Most Energetic Dog Breeds

Looking for a supercharged energetic dog breed? Pets Training & Boarding takes a look at the top 10 energetic dog breeds that are perfectly suited to the active household.

For some owners, a laidback pooch who will happily sleep the day away is the dog of their dreams. However, for some pet owners, a super-charged jogging or hiking companion is exactly what is wanted.

Different Breeds – Different Uses

For some pet owners discovering that their dog is a supercharged breed is not something they find out until after the first few months. This can leave many unsuspecting owners in complete disarray.

The key to breeds is your homework. All dog breeds have been specifically bred for a purpose, being a full-blown herding dog, lap companion, and everything in between. Understanding these traits is paramount in building the human/dog bond. Only choosing your breed on their looks, can get many owners into big trouble.

Also understanding the trainability of your breed. Some are perfectly suited to first time dog owners while others will need an experienced handler to encourage them to work together. This is mainly for dogs that have an ‘independent’ nature. If you are not experienced with dogs, sometimes these cuddly companions can end up running rings around their dotting owners and simply put – will refuse to listen.

TOP 10 energetic dog breeds

1. Border Collie
   The Border Collie is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog breed known for its agility and keen work ethic. Originating from the border regions of Scotland and England, it is recognized for its striking appearance, often with a black and white coat. Border Collies are versatile and excel in various activities, including herding, obedience, and agility competitions. They are characterized by their alert expression, medium-sized and well-balanced build, and a friendly yet determined demeanor. This breed is suitable for active families or individuals who can provide mental stimulation, regular exercise, and engage in training activities to satisfy the Border Collie’s high intelligence and energy levels.
2. Weimaraner
   The Weimaraner is a distinctive and elegant dog breed known for its sleek, silver-gray coat and striking amber or blue-gray eyes. Originating from Germany, it was initially bred for hunting large game such as boar, deer, and bears. Weimaraners are characterized by their athletic build, short coat, and a friendly yet sometimes stubborn temperament. They are intelligent, energetic, and known for their loyalty to their families. This breed requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Weimaraners can make excellent companions for active individuals or families who can provide the necessary attention, training, and exercise for this spirited and affectionate breed.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
   The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile and athletic dog breed known for its agility, stamina, and hunting prowess. Originating from Germany, it was developed as an all-purpose hunting dog capable of pointing, retrieving, and tracking. This breed is characterized by its sleek, short coat, well-muscled build, and distinctive coat patterns that can include liver and white or black and white. German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, trainable, and have a friendly and outgoing nature. They make excellent family companions for active households and thrive on regular exercise, mental stimulation, and engagement in activities like hunting, retrieving, or dog sports.
4. Siberian Husky
   The Siberian Husky is a striking and energetic dog breed known for its distinctive appearance, friendly demeanor, and endurance. Originating from Siberia, Russia, it was initially bred by the Chukchi people for pulling sleds in harsh Arctic conditions. Siberian Huskies are recognized for their thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive facial markings. They have a medium-sized, well-furred body and a plume-like tail carried over the back. Known for their intelligence and sociable nature, Huskies are friendly with both humans and other dogs. They are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Siberian Huskies make loving family members but do best with active owners who can meet their exercise needs and appreciate their unique traits.
5. Australian Shepherd
   The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent and highly energetic herding dog known for its agility, versatility, and striking appearance. Despite its name, it was developed in the United States. Aussies are characterized by their medium-sized, well-balanced bodies, and a dense, weather-resistant double coat that comes in various colors and patterns. Their most notable features are expressive eyes, often with a merle pattern, and a naturally bobbed or docked tail. Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence, trainability, and strong work ethic. They excel in various dog sports and activities, making them popular choices for agility, herding trials, and obedience competitions. As devoted and loyal companions, Aussies thrive in active households that can provide mental stimulation, regular exercise, and engaging activities.
6. Hungarian Vizsla
   The Hungarian Vizsla is a versatile and affectionate dog breed known for its athleticism, friendly nature, and distinctive golden-rust coat. Originating from Hungary, it was bred for hunting, particularly as a pointer and retriever. Vizslas are characterized by their sleek, muscular build, short coat, and expressive eyes. They are known for their boundless energy, intelligence, and strong desire to be close to their human family members. Vizslas make excellent companions for active households, as they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. Their loyal and gentle temperament, combined with their adaptability, makes them well-suited for families, provided they receive the attention and engagement they need.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
   

