Dogs That Love A Lot Of Exercise
Border Collie
The Border Collie is an intelligent dog that requires a lot of physical & mental stimulation. Among the most intelligent and obedient of breeds, it is nonetheless a disastrous house dog if it is not given a challenging job every day. Ideal for all types of positive training, agility, flyball, working trials etc. A herding breed that if not given the opportunity to chase appropriately, may start chasing moving objects such as joggers, cars, bikes, livestock etc.
The coat maybe either smooth or rough.
Size: Medium
Height: Males 19-22 inches at withers Females 28-21 inches at withers
Weight: Males 30-45Ibs Females 27-42Ibs
Coat: Medium to long
Dalmatian
Started out as a coach dog and was bred to run for miles alongside carriages, so has high energy. They make wonderful companion dogs but their high energy levels can be exhausting to live with if you do not satisfy this need in them. Good to go jogging with or work in agility or flyball. Definitely needs positive training from the start.
Another consideration should be the incidence of deafness in the breed. This condition is prevalent in Dalmatians. It is inherited as a polygenic trait, and all Dalmatian bloodlines can pass along deafness to their offspring. Approximately eight percent of Dalmatians are born completely deaf, and 22 to 24 percent are born with hearing in one ear only. Good with older children 6+ as may knock a smaller child over with its enthusiasm for life! Early socialisation is needed.
Size: Medium
Height: Males Height: 19-23 Females Height: 19-23 but Males are generally larger than females.
Weight: Males 40-60Ibs Females 40-60Ibs
Coat: Dalmatians shed! Brushing frequently and thoroughly can help to keep shedding under control, but Dalmatians will shed.
Parson Russell Terrier ( Jack Russell)
A true hunter and will explore, wander, chase & dig when it can. It makes an ideal companion for an active person with a good sense of humor who wants a lot of entertainment — and mischief —in one dog. Not ideal for novice owner. Fearless personality, boundless energy, entertaining antics, and portable size. Highly trainable but strong willed and wont stand for boredom. If you can’t deal with a dog who will , dig, chew, and bark, rocket through the house multiple times daily, chase cats and other small animals with glee and murderous intent, and will always find the loophole in any command you give, he’s definitely not the dog for you, no matter how cute and small he is.
Size: Small Terrier
Height: 10 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 13-17
Coat: Smooth and broken. Both types have a double coat with a coarse texture. Requires weekly brushing. Broken or rough coats must be stripped once or twice a year.
Vizsla
Speed & endurance are too things this breed have in abundance. Gun dog, pointer, hunter, he’s a super companion for an active family who can provide him with the exercise and attention he craves. Gets very attached to his owners. A sensitive dog that needs positive training. Great scenting skills make him a natural hunter and has been used as therapy dog, drug detection, search & rescue, tracking, agility, trials, flyball – so needs lots of exercise both mentally & physically. Vizslas are talkers, and will whine, moan, or make other noises to let you know their opinion on everything that’s going on
Not surprisingly, the best home for a Vizsla is one in which someone is there during the day to keep him company and give him the activity and mental stimulation he needs. Without them, he can become bored and destructive. With the right family, however, he’s a lively, loving, gentle friend who will return tenfold the love you give him. If you need to leave this breed alone regualrly, then look elsewhere!
Size: Medium-size dog
Height: Males standing 22 to 24 inches at the shoulder, females 21 to 23 inches
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds, with females being smaller.
Coat: Short, smooth coat that lies close to the body.
English Springer Spaniel
Very sociable personality, dislike being left alone for too long. Good family dogs if exercised well, although supervision of any breed with younger children is always important! This breed is a hunting dog, so if you do not want it chasing squirrels, small animals, its important you give it the time to satisfy its chase instinct onto toys etc. Can have a tendency to bark, so think if you have close neighbours. Does well in agility, hunt tests, tracking, obedience. Smart and eager to please, not to mention enthusiastic with high energy. If you want a family pet dog go for an English Springer Spaniel for a show breeder (will still need a lot of mental & physical exercise though), if you want to compete in field trials for example, then go for one from a field breeder as it will have higher energy.
Size: Medium-size dog
Height: Male stands between 21 and 23.5 inches high, female averages 20 to 22 inches.
Weight: 35-55 lbs.
Coat: Their double layered coat sheds regularly year long, however, and must be regularly maintained.
These dogs are known for their low hanging ears, which are great at holding onto dirt and bacteria.
Pay particular attention to all that hair on their ears and behind the ears as that long feathering can get matted quickly. It’s important to clean and check inside the dog’s ears weekly to keep them healthy.
