Life
15 Best Dog Breeds If You Want A Really Active Furry BFF
Your Instagram explore page is all dog memes and you say hello to every good boy you pass on your morning jog. Sure, you're a bone fide dog person, but are you maybe also looking for a new BFF to hike side by side with? If the answer is yes-that's-all-I've-ever-wanted, there are a number of best dog breeds for an active lifestyle you can look into. Breeds of all sizes fit the adventure buddy description so there's an active, outdoors-y dog for everyone.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) there are over 340 dog breeds in the world, but the AKC only recognizes 192 breeds. Considering that number, you can find a breed for just about any lifestyle you lead. If you're more into sinking into the couch on weekends than trailblazing, there's a dog that will happily plop by your side.
Courtesy of AKC's breed search, you're able to narrow down breeds by activity level. Whether you want a dog that's "calm" or "needs lots of activity" there's a list of future BFFs for you. Clicking on the latter renders 37 dog breeds. That's 37 potential hiking buddies or jogging besties. It's like The Bachelor, but for dogs. Who are you going to throw a bone?
1Russell Terrier
The Russell Terrier is a small dog with a big love for activity. Their personality is unmatched. I mean, do you even remember Wishbone?
2Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are an active breed bred to run. They're the best buds to bring on a run or spending time with outdoors.
3Pembroke Welsh Corgi
This low rider is a perfect bud for the house and for spending time outdoors. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi might have been the Queen's dog but is by no means high maintenance. Corgis are bred to be herders so they're incredibly active and would love chasing you around for hours. Plus, they're adorable.
4Bernese Mountain Dog
This breed will be dutifully committed to being your BFF until the end of time. Bernese Mountain Dog's sweet nature is unwavering and if trained well when young they're great off the leash. Being from the mountains of Switzerland, they're bred as work dogs and you'll find it hard to convince them to come inside when it's snowing.
5Labrador Retriever
Whether you're lake or ocean people, the Labrador Retriever is for you. The easy-going buddy loves to socialize, play endless games of fetch, and spend time swimming.
6Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Thanks to their webbed feet feature, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are natural swimmers. Their natural athleticism makes them the perfect pal to take camping. They're also so cute.
7Irish Setter
Irish Setters are favored by sportspeople who are on the hunt. They're the perfect breed to partner with for your long camping trips, especially if some trailing is involved.
8Great Pyrenees
If you've ever seen a picture of a Great Pyrenees puppy your heart might have been stolen. That's not hard to do with this fluffy pup. They do grow up and up ... and up into extra large dogs that are favored among farmers for protecting the grounds. They're considered "strong mountain dogs" and are perfect for playing outside with.
9Golden Retriever
The quarterback of dog breeds, the Golden Retriever is an active, joyful breed that will be your bestie forever. They're energetic and favor playing outdoors. Stock up on tennis balls.
10German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is not short of energy. The breed loves being outdoors and engaging in athletic ventures like hiking and swimming.
11Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is a breed that isn't short of merits. They're trained to be police dogs, for search and rescue, dog sports, herding and tracking. They're fluffy and loyal and will be down for any adventure you choose to go on.
12Doberman Pinscher
Don't be intimidated by the Doberman Pinscher. The dog breed is alert and good at being on patrol. They're energetic and athletic, eager to get outdoors and play.
13Border Collie
A Border Collie will out-energy you. If you've ever tried to keep up with a Border Collie, you might have found yourself out of breath. Border Collies can go on playing forever. They are always eager to get outside and run and jump and flip and play. Whatever you're up to, they'll be by the door.
14Brittany
The Brittany is a dog that gets excited over sports. This breed is described as upbeat and is the kind of dog that wants to dive-nose first into a lake straight from the dock. They might not be able to help you paddle but they'll ride in the canoe with you to the camping site.
15Australian Cattle Dog
This is a breed that requires exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. So, couch potatoes need not apply with this breed. Australian Cattle Dogs need to run around and engage in dog-oriented sports whether that's fetch or jumping for a frisbee. With daily runs, this dog will be by your side through it all.
No matter your activity level, there's an active dog breed that will be your BFF on all adventures.
