When choosing a dog that will go home with you, many factors need to be considered. One of these factors is your lifestyle, schedule, or activity level. Many do not realize the importance of this until they take a dog home and it is not able to match their active lifestyle especially for those who are athletic and always on the move.
Hence, athletic folks such as these need their four-legged companions to be athletic as well. The canine must be able to keep up mentally and physically. While you can learn about different dog breeds on Holistapet, we’ve decided to focus on the athletic group.
Therefore, in this article, we will look at the very best athletic dog breeds. This article will aid you in choosing the best athletic dog breed that suits you just fine.
But before we get on track, it is important that you understand a vital piece of information. While those listed in this article are fantastic athletes, they still require training to condition them to the kind of exercises they will be performing.
Hence, just as humans require conditioning and training before the main activity, so do these canine athletes. Don’t just assume they will be able to do anything you ask of them without building up their endurance and strength with proper training.
Now that we have gotten that out of the way, let’s get running…
Table of Contents
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
This dog was bred to serve as a sidekick to hunters when hunting birds. Therefore, they are naturally active and intelligent. They love the outdoors and can run for hours.
Due to their original purpose of pointing and retrieving the game, they aren’t afraid to get into the water. So, even a swimmer can still have them as pet training partners.
Endurance and running activities are what they live for. Their friendliness and willingness to please their owner make them great training partners.
2. Australian Shepherd
Don’t let the name fool you, this herding dog was bred in the U.S and is very intelligent and active. Visit https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog/Herding-dogs to learn more about herding dogs. Thanks to their herding heritage, they thrive in herding as well as performance sports. Hence, they are perfect for obedience and agility performances.
Even if you aren’t into dog sports and performances, the Australian Shepherd is a dependable companion any day, any time. Its social nature means it gets along with almost everyone and loves going out for walks.
3. Parson Russell Terrier
This breed is the real definition of “small but mighty”. It is intelligent, clever, and very active. Originally bred to catch vermin, the Parson Russell Terrier is committed when it sets its eyes on a target. Hence, they can be very relentless.
For folks who like running or hiking, this breed will make the perfect companion as they can keep up mentally and physically. They never shy away from adventure thanks to them being very alert and confident.
4. Border Collie
If you are looking for a versatile yet athletic dog, then you have found one in the Border Collie. It can be used as a multi-purpose farm or herding dog. They are good at obedience and agility sports. Performance trainers love Border Collies because they are very intelligent and energetic.
If you need a dog for endurance training, then we recommend this canine. While it loves affection and wouldn’t mind spending time with its pet parent or family, the Border Collie is most happy when it is busy with a task or job.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The characteristics of the Rhodesian Ridgeback include agility, strength, speed, endurance loyal to the owner, and affectionate to family. All these make it a perfect companion for outdoor activities.
Despite the kind of activity, this breed is up to the task. Hence, backpackers, hikers, and runners love this dog because of all its attending characteristics.
6. Weimaraner
This German hunting dog is great for long-distance adventure as it possesses sufficient stamina for such an activity. Click here to see a list of famous German dog breeds. These dogs are intelligent, active, and fearless. Hence, they have no qualms scaling mountains or crossing rivers.
Despite their tough look, Weimaraners are incredibly social and love being with their families and owners. Interestingly, this breed even loves meeting new people. Their energetic yet graceful nature makes them suitable exercise partners.
7. Vizla
The Vizla is a hunting dog with origins from Hungary. It is a very energetic and affectionate dog that loves being with its family; albeit while exercising. Hence, it doesn’t enjoy sitting in one place. It was bred for working outdoors for a long period.
If you need biking, backpacking, or running partner, then the Vizla is a very suitable candidate. Their endurance level is so high that they require constant exercise to keep them happy which is why they are great for athletes.
8. Siberian Husky
These dogs are known as working dogs that pull sleds. This breed is very active and must be stimulated physically and mentally to keep it thriving.
Despite their fierce look, they love meeting new folks and are great partners for bikers and runs. They flourish best in cold weather as they have protection thanks to their thick furs. As a result of this, extra care is required when they are exercised in warm conditions as it can cause them to get very hot.
Conclusion
The eight dog breeds discussed above are the best athletic dog breeds that will suit any athlete’s needs. Which of them will you get? Feel free to let us know.
