Best Dog Breeds for an Active Lifestyle

Do you run 5 miles a day? Is rollerblading your life’s passion? Or maybe you love to hang-ten on your surfboard a few times per week? Is the ski slope your home away from home? Perhaps you’re thinking of buying a bicycle…and need a four-legged training partner to join you on the trail?

Labrador Retriever Splashing in Water

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you’ll need a dog with the physical ability to keep up. Certain low-energy dog breeds are ideal couch potatoes and can happily lounge around the house all day; this is probably not what you want. Because of your sporty lifestyle, your pooch is gonna run 5 miles and then swim in the lake for a few hours without breaking a sweat. She’ll gladly trot along beside you on the countryside bike ride; hey, she’ll even hop on the surfboard as the monster waves cause a major wipeout. These dogs are also excellent competitors in organized sports such as agility and flyball. They love to compete just as much as you do. As a result, one of these breeds may be the perfect outdoor companion. Never moody and always on time, all your energetic pup asks for in return is a ball of food, a game of fetch, daily exercise, and a lot of love.

Australian Shepherd on Agility Course

1. Australian Shepherd

With its amazing agility and powerful body, the Australian Shepherd (or “Aussie”) can work a full day without sacrificing speed or stamina. Aussies were originally bred to guard livestock, and to this day, they maintain the genetic drive to herd geese, children, squirrels, and everything else that wanders around. The Australian Shepherd’s temperament can vary from an overly playful pup to an imposing watchdog against intruders. They are typically friendly towards other dogs and pets, but reserved around strange people. With its high threshold for activity, Aussies must have daily physical and mental stimulation. The breed is easily bored, which may result in destructive behavior such as barking, digging, and chewing.

Border Collie Running with Owner

2. Border Collie

Border Collies have enormous amounts of intelligence and are highly obedient. While these attributes are a plus, they can also make for a disastrous house dog when cooped up inside all day with little daily exercise. Border Collies are very loyal and protective, so be prepared for its reserved and guardian-like personality to surface when in the company of strangers. Just as with Aussies, strenuous physical and mental stimulation is necessary every day of the week—no exceptions. We like to say the Border Collie needs a job whenever possible, even if it’s just carrying water in her dog backpack during your daily walks. This breed is highly work motivated and comes pre-wired by Mother Nature for hard labor.

Jack Russell Terrier Surfing

3. Jack Russell Terrier

Always looking for excitement and adventure, the Jack Russell Terrier loves to hunt, chase, and explore. Jack Russells are just as playful as they are energetic, making them excellent dogs to have around children. Beware that the temperament of Jack Russell Terriers can turn from fun-loving to aggressive when it comes across strange pets and people. Nonetheless, this breed truly fits into the family that loves a spunky, on-the-move pooch. Jack Russells absolutely thrive off adventure, and their energy levels are literally “through-the-roof”. As a result, you must provide them with daily exercise and mental games. Jack Russells must have at least two to three brisk walks during the day in addition to play time described above. As with the Aussie, we recommend a weighted dog backpack for your Jack Russell in order to really make her work during those walks. These dogs are famous for their surfing and skate-boarding abilities. At 14-18 pounds, this is the smallest dog on our list, which makes for easy feeding and poop pickup.

Labrador Retriever Playing in Water

4. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is currently listed as the number one registered dog with the AKC and is ranked highly across the board: playfulness, friendliness towards strangers & pets, easy to train, affectionate, and even great watchdog traits. When Labradors are trained, they are friendly and obedient. Labs are especially wonderful around kids, since the breed has a high tolerance for playfulness and childish antics. This dog has its moments of Zen around the house, but can become instantly energetic when stimulated. Labs love to swim and run, but retrieving is at the top of their list. If you can, combine their love for retrieving with water—in a lake or swimming pool—for the total doggy paradise. We’ve found the Water Wubba Fetch Toy (link to Wubba toy) (large size) and AirDog Tennis Stick (link to tennis stick) (large size) work exceptionally well with Labs.

Portuguese Water Dog Diving into Lake

5. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is as outgoing as they come, always on the lookout for fun and games. The breed makes an outstanding family pet since they love children and other dogs. Portuguese Water Dogs thrive on human interaction, so plenty of love and attention is required of the owner. The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the most energetic and lively breeds. They have an endless amount of energy and love to swim, run, play, and retrieve. Historically, this breed was a companion and working dog for fishermen, herding fish into nets. As excellent swimmers, they are the perfect dog for boating trips, fishing expeditions and hikes to the lake. It comes as no surprise that vigorous daily exercise is an absolute must for them because, if kept inside all day, then like every other breed on our list, the Portuguese Water Dog can become frustrated and destructive. As an added bonus, this breed is hypoallergenic, so those of you with allergies to dogs can sleep better at night while cuddled up with your Portuguese.