Running, an excellent way to burn a lot of calories in a short period of time, can be the saving grace of many a frustrated dog owner who is tired of coming home to scratched up doors. Want to learn which dogs make the best runners? We have looked into what makes an excellent running partner; breed, personality, and all:

Due to selective breeding, dogs come in varieties as tall as Great Danes and as small as teacup Chihuahuas. When people first started choosing how to breed dogs, each group started to choose traits that would work best for their needs. That’s why you see dogs that hunt only by smell, dogs that can run faster than people, and dogs that are completely useless for anything except companionship (I’m looking at you, Chinese Crested). This is also why some breeds are natural runners and some will be fine waiting for you on the couch.

Dog breeds who retain their traits as working companions, such as Weimaraners, Border Collies, and many other breeds, all have several characteristics in common. They have a lot of energy that needs an outlet. While high energy is not guaranteed when you have a working breed dog, it is more likely to have a German Shepherd with a need for speed than a bulldog who loves to run.

For those lucky enough to have mutts of mixed parentage, sometimes it is useful to determine their heritage to see whether they come from energetic stock. More likely, though, your mutt will have to show you what kind of personality they have before branding them a running buddy.

Corgis and poodles don’t have the best reputation for hitting the pavement, but they can benefit just as much from a noontime jog. Just like not all people will be sprinters, not all dogs will be made for marathons. Small breed dogs often have just as pent up energy as their larger cousins. Just because your dog doesn’t reach above your knee doesn’t mean they wouldn’t jump at a jog. Smaller breeds will only need a running partner who will go at a slower pace than may be usual to account for their shorter legs. For slower dogs Denver Dog Joggers offers Leisurely Dog Walks and Fast Paced Dog Walks.

Luckily, the same traits that make energetic dogs excellent for running are also traits that make for an excellent running partner. When looking for a good running buddy, you want a dog that learns leash manners quickly and can focus on their partner for direction. Dogs who love to run will be energetic, well-trained, and able to focus on goals to make your run productive for you and for your furry friend. After all, who wants to stop and correct a dog who keeps running after squirrels when they are in the middle of their stride?

Most importantly, your dog should be fully grown and healthy. Puppies under one year of age sometimes are still adding inches, making their bones more likely to suffer from the stresses of running. Check with your veterinarian to make sure they are finished growing before choosing to run regularly with your dog to prevent health issues later on. On the other end of the spectrum, older dogs may need a different running program than their younger friends. A slow warm up to loosen their muscles and a shorter routine overall will make your dog just as happy as a marathon.

Dogs who make the best running partners want to run. Dogs who make the best running partners are focused, well-mannered on a leash, and are healthy and fit enough to keep up with their partner. Without a doubt, running is the best form of exercise possible when you have a dog with too much extra energy. If you want to come home to a relaxed and calm dog after a long day at work, look into finding your dog a running partner, today.

Have a potential marathon winner at home? Let us know how your energetic pooch shows you they make a great runner in the comments below!

By Lauren Pescarus