Some dogs seem like they are always practicing for the Canine Olympics. The ones who look at their living room as a racetrack and pick up every object to bring it back? Yes, those dogs who love sports.
If you enjoy hiking, navigating obstacles, or keeping your steps up in active lifestyles, you’ll really enjoy this list of excellent companions. These dogs are quick and have a lot of mental power and energy.
Originally, these dogs were trained to hunt, herd, and haul, and now they are great companions for energetic owners. Now let’s explore the nine top sport dog breeds.
Most Sporty Dog Breeds
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This pet likes to be cuddled, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not lazy at all. They are always active, alert, and full of playfulness. Although they are small, Cavaliers like to walk, exercise, and play with their owners, requiring mental stimulation as well.
Active families will find that they have the right amount of energy and enthusiasm without too much chaos. Although they are sometimes called couch potatoes, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are very entertaining. They love to be close; these dogs are energetic and have a lot of charm.
Despite their small size, they are energetic and do well in dog sports, long walks, and games at the park. According to WebMD, this new friend is perfect if you want to exercise at home in a limited area.
2. Small Musterlander
As the only German Breed for pointing and retrieving, the Small Munsterlander acts as a fun-loving and active workout partner. They are flexible, follow commands, and need both mental and physical challenges. They are very good at hunting activities. If you love spending time in nature, this breed will be ready to run, hike, or play fetch with you.
The Small Munsterlander was created for tracking and retrieving, which requires plenty of energy. This breed is most satisfied when it is helping out in the field or roaming through large areas with its owner.
They enjoy training that is well-organized, physical workouts, and finding scents. If you love hiking early in the morning, this dog is perfect for you, as mentioned by the AKC.
3. Kooikerhondje
Although some people think it’s a toy Spaniel, the Kooikerhondje is an active dog that loves to move. At first, Retriever dogs were originally bred to attract ducks, and they still require plenty of exercise and mental and physical stimulation.
They are very skilled in agility, water sports, and flyball. Consider them like hyper roommates, cute, faithful, and always running around. Even though the Kooikerhondje looks small and gentle, it is a very active and energetic dog. These dogs need more space than just a yard with fences.
They have quick reflexes, are smart, and are eager to participate in games and training exercises. PetMD states that these dogs are a good match for people who are looking for a mid-sized pet with a lot of character.
4. English Cocker Spaniel
Even though they look friendly and cute, English Cocker Spaniels are great athletes. As they were originally made to hunt birds, this breed requires a lot of physical activity. They are very skilled at being quick, tracking scents, and playing fetch. If you have a yard, prepare for them to use it as their playing field.
Don’t let their cute appearance and soft eyes fool you. You will need to give your English Cocker Spaniel plenty of exercise beyond a short walk. Bird hunters originally used this breed, and it needs outdoor activities and mental tasks to be happy. They are approachable, dedicated, and quite swift.
5. Norfolk Terrier
Even though the Norfolk Terrier is small, it has a big spirit. Those who enjoy adventure and have a big family will find this pup a great choice because of his strong prey drive and enthusiasm.
They enjoy going on long walks, trying to dig, and doing agility activities for beginners. They are also remarkably fearless, which makes them suitable candidates as service dogs, the Jack Russell breed’s funny cousin.
6. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers look soft and like lambs, but they are quite tough. Because they are sprinters, they are speedy, flexible, and always on the lookout.
Racing and ratting were their main purposes when they were first created, so they like to run fast, chase things, and solve scent puzzles, according to Orvis.
7. Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier is a hilarious member of the sporting dog group. Being silly doesn’t mean they’re lazy; they were created to chase foxes, and they still have plenty of energy.
This dog should be exercised regularly using agility, provided with lots of interactive toys, and taught frequently so they don’t destroy your home.
8. German Short-haired Pointer
This breed is known for beauty, power, and remarkable athleticism. They are very good at running, swimming, hunting, and almost any sport that needs speed or endurance. Since their brains are equally strong, you should plan to keep them active by training, playing games, and using puzzle feeders.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a perfect example of a working dog, being sleek, athletic, and very intelligent. Their main job was to hunt, swim, and track, and they have kept up that pace ever since.
If you are up for running with your dog, you’ll get a pet that will love and support you and make every workout enjoyable.
9. Vizsla
Also called the “Velcro dog,” the Vizsla runs as fast as you and perhaps even as close as your skin. These adorable dogs are full of energy, always loyal, and enjoy swimming, retrieving, and running for long distances.
Vizslas have a big heart and are naturally born athletes. These dogs are famous for being fast, strong, and always loyal to their families. They do well in canine sports, water sports, and running long distances.
When you are looking for a pet who will always be by your side on every walk, jump, or ride, this is the one for you, according to My Family Vet.
Conclusion
While the nine breeds above are top contenders, other highly active breeds deserve a mention too. Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers all excel in physical challenges, agility, and endurance-based activities. These breeds are known for their intelligence, drive, and impressive performance in various sports.
Dogs that love sports are full of energy and are also your best friends for exercise, relaxation, and encouraging you to feel better than other dogs.
However, before getting a pet of this type, pet parents should ask themselves:
Is it possible for me to give my pet daily physical and mental activities?
Is there enough time each day for me to train and play with my pet?
Can I handle pets leaving a mess and occasionally breaking things?
If you answer that your dog loves to move, you are now part of the active dog parenting crowd. Every walk with these dogs will be exciting, and all your weekends will be spent on outdoor adventures.
