Barking Fitness Partners
The Best Dog Breeds For Running
- Dog Fitness (via Tom Purves)
"Maybe I should get a dog to help me get in shape," you say. "Maybe you should," I reply. Lots of people agree. And you're in luck — this month's Runners World is out with a handy list of breeds that make good running partners. For long, slow runs, they recommend catahoulas, labrador retrievers, standard poodles, and dalmatians. If you're a speed demon and plan on taking your dog on sub-7 minute mile runs, they suggest vizslas, german shorthaired pointers, weimaraners, (and no surprise) greyhounds, and whippets. More run-friendly dog breed suggestions after the jump.
Best Breeds for Running in the Heat:
- Rhodesian ridgebacks
- Vizslas
- Airedale terriers
- Fox terriers
Best Breeds for Running in the Cold:
- Malamutes
- German shepherds
- Swiss mountain dogs
- Siberian huskies
Full list of "Top Running Dogs" on RunnersWorld.com.
- Charity D.'s blog
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Comments
My Golden is always up for a good hike!!
Submitted by michlny on 08.13.10 at 11:06.
DON'T get a dachshund – especially an old one. HA! It takes us 45 minutes to go about 6 blocks.
Submitted by Butwhatifido on 08.13.10 at 11:52.
DON'T get a dachshund – especially an old one. HA! It takes us 45 minutes to go about 6 blocks.
Submitted by Butwhatifido on 08.13.10 at 11:52.
I can vouch for the standard poodles. My mom's happily runs four miles a day with her and then takes another run later with my dad!
Submitted by sadie on 08.14.10 at 05:48.
My Chowador (Lab/Chow mix, doesn't chowador make him sound like a dinosaur?) is great for motivation - he always wants to go outside and run. However, he is not perfect for endurance, as 100 degree weather in Texas in a fur coat just makes everyone want to go back inside after a lap.
Submitted by Priscatip on 08.16.10 at 07:42.