Siberian Husky
This dog is powerful, has speed & endurance. Very athletic and intelligent but can be independant & challenging so not good for a first time dog owner. This breed was bred to run and pull sleds, so needs recall training early as a puppy otherwise can have a tendency to go off roaming. Some can howl, dig & chew. Because they can be beautiful to look at, many people purchase one for looks alone and end up with problems due to not knowing much about the breed. Normally friendly, can do well with families and other dogs, but can be more challenging to train. Great escape artists! Do not bark, but can certainly howl and love digging. They make excellent jogging companions, but should not be exercised in hot weather.
Size: Medium-size dog
Height: 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder. Field-bred Springers are generally a bit lighter than those bred for the show ring.
Weight: male weighs between 45 and 60 pounds and the female 35 to 50 pounds
Coat: Expect lots of hair, lots of shedding — especially during spring and Autumn when they blow their coats. They will clean themselves, like cats do. The Siberian has a double coat of hair, underneath is a soft downy undercoat, protected by a harsh outercoat – which actually grows through the undercoat. The outer coat is ‘water-proof’ and protects the Siberian from rain, dirt, thorns, etc. The undercoat serves to provide insulation from hold and cold environments. At least once a year the Siberian Husky sheds his entire undercoat. This process can last up to six weeks from start to finish. All dead hair needs to be brushed out to enable quick and strong re-growth.
Airedale Terrier
The largest of the Terrier breeds. Great scenting powers so good for scent work tracking. Can make a good family dog with older children and very protective. Good at training but early socialising recommended. Needs mental and physical exercise otherwise can become quite rowdy. Does not like repetitive training, unlike a Border Collie that would repeat exercises over and over when asked, this breed will get bored and walk away! Needs long daily walks and loves playing and water! Mellows after about 2 years of age and exercise requirements are slightly less then.
Size: Medium/Large-size dog
Height: Males 22 – 24 inches Females 22 – 23 inches
Weight: Males 50 – 65 pounds Females 40 – 45 pounds
Coat: His double coat is waterproof and a daily brush and comb will keep him looking smart. However, he will shed his coat twice a year, and on these occasions it is advisable to have him professionally stripped.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This breed likes hiking, jogging, swimming as often as possible. belonging to the gun dog & sporting breeds, similar in appearance to a Labrador Retriever but has a wavy coat rather than smooth like a Labrador. Lots of energy and strength, affectionate but independent. Young Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (up to about three years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Needs careful socialisation as a puppy.
Size: Medium/Large-size dog
Height: Males 23 – 26 inches Females 21 – 24 inches
Weight: Female: 55 – 70 pounds, Males 65 – 80 pounds
Coat: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a medium length dense double coat that is water resistant for retrieving waterfowl in harsh weather conditions. Due to seasonal shedding, grooming requirements may change depending on the season. Extra grooming is needed during the spring and Autumn shedding periods
Welsh Terrier
Was originally bred to hunt fox, badger & otter. Bred to hunt independently, with all the self-determination and intelligence that entails, the happy and lively Welshie rarely gets tired and wants to spend his days having fun, fun, fun. His joy, his attitude, and his brains all add up to one wonderful package: He’s a true Terrier. Has an independent streak and often high prey drive, making them not great with cats or other small furries! Self confident but needs good socialisation as puppy. Can have a tendency to bark which can become a problem if not rewarded for quieter behaviour. Loves to dig and can be possessive over food/toys so probably no ideal first time owner dog or someone with young children. Welsh Terriers are active go-getters. They MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and to use their busy minds to do interesting things.
Size: Small/Medium-size dog
Height: 1 foot, 2 inches to 1 foot, 3 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight:Up to 20 pounds
Coat: two coats to waterproof himself, the Welsh Terrier has an outer coat that’s hard and wiry and an undercoat that’s soft and short. A non- to light shedder, but still requires a fair amount of grooming. He should be brushed at least once per week, although it’s frankly better to do it every other day. Unless he’s clipped, that wiry coat will need to be stripped several times a year to remove any loose or dead hair and to prevent it from matting.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
His method of work may appear strange to many; his task is to use his waving, white-tipped tail to lure waterfowl to within range of the guns and then retrieve them, especially from water. He is blessed with the canine equivalent of web feet, which enables him to swim powerfully. Very intelligent & trainable. Good for an active household and like most breeds on the high energy heading, good for agility, flyball, tracking, obedience. Sensible and very devoted to its family. These dogs are intelligent, easy to obedience train and good with children. They make great companion dogs as long as they get enough exercise to fulfill their energetic needs. Can be reserved around strangers, so early positive socialisation is a must. Loves retrieving games. The Toller is usually fine with other family pets. Although he may chase your cat.
