These Are the 10 Most Active Dog Breeds

Active dog breeds were typically bred for working purposes. They may have been herding dogs, ratters, or something else. Either way, they were bred to run around and work for much of the day, so they had to have a lot of energy.

If you decide to adopt one of these dogs as a pet, keeping up with their exercise needs can be a challenge unless you’re very active yourself. Many people underestimate just how much exercise these active breeds need.

1. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan malamutes are an extremely rugged breed best suited to very active households. They play vigorously and particularly like the cold weather. Keeping them in warmer climates can be a challenge.

While these dogs are beautiful, they can be a bit much to live with. Without proper training and exercise, they can quickly become rambunctious and overwhelming. They need tons of exercise spread throughout the day and are prone to excessive howling.

We recommend looking past their attractive appearance and considering if you can really handle one of these dogs. They’re one of the most active dog breeds around.

2. Dalmatian

Many people decide to adopt a Dalmatian due to their unique coloration. These dogs can be playful and well-behaved when bred properly. Sadly, this breed went through a period of poor breeding due to its soaring popularity after the release of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.

Today, many Dalmatians have serious temperament flaws. They tend to be unnecessarily aggressive and hard to socialize. Purchasing from a good breeder is necessary.

Dalmatians also need plenty of exercise and companionship. They aren’t dogs you can leave alone for much of the day. Without enough stimulation, they can become bored, hyperactive, and destructive.

3. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds need quite a bit of exercise and attention. They’re relatively smarter dogs, so they require a lot of mental stimulation. Like many working breeds, they do best when they’re given a job to do. This can be agility, advanced obedience, or just playing games in the backyard.

Sadly, many people who adopt these dogs are unprepared to meet their needs. Therefore, they are also prone to problem behaviors like barking and digging.

It’s extremely important to entertain these dogs as much as possible, which typically means staying home as much as possible.

4. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier might be for you if you want an exceptionally active terrier. If you’re looking for anything else, don’t get this breed. They’re exceptionally intense and determined, which makes them great ratters (their original job). However, in home life, they can be a bit much.

In most cases, these dogs are friendly with strangers and rather happy. They’re often easy to socialize, but they can be suspicious of strange dogs. You should not leave Jack Russels along with other dogs, as they can suddenly become dominant (and their smaller size doesn’t help keep them out of trouble).

Jack Russel Terriers are most accurately described as passionate about exercise, especially ball chasing. They can even get a bit obsessive in some instances. We don’t recommend these dogs for apartment living or those who are gone for much of the day.

5. Fox Terrier

If any breed can compete with the Jack Russell in terms of activity level, it’s the Fox Terrier. These dogs come in two types: smooth and wire. However, both types are extremely active and intense.

This breed also has a passion for ball chasing. They love chasing anything, in fact, making them one of the most active dog breeds. A secure yard is a must to keep them exercised and contained. They cannot be let off-leash, as they will run into oblivion after anything that moves.

You’ll need to provide several walks a day coupled with plenty of playtime. Don’t expect your Fox Terrier to stay still unless they’re sleeping! They’re a bit like toddlers in this manner.

6. Border Collie

Border Collies thrive on tons of training, mental stimulation, and exercise. When properly cared for, these dogs can be exceptionally obedient and determined to finish any assigned task. However, they can easily become a second job, and their “border collie stare” can be a bit much.

Many people are starting to adopt these canines due to their intelligence. Many people like the idea of owning a very intelligent dog. However, many also underestimate how tough owning an intelligent breed can be. You have to keep them entertained, or they can quickly become destructive.

You’ll need to take several long walks each day, provide plenty of playtime, and allow off-leash romps in a safe area. This, combined with weekly obedience classes, can easily take up all your free time.

7. Siberian Husky

Before you rush out to purchase a Siberian Husky due to their wolf-like appearance, it’s important to understand just how much work these dogs are. It’s true that Huskies are typically friendly and people-oriented, so they bond readily with the whole family.

However, these dogs are also very energetic. They love having a job to do, which can include pulling a sled or bike. Huskies need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they can become bored and very noisy.

Siberian Huskies are famous for chewing through drywall and digging holes. Often this is because they aren’t properly stimulated.

8. Vizsla

This breed is known for being very people-oriented. They’re “Velcro” dogs, following their humans around for much of the day. They’re also mild-mannered, especially indoors. Their good behavior and affection can make them great family dogs to the right people.

However, these dogs require lots of attention and vigorous exercise. Without it, they can become a bit neurotic. They’re known for being very destructive and hyperactive when left alone for long periods. A bored Vizsla is not a good housedog.

These dogs can be pretty independent, which may make training difficult. However, they’re often willing to train with someone they have a good relationship with.

9. Labrador Retriever

When properly cared for, the Labrador Retriever is one terrific family dog. However, they need a lot of vigorous exercise and plenty of companionship. You cannot simply leave these dogs outside all day alone and expect them to meet their exercise needs. They’re prone to destructive behaviors like digging and chewing if their needs don’t get met.

Too much confinement can spell disaster for this breed. We don’t recommend them for those who are gone for much of the day.

They are great for larger families, even those with little kids. They’re often gentle and can take things in stride – a great trait when dealing with toddlers.

10. Irish Setter

Irish Setters are very elegant dogs, but they also like to get dirty. They need a lot of exercise, and they can be a particularly big handful during their “teen” years. However, they slowly become more dignified as they age, becoming well-mannered.

This breed is easily distractable, which is something we’d expect from a hunting dog. They’re pretty eager to please, making them more trainable than other setters. This trainability can help control their hyperactive behavior.

However, they still need several walks a day and plenty of time to run around. As hunting dogs, they really do best when they’re moving for much of the day. They’re one of the more active dog breeds, so be prepared.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Chalabala/iStock via Getty Images