With close to 200 breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, it can be a bit difficult trying to choose the perfect dog for you and your family. However, if you are looking for a pet that can keep up with your active lifestyle, you are in luck! There are many active dog breeds that you may be interested in, and some of them are described in the sections that follow.
Border Collies
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs that typically weigh between 30 and 45 pounds as adults. Their coats are medium-length and are most often black and white but can also be tri-colored, merle, or any other bi-color. Originally bred in Britain to herd and guard sheep, Border Collies are classified as herding dogs.
These wonderful pets have tons of energy to spare and excel at such activities as flyball, agility, Frisbee, and sheepdog trials. If you choose to add a Border Collie to your family, it is essential that you provide your new pet with plenty of opportunities to run and play.
Dalmations
Dalmations are large dogs that can weigh anywhere from 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. They have short coats that are typically white with black or liver-colored spots. While Dalmations were originally used as coach dogs in Croatia, they have also been used as effective guard dogs, firehouse dogs, circus dogs and ratters.
Dalmations are known for their high levels of endurance and stamina. In fact, many of them are able to run alongside horses! Thus, if you are looking for a dog that can keep up with your rambunctious kids or a pet that will make a terrific jogging partner, a Dalmation may very well be the best choice for you.
Jack Russell Terriers
If you are looking for an extremely active small dog, you may want to consider adopting a Jack Russell Terrier. Jack Russells are small dogs that can weigh between 13 and 17 pounds at adulthood. These short-coated dogs are white with rust-colored and black markings on the head.
Also known as Parson Russell Terriers, Jack Russells were bred in England to flush foxes out of their dens. Because of their history, these hyper little pups often have an innate urge to dig and burrow. However, if you keep them busy with such activities as fetching balls, playing Frisbee, or playing tug-of-war, you can easily distract them from partaking in negative behaviors.
Irish Setters
Often referred to as Red Setters, Irish Setters are large dogs that can weigh between 53 and 71 pounds, with males being larger. They have long, silky coats that come in a variety of rich colors including red, mahogany, chestnut, and liver-colored. These beautiful dogs fare from Ireland were they were carefully bred as bird dogs.
Today, Irish Setters still excel in the field; however, they have also done quite well in the areas of obedience, agility, Frisbee, and flyball. With their gentle dispositions, high levels of endurance, and fun-loving spirits, these extremely active dogs are great for an active family.
Miniature Pinschers
Fondly known as Min Pins, Miniature Pinschers are tiny dogs that can range in size from about seven to eleven pounds fully grown. These dogs have short, rough hair that is typically black with rust-colored or brown markings, red, or chocolate-colored with red, tan, or rust-colored markings.
Because of their fearless attitudes, Min Pins were first bred in Germany to hunt down and kill rats. Nevertheless, today's Miniature Pinschers are classified as lovable companion dogs. The average Min Pin is overflowing with energy and takes great joy in running. Thus, if you choose this breed, make sure that you have plenty of room for it to play.
Poodles
One of the best things about poodles is that they come in four different sizes to fit most any family's needs: standard-sized, miniature, toy-sized, and the teacup version. Adult Poodles range in size from around five pounds to as much as 80 pounds depending on the type of Poodle. They also come in a broad range of solid colors as well as bi-colors and tri-colors.
While these active dogs are great for an active family, it is essential that you provide them with a large fenced-in yard. Poodles love to run! The most active version of the Poodle breed is the standard-sized poodle. However, the smaller-sized versions can be quite energetic as well.
Siberian Huskies
Bred to pull sleds over long distances across the Arctic, Siberian Huskies are extremely strong dogs with high levels of stamina and endurance. These dogs have long, thick hair that comes in a variety of colors including solid white or white with gray, red, brown, black, or rust-colored markings. An interesting feature of the Siberian Husky is that one or both of its eyes can be blue.
This highly energetic dog makes for a terrific family pet but it will need plenty of training and exercise. Additionally, while Siberian Huskies love children, they may accidentally bump into a small child. For this reason, if you have toddlers, you will want to be sure that you supervise your pet while it is playing around your children.
Shetland Sheepdogs
Shetland Sheepdogs originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland where they were used to guard and herd sheep. These are small dogs that typically weigh between 14 and 27 pounds as adults. They have long, silky tri-colored coats with a thick, soft undercoat and a longer, harsh overcoat.
Also known as Shelties, Shetland Sheepdogs are highly intelligent dogs that perform extremely well in the areas of obedience, agility, flyball, herding trials, and tracking. They are also very gentle and loyal making them excellent pets for both individuals and families with children.
Active dogs often make great pets for both individuals and families, and there are many different breeds that fit into this category. Furthermore, whether you are looking for a short-haired pet, a long-haired one, a big one, or a small one, there is sure to be an active dog that will fit perfectly into your home. Just be sure to keep them entertained, these doggies have plenty of energy to burn!
References:
PetMD