Size: Medium-size dog
Height: Height: 17 – 21 inches
Weight: 37 – 51 pounds
Coat: The water-repellent, double coat of the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary, for it removes the natural oils in the skin which make it naturally water resistant. This breed is an average shedder.
English Setter
Great for an active family and good hunting dog. Gentle, kind, and affectionate, he’s devoted to his family, sociable with strangers, and gets along just fine with kids. Moderately easy to train. While he’s generally mild mannered and sensitive he does best with positive training. can be good at agility and rally obedience as well as great therapy dogs. Good hunting dogs from the right breeder. Like many sporting dogs, the English Setter is divided into two types. Those bred for the field have less feathering — long fringes of hair, usually on the legs, belly, and tail — and their coat is not as abundant. They are somewhat smaller than English Setters bred for the show ring. If you want a beautiful, mellow dog with the potential to become your partner in all sorts of activities as well as a beloved family member, the English Setter is one to consider. His lovable disposition and lively spirit will inspire your devotion. Can become nuisance barkers and can put weight on easily.
Size: Medium/Large-size dog
Height: Males stand 25 to 27 inches at the shoulder and females 23 to 25 inches
Weight: Males 65 to 80 pounds Females 45 to 55 pounds.
Coat: The English Setter needs to be brushed at least three times per week to maintain coat and skin health as well as to remove tangles and mats. This breed is an average shedder and regular brushing will keep loose hair from landing around the house.
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute possesses tremendous strength, energy, endurance, independence, and intelligence. He was originally sought to pull heavy sleds over long distances as well as to hunt seals and polar bears. A loyal and intelligent dog and good with older children. Does best in cooler climates. Does like to howl, dig & roam! Needs active life, but can over heat so be careful if warm weather. Not recommended for first time dog owners. If not reward based trained early and exercised mentally and physically can become bored which may manifest itself in digging & chewing. Greets everyone he meets.
Malamutes are patient with children and love the attention they get from them, but fast-growing, energetic Alaskan Malamute puppies can easily overpower a young child under age 5. In their exuberance, they can knock a child over.
Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. Teach your child never to approach any dog while he’s sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog’s food away. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child.
Size: Large-size dog
Height: 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the shoulder
Weight: 75 to 100 pounds
Coat: If you share your life with an Alaskan Malamute, expect your vacuum cleaner to get a regular workout and to schedule time for regular brushing sessions. Brushing one to three times weekly helps to keep the coat clean and distribute skin oils. Malamutes shed heavily twice a year, and the hair falls out in large clumps. At that time, frequent brushing with a slicker brush and/or undercoat rake helps keep the flurry of hair under control. One plus for this shedding breed is that the double coat is odorless. In addition, Malamutes have a cat-like tendency to keep their coats clean
Portuguese Water Dog
Intelligent, loves water and has webbed feet. Fun loving & friendly for an active family, especially if you have a swimming pool, nearby beach or a boat! Great for agility, obedience, rally, therapy dogs, tracking, water work. Needs physical and mental stimulation then can be quiet around the home. But if not given enough to do positively, can become frustrated and destructive. Get on well with children and other family pets if socialised early, but can be reserved around strangers. Loves to chew, so make sure you have lots of suitable chew toys.
Size: Medium dog
Height: 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Coat: The coat sheds little to no hair. The coat grows more slowly than that of a poodle and does not require as frequent scissoring or clipping by a groomer.
Rhodesian Ridge Back
This handsome dog breed was created in Africa to be a versatile hunter and home guardian. He’s smart but sometimes stubborn, with a moderate energy level and an easy-care coat. These days, he’s less likely to hunt lions and more likely to hunt a soft spot on the sofa after going jogging with you. But this is not an ideal dog for a first time dog owner. They are hunting dogs and have a high prey drive, will quickly go after small furries. Take quite a lot of training in a positive manner as can be stubborn. Puppies need a lot of careful socialising and plenty of exercise. The Ridgeback was developed in Africa to corner and hold big game prey, such as lions, bears, and boar, so needs mental & physical stimulation and can be good with joggers, agility, tracking etc. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is tolerant of kids, but can be too rambunctious for toddlers.
Size: large dog
Height: male stands 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and females are 24 to 26 inches tall
Weight: Males 85 pounds; females around 70 pounds.
Coat: The Ridgeback coat is short and shiny and tends to be odor-free. When it comes to grooming, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is pretty low-maintenance.
Coming soon:
Weirmanar
Doberman Pincher
Boxer
Cairn Terrier
Fox Terrier