Best dog breeds for active owners
Updated 2026-11-06 · 13 breeds
If you run, hike or cycle, a high-energy dog can be a fantastic partner. These breeds need 90 minutes or more of exercise each day, plus something to think about. Without it, they find their own entertainment, which is rarely good for your furniture.
How we chose: We chose high-energy breeds with an exercise need of 90 minutes a day or more, leaving out wild dogs.
Labrador Retriever
A friendly, even-tempered retriever from Newfoundland, now one of the world's most popular family dogs.
Large · High energy · 10–12 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Low
Golden Retriever
A gentle, eager-to-please retriever developed in the Scottish Highlands for fetching waterfowl.
Large · High energy · 10–12 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Medium
German Shepherd
A versatile, intelligent herding breed widely used in police, service and search work.
Large · High energy · 9–13 years · Exercise 100 min/day · Grooming Medium
Siberian Husky
A thickset, endurance-built sled dog developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 120 min/day · Grooming Medium
Border Collie
A famously quick-learning sheepdog from the Anglo-Scottish border region.
Medium · High energy · 12–15 years · Exercise 120 min/day · Grooming Medium
Australian Cattle Dog
A tough, loyal herding dog developed in Australia to move cattle across long distances.
Medium · High energy · 12–16 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Low
Kelpie
An energetic Australian sheepdog known for its stamina and working intelligence.
Medium · High energy · 10–14 years · Exercise 120 min/day · Grooming Low
English Springer Spaniel
An athletic, enthusiastic spaniel bred to spring game from thick cover.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Medium
Samoyed
A fluffy white spitz bred by the Samoyedic peoples of Siberia.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming High
Alaskan Malamute
A powerful Arctic sled dog built for hauling heavy loads.
Large · High energy · 10–14 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Medium
Weimaraner
A silver-grey gundog bred for the nobility of Weimar.
Large · High energy · 10–13 years · Exercise 100 min/day · Grooming Low
Vizsla
A russet-golden Hungarian gundog known for its close bond with owners.
Medium · High energy · 12–14 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming Low
Irish Setter
A glossy red gundog bred in Ireland to locate game birds.
Large · High energy · 12–15 years · Exercise 90 min/day · Grooming High
Tips
- Mix physical exercise with training games so the brain gets tired too.
- Wait until a young dog's joints have developed before long runs.
- A secure fence or long lead is essential for breeds with strong chase instincts.