However, not all breeds of dog are right for hitting the pavement with you. Some are too small, others are too large, and still more of them run the risk of overheating. Before you buy yourself a dog to run alongside you on the trail, find out which ones will make the best running companions.
Remember, your running mate won’t have to be a purebred in order to have good running traits. The kind of dog you pick should depend primarily on what kind of runner you are.
The Best Dog Breeds for Running in Any Situation
If you like to run 10 miles or more then the following dogs should be a pretty good match due to their build and hind muscles:
- Goldendoodles
- Vizslas
- Weimaraners
- Jack Russell Terriers
- German Shorthaired Pointers
If you are a fast runner and love shorter distances you could try one of these:
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- English Setter
- Beagle
- Pit Bull
- Greyhound
If you live in an area that experiences sweltering heat, then you could try the following dogs which can handle the heat, mainly because of their short coats and long noses:
- Fox Terriers
- Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- Airedale Terriers
If you like running outside when it’s brutally cold, then you might find a good running companion in one of these breeds, well-equipped to handle the cold:
- Swiss Mountain Dog
- Siberian Huskies
- Malamute
- German Shepherd
Other Tips for Taking Care of Your Running Dog
Regardless of the breed you select, there will be other considerations to factor in. Check with your veterinarian to see if your dog is a prime candidate for making those runs with you.
- Age. One of the most important factors is age. Puppies are still developing and their bones are not ready to stand up to long bouts of running. You want to know that the run isn’t going to be a strain on your loyal companion.
- Is the ground too hot? Another thing to consider is your route. If you’ll be running on a hot concrete surface it can be dangerous for your dog’s paws. A dog has a way of letting your know if their paws are getting too hot of if something is wrong. Be attentive and keep an eye on your beloved friend.
- Can you recognize the signs of an overheating dog? You should also learn how to spot and take care of the signs of a dog overheating. Typically the best way to cool down a dog is by providing cool water to the pads of their feet and other sensitive areas.
- River trails are great choices. Because dogs can be tricky to cool down when they overheat, if you are able to, running alongside rivers or streams is a great idea during the summer so that you have a good source of water easily available to you if you need it. You can even take a break mid run to let your dog run in the stream and cool off a bit before returning home.
- Give your dog a good diet and proper supplements. A high-quality dog food will be crucial for ensuring that your dog is healthy enough to run with you and that they have the energy to keep up. There are also some vitamins and supplements, like cosequin, that you may want to consider giving you dog, to help protect their joints.
- Carry water for both yourself and your dog. Always make sure you have plenty of water for yourself and your dog. You definitely don’t want to be stuck out on a long run without water.
Do you have a dog that you love running with? Share with us in the comments below.
