The Best Dog Breeds to Run With

Dogs aren’t just pets - they’re a huge part of our everyday lives. From restaurants where dogs are welcome to dog-friendly days out and even ice cream made just for them, our four-legged friends accompany us out and about more than ever before. So why shouldn't we share our hobbies with them too? 

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Running with your dog isn’t just a way to get your exercise in at the same time as ticking off your daily dog walk, it can actually strengthen your bond and provide fantastic mental and physical enrichment for your pup. But are some breeds better suited for putting paw to pavement than others? 
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To find out which dog breeds make the best canine companions for their running-loving humans, we analysed breed trait and characteristics and spoke to veterinary surgeon Amanda Charles at Dogs Trust, who shared essential do’s and don'ts for keeping dogs safe, happy and healthy while out running. 
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What makes a dog a great running partner? 

We looked beyond wagging tails, to key traits that make certain breeds paw-fect for a jog. Using ratings from the American Kennel Club (AKC), which scores breeds on a scale of 1 to 5 across key behavioural and physical characteristics, we created a custom score that reflects how well suited they are to being a running companion. 

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The traits were: 

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• Good with children 

• Good with other dogs 

• Openness to strangers 

• Adaptability 

• Trainability 

• Energy 

• Lack of barking 

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The 15 best dog breeds for running  

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Labrador Retriever

Score: 4.90/5 

Labradors originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and were bred to help local fishermen retrieve their gear from the water. They’ve got a powerful tail and thick coat which helps them swim in cold water, but it's their high-energy and obedience that makes them wonderful running companions. 
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Photo credit: TogWalks Dog on Unsplash 
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Hungarian Vizsla

Score: 4.80/5 
These beautiful dogs are incredibly athletic and have impressive stamina – making them well suited for endurance activities like running, hiking and swimming. They were historically bred for hunting, and their desire for high levels of exercise makes them the perfect paw-tner for energetic humans that love to run. 
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Photo credit: Andrew Masters on Unsplash
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Score: 4.75/5 
Staffies may look muscular and tough, but they’re massive softies at heart. Incredibly affectionate with children, these well-built dogs are particularly suited for short, energetic bursts of running. They’re enthusiastic and love to please their owners, meaning running together offers a beautiful bonding opportunity for both dog and owner. 

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Photo credit: Henry Ravenscroft on Unsplash

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German Shepherd & German Shorthaired Pointer

Score: 4.70/5 
These two dogs have a lot in common. They’ve both got incredibly high energy levels, are well suited for endurance, and are highly trainable. GSPs are commonly touted as one of the best dog breeds to run with and having been bred to work long days in the field - they’re an ideal companion for a long run. Meanwhile German Shepherds, originally bred as herding dogs, enjoy structure so much that training them to run with you is a great way to build your relationship with them. 
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Photo credit: Marie-Pier Fillion on Unsplash 
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Doberman Pinscher

Score: 4.65/5 
Long legs and a lean build mean anything is paw-sible when it comes to asking these dogs to do something athletic! They’re muscly, have high energy levels and have been bred over the years for endurance and speed in particular – so they’re ideal for both sprinting and longer runs. 
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Photo credit: Ryan Hyde on Unsplash

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Weimaraner, Irish Setter & Border Collie 

Score: 4.60/5 
Weimaraners, with their silky, silver coat, thrive on being active and love being challenged mentally. They’re incredibly fast and can actually reach speeds of up to 35 mph. Irish Setters and Border Collies also share many of these characteristics - all three dogs are known for being fast, intelligent and eager to please. 
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Photo credit: Atanas Teodosiev on Unsplash

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Gordon Setter & Australian Shepherd

Score: 4.50/5 

Gordon Setters are known for their stamina but are heavier set than other setter breeds - making them paw-some companions for long, moderate intensity runs. Aussie Shepherds are also known for their stamina but are incredibly fast and agile in comparison – making them ideal for trail running over different terrain. Bred in the USA to herd livestock alongside cowboys, these loyal dogs enjoy mental and physical stimulation as frequently as you can give it to them. 
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Photo credit: Céline Druguet on Unsplash

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Vet-Approved Advice for Running with Your Dog

We asked Amanda Charles, Veterinary Surgeon at Dogs Trust, for her key advice to ensure every run with your dog is enjoyable and safe. 
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“Running can be a fun and healthy activity to share with your dog, but it’s not suitable for every dog. Always check with your vet first, especially if they’re young, old or have health issues. Try to stick to softer, even surfaces like grassy parks, consider the weather, and always watch for signs your dog is too hot, cold or tired.” 
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Amanda’s Do’s and Don'ts for Running with Your Dog 

Do:  

• Run on soft surfaces to protect their joints (dirt trails, grassy parks and fields) 

• Start slow and build distance gradually 

• Let your dog set the pace and distance 

• Warm up and cool down to help reduce joint strain 

• Opt for gentle and steady exercise, which is better for joints than short, sharp bursts of running 

• Carry water and take breaks often, dogs often try to keep up even if they’re hot or tired 

• Make it fun, allow some time for sniffing and other things they enjoy 

• Always check paws for foreign objects, cuts, or signs of irritation or injury after a run 

• Monitor their body language and behaviour, to ensure they’re enjoying the run 

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Don’t:  

• Run with brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, they can overheat quickly and suffer breathing difficulties 

• Head out straight after they’ve eaten, wait at least two hours before exercising 

• Run in hot, humid or freezing conditions, or on sand or concrete on very hot days 

• Run in snow or ice, opt for fun enrichment and games at home instead 

• Continue if your dog is lagging, stopping frequently, panting hard, limping or stiff, lying down, pulling towards home, drooling excessively, or continuously distracted by their environment 

• Run with young, growing dogs, as their joints are still developing - take advice from your vet on when your dog might be ready to start running. 

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Running with your dog can be an incredibly rewarding part of your running journey. Whether you’re getting muddy on a trail or jogging your way around your local park, choosing the right breed to run with, and being a responsible dog owner, can help you both enjoy the experience to its fullest. 

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Methodology: 

A long list of the most popular dog breeds in the world was created, then each breed’s traits were analysed based on the data on the American Kennel Club and weighted. These were: energy 50%, trainability 20%, adaptability 10%, good with children 5%, good with other dogs 5%, openness to strangers 5% and lack of barking 5%. 

Data correct as of July 2025. 

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Looking for some training tips and advice? Then head over to our Training category where our athletes and experts explain everything you need to know.