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Best dogs for running and hiking

High-energy breeds that can keep up on long runs and trails, like Vizslas, German Shorthaired Pointers and Australian Shepherds, plus how to start running with your dog safely.

By Nate Boettner · Updated

If you want a running or hiking partner, look at Vizslas, Weimaraners, German Shorthaired Pointers, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and Brittanys. These breeds were made to work outdoors all day and are happiest with a job and plenty of miles.

Breeds rated 5/5 for energy

German ShepherdLarge · 50–90 lb👪 Good family dogGerman ShepherdSmart, loyal and protective. German Shepherds thrive with an experienced owner who gives them a job, training and lots of exercise.Siberian HuskyMedium · 35–60 lb👪 Good family dogSiberian HuskyBuilt for snow and endless running. Huskies are friendly and striking, but need a lot of exercise and a secure yard.Australian ShepherdMedium · 40–65 lb👪 Good family dogAustralian ShepherdA brilliant, tireless herding dog. Aussies are loyal and fun, but need a job and plenty of exercise every day.Border CollieMedium · 30–55 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBorder CollieOften called the smartest breed. Border Collies excel at training and sports but are a poor fit for a quiet lifestyle.English Springer SpanielMedium · 40–50 lb👪 Great family dogEnglish Springer SpanielA happy, eager bird dog that loves families. Springers are trainable and affectionate, with energy to spare.BrittanyMedium · 30–40 lb👪 Good family dogBrittanyA quick, upbeat bird dog in a compact size. Brittanys are sweet at home and tireless outdoors.Australian Cattle DogMedium · 35–50 lbBetter with adults or older kidsAustralian Cattle DogTough, smart and loyal, also called the Blue or Red Heeler. Built to work all day and bond tightly with one family.Portuguese Water DogMedium · 35–60 lb👪 Good family dogPortuguese Water DogAn athletic, water-loving working dog with a low-shedding curly coat. Smart, playful and great with active families.VizslaMedium · 44–60 lb👪 Good family dogVizslaAn athletic, affectionate pointer known as a "velcro dog." Vizslas want to run hard and then be glued to your side.BoxerLarge · 50–80 lb👪 Great family dogBoxerGoofy, loyal and great with kids. Boxers stay playful for years and protect their families.Large · 60–100 lb👪 Good family dogDoberman PinscherSleek, smart and devoted. Dobermans are excellent protectors and surprisingly affectionate at home.WeimaranerLarge · 55–90 lbBetter with adults or older kidsWeimaranerA sleek, silver-gray hunting dog with endless stamina. Weims are loving and smart but demanding.German Shorthaired PointerLarge · 45–70 lb👪 Good family dogGerman Shorthaired PointerA versatile, athletic hunting dog that's friendly and eager to please. GSPs need serious daily exercise.Irish SetterLarge · 60–70 lb👪 Great family dogIrish SetterA rollicking, outgoing redhead that stays playful for years. Irish Setters are friendly with everyone and full of energy.German Wirehaired PointerLarge · 50–70 lb👪 Good family dogGerman Wirehaired PointerA rugged, wire-coated hunting dog that works on land and water. Loyal to family and reserved with strangers.Nova Scotia Duck Tolling RetrieverMedium · 35–50 lb👪 Good family dogNova Scotia Duck Tolling RetrieverThe smallest retriever, with a fox-red coat and a high-pitched "toller scream." Smart, busy and athletic.DalmatianLarge · 45–70 lb👪 Good family dogDalmatianThe famous spotted firehouse dog. Dalmatians are athletic, loyal and need a lot of exercise.Giant SchnauzerLarge · 55–85 lbBetter with adults or older kidsGiant SchnauzerA big, powerful working schnauzer that's smart and protective. Needs a lot of exercise and training.Belgian MalinoisLarge · 40–80 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBelgian MalinoisAn intense, brilliant working dog used by police and military. Needs a job, training and lots of exercise.Miniature American ShepherdSmall · 20–40 lb👪 Good family dogMiniature American ShepherdA smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. Smart, energetic and loves to work.PointerLarge · 45–75 lb👪 Good family dogPointerA sleek, athletic bird dog with a famous point. Pointers are friendly and tireless, made for runners and hunters.Flat-Coated RetrieverLarge · 60–70 lb👪 Great family dogFlat-Coated RetrieverA cheerful, forever-young retriever with a glossy black or liver coat. Flat-Coats stay puppyish well into adulthood.Irish Red and White SetterLarge · 50–70 lb👪 Great family dogIrish Red and White SetterA friendly, athletic setter with a red-and-white coat. Good-natured with everyone and full of stamina.Wirehaired VizslaLarge · 45–65 lb👪 Good family dogWirehaired VizslaA wire-coated version of the Vizsla, bred for harsher weather. Gentle, affectionate and very energetic.Fox TerrierSmall · 15–19 lbBetter with adults or older kidsFox TerrierA lively, fearless little terrier in smooth and wire coats (AKC shows them as Smooth and Wire Fox Terriers). Bright and always ready for action.Parson Russell TerrierSmall · 13–17 lbBetter with adults or older kidsParson Russell TerrierA clever, athletic, high-energy hunting terrier. Fun and fearless, but always on the go.Russell TerrierSmall · 9–15 lbBetter with adults or older kidsRussell TerrierA short-legged, high-energy hunting terrier. Bold, smart and always busy.Belgian SheepdogLarge · 45–75 lbBetter with adults or older kidsBelgian SheepdogA long-coated black Belgian herding dog. Smart, intense and devoted, with tons of energy.Pyrenean ShepherdSmall · 15–32 lbBetter with adults or older kidsPyrenean ShepherdA small, quick herding dog from the French Pyrenees. Intense, smart and devoted to its person.PumiSmall · 22–29 lbBetter with adults or older kidsPumiA curly-coated Hungarian herding dog with whimsical ears. Lively, clever and vocal.Medium · 18–29 lbBetter with adults or older kidsMudiA versatile, wavy-coated Hungarian farm dog. Brilliant, energetic and alert.

Match the dog to your sport

Running safely with your dog

  1. Wait until your dog is grown, usually 12–18 months (longer for big breeds), so joints can finish developing. Ask your vet.
  2. Build up slowly, just like you would.
  3. Watch the heat: dogs overheat much faster than people. Run early or late in summer and bring water.
  4. Check paws for cuts and hot pavement.
  5. Skip flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs for running, since they struggle to breathe hard.

Be honest: these breeds can become destructive if they don't get an hour or more of exercise a day.

Take the breed quiz, choose "Running, hiking or very active," and add your other needs.