There are many low exercise need dog breeds, and then we have these breeds that are always ready to move along with their owners. Today, we’ll explore the best dog breeds that will enjoy long distance running sessions with you.
These low-maintenance dogs are hardy companions for your marathon running sessions and will enjoy getting as much exercise as you. Some breeds handle warm weather better and will do better if you are in a warm climate.
If you are getting a pup, you need to start them off with shorter daily walks. With their smaller structures and soft bones, pups need minimal exercise. It is best to have moderate exercise sessions all through the day to help them burn off excess energy. Their bodies are still developing, and excessive exercise can cause damage.
Do remember though that each dog differs and there are some dogs that may deviate from their breed standards and prefer light exercises or slower walks. We all have days when we want to be couch potatoes! All dogs can be trained to be a good running companions and if you are adopting, you will have to assess and see what the dog prefers.
Marathon-Ready Dog Breeds
1. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a medium sized running dog that has a high exercise need and thrives on long running sessions, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Well known for their gorgeous grey colors, these dogs have a lot of stamina and energy that serves them well as marathon runners.
The breed is German in origin and was originally bred as a hunting dog. They have long soft ears and a short, coat that makes for easy grooming and maintenance. They need regular ear cleaning to avoid ear infections. As some of the smartest dogs around, they need a lot of training so make them good companions.
2. Dalmatian
The original dalmatians were bred to run along with horse carriages, as coach dogs. One of the top dog breeds for running, Dalmatians can cover long distances and enjoy extensive exercise. They are built for stamina and have muscular bodies and strong hind legs that make for a smooth stride, ideal for marathon running sessions. They enjoy the cold weather conditions.
Dalmatians have a distinctive coat that makes them one of the most recognizable dog breeds. The short haired coat makes it easy to maintain, and weekly brushing should be enough to keep a Dalmatian looking glorious. Dalmatians are excellent canine companions and very affectionate.
3. Vizsla
This is a gun dog bred to keep hunters company on long days of hunting, and they enjoy life outdoors. These dogs tend to have a high energy level and can keep up with long running sessions. As scent dogs, they also need to be able to “hunt” new smells for optimum stimulation as part of their daily exercise routine.
These are some of the few dogs that do well in hot weather, and their short coats have minimal grooming needs. The Vizsla is high maintenance in terms of stimulation and requires regular games for mental stimulation.
They can be needy and require a lot of attention and companionship. They can develop separation anxiety without proper training.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
African in origin, the breed was bred to track and hunt lions, and can handle physical activity in warm weather better than many other dogs. They can run and “chase” after you for a long distance without tiring out, and will enjoy the experience. This makes them wonderful companions for trail running.
As a working breed, the Ridgeback is a dignified member of your family that has high energy levels. They are great as family dogs and do well with children and other dogs. They don’t have a high prey drive, which is a plus if you have young kids or smaller dogs. The grooming needs are also basic, as their short coats are fairly easy to manage.
5. Belgian Malinois
This is a herding dog, bred to work with their owners. The breed is an excellent companion dog as they bond deeply with their owners. Not suited for busy owners as they are exceedingly devoted to their owners, according to AKC. They adapt well to apartment living as they are eager to please their pet parents.
These are a comparatively energetic breed that needs a lot of exercise and flourishes with plenty of hiking, and long distance running sessions. If you have an active lifestyle that can include a dog, then this is the breed you should get, as moderate walks are not what this dog appreciates! It is a breed with the highest exercise needs and will enjoy marathon training.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
The best dog to get if you have an active family and need a dog that can keep up with everyone. Tagged as a hunting dog, this is a low maintenance breed and will enjoy long walks and other canine sports as well as indoor play with multiple kids.
However, they are well-suited for short walks in a day. They need their family to spend time with them and do not like being alone for long periods. This is not an appropriate dog breed for busy owners!
7. Border Collie
These herding dogs are wonderful companions for apartment living, specially if you can spend time with them outdoors. Short walks or long, this intelligent breed is also happy doing agility training with you on daily walks.
Taking your Border Collie with you on all your outdoor activities is a good way to use up their energy levels and fitting in multiple play sessions also help to keep collies stimulated. They love playing fetch if you are not up to more intensive workouts on a low energy day.
8. Siberian Husky
The OG running dog breed, Huskies, were bred as sled dogs and have the endurance to handle long daily walks as part of their exercise routine. Not the dogs for warm weather, these are intelligent sled dogs that need intensive exercise daily, which makes them great running partners over long distances.
The Husky is surprisingly low maintenance, with minimal weekly grooming needs. They are pack animals and tend to be easygoing companions in families with multiple pets. Word of caution! They are prone to run and should be on a leash when outdoors.
9. German Shepherd
Primarily used as working dogs, the German Shepherd is one of the larger dog breeds. As an energetic dog, they can never have enough exercise. However, the breed is prone to multiple health concerns, which can be challenging in older dogs as they age, according to PDSA.
Daily walks as well as indoor play will keep a German Shepherd happy. Frequent sessions of moderate exercise are also good. This is a challenging dog to have for first time owners as they require both time and energy to thrive.
Conclusion
The breeds listed here are not the 30-minute minimal exercise daily types. These are energetic dogs that can play fetch for hours and then demand a walk. If you do distance running weekly and are a couch potato the rest of the week, these dogs will not do well with you.
If you are getting a puppy, the puppy will require minimal exercise initially (usually upto the first 2 years). But as it matures, it will need more daily exercise as it matures and reaches its prime. Make sure you decide on one of these breeds if you have the time and energy to devote to these energetic and loving animals.
