There are lots of reasons to bring a dog into your life. They offer companionship, are tremendously loyal and can be bundles of fun. Some people become owners for a different reason, though: they want to get fit. Taking a dog for walks and runs gives you a reason to get out of the house, but not all breeds are the same. Some would prefer to lounge on the couch all day, so it’s important to do your research first.
1. Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular breeds in the world, but people often underestimate their sheer energy drive. Huskies are beautiful dogs with luxurious coats and bright, meaningful eyes, but they aren’t for the faint hearted. More than any other breed, huskies will keep you on your toes. They love long walks. They love to run. They love to dash alongside your bicycle as you ride. They’ll even hike. Siberian Huskies relish any physical activity you can throw at them, and you’ll always be the one to get tired first. Their heritage pulling sledges in the far North means that they need enormous amounts of exercise, making them a great choice if you want to get more active.
2. Labrador Retriever
Another popular breed, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic family pets with seemingly boundless reserves of energy. Although they’re quite happy to go on a run with you, this breed favors games like frisbee and catch and loves to go on long hikes through the countryside. Somewhat unusually, they’re avid swimmers too, making them perfectly suited to the great outdoors. They might not be the dog of choice if you only want to run, but if your approach to fitness involves a full, outdoors lifestyle, then they might just be the breed for you.
3. Vizsla
A dog of Hungarian descent, Vizslas are famed for their copper hued fur and slim, muscly physique. Befitting their athletic appearance, these dogs are rivalled only by Siberian Huskies in their innate desire to run and keep running. They were bred to spend days at work in fields, so they have high levels of endurance and don’t tire easily. As a somewhat rarer and much sought-after breed, Vizslas can be prone to health problems, especially if purchased from disreputable breeders. Wherever you get the dog from, be sure to check in with Green Valley vets for a full health check. This will flag up any issues and keep your new best friend feeling fit and healthy for years to come.
4. Beagle
It might not be the first breed that springs to mind when you think of high energy dogs, but Beagles have a history that makes them finely trained athletes. They were bred to chase rabbits through the fields during hunts, so they’re used to long runs. Although Beagles are more about endurance than outright speed, they nonetheless make fantastic exercise partners. Better still, this is the smallest breed on the list, so a Beagle is perfect if you don’t have much room in your home.
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