Best known for their poof-ball haircuts, poodles are extremely energetic and active dogs. Exceptionally clever and easy to train, its important that theyre mentally and physically stimulated in order to keep their anxiety at bay—and that goes for standard, miniature, and toy poodles. On top of playing fetch in a big fenced backyard, these dogs enjoy long walks, visits to the dog park, and are always down to go for a swim. The main thing that makes this breed stand out from many of the others on this list is their low-allergen coat, which means these dogs dont shed much and tend to be a better option for active allergy sufferers.
These intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs were originally bred for their herding instincts, and their eager-to-please personalities mean theyre always game for a romp outside. Australian shepherds, affectionately dubbed Aussies, need to stay busy and stimulated with daily exercise. They thrive in a working environment and are the perfect companion for owners who enjoy high-energy activities like playing Frisbee and long walks or hikes. Australian shepherds also tend to live a long time (12–15 years!), so with proper exercise, diet, and veterinary care, you will have your adventure buddy by your side for years to come.
Labrador retrievers have been Americas most loved dog breed for the past 29 years by families of all kinds. These easy-going yet energetic dogs are down for whatever, whether thats swimming, playing fetch, or learning tricks—and even make fantastic jogging companions. Eager to please and highly-trainable, Labs also need mental stimulation, which is why theyre known to be excellent service dogs and top-of-the-line competitors in field tests and dog shows.
Often ranked as one of the most intelligent dog breeds, border collies are happiest when they have a job to do. Not only are they top-of-the-line herders, but they also love canine sports and have a serious knack for training, flyball, agility, and tracking. Youre not alone if you think the term “active” refers to physical exertion. But most active dog breeds need equal parts mental stimulation as well. Border collies require at least an hour of exercise a day along with plenty of psychological stimulation and are great for owners who love spending their free time adventuring in the outdoors.
One of the most iconic dog breeds (in part, thanks to the classic Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians) Dalmatians make heads turn wherever they go. But aside from their beautiful spotted black-and-white coats, these dogs have tons of energy and need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Originally bred to run alongside carriages, Dalmatians love long off-leash walks in the woods and will gladly trot alongside you while youre running or biking. Theyre also talented athletes who benefit from agility training. Even then, Dalmatians are known for their high energy, which is why mental stimulation is key. Think basic training with positive reinforcement, interactive puzzle toys, and nose work games to find hidden treats.
Dog Energy Level And How It Affects You
First off, why should a dog’s energy level matter to you anyways? Because you’ll be the one taking care of it and if you’re a good dog owner you’ll also be the one getting off your tail to play with it. So, the calmest dog breeds make great pets for people who only have time for an occasional walk, and low energy small dogs are perfect for those with smaller sized apartments. On the other hand, high energy dog breeds would be ideal for large families or people who like to go on runs and wish to take a companion with them.
The Border Terrier is a small, rough-coated breed of dog in the terrier group. The Border Terrier has an otter-shaped head, V-shaped ears on the sides of the head, a moderately short muzzle and a common coat color is grizzle-and-tan, blue-and-tan, red, or wheaten. Although sometimes stubborn and strong-willed, the Border Terrier is an intelligent, loyal dog, easy to train and eager to please. And like other Terriers, Border Terriers have a natural digging instinct and they can dig everywhere in your garden.
The Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, originating in the Scottish Highlands. Previously, this breed was used to hunt foxes or other small prey between the cairns in the Scottish highlands. The Cairn Terrier has a harsh weather-resistant outer coat that can be black, cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors. And a notable characteristic of Cairns is that brindled Cairns frequently change colour throughout their lifetimes. The Cairn Terrier is loyalty, cheerful, energetic, alert, independent dog and with lots of close family contact.
The Smooth Fox Terrier is a dog breed of the terrier type that originated in England. In the past, Smooth Fox Terriers’s profession are fox bolting. They drove the foxes out of hiding and into the line of sight of the larger dogs and hunters. And like some other Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers also have skills for hunting small prey and have strong natural digging instincts. In addition, the Smooth Fox Terrier is a friendly, energetic, independent dog but they can bark a lot and chase small animals because of their hunting instincts.
The Miniature Schnauzer is the smallest of the Schnauzer breeds of German origin. The Miniature Schnauzer has eyebrows and a beard that greatly impresses people at first sight. They are also breeds of thick, soft double coat, and sheds very minimally, hypoallergenic, as their other Schnauzer brothers. The Miniature Schnauzer is also a friendly, energetic, intelligent, docile and easy to train dog. And like other Terriers, they have a digging instinct and enjoy it.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier that has its origins in fox hunting in England. They have white-bodied and smooth, rough or broken-coated and can be any colour. The Jack Russell Terrier is a working dog breed of terrier and high-energy dog. They require a lot of exercise and attention, if not working or playing will make them bored, can chew everything and can become destructive. These are also dogs with strong natural digging instincts.
TOP 10 High Energy Dog Breeds
Do you have an active lifestyle? The exercise needs of these ten active breeds would keep any owner in shape.
Walking, jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, and playing Frisbee with your dog are all fun workouts you can enjoy together. Here at the American Kennel Club, we have more than a century of knowledge to help you learn more about dogs and their needs, habits, and how best they might fit in with your lifestyle.
These breeds will not only be able to keep up with your active lifestyle but can help encourage you to get your butt out the door and get moving