Athletic dogs are a perfect choice for owners who have an active lifestyle. Most of them became excellent companions, provided loyalty, and became great watchdogs. While large dogs are more athletic, these miniature ones do not lag behind in the list.
Their athleticism comes greatly from their active energies, which their owners can utilize in a good way by taking them to do outdoor adventures and activities.
From smart Dachshunds to the loyal West Highland Terrier, these miniature dogs offer more than just high energy. It’s hard to retain these small dogs on laps, due to their agility and stamina. In this article, we’ll explore the best athletic miniature dog breeds that are built to fit in lifestyle of active owners.
Athletic Miniature Dog Breeds
1. Dachshund
Dachshund, also known as “Doxie,” has a long body, short legs, and long ears. This dog even has three types of coat, including smooth coat, longer-haired coat, and wire, silky-haired coat. These working dogs were originally bred to hunt badgers; therefore, they are also known as badger dogs in German.
They have a highly independent nature, and their love for sports came from their strong physique. These dogs are bred to come in two sizes, namely standard and miniature. Standard dogs are usually more athletic than miniature ones because they have a better physique than the miniature ones.
Although the miniature Dachshund also tops the list among most athletic breeds, its counterpart has a height of 20 to 23 cm or 8 to 9 inches, so they can be used to hunt larger animals that require more strength and power, as per Britannica.
Miniature dogs are as tall as 5 to 6 inches, which makes them a perfect choice for owners who live in apartments. Both breeds of Dachshund are playful and smart, but care must be given to them due to their unique physique to prevent injuries.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers were bred in the 19th century to hunt foxes, whether above the ground or below it, by Rev. John. Although it is not yet confirmed which breeds were used to develop the Jack Russell Terrier but it is generally said that they are a combination of Beagles and Bull Terriers.
They were originally bred as hunters; therefore, they naturally possess an athletic body to fulfill their tasks. Otherwise, think how a dog can hunt foxes just from its adorable looks. Thanks to its heavy weight and height that it can haunt foxes even in their dreams. These dogs are generally 13 to 15 inches long and weigh around 13-17 pounds.
Additionally, they are fearless, and their loud, noisy bark can alert their owner to something undesirable happening in their home. Pet MD states that they also possess a high level of energy and therefore they require more than average training sessions, both physically as well as mentally. With proper training, they can adjust well with kids and families.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are identified as the smallest dog breed with large, pointed ears and a compact body. Due to their small size, it’s easy to keep a Chihuahua in small spaces and yards; they are even suited to live in apartments, but don’t be fooled by their size and think that they don’t require your attention, because the opposite is true for this breed type.
They need proper care from their owners with daily outings and walks. Not only is it prone to losing body heat, but its coat also provides a limited advantage in cold weather. However, due to their extremely energetic nature, they keep themselves warm. Their high energy makes them a great fit for many dog sports such as obedience and agility, and they love to bark rather than sleep.
Their love to run and play comes from their energetic nature, which also makes them top the category of athletic breeds. They are among the most popular toy breeds. Although they are small in size but they are usually very bold and love to take on challenges from the larger breeds, so training them is essential to prevent unwanted behaviours.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers have descended from the German dogs that were used for the purpose of hunting rats. They are very bright and friendly in temperament, and they are the smallest among the three sizes of Schnauzer. Their weight is between 10 to 20 pounds, and their height is between 12 to 14 inches, which is short as compared to other Schnauzers but still large enough from other small breeds.
They have an adaptable nature and can survive in large farms as well as city apartments. AKC reports that they are very smart and obedient dogs with an affectionate nature towards family, and they are even good with kids and other dogs as well. While they are adorable in nature, they are also muscular and tough, and can be used to guard large areas of your land.
These highly intelligent dogs require a minimum of an hour of physical activity daily, along with mental stimulation to keep them engaged physically as well as mentally. These adventure dogs love to learn new tricks and play agility games due to their tough nature. If you want a dog that is both adorable as well as tough, Miniature Schnauzers are the best option for you.
5. Parson Russell Terrier
Parson Russell Terriers are one of the most athletic dogs with a clever mind. Their males are as long as 14 inches long while females are generally 13 inches long, with a weight of around 13 to 17 pounds. Their well-proportioned body gives them a cute and adorably toy-like look.
