High-energy dogs aren’t for everyone, and especially shouldn’t be the first choice if you are thinking about getting a dog. High-energy dogs demand more of your time, playtime, and exercise.
These dogs are highly athletic, and they thrive in homes with big yeards and active outdoor owners. They enjoy long and dynamic walks, swimming, running, and playing any dog sport, including fetch.
If you are looking for a running buddy, you should think about high-energy breeds.
On the other hand, if you are looking for more calm breeds, better suited for first-time dog owners, you should focus on low and medium-energy dog breeds.
If you have experience with dogs and want to move more often, explore this list of high-energy dog breeds because your perfect buddy might be listed here.
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Pembroke Welsh Corgis may be small in size, but they are should to should with larger dogs, when it comes to energy level.
These small and sturdy dogs love spending time indoors and watching TV with their humans, as well as having a job to do and being active.
Originally bred to herd, this breed really loves to be busy and chase smaller animals, such as squirrels and anything smaller actually.
This is why this bred should be on a leash unless you are in a really safe and well-secured area, like a dog park, where it’s ok to let your Corgi roams freely.
This breed is so beloved in England. The Mother Queen is a huge fan of this breed, and there are always at least three Corgies, literally living like kings.
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog is a naturally athletic dog with a strong urge to run and be active.
This breed is globally known for its strong herding instincts. Shetland Sheepdog or Sheltie is a smaller relative of bigger Collie.
They are great family dogs, who like to bark and tend to be reserved to strangers. They are also superb watchdogs.
If you love being outdoors and have an active outdoor life, this may breed you.
Since Shetland Sheepdog has a long and smooth coat, you can expect a fair amount of shedding, especially during the shedding season.
Make sure that you have a proper grooming tools or a trusted groomer where you can take your Shetland Sheepdog for a nice season of brushing.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is known for its endurance, speed, and intelligence. This is an agile and active breed, that used to be used as guardians and followers of horse-drawn carriages.
Dalmatians would run next to the horse the whole journey. So, if you are into running, a Dalmatian would make a perfect long-distance runner.
They are suited both for the city and rural life, and they are one of the dogs with a unique appearance in the dog world.
Don’t let their spots fool you – they are built to go the distance. Dalmatians can be aloof with strangers because they are outgoing, but it doesn’t make them less trustworthy watchdog.
Russell Terrier
Russell Terriers are tireless. They have an enormous amount of energy that regular exercisers and fun training should be mandatory. They are like a small explosion of fun and energy.
Originally, this small size dog was bred to hunt foxes. They may seem like a toy, but in fact, this is a working terrier. Since they are really small make sure that you teach your children how to behave around dogs.
Younger children and tools tend to pull them because they see them as toys, and as you may know already – no matter how much a dog is tolerant, everyone has its boundaries.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is an excellent choice for a dog if you live in cold areas. They are also great long-distance running companions, and they don’t mind running in really freezing temperatures.
The Husky originated in Northeast Asia’s cold climate, where the breed was bred to be a sled dog with incredible endurance.
If you are based in a hot climate, you should re-think your decision of welcoming a Husky into your home, because even dogs that aren’t rich in coat and undercoat as the Siberian Husky has issues with heatstroke frequency.
The Siberian Husky is often mistaken with Alaskan Malamute, although they are smaller and lighter.
Siberians are real pack dogs, and they are prone to howling and chasing small animals, so a secure running room is a must.
They are so attached to people, that they don’t any human as a danger. This is the main reason why they get lost so often and why they follow strangers.
After all, they evolved next to humans.
Golden Retriever
Goldens are so beloved dogs across the globe. They are intelligent, active, and energetic.
If you want a dog who will love to play fetch, Golden Retriever is your choice. Did you know that Goldens are often the number one choice for service dogs?
These dogs are serious workers and they love it when they have a job to do. Nowadays, they are not as active at hunting and fieldwork, but they are busy guiding the blind and in search-and-rescue. They also love to compete in dog sport.
With an asymmetrical and powerful body, this breed is an excellent choice if you love long walks or running.
They are self-confident, so they may seem stubborn when they don’t want to do something.
Goldens are prone to allergies, so make sure that you provide regular veterinarian check-ups.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are dogs with high energy levels. They can run distance, hike for miles, and swim like a real champ.
If you and your family are active ones, this breed will make an excellent addition to your family.
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, great with children, and they are easily trained. This breed is a part of the sporting group, and this breed comes in three colors, black, white, and echolocate, with echolocate being the rarest.
Labs are famously friendly, and people often see them like dogs with low energy because their attitude is easygoing. However, owning this popular breed means that you have time and energy for lots of exercises, like marathon games of fetch and swimming, to keep the breed physically and mentally fit.
Border Collie
Border collies are highly energetic and highly intelligent dogs. They are globally known for their ability in agility and disc competitions.
They are great pets, as long as you can meet the breed’s high drive. This breed is highly athletic and is exceptionally energetic, needing very long runs – this breed is a great running partner.
Some would even describe this breed as being workaholic, making them a poor choice if you don’t have enough time, means, or the energy to keep your Border Collie occupies.
This breed has two types of coats. The rough coat is medium-length and feathered, while the smooth coat is shorter and coarser. Both types are dense and weather-resistant double coats.
Grooming is identical for both, so make sure that you brush your Border Collie once to twice a week, to keep the coat free of tangles, dirt, debris, and mats.
As with all breeds, nails and gums should be trimmed regularly.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are very similar to Border Collie when it comes to energy levels. These dogs were bred to herd livestock, so they will always try to find work in the form of chasing animals or people.
Some may be stubborn, and they are more often recommended to experienced dog owners.
To get them to listen to you, proper training and sufficient exercise should be provided.
Aussies have strong herding and guarding instincts. They have a strong impulse to herd, almost anything, including birds, dogs, and kids, which is why its not recommended to leave them alone with toddlers.
They could easily be too much for the new owner – this isn’t the pet for everyone.
However, if you have experience with a dog, and you are looking for a brainy and tireless partner in your outdoor activities, the fantastic Australian Shepherd just might be your perfect choice.
The Bottom Line
No two dogs are exactly alike, but the breed is a massive factor in determining many traits, including activity level. For example, working and herding dog breeds tend to be active.
These breeds are shaped in that manner, that they need both mental and physical exercise to thrive.
If you don’t provide enough exercise and mental stimulation, they may become destructive, and even develops other issues.
If you have experience with dogs and have time and energy to invest in spending outdoor, you may think about getting abreed from this list.
Just remember that for some daily walk alone aren’t enough, so might even think about dog sports, to provide your dog with extra mental and physical stimulation.
