What are the most active dog breeds? Most dogs are active. It is the nature of the beast. Our dogs keep us active, too. They move; we move. It’s good for our health and longevity. This isn’t just theory, it’s fact: a recent study said people with dogs are more likely to have a healthy heart, live longer and be happier and less stressed.
While all dogs are active at heart, some breeds are just built differently. In our estimate of the most active dog breeds, we referred to the list created by the American Kennel Club and took into account some stats that showed how they are active, such as running speed and endurance. While most dogs run an average of 19 mph, some breeds are faster. Remember, humans on average, can run about 6 – 8.5 mph.
As there is always a scale of everything, we have 10 breeds as the most active dogs out there. We have an Infographic, stats and plenty of dog pictures to illustrate how these breeds were selected. Did your dog make the list?
Here's an infographic of the most active dog breeds out there, in no particular order. Do you have one?
Now here's a closer look at how they made the list!
Labrador Retriever
This dog is no surprise to make the list. Have you seen them at the dog park? They are sure to be the ones running the fastest and chasing a ball. According to the American Kennel Club, Labradors have been the top dog in America since 1991.
Active Dog Stats:
- Labradors can run 20-30 mph
- The key is endurance, they can run this fast for many miles.
- They are a great dog for runners as they have amazing running stamina.
Read our feature article about the Labrador Retriever.
German Shepherd Dog
This is the second most popular dog breed in America. They are also one of the most popular breeds to be a service dog.
Active Dog Stats:
- German Shepherds can run 30 mph.
- They are commonly used as service and police dogs because of their size, intelligence and the fact they can run very fast.
Read our feature article about the German Shepherd Dog.
Golden Retriever
When you put the word “Retriever” in a dog breed, you are asking for an active dog. And, they fall in as the third most popular dog breed in the nation.
Active Dog Stats:
- Golden Retrievers can run 25 mph on average.
- Goldens can run short distances up to 35 mph.
- The key is endurance, Goldens can run fast for many miles.
- They are a great dog for runners as they have amazing running stamina, especially if you are running between 6-12 mph.
Read our feature article about the Golden Retriever.
IRish Setter
While these dogs are beautiful with all that flowing hair, they are actually great hunting dogs. Built for chasing, these dogs have lots of energy for running and playing.
Active Dog Stats:
- Irish Setters can run about 30 mph.
- Irish Setters are known to be very active.
- Irish Setters are high energy dogs and their beautiful coats makes them very attractive, while their endurance is what makes them so active.
Read our feature article about Irish Setter.
Jack Russell Terrier
The very word “Terrier” means a smaller breed with tenacity and extreme eagerness, which is how they are so active.
Active Dog Stats:
- Jack Russel Terriers can run up to 25-30 mph.
- JRTs are known to be the “fastest, smallest dog breed.”
- JRTs were originally bred to hunt fox in England, so they are extremely good at playing chase.
Read our feature article about Terriers.
Beagle
Beagles have lots of energy and their hound nose can smell or track anything. They last for hours and hours just following a scent. If you have a beagle, most likely you've run a few miles many times over.
Active Stats:
- Beagles can run about 20 mph.
- Beagles are sprinters, rather than distance runners, and they can run about 3 miles before getting fatigued.
- Beagles have 200 million scent glands (humans have 5 million).
- Beagles are known as scent dogs and can pick up scents as far as a mile away.
Read our feature article about Beagles.
Border Collie
Athletic and bred to herd animals, these energetic dogs need lots of activity. They are known to be regular champions on the AKC National Agility Championship, this year was no different. Held March 2021, they had several Border Collies among the winners.
Active Dog Stats:
- Border Collies can run 20-30 mph.
- Known for herding sheep, these dogs have natural herding abilities with a high endurance.
- They ae easily trainable and because they are relatively light weight, they are great at agility contests.
Read our feature article about Collies.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians have speed, endurance and intelligence. They were originally used in fire trucks and horse-drawn carriages and would trot alongside.
Active Stats:
- Dalmatians can run up to 37 mph
- The key is endurance, they can run this fast for many miles.
- The original "Firehouse dog," they often ran ahead of the fire trucks to clear a path.
- Dalmatians also have a history of chasing criminals, being circus dogs and working with horses.
Read our feature article about Dalmatians.
Husky
Known for their beautiful coats and striking eyes, these dogs were made to withstand any temperatures and an amazing endurance. It’s no wonder they make the list of the most active dog breeds out there.
- Huskies can run 30 mph
- The key is endurance, they can run this fast for many miles.
- Natural sled dogs, Huskies run the Iditarod Sled Dog race in Alaska and it lasts over 8 days.
- Siberian Huskies can run up to 150 miles a day with an average speed of 9 – 10 mph.
Read our feature article about Huskies.
Greyhounds
- Greyhounds are known as the fastest dogs in the world.
- Greyhounds can run up to 45 mph.
- An unofficial record of an Australian greyhound recorded at 50.5 mph.
Read our feature article about Greyhounds.
What's interesting about these Active Dogs already mentioned, is they are also ranked as some of the Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S. Coincidence? Probably not. Active Dogs are the best dogs! While we capped our report at 10 breeds, there are many others we wanted to add. If we had honorable mentions, they would include these breeds:
- Poodles
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
- Corgis
- Sheepdogs
- Australian Shepherds
- Miniature Pinscher
- Vizslas
Which breed did we miss?
GLYDE™ MOBILITY CHEWS
As you can imagine, as the makers of Glyde Mobility Chews, we know a bit about active dogs. They are typically our favorite customers. At Parnell Living Science, we pride ourselves on being the experts on joints, mobility and how the enemy of joints known as osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis in dogs, can sneak in. This is why we created a unique formula with key ingredients to combat the signs of aging. Glyde uses natural, gluten-free ingredients to promote healthy joints to let your dog do everything he or she loves to do! Glyde is the only joint supplement that contains proven levels of three key components that work together to relieve the painful signs of arthritis.
Glyde's proven formula has all-natural ingredients and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, plus Green Lipped Mussel (GLM). The proven levels of these key ingredients are what makes the formula unique:
- New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM): A powerful anti-inflammatory
- Glucosamine: Reduces cartilage degradation
- Chondroitin Sulfate: Helps rebuild cartilage
If you have an active dog, find a joint supplement to protect their mobility. Because for these dogs, being active is not just part of their lives, it IS their life and it is critical to their happiness. And of course, as their pet parents, we want the very best for them. Protecting their joints is as easy as giving them a heart-shaped chew they think is a treat, but you know better: it's really good for them and those active joints!
Because these active dogs are more than just dogs. They are family! Now get out there and be active with your dog!
Was there a dog breed you thought we missed? Let us know on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
Sources:
- The 15 Most Active Breeds, AKC
- How Fast Can a Dog Run, Rover.com
- The Most Popular Dog Breeds in the U.S., Pawesome Advice
- The Fastest Dog Breeds in the World, Highland Canine
