Running with your dog is a great way for both of you to stay in shape and have fun. But not all dogs are born to be running partners. Some breeds—think high-energy athletic dogs like Labs, Dalmatians, and Border Collies--make excellent running companions. Running may even improve your dog’s behavior because your dog is finally getting enough exercise. Other dogs—toy and giant breeds and short-faced dogs like Bulldogs, for example--aren’t designed for running. In fact, running could injure your dog or bring on heat stroke, so choose your running buddy wisely.
Ten Good Running Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retrievers
2. Golden Retrievers
3. German Shorthaired Pointers
4. Siberian Huskies
5. Border Collies
6. Weimaraners
7. Vizslas
8. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
9. Greyhounds
10. Dalmatians
Ten Dog Breeds That Usually Shouldn’t Go Running (But a Walk Would Be Nice)
1. Pugs
2. Miniature Dachshunds
3. Yorkshire Terriers
4. Shih Tzu
5. Bulldogs
6. Pekingese
7. Maltese
8. French Bulldogs
9. Saint Bernards
10. Newfoundlands
Here are a few tips on running with your dog:
• Consider your breed’s original purpose. If your breed was born to hunt, race, pull a sled, run beside a coach or horse, herd sheep, or follow a scent trail for miles, chances are he’ll be a great running buddy. If your dog’s original purpose was to serve as a lap dog and personal companion, a property guardian or to pull heavy loads slowly, or if your breed has very short legs (like a Dachshund or Corgi) or a very short nose (like a Pug or a Bulldog), chances are, he’s better off moving at a slower pace.
• Get your veterinarian’s approval. Even naturally athletic dogs bred to run aren’t always in good health or condition. Just as doctors recommend getting a physical exam before beginning an exercise program, dogs can also benefit from a check-up to be sure they don’t suffer from any orthopedic problems, like hip dysplasia, and to make sure they are at a healthy weight. Overweight dogs can pull muscles and tear tendons just like people, if they start exercising too quickly without warming up and getting into good condition first. If you and your dog both need to get in better shape, start with walking and work up to a faster pace gradually. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down.
• Watch the weather. Some breeds make great running partners when it’s cool outside, but can get quickly overheated and even collapse from heatstroke when temperature and humidity rise. Dogs don’t sweat like people do, so they aren’t able to regulate their body temperatures as efficiently. Especially susceptible breeds include dogs with short faces, like Bulldogs and Pugs; dark-coated dogs like Dobermans and Newfoundlands; and dogs with heavy coats like Samoyeds and Chow Chows. However, any dog can develop heat stroke. Avoid running with your dog in very hot or humid weather, and be sure your dog can cool off indoors or in the shade with access to cool clean water.
• Remember your leashes and other gear. Now is not the time to try and take your dog off-leash! Many avid dog-runners use different leashes when running and walking their running partners. Leashes with some “give” will provide some shock absorption to your shoulder and arm. Some runners swear by waist leashes so their arms are free. If you run at dusk or night, don’t forget reflective gear for your running buddy (or yourself). A reflective dog collar and reflective leash will help keep your dog visible and safe when the sun goes down.
