There are two kinds of dogs in the world: those that would love to snuggle with you in a comfy, warm blanket and those that would prefer to pull sleds and herd sheep rather than sit in your lap. The latter are filled with energy and are always looking for ways to release it. They love to work and are the ultimate go-getters!
If you have an energetic dog breed as your pet, you would often notice your backyard being destroyed by it. Or, you would notice your shoes being chewed by it. All this happens when the dog has way too much energy and not enough opportunities to release it. An under-exercised dog is chaos in making!
Let’s explore some of the most energetic dog breeds out there and learn what you can do to manage them.
High Energy Big Dog Breeds
1. Doberman Pinscher
Running, hiking, or even opting for a quick race with a neighboring dog, Doberman Pinchers are capable of doing it all!
These powerhouses of energy just can’t stay still. This bursting energy makes them want to keep hopping or looking for something to do at all times.
This active breed loves adventures, as the Dog Breed Encyclopedia suggests. If you are an adventure freak, a Doberman would surely want to accompany you in all your adventures.
Guarding instincts come naturally to this dog. They are always alert and watchful. Even if a pan falls somewhere in the kitchen, this dog will run to check what just happened! For those who want a vigilant dog, this is the best pick for sure!
These always-on-the-move dogs require channeling their energy productively. Hence, as a dog owner, you need to come up with innovative ways to engage your pet.
2. Weimaraner
This massive dog is known for its hunting skills. Being one of the most active dogs out there that are super speedy, hunting deer and other animals comes naturally to them.
These high-energy breed dogs are great at dog sports. They have really big stamina when it comes to running and chasing other animals or things. Their endurance and speed are the basis of their active lifestyle. With their athletic bodies and the urge to ‘win’, they are exceptional at dog sports.
What makes them rather adorable is that they are always excited.
Dog-Breeds claims this great family pet is always excited. Be it a squirrel it sees while playing fetch on the ground or checks out a flying leaf, this breed is always fascinated by even everyday things.
Having this dog is an adventure in itself, but make sure to take care of your fenced yard!
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
If you have an American Pit Bull Terrier, you definitely need to get a dog crate. It will not only drain its energy but also make it less stimulated. These friendly dogs are indeed some of the best ones to have!
Nothing makes this dog more excited than going to a dog park. It is also a great way to manage the boundless energy it possesses. When it interacts with other dogs, its energy is used in the right way!
These dogs are naturally athletic. With their super-strong legs and lean frame, they showcase great performance in dog sports. Alongside this, they are great working dogs with exceptional work ethics. If you think these dogs are just physically strong, you are wrong! Their minds are also pretty sharp, which is because they were originally bred as working dogs. They would love puzzle toys as much as they would adore long walks!
Keeping them involved in various kinds of mental stimulation and physical exercises is the best way to use their endless energy.
What really sets them apart from other dogs is their ‘never give up’ attitude. They can even drain out the most active person while playing fetch!
4. Beauceron
Bred as working dogs, Beaucerons are high-spirited dogs. They surely are one of the top high-energy dogs out there.
If you think you can satisfy these dogs just by taking them out for daily walks, you’re wrong! Running, hiking, jumping, and playing dog sports are some of the favorite activities of these dogs. They would also love to help you around a farm.
These dogs tend to showcase great performance when it comes to structured and instructed activities like search and rescue. They love challenging tasks that lead to an outcome.
This high-energy dog is super-responsive. It is hyper-engaged and reacts to everything happening around it.
5. Briard
If given a chance, a Briard can run all day! Yes, you read that right! It can spend hours running around an open space.
AKC mentions that these dogs with extensive energy levels are truly marathon dogs.
A simple walk in the park won’t drain its energy even a bit. Rather, with this dog, you need to be ready for daily exercise sessions, that too for at least two hours!
Oh, and let me tell you, these dogs are not merely high on energy; they have great brains too!
You can’t afford to bore them. It is necessary to keep them engaged in some mental activities so they don’t end up causing chaos in your backyard. You may need to be a bit firm with them at times.
Where some dog owners call them restless, others tag them as ‘alert’ dogs that make exceptional guard dogs. It’s just up to you how you deal with their energy!
6. Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are the ultimate giants. Though they are super-gentle, they also have massive energy inside them that you need to tackle.
Agile is the second name of these dogs. They are strong, fast, and alert. This makes them great guard dogs, but at the same time, requires you to keep them engaged in something or the other. If you don’t do that, you may witness a lot of digging and barking.
And, they would love to chew your shoes off if they’ve got nothing else to do!
These are not lazy loungers! Rather, they always want to be involved and engaged in something or the other. With a very strong sense of prey, they may run after any unusual thing that they may witness.
Having a Cane Corso is a great experience. You just need to be very conscious of utilizing their energy in the right way.
7. Chinook
In New Hampshire, they are still known for their exceptional sledding skills. However, if you want to pet a Chinook, make sure that you are aware of their massive energy level.
Trust me when I say these dogs are endurance aliens. You can expect them to run for several hours without getting tired. A favourite of the sled rescuers, they are famous for being workaholics.
Being highly independent thinkers, they love to explore new places. Take this dog to a dog park and you would be amazed to see the new spots it would show you! For an active person who is always up to something, this is a great pick as a pet.
Also, they are extremely people-oriented. Don’t expect them to shy away from your new friend. They would rather join your housewarming party than sit in a corner.
There are many ways through which you can channel this dog’s energy. The best one, however, is to give it a structured walk session for at least 60–90 minutes each day.
Conclusion
These dogs have an endless supply of energy and never get tired! Their enthusiasm never seems to end. These go-getters are active right from the morning and stay efficient till the day ends. For them, there is no concept of a power nap!
But, you can always take some extra steps to drain their energy and make them more ‘manageable’. A dog crate would be your best purchase, and a fetch ball would be their favourite present.
