Dogs can make fantastic companions, but that doesn’t mean it has to sit around all day and be lazy! Some breeds are more energetic dogs than others and need more exercise to live happily and healthily. While some dogs are suited to homes with little yard space, others will eat you out of the house if it doesn’t have enough active time.
Check out this list of high-energy dog breeds before deciding which canine companion would be right for you!
Note: High energy does not mean vicious—these dogs make great family pets!
What Are High-Energy Dogs?
The term “high-energy dog” is often used as a synonym for certain breeds, such as the Siberian Husky or Border Collie. These dogs are known for being very active, needing a lot of exercise and companionship to stay healthy. Some need more attention than others.
For instance, an Australian cattle dog might require an hour’s daily walk. But the golden retriever may benefit more from a daily thirty-minute walk. Before getting a specific breed, you should check your schedule.
High-energy dog breeds tend to be calamitous when left idle. You might even see them chasing other animals like lizards to be active.
Top High-Energy Dog Breeds
#1. Australian Cattle Dog
This breed is a high-energy dog and needs a lot of space to run. It will also require mental stimulation and physical exercise. Due to their high prey drive, these dogs shouldn’t be loose in areas with cats or other smaller animals.
It was developed to herd cattle and is generally aggressive toward other dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog sheds often and has a short coat that is easy to groom but needs daily care.
#2. Border Collie
This dog is a working breed from Scotland. It is known for its incredible intelligence and ability to learn. When bored, it can become destructive, chewing on your furniture, digging holes in your yard, and barking nonstop.
Border Collies are also quite sensitive to cold climates. If you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures, it’s best to wait until spring or fall before introducing one into your family.
#3. Siberian Husky
This medium-sized working dog breed originated in Siberia. This breed pulled sleds in the past due to their incredible strength and stamina. It is great with children because it is very patient and gentle.
Unlike the border collie, It has a thick double coat that makes them great for cold climates. But it also makes them more susceptible to heat stroke.
#4. Australian Shepherd
Due to its history of herding sheep, the Australian Shepherd is also called the “merino sheepdog.” This breed can be an energetic, lively companion or an all-around worker. It is intelligent dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation. It is for people who like walks, jogs, and other exercises.
#5. Labrador Retriever
A happy, outgoing, and playful dog, the Labrador Retriever requires a lot of exercises to keep its energy levels up. These dogs are best suited for owners who can give them plenty of attention and care.
This breed is among the most popular in the United States, ranking number one in popularity according to AKC rankings. It was formerly assistance dogs, hunting companions, and retrievers. The Labrador Retriever’s gentle nature makes it an excellent choice for families with children or other pets.
#6. Pembroke Welsh Corgis
This toy dog has historically been employed for both herdings and as a watchdog. It has short, low-set docked tails, and its body is more square than other dogs. It has thick coats that come in red, black, and tan with white markings on the head and chest.
Pembroke is very easy to train because it is eager to please its owners.
#7. Jack Russell Terrier
This dog is another energetic dog with a warm personality. It is often called Jack, JRT, or simply Russell Terriers. The JRT is a medium-sized dog, which makes them perfect for families who live in smaller homes, apartments, or condos. It is also great with kids and other animals as long as it socializes from a young age.
#8. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are a high-energy breed of dog that originated from Belgium. It formerly worked with the military and police forces, but these days it is more commonly used as a house pet or working dog.
These lively dogs need at least two hours of intense exercise every day. If you’re looking for an energetic dog, who will keep you moving, this may be the perfect pup for you! It has a strong prey drive and should not be off leash in public areas where smaller animals live because it will go after them.
#9. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a domestic dog breed known as one of the most well-behaved dogs in America. It ranks at number six on the list! Known for its white fur and black spots, it is an intelligent breed with high energy. This feature would make them perfect for those looking to do agility training or other similar activities.
#10. Boxer
Boxers are called “America’s dogs” due to their enormous popularity. It is energetic and friendly. But it requires a lot of exercises to stay happy and healthy. It also gets along well with kids and other pets, so it’s perfect for families who want a dog that will love them unconditionally. Boxer puppies are expensive, but adopting one from a shelter might make it more affordable.