   The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, energetic, and intelligent dog breed known for its spirited personality and strong hunting instincts. Originating in England, these terriers were originally bred for fox hunting. They are characterized by their compact, athletic build, distinctive coat patterns, and keen expression. Jack Russell Terriers are known for their boundless energy, agility, and intelligence. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Despite their small size, they are often bold and fearless, and their tenacious nature makes them well-suited for various dog sports and activities. While they can be loving and loyal, their high energy level makes them best suited for active households that can provide the stimulation and attention they need.
8. Australian Cattle Dog
   The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or Queensland Heeler, is a highly intelligent and energetic herding dog breed with a distinctive appearance. Originating from Australia, it was developed for driving cattle in harsh conditions. Australian Cattle Dogs are characterized by their sturdy and compact build, short double coat, and a unique speckled or mottled blue or red coat color. Known for their agility, loyalty, and strong work ethic, they excel in herding and various dog sports. This breed is highly trainable but requires mental stimulation and regular exercise to prevent boredom. Australian Cattle Dogs make loyal companions for active individuals or families who can provide the necessary engagement and physical activity.
9. Kelpie
   The Kelpie, officially known as the Australian Kelpie, is a highly intelligent and agile herding dog breed originating from Australia. Known for its exceptional herding skills, versatility, and energy, the Kelpie is a valuable working dog on farms and ranches. It is characterized by its medium-sized, athletic build, and a short double coat that comes in various colors. Kelpies are renowned for their intelligence, trainability, and keen instincts, making them proficient herders of livestock. They are energetic and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. While primarily a working dog, Kelpies can also make loyal and devoted companions for active individuals or families who appreciate their intelligence and vitality.
10. Dalmatian
    The Dalmatian is a distinctive and energetic dog breed known for its unique black or liver-colored spots on a white coat. Originating from Croatia, Dalmatians are recognized for their sleek, muscular bodies and distinctive coat pattern. They are medium to large-sized dogs with a well-balanced and athletic build. Dalmatians are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, as well as their intelligence. Historically, they were used as carriage dogs and firehouse mascots. Dalmatians require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization to thrive as companions. While they are known for their striking appearance, potential owners should be aware of their energy levels and commitment to training and exercise.

What Do Energetic Dogs Need?

The key with all of these breeds, and also other breeds associated in their groups (for instance terriers), is understanding their natural traits. Traditional herding dogs will have herding traits, typical terriers will have terrier traits. In some instances, you can train this behavior to a limit, but understandably some of these breeds will continue to show those specific traits that have been perfected over many generations.

A good dose of exercise is paramount. This normally includes a good hour of exercise each day, including a brisk on-leash walk and a good-off leash run.

The other aspect all of these dog breeds have in common is their intelligence. This matched with their athleticism can lead to massive problems if you do not flex their brain and brawn. Ensuring a good on-leash walk before your head off to work or even a 15-20 training session, alongside some ‘jobs’ to do when you are away can help keep the boredom at bay! A bored, unexercised athletic dog, who is not socialised will spell disaster.

For many of these breeds a big off -leash run can actually hype the dog up, as a brisk on-leash walk or training session will leave them worked but relaxed for the few hours alone. Ensure you research some good boredom busters and change these up to keep your pet entertained when you are not at home. If you are expected to spend endless hours away from your pet, these types of breeds – or any dog for that matter – are not suitable. Perhaps consider volunteering at a local shelter instead of becoming a pet parent.

Many of these breeds make great jogging companions and simply adore the great outdoors and exploring new adventures alongside their two-legged friends. For this reason, socialization from a young age is also very important. So, consider as many sights sounds, and experiences as possible. This will allow you to entertain and exercise your pet with ease.

All of these breeds also excel in dog sports such as agility and flyball. Find a local club near you for some wonderful entertaining fun alongside your energetic breed.