They also originated from England to hunt foxes like Jack Russell Terriers. Some people think Parson Russell Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers are the same; however, both are different breeds, although they have many similarities as well. The United Kennel Club identifies both of them as different breeds. Jack Russell Terriers have shorter legs than Parson Russell Terriers; however, both have double coats.
Parson Russell Terriers are highly independent thinkers with a determined and highly spirited nature. This combination of qualities makes them highly athletic and the best option for those who like dogs that don’t bark a lot. They generally do not bark to disturb their owners, however, if they detect any unwanted activity then they bark to alert the owner.
6. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are also known as the “King of Toys” and “Min Pin”. They look like a Doberman Pinscher and are a result of a combination of three breeds, namely, Dachshunds, German Pinscher, and Italian Greyhounds. They also originated from Germany but became popular in the early 20th century in America and Europe.
These dogs are popular for their self-possessive, highly energetic, and fearless temperament. Due to their nature, they love to take part in the show ring to showcase their athleticism very dominantly and confidently. Their name always comes in the list of most active dog breeds, and therefore, care and attention must be given to them.
They jump very high, due to which owners need to keep an extra eye on them and build the fence of their home high enough to prevent their escape. Their size makes them suitable to live indoors; they also love sports and like to chase objects like balls. They are a playful and excellent companion with children as well as seniors.
7. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk Terrier is another small breed with a long body and fox-like head. They have drop ears and a short, wiry coat. Norfolk Terriers require a minimum of one year time period to mature, while around 6 to 8 months is enough for them to achieve full growth.
The Norfolk Terriers generally weigh around 11 to 12 pounds. Males grow as high as 10 inches, while females grow up to 9 inches. They are also highly energetic and require 20 to 40 minutes of regular exercise to remain happy and avoid unwanted behaviour; otherwise, you won’t even know when they dig the ground and escape from your home because they are exceptionally good at digging, a trait which makes them unique from others.
They love to accompany their owners and enjoy everything they do. With proper training, they can tolerate other animals, including other dogs as well as cats. They are even used to kill small rodents, reptiles, and birds as they can find vermin. But they are excellent, smart watchdogs who love to be engaged.
8. Cairn Terrier
Cairn Terriers have foxy looks, upright pointed ears, and a well-muscled body with a lively and lovely personality. But they don’t feel safe around other animals like cats. They form strong bonds with their owners and love their attention.
They come into the category of miniature dogs because they are only 9 to 10 inches high and weigh around 13 to 14 pounds. But their activity requirements need to be met by the owners because, like other athletic dog breeds, they also have high energy, so they need about 40 minutes of exercise daily.
What makes them different from other dog breeds is their tough and rough appearance and their weather-resistant double coat, which ranges in colors from red, silver, and brindle. If you want a lap dog that is quiet in nature, then they are not for you because they are very active in nature, and keeping them in your lap is a deadly difficult task.
9. West Highland Terrier
The West Highland Terrier is also known as Westie or Westy, and it is one of the most famous terriers in the world. This dog breed has dark eyes and a compact, structured body with a white double coat. These dogs look very soft and fluffy from the exterior, however, they are hard to touch in texture.
What makes their physical appearance unique is their carrot-like tail, due to which they have a toy-like appearance. They weigh around 15 to 20 pounds and are 10 to 11 inches long. West Highland Terriers have a high prey drive, which causes they to utilize their energy in catching small prey, including hamsters and rabbits, but if they are provided proper training, they get along well with cats.
They need mental training sessions as well, otherwise, they bark a lot. West Highland Terriers do it to entertain themselves, but it becomes a headache for owners, so positive reinforcement is needed to make them well-mannered dogs. They are also loyal to their family and patient with children, which makes them excellent family dogs.
Conclusion
Athletic miniature dogs are the best companions for active families and owners with an active lifestyle. Whether it’s a clever Parson Russell Terrier, a smart Norfolk Terrier, or a loyal West Highland Terrier, these dogs offer more than just athletic ability. Unlike Toy Poodles, Rat Terrier, Miniature Poodles, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks known for their affectionate nature, they look adorable butare hard to train and deal with. But don’t let their size fool you; they have big energy packed in their small bodies. If you are also looking for a small yet highly energetic dog, this guide will help in recognize the best companion to spend time with you.
