The best dog breeds for trail running are natural athletes that thrive on runs. As a longtime runner and dog owner, I became interested in the best dog breeds for running when I recently got more involved in trail running. After researching and talking to dog owners on the trails, I came up with this list. Whether you’re a new trail runner or a longtime ultrarunner seeking a canine companion on the trails, these breeds can go the distance on runs through forests and wild terrain.
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Best Dog Breeds for Trail Running
As always, keep in mind that each dog breed has individual personalities, and their energy levels can vary. Overall, these dog breeds have high energy levels and good endurance. The best dog breeds for trail running have athletic builds with long noses. They can withstand rough terrain and less-than-perfect weather conditions. I have categorized the best dog breeds for trail running by climate, with temperate, warm-weather, and cold-weather dogs.
Dog breeds with thick fur, like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, thrive in cold climates, while short-haired breeds, like Rhodesian Ridgebacks, do well in warmer environments. Some breeds can run in warm or cold weather, but steer clear of running with your dog during heat waves and the hottest times of day in the summer months. Just like with people, dogs can overheat, and since they can’t sweat, heat stroke poses a real danger to them.
Cold Weather Running Dogs
If you live in a cold climate, these snow dogs are your best bet for a trail-running companion. They have double coats and extra insulation from the cold to stay running happily through snow and frigid temperatures.
1. Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are natural runners that were bred to pull sleds over long distances. These popular snow dogs make energetic pets and eager running companions for cold weather. If you want a dog to hit the snowy trails with, a husky is one of your best options. Huskies have a high prey drive and can be independent-minded, so they need patience and consistent training to thrive.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 3/5
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2. Alaskan Malamutes
The Alaskan Malamute is another snow dog that was bred to pull sleds. Malamutes are larger than huskies and can carry and pull a lot of weight. You can put a pack on your pup for long trail runs to carry her own bowl and supplies. Alaskan Malamutes thrive in cold temperatures and can handle running in snowy conditions.
Energy Level: 4/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 4/5
Temperate Weather Trail Running Dogs
These are the best dog breeds for trail running if you live in a temperate climate with cold winters and warm summers. Some, like the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd, have double coats, helping them stay extra warm in cold conditions. Many of these dogs are herding dogs and working dogs that have a lot of stamina and are very trainable.
3. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are ideal jogging companions with great endurance and athletic abilities. Due to their intelligence, trainability, and athleticism, these high-energy herding dogs are often used in dog sports and police or military training. If you have a Belgian Malinois, you will most likely be able to do advanced obedience training with your pup, which may allow them to run on or off leash with you on the trails. Malinois have extremely active minds and will need ongoing mental stimulation through dog sports or training in addition to running.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
4. Dutch Shepherds
Dutch Shepherds make excellent companions on the trails. These hardy herding dogs have a double coat to stay warm in cold conditions. Dutch shepherds are a medium- to large-sized breed with a strong prey drive and lots of energy for running. If you want an adaptable guard dog to run with you through lots of different terrain, the Dutch Shepherd is a great option.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
5. Border Collie
Border Collies are intelligent, loyal working dogs with endless running energy. Border Collies were bred for herding and following the farmer’s commands, and they are well-suited to trail running. If you want a smart, medium-sized running buddy, Border Collies are one of the best dog breeds for trail running. They can weather many different conditions and terrains and are fast learners and eager companions.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
6. Goldendoodles
Doodle dogs, different breeds mixed with Poodles, are extremely popular. Goldendoodles, a hybrid mix between the Golden Retriever and Poodle, are energetic and enthusiastic running partners. Goldendoodles are very intelligent, easy to train, and full of energy. Their parent breeds were used for retrieving in the water and are very athletic. These playful pups make excellent running buddies for hitting the trails.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 4/5
Trainability: 5/5
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7. Labrador Retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly sporting dog with plenty of endurance. Labs have muscular bodies and sturdy builds, making them natural runners. These popular family dogs have short, thick coats that keep them comfortable in different environments, including in the rain or when running through water. A Labrador is one of the best dog breeds for trail running if you live in a wet climate.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 4/5
Trainability: 5/5
8. Jack Russell Terriers
The Jack Russell Terrier is one of the best small dogs for running. These lively pups have lots of endurance and can run far for their leg size. Jack Russells are cheerful and can be excitable and mischievous, making them less trainable than some of the dogs on this list. With persistence and consistent training, your Jack Russell will thrive.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 3/5
9. Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are versatile herding dogs that enjoy running and active dog sports. Aussies have an innate eagerness to please and are quick to learn. These hardy, medium-sized pups make excellent running partners on the trails.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
Warm Weather Dog Breeds for Runners
If you live in a warm climate, these are the best dog breeds for trail running. With short fur and a higher tolerance for heat than many other breeds, these athletic breeds can hit the trails with you in warm conditions. Remember that extreme temperatures are not suitable for any dogs, so avoid intense heat and bring water for your pup on the run.
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10. Rhodesian Ridgebacks
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great choice for a trail running partner if you live in a warm climate. These resilient large hunting dogs were bred for hunting lions in South Africa. Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather and have short coats that are ideal for warm conditions. They also have strong protective instincts and make excellent guard dogs. They can be strong-willed and independent-minded, so they require consistent, firm training.
Energy Level: 4/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 3/5
11. Weimaraners
The Weimaraner is an obedient, loyal, and friendly running companion. These athletic sporting dogs have endless endurance and a short coat that keeps them cool in warm temperatures. Weimaraners are one of the best dog breeds for trail running if you plan to run long distances in warm weather.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
12. Doberman Pinschers
The Doberman Pinscher is a fleet-footed running companion and guard dog. Dobermans are tall, lean, and athletic, making them well-suited for trail running. These energetic pups are also eager to please and trainable, making them ideal companions for trail running.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
13. Vizslas
Vizslas are short-coated gun dogs that make eager running buddies. These lean, agile pups have the stamina to run for long periods and relish the chance to be with their owners.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
14. Dalmatians
Due to their stamina, the Dalmatian is one of the best dog breeds for trail running. Originally bred to accompany horse-drawn carriages, they are athletic and can run long distances. These smart spotted pups are highly trainable.
Energy Level: 4/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
15. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a tireless sporting dog that can trail run with ease. The spirited dog is friendly, intelligent, and an enthusiastic trail companion for running or hiking.
Energy Level: 5/5
Endurance: 5/5
Trainability: 5/5
Tips for Running with Your Dog
Even if your pup is one of the best dog breeds for trail running, they won’t be born with great stamina. Just like with people, your dog will need training that gradually helps them build their fitness level and endurance. Once your puppy is fully grown and cleared to run, start with a short distance and add no more than 10 percent more distance to your runs from week to week.
Work on training your dog in basic obedience before hitting the trails. This will help you both enjoy safe and happy running miles together.
If you’d like to adopt a dog, check out Petfinder for lots of rescue pups of all different breeds and mixes. You can search for breeds you’re interested in near you.
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