Dog breed lists
Best Dogs for Runners and Hikers
A running or hiking partner needs stamina, drive and enough size to keep up. These breeds have the highest energy ratings and are built for long days outdoors. They need that outlet every day, not just on weekends.
-
1
Sporting
Brittany
Looks like a spaniel, points like a setter.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 30–40 lbs
-
2
Herding
Border Collie
The sheepdog with the legendary eye.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 30–55 lbs
-
3
Herding
Belgian Malinois
Less a pet, more a lifestyle.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 40–80 lbs
-
4
Designer
Aussiedoodle
Einstein on Red Bull.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 25–70 lbs
-
5
Sporting
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The retriever that lures ducks by playing.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 35–50 lbs
-
6
Sporting
German Shorthaired Pointer
A tireless gundog with a clown's heart.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 45–70 lbs
-
7
Working
Siberian Husky
Built to run all day, and to tell you about it.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 35–60 lbs
-
8
Sporting
Weimaraner
The grey ghost that shadows your every step.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 55–90 lbs
-
9
Herding
Australian Cattle Dog
A dingo with a job.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 35–50 lbs
-
10
Non-Sporting
Dalmatian
The spotted carriage dog with endless stamina.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 45–70 lbs
-
11
Sporting
German Wirehaired Pointer
The pointer that grew a beard.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 50–70 lbs
-
12
Herding
Belgian Tervuren
The workaholic in a mahogany coat.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 45–75 lbs
-
13
Herding
German Shepherd
Brains, nerve and loyalty in one frame.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 50–90 lbs
-
14
Herding
Australian Shepherd
An intellectual athlete that needs a job.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 40–65 lbs
- 15
-
16
Working
Doberman Pinscher
The Velcro bodyguard.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 60–100 lbs
- 17
-
18
Sporting
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Tireless outside, tender inside.
- Athlete
- 60–90 min a day
- 35–70 lbs
-
19
Working
Giant Schnauzer
A bodyguard with a beard.
- Athlete
- 60–90 min a day
- 55–85 lbs
-
20
Sporting
Irish Setter
The rollicking redhead of the field.
- Athlete
- 90–120 min a day
- 60–70 lbs
How we picked
A breed makes this list if it rates 8.5 out of 10 or higher for energy and weighs at least 35 lbs on average. We rank the highest-energy breeds first. Check each guide's cautions: heat, joints and recall matter on long runs.
Questions people ask
What dogs make the best running partners?
Athletic, high-energy breeds with good stamina. But running distance should build up gradually, avoid hot weather, and wait until a young dog's joints have finished developing, usually 12 to 18 months or longer for large breeds. Ask your vet.
How much exercise do these dogs need?
Most need 60 to 120 minutes a day, including real running or hiking plus mental work. A tired dog is a calmer dog, and a bored high-energy dog can be destructive.
Are high-energy dogs hard to own?
They're easier when your life already involves lots of movement. They can be frustrating in a low-activity home. Be honest about the time you can give every day, in all weather.