Sure most fit canines could thump us in a 5K, but anyone who has ever watched leashed runners at a local park knows that some animals are better athletes than others. But how does your dog rate? Or if you’re searching for a perfect running partner, what kind should you pick?
Not surprisingly, it depends. There’s no perfect running breed for all conditions. “There are many considerations including size, hair coat, activity level, temperament, cost and availability,” says Chloe Hardman, veterinary specialist at Animal Eye Care in Malvern, Victoria (animaleyecare.com.au).
Some breeds, such as greyhounds were bred to run and most working dogs are naturally suited to running. By contrast squishy-nosed dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, don’t make good distance athletes, because they’re prone to overheating. That’s not to say your pug can’t run, but he probably shouldn’t join you for a late summer 15-kilometre run.
Hardman says if you want to go long or hit technical trails, some breeds definitely rise to the top. (Always check if dogs are allowed on the particular trail you plan to run, on your state’s Parks website, first.)
Here, Hardman picks her top running breeds in five categories.
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Best For Long Steady Runs (15K)
Australian Kelpie
Australian Cattle Dog
Weimaranaers
Ibizan Hound
German short-haired pointers
Siberian Husky
Best for Mid-Level Runs (Less than 10K)
Airedale Terrier
Boxer
Dalmatian
Doberman
German Shepherd
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Best for Shorter Runs (Less than 5K)
Border Terrier
Greyhound
Jack Russell Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Whippet
Beagle (always on lead)
Going Fast (4.30-minute-kilometres or faster)
Australian Kelpie
Australian Shepherd
Ibizan Hound
Siberian Husky
Vizslas
Weimaraners
Best for Obedience (especially on trails)
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Standard Poodle
Australian Shepherd
Border Collie
