12 Best Dogs for Active People & Runners — our top picks
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer: very high energy, very high athleticism and very high trainability — built to keep up with someone who trains most days. Versatile, athletic hunting dog that excels at pointing, retrieving, and tracking. Known for boundless energy and strong work ethic. Worth knowing before you commit: the German Shorthaired Pointer needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois: very high energy, very high athleticism and very high trainability — built to keep up with someone who trains most days. Elite working dog with intense drive and athleticism. Preferred breed for military and police special operations. Worth knowing before you commit: the Belgian Malinois needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Weimaraner
Weimaraner: very high energy, very high athleticism and high trainability — built to keep up with someone who trains most days. The "Gray Ghost" - sleek, athletic hunting dog with striking silver-gray coat. Intelligent and energetic with strong hunting instincts. Worth knowing before you commit: the Weimaraner needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute: very high energy and very high athleticism. Arctic sled dog built for endurance and strength. Independent, friendly, and excellent cold-weather companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Alaskan Malamute needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Dalmatian
Dalmatian: very high energy, very high athleticism and medium trainability. Iconic spotted breed with high energy and endurance. Originally bred to run alongside carriages. Worth knowing before you commit: the Dalmatian sheds heavily enough that cleaning becomes a daily routine.
Irish Setter
Irish Setter: very high energy, very high athleticism and medium trainability. Beautiful red coat and exuberant personality. Athletic and energetic with a playful, sometimes mischievous nature. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Irish Setter needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever: very high energy, very high athleticism and high trainability. The "Peter Pan" of retrievers - playful and young at heart. Athletic with beautiful flat coat and optimistic nature. Worth knowing before you commit: the Flat-Coated Retriever sheds heavily enough that cleaning becomes a daily routine.
Belgian Tervuren
Belgian Tervuren: very high energy, very high athleticism and very high trainability. Elegant Belgian Shepherd with long coat. Intelligent and energetic herding dog with strong work ethic. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Belgian Tervuren needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Catahoula Leopard Dog: very high energy, very high athleticism and medium trainability. Louisiana state dog with striking coat patterns and glass eyes. Versatile working dog bred for herding wild hogs. Worth knowing before you commit: the Catahoula Leopard Dog needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Labradoodle
Labradoodle: very high energy, very high athleticism and very high trainability. Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross bred for service work. Intelligent and friendly with variable coat. Worth knowing before you commit: the Labradoodle needs serious daily exercise, and gets destructive without it.
Irish Doodle
Irish Doodle: very high energy, very high athleticism and high trainability. Irish Setter and Poodle cross combining beauty with intelligence. Athletic and friendly family companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Irish Doodle needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
Huskydoodle
Huskydoodle: very high energy, very high athleticism and medium trainability. Siberian Husky and Poodle cross combining arctic stamina with intelligence. High energy companion. Worth knowing before you commit: the coat is real work — the Huskydoodle needs frequent brushing and regular professional trims.
How this ranking works: each of DoggyQ's 321 breeds is scored on the traits that decide this particular question — the same trait ratings shown on each breed's own guide page, so you can check the reasoning rather than take a ranking on faith. Read more about our methodology, or take the free quiz for a ranking based on your own answers.
Popular breeds that are a poor fit for active owners and runners
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a popular choice, but low energy and very low athleticism put it at odds with active owners and runners.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a popular choice, but low energy and very low athleticism put it at odds with active owners and runners. On top of that, the English Bulldog is stubborn enough that first-time owners often struggle.
Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is a popular choice, but low energy and low athleticism put it at odds with active owners and runners. On top of that, the Basset Hound is stubborn enough that first-time owners often struggle.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- What is the best dog for active owners and runners?
- Based on temperament and care needs, the German Shorthaired Pointer ranks as the top choice for active owners and runners, followed by the Belgian Malinois and Weimaraner.
- How was this list of dogs for active owners and runners chosen?
- Each breed is scored on the traits that matter most for active owners and runners — such as energy, size, grooming and temperament — using DoggyQ's breed database. For a recommendation tailored to your exact situation, take the free quiz.
- Which popular breeds are a poor fit for active owners and runners?
- The French Bulldog, The English Bulldog, The Basset Hound all rank near the bottom for active owners and runners despite being widely chosen — usually because the traits that make them appealing elsewhere work against them here.