10 Athletic Dog Breeds that Are Born to Run, Jump and Play

By Carol Bryant
Is your dog a couch potato or more of the athletic type? All dogs require some form of exercise, but some dogs are born to run, jump and play. Athletic dogs might participate in canine sports, jogging, outdoor activities, or any variety of blood-pumping adventures. Here are 10 of the most athletic dog breeds in the canine world and the traits that make them so sporty.

#1 - Greyhound

The Greyhound is considered the fastest canine breed, with speeds reaching 45 miles per hour. Due to his strong prey drive, it is not recommended to allow a Greyhound off leash while outdoors. Breed derivation is Great Britain, thus making the Greyhound a go-to choice for royalty and nobility.

#2 - Jack Russell Terrier

Take one part terrier and infuse with gobs of personality and a few mad dashes of energy, and you've got the Jack Russell. Quick and intelligent with a natural instinct to hunt and track, the Jack Russell is all the tenacity of a bigger athlete packed into a small, sturdy body.

#3 - Labrador Retriever

The Lab remains one of the most popular breeds in the United States because they make great family pets. As enthusiastic retrievers, swimmers, and all-around happy dogs, they live to please and do well with positive reinforcement. Their tenacity makes them diehards for activity, so proceed with caution and don't let your Lab overwork himself.

#4 - Siberian Husky

A daily run or jog on a leash is a mainstay for this breed, as any Husky parents can attest. Bred to run long distances at the lead of a sled, their strong prey drive and team mentality make them the perfect dog for the active family.

#5 - Standard Poodle

Don't let his fru-fru appearance dissuade you-this dog is bred for action outside the dog-show ring. Inherently bred as both a gun dog and water retriever, the poodle is a stable, affectionate, "put me in coach" kind of dog.

#6 - Boxer

From competitive obedience to service work, the Boxer is the does-almost-anything breed. He needs a lot of active play, mental and physical challenges, and thrives on problem-solving. Great with kids, warm spirited and affable, the Boxer's strength and energy make him the perfect athletic breed.

#7 - Vizsla

Originating in Hungary, the Viszla is a tracker, retriever, pointer, obedient and excels in agility. If you are an athlete or want a dog who, when raised properly, will share in that mindset with you, meet the Vizsla. Though multitalented, he is also easily distracted and crosses to the dark side of being destructible if not kept active.

#8 - Border Collie

If any discussion on the topic of herding takes place and the Border Collie is not mentioned, move on to another discussion. Considered to be one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, the Border Collie needs vigorous exercise to satisfy his need for speed. Not just a farm dog, he also excels in agility training and is often used as a service, bomb detection and narcotics dog.

#9 - Dalmatian

Fire stations are known for their relationships with the Dalmatian, as they are a hard-working, dedicated breed. They are joggers, hikers, and if motivated by the right trainer, they are both rapid and eager learners.

#10 - German Shepherd

This breed works in everything from acting as a guide dog to being part of a search and rescue team, so his diehard tenacity helps him excel at whatever he does. Quick learners who do not tire easily, he is a strong, capable herder. They are accustomed to vigorous exercise and the breed standard calls for a strong, muscular body.

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