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10 High Energy Dog Breeds That Would Love Going on Adventures With You
Michelle Milliken
Alaskan Malamute
With a history of hauling sleds across the tundra, the Alaskan Malamute is a hardy breed with plenty of endurance. They also have a soft side, as they're known to be gentle with and protective of children and loyal and affectionate with their people. With this type of personality, they’re great canine companions for the active family.
Malamutes require a lot of daily exercise and do best with a yard to run around in. When it comes to activities with their people, they’re up for hiking, running, long walks, and even swimming. These dogs are also among the breeds that adore the snow, so if you enjoy exploring the outdoors in the winter, they’d be more than happy to join you.
Australian Shepherd
Australian shepherds were bred to keep an eye out for livestock, and, to this day, the instincts involved in that job make them hard workers who are ready to herd anything (even kids). These energetic dogs can be a little high maintenance for more easygoing families, but if your energy more closely aligns with theirs, you can be a great human for them.
These dogs need a good amount of exercise every day and do best with lots of land to run on. However, a large fenced-in yard with room to run can be a substitute, particularly if their human is ready to take them on plenty of daily brisk walks, runs, or hikes. Smart, playful, easy to train, and apt to get a little destructive without good mental stimulation, they’re also a good candidate for dog sports.
Beagle
The beagle has a history as a pack dog used for hunting, so it’s happiest with some buddies and something to do. The buddy part may not be too hard, since they’re friendly and good with kids and other pets, including cats. As for something to do, plenty of play and exercise with their human are right up their alley, and they should be doing this for at least an hour every day. If they don’t have companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation, destructive behaviors may pop up.
If you’re a bit of an explorer, you can leash up a beagle and head to new places, both for the exercise and to investigate what’s out there. The pup would be doing much of the exploration with its nose. It’s pretty fond of, and skilled at, scent work.
Border Collie
Sheep have long benefitted from the border collie’s energy, smarts, and trainability, and an active owner can do the same. Border collies are affectionate and protective of their family, and they’re up for any task their people might have for them. They may secretly wish it was herding, since they’ll be doing that by instinct anyway.
They’re very fond of work, trainable, and great at agility sports, but if you don’t have a job for them to do, they’re ready for some vigorous exercise. They’ll need it with their energy. They’ll also need owners who have a sizeable yard, are understanding of the breed’s activity needs, and who are ready to get them all tuckered out each day. One way to do this is getting them involved in herding events, agility training, and frisbee, at which they tend to be very skilled.
Dalmatian
If you had 101 Dalmatians, you’d definitely be exhausted. With a history of running alongside horse-drawn carriages to protect both vehicle and animal, these dogs are ready to jog. They’re also still fairly protective all these years later.
This active breed does best when given an outlet to run, either with their human or after a ball. They’re also good hiking buddies and cycling companions, able to keep pace with a bike like they used to do with horses. They’re smart and trainable, as well, but can get into some hijinks if they’re not given the chance to stimulate those brains with their humans.
Doberman Pinscher
Though the Doberman Pinscher was specifically bred to be a guard dog, they’re also a hyper dog. They’re very athletic and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Their loyalty, protective nature, and trainability remain from their guard dog origin, as well, which lends itself to being very loyal and affectionate to their families, including kids.
Those families can do their furry friends a favor by taking them on long brisk walks, runs, and hikes, as well as by giving them plenty of space at home to run. They’re also apt to appreciate some training in dog sports, like obedience and agility.
Irish Setter
Irish setters are sweethearts that are particularly attached to their people, and they seem to believe there’s no better way to spend time together than by getting outside and having fun. This breed was originally a hunting dog and retains the energy and speed needed to be the best at that job, even if that’s not the activity they do with many of their families these days.
These often silly dogs require lots of long walks and fun games with their people, and may even appreciate a run here and there. Otherwise, they may get a bit antsy and destructive, including with chewing and digging. Channeling their intelligence and their physical needs can help with this, so trying out some dog sports like tracking and agility could be a good decision.
Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers were traditionally pack dogs who helped out on hunts, and that history means they still need plenty of opportunities to flex their muscles and their brains. As affectionate, playful, and protective as they are, they’d hope these flexing opportunities are with their humans.
Daily walks, hikes, or bike rides are great fun – and a great necessity – to this breed, as are games and a fun job to do. (He’d probably like a job as an excavator, with how much he loves digging.) As amped as this little guy is, a big yard is a good idea, too.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are among the most popular family dogs, which makes sense, given their friendly, affectionate, and tolerant disposition. They fit right in, but they would fit in especially well with an active family. The extra activity is helpful, too, given that these dogs do run a higher risk of putting on weight.
Labradors have a history of helping hunters retrieve birds from the water, so they have a skill and a passion for swimming and fetch. They’ll even fetch people, as they’ve been used as search and rescue dogs. Giving them a task and ensuring they expend plenty of energy each day is the best way to keep a Lab healthy and happy. If not, they could take to chewing, barking, and other rambunctiousness.
Siberian Husky
When you think of a Siberian Husky, sled-hauling may be one of the first things that comes to mind. Since they were bred for this purpose, their desire to run and get some work in is instinctive. Though they’re known to be a touch mischievous and independent, they can also develop strong attachments and affection for their humans, and they’re up for joining them on any adventure, especially if a ton of energy expenditure is involved.
This is another breed that makes for a good running buddy, hiking companion, or winter recreation partner. They’re very social, with their history as a pack animal, so any time with you is also greatly appreciated. If you can’t get out on an adventure on a particular day, you do still need to make sure they get substantial exercise because it’s important for their happiness and health.