Dog Tips

Born to Run — 12 of the Best Canine Companions to Run With

These 12 breeds are born runners — it's in their genes. And they don't even have to be big dogs. Two are small enough to easily scoop up, but still have oodles of energy for long runs. Like to run fast? These two breeds could compete with any racehorse.

Reviewed by Dr. Becker

Jun 23, 2026 • 4 min read

Join the Bark & Whiskers™ Family

Sign up today for our FREE newsletter, packed with expert advice and insider tips to keep your beloved pet in tip-top shape.

View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

If you’re looking for a canine workout partner, look no further than these 12 dogs that were born to run. (And look first at your local shelter or rescue organization for a breed or breed mix that loves to run)
Before you start exercising with your dog, have your veterinarian check him out to ensure he’s in good enough condition to run with you
Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of extreme fatigue, limping, excessive panting, heaving sides, and other signs she’s overdoing it
Don’t push your luck by running in extreme heat, cold, or high humidity; when the air quality is poor; or where road conditions are hazardous
Running breeds vary widely in size and style — some excel at speed, others at endurance, making it easy to find a match for any pace or mileage goal

Editor's Note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published July 10, 2015.

If you’re looking for a canine workout partner, look no further than these 12 dogs that were born to run. (And look first at your local shelter or rescue organization for a breed or breed mix that loves to run).

Before you start exercising with your dog, have your veterinarian check him out to ensure he’s in good enough condition to run with you. Always keep an eye on your dog for signs of extreme fatigue, limping, excessive panting, heaving sides, and other signs she’s overdoing it.

Don’t push your luck by running in extreme heat, cold, or high humidity; when the air quality is poor; or where road conditions are hazardous.

12 Dog Breeds That Were Born to Run

Jack Russell Terrier

Small in body but with oodles of energy to burn, the Jack Russell can run for surprisingly long intervals. And he’s fast, reaching speeds up to 25 mph in short bursts.
Brittany Spaniel

The blazing fast Brittany is often called “the breeze.” She’s a medium-size sporting dog with high energy and a light build perfect for running.
Dalmatian

Dalmatians were actually bred to run alongside carriages and horseback riders, so a love of running side-by-side with their humans is in their genes.
Greyhound

With their long legs and sleek bodies, Greyhounds are built for speed and have been clocked at 45 mph. In between energetic bursts of speed-running, Greyhounds can be found napping on the couch.
Whippet

The Whippet is considered a blend of Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and terrier. With that lineage, it’s no wonder they’re sometimes called “the poor man’s racehorse.” Believe it or not, a Whippet can run 200 yards in under 12 seconds!
German Shorthaired Pointer

This breed is athletic, with tremendous endurance, and those muscular hindquarters are custom-built for running. Since he requires exercise every day, he’s the perfect companion for a long run or bike ride.
Standard Poodle

Don’t let the hairdo fool you — the Standard Poodle is loaded with energy and was originally bred as a gun dog and water retriever, making her an excellent partner for long runs.
Australian Cattle Dog

This dog was bred to herd livestock on ranches in Australia, so a love of running is in her blood. She can go for miles, and she doesn’t like to skip a day, so she’s an excellent choice if you need occasional prodding to lace up your running shoes.
Airedale Terrier

Airedales do well in hotter climates thanks to their short, wiry coats. This isn’t a large or heavily muscled dog, so shorter runs (10K or less) are well suited to his energy level and stamina.
Border Collie

Better known for their incredible intelligence and skill at flyball and agility events, Border Collies are also great runners and have been clocked at speeds up to 30 mph.
Weimaraner

The agile “grey ghost” is adaptable to all types of running. She excels at short, quick bursts of speed and can cover long distances just as easily. Her short coat makes running in warm weather a breeze, and she’s also confident on rough terrain and trails.
Siberian Husky

If you live in a cold climate, a Husky is the perfect running companion. This dog was bred to pull sleds, so endurance running is in his blood.