppy has passed the canine soccer trials and is a top dog favorite for all soccer fans. These exceptional hoodwinkers have been seen dodging the ball at high speed and scoring goals for their wild dog team with precision. (And that’s another goal for the Aussies!!!) This pooch excels at work and sport, hence your search for an enthusiastic soccer companion ends here.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
Height: 10-15 inches | Weight: 9-17 lbs
Lifespan: 13-16 years
Energy Level: Hyperactive
Temperament: Tenacious, confident, intelligent
This small dog breed is extremely adorable; however, it is a turbulent whirlwind of energy, whose zoomies you cannot control. This Terrier is so enthusiastic about running and hunting that it’s difficult to manage its exercise and mental stimulation needs.
PDSA says the Jack Russell Terrier has a high prey drive and a natural inclination towards chasing and capturing prey.
Hence, soccer is the right sport for this rambunctious pup whose love for chasing prey can be converted towards fetch and playing with a ball, because the only cure for these tiny ratters and hunters is an agility job.
7. Vizsla
Height: 21-24 inches | Weight: 44-60 lbs
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Energy Level: Extremely High
Temperament: Loving, Eager, Rugged, and Strong
This red-coated gun dog, pointer and retriever, which is built for long days in the field, hence, who said they can’t excel in the soccer field as well? These versatile and adaptable runners will be perfect soccer players because they have high endurance and energy to play for hours.
Britannica states these pooches hail from Hungary and can beat the notoriously famous La Liga and UEFA players in no time. Originally born to be a hunter, this pooch is a lean and light-footed athlete of many talents.
Hence, the next time you are going on a boys’ trip with your friends, bring this medium-sized dynamo along to make the weekend more fun.
Conclusion
You might be in deep shock after knowing there are some types of breeds that are known for their playfulness, high-spirited nature, and bounciness, who love all sorts of things related to soccer, like watching and actively playing the sport.
But what is even more bizarre is that these small pooches have unique jobs like herding, hunting, and retrieving, which convert their enthusiasm for chasing into a full-blown soccer adventure.
Training these high-energy animals is always a challenging feat; hence, channeling their irresistible urge for playing, running, and fetching towards a unique sport is the most thought-provoking and clever idea. Because when these pups enjoy their playtime, and expend their energy. They become easy to handle and way more manageable than before.