#11. Irish Setter
This large and active dog has an instinct to hunt, making them the perfect running companion. It will need to exercise for at least an hour each day to keep its energy in check. This pup might be the ideal breed for you if you’re looking for active dogs. Also, Irish setters cannot adapt well to living in condos or apartments without large yards because of their large paws and short noses.
#12. Golden Retriever
In addition to being one of the most well-liked family dog breeds, the Golden Retriever is also a very active breed. These dogs need to be walked at least three times a day and enjoy spending time outside. It is not for people who live in apartments or condos.
It was formerly hunting dogs and still has some of those instincts today. These dogs love fetching balls, playing in the water, and doing anything else that involves physical activity. It can perform dog sports like tracking trials, flyball, agility contests, and obedience training.
#13. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a beautiful breed with a long, straight coat that sheds very little. This breed will be best for people with plenty of time to play with their dog and keep it physically fit. The small size of this pup makes it an excellent choice for apartments, as long as it gets a lot of exercises every day. Also, the English Springer Spaniel has a sweet personality and will be happy to cuddle up on your lap while you watch TV.
TRAINING A HIGH ENERGY DOG: Mental and Physical Exercise
High-energy dogs are fantastic companions but are hard to care for and might not fit into your lifestyle. You can try a combination of mental and physical exercises to maintain the health and happiness of your dog.
Mental Exercises
Besides keeping your dog engaged, mental stimulation is the key to keeping your dog’s brain sharp. The more you stimulate its mind, the better it will perform regularly, and the less likely it will find destructive ways to entertain itself. Try these mental exercises with your dog to keep their mind active:
Find objects
This is a mental game for your dog. Hide items around the house, and then tell your pup where he needs to go to find them. The more you practice this game, the better you become at it! So that your dog spends time figuring out where it was hiding before finally finding it, you should set up several hiding places.
Showing off tricks
Dogs love performing tricks for humans! Teach them a new trick daily, and watch as it gets better each time! Take advantage of teaching tricks during potty training, too! Not only does this allow your pup more breaks throughout the day, but performing tricks makes them feel good about themselves!
Catch Games
Start by holding out two toys, giving one to your dog, turning away from it, and asking, “Where’s my toy?” If he brings his toy back first, trade it for yours and continue playing!
Physical Exercises
Just like humans, dogs need physical exercise to be healthy and fit. Most of the time, pet owners neglect their pets’ exercise needs because they believe that their dog does not require it. Some physical exercises to keep your pup active are:
Fetch
Fetch is one of the most popular games played with a dog. It’s a great way to keep your pet physically fit. You’ll need a ball or toy, so make sure you have one handy before playing. Hold the ball in your hand, then throw it as far as possible for your dog to chase. You can also use an object that is light enough for your pet but big enough that it cannot swallow it.
Tug-of-war
Tug-of-war is a great game for dogs. To play, get two rope lines on the ground about four feet apart. Put one end of the rope in your hand and tie the other to your dog’s collar. You’ll both begin at the opposite end of the line.
Give your dog a command like “get it,” and have them go over to grab the other end of the line with their mouth.
Hiking
Hiking is a great physical exercise for dogs as it challenges their endurance, builds muscle mass, and promotes weight control. You can stroll with your pup or go on an intense uphill climb.
How To Calm High-Energy Dogs
Suppose you are one of the many dog owners out there struggling with a high-energy dog that won’t stop barking and running in a circle. Some ways to calm your high-energy dog and help it relax.
- Get used to a routine.
- Set aside time for it.
- Get them involved in an activity.
- Play with it.
- Give it a massage.
- Take it on a walk.
- Keep it engaged by chewing.
- Use calming scents.
FAQ
Conclusion
It is all too common to expect your dog to be able to participate in every activity that you do, even though it needs just as much, if not more, rest than you do. It’s critical to know your dog’s energy level and the amount of exercise it can tolerate to protect its health and yours. As you probably know, there are many different breeds of dogs.
Related topic: Sheep dog: Everything you need to know
*photo by cynoclub – depositphotos