Running beneath a wide-open sky, whether it’s early morning or dead of night can be one of the most liberating, humbling experiences a human can feel. And while being with another person can add security to the outing, it can be irksome if our partner wants to talk or distract us in some other way.
So why not run with our dogs? They can get as much out of the run as we can, and they want to be with us. They may be able to keep up—or even surpass us—and they need the exercise just as much, if not more, than we do.
It may be one of those obvious pieces of knowledge, but a dog who stays at his or her owner’s side can be the best running partner out there. Many breeds are natural workers and their excitement can be enough to get us laced up, out the door and onto the pavement or trail. On top of that, it’s hard to say no to your dog—and, in this case, it’s for the best.
After reading testimonies from runners all over the U.S., here are some of the top breed choices to go running with:
Weimaraner. The nearly all-purpose hunting dogs, the Weimaraner was prized for its natural ability to run and swim. This gray, short-haired breed can provide both a reliable, loving partner during a run but also a fierce guard if security during early-morning or late-night runs is an issue.
Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute. (Please note they are indeed different breeds!) Taking into account harrowing depictions of these two breeds pulling a sled for miles and miles in the Alaskan snow, this is sort of a no-brainer. Of course, running in the cold is only natural for these two breeds, so doing your exercise in the morning while it’s cool can help prevent overheating.
Vizsla. This Hungarian hunting dog’s coat literally seems to shine in photos due to its gold color. The Vizsla (VEESH-la) was prized for its physical abilities and endurance, so going on a daily jog or run shouldn’t be a problem. These dogs can run with the best of them and are known for being sweethearts at home.
Boxer. Like the name implies, the Boxer is a tough breed known for its roughhousing and energy despite having a gushing side to them. Although they can be hard to handle—their personalities are generally alpha—the boxer’s endurance ensures its ability to get out there. Pay attention to them while they run, though, as they may have problems breathing as most short-snouted pooches do.
Labrador Retrievers or Labradoodles. Labrador breeds are seemingly ubiquitous because they can do it all. Swim, run, relax, snoop, whatever. This utilitarianism helps them endure as a beloved breed whether you’re running, walking, jogging or even biking. Labradors love to leap and run, and like the Weimaraner, can make for a good security measure when running alone.
Border Collies. Anyone who’s been around a young Border Collie can tell you: these dogs have endless energy. As with most herding breeds, these dogs love to run since, well, it’s in their blood. Be mindful if you’re just starting out running, however, as natural instinct may kick in while they’re running.
