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Most dogs will gladly follow you on an adventure. However, if you are an active family, you might be looking for a dog that is really up to the task! Check out the list below for 10 of the most active dog breeds.
#10. German Short-Haired Pointers
The German short-haired pointer is an enthusiastic medium size dog. They are one of the best active dog breeds that you can get. In fact, they seem to have endless amounts of energy and require a lot of physical activity every day.[1]American Kennel Club – German Short-Haired Pointers But don’t worry too much, any outdoor activities such as swimming, running, or even dog sports will do the trick!
#9. Portuguese Water Dogs
The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium sized dog and one of the best active dog breeds, especially for families who love the water. In fact, they were originally breed to help fishermen with duties such as shuttling items across the water, retrieving broken nets, and even herding fish! Needless to say they love the water!
In addition, due to them being bred to be in the water a lot, they have a coat of tight, low shedding curls. This makes them great dogs for families with allergies.[2]American Kennel Club – Portuguese Water Dogs You might be familiar with this type of dog due to the Obama family getting one when they were living in the White House.
#8. Irish Setters
The Irish Setter is one of the best active dog breeds for families. They are known for their beautiful red coat, swiftness, and grace.[3]American Kennel Club – Irish Setters Another defining feature of Irish Setters is their strong back end and long, lean legs. In fact, this makes them great running partners with their boundless energy and love of running.
In addition, they are great family dogs as well. They are great companions and really sweet with their family. They also love to play fetch with children.
#7. Vizslas
The Vizslas was bred as a gun dog for Hungarian sportsmen. However, recently, they have become extremely popular family dogs in the United States as well. They are extremely athletic and one of the most active dog breeds. In fact, they need to have at least 1 hour each day of serious activity.[4]American Kennel Club – Vizslas As such, they are extremely good runners and make for great running companions. If you can find a good dog park, they also love to spirit when off leash as well.
#6. Miniature Pinschers
The Miniature Pinscher might not be a big dog; however, they make up for their lack of size with a lot of energy. In fact, they need over 1 hour per dog of strong physical activity. They have such high energy because they were originally bred in Germany to hunt small vermin.
The Miniature Pinscher is often called the “King of Toys” due to its fearless and proud attitude, lustrous coat, and high stepping walk.[5]American Kennel Club – Miniature Pinscher
#5. Russell Terriers
The Russell Terrier is one of the most active dog breeds. While they may look like a toy, people originally bred them to be fox hunting dogs. As such, they have a seemingly endless supply of energy. In fact, they are often regarded as the Energizer Bunny of the dog world. However, just because they were bred as hunting dogs, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t great family pets. In fact, they are jaunty, friendly, inquisitive, lively, and upbeat.[6]American Kennel Club – Russell Terrier Russell Terriers make for great pets for families who love outdoor adventures.
#4. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the most popular active dog breeds. They are most famous for being hard working sled dogs. However, they are also extremely independent, alert, and adventurous. While this can make for a great family dog, they do require special attention. Due to their mischievous nature and unending energy, they can get it to quite a bit of trouble.[7]chewy – 10 Energetic Dog Breeds Therefore, it is necessary to give them a lot of proper exercise, the right kinds of dog food, and training.
#3. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is not only one of the most active dog breeds, they also have some of the most loving personalities. Originally, these dogs were breed to herd animals.[8]I Heart Dogs – The10 Best Active Dog Breed For Families As such, they have a lot of energy and love to run. But don’t worry too much, they are great with children. In fact, their fur is extremely soft and they are one of the cuddliest dog breeds out there! However, in order to make sure that their soft fur doesn’t get matted, make sure to give them regular baths.
#2. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a beautiful dog. Their grey coat has given them the nick name, the Gray Ghost.[9]I Heart Dogs – 10 of the Most High Energy Dog Breeds In addition, they are extremely willful and exuberant dogs. Therefore, good training and a lot of exercise are necessary to keep them happy and in line. However, it is their endless supply of energy that also makes them a great companion for active families. In fact, they make great hiking and jogging partners!
#1. Border Collie
The Border Collie is perhaps the most famous of the active dog breeds. Farmers originally bred them to herd. As such, they are extremely fast, agile, and intelligent.[10]Outside – The 20 Best Active Dog Breed Therefore, it is not only important to make sure that they have a lot of exercise time, but to also make sure that they have a task to do. That could include playing games, going for a run, or learn tricks!
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