All dogs need exercise and training to stay active. However, some of the most active dog breeds are extremely high-energy dogs, and they require extra exercise to stay happy and healthy. The most active dog breeds can quickly develop behavioral problems without proper mental stimulation and training. Therefore, before choosing a dog, it’s important to consider the energy level of the breed you prefer.
Most active dog breeds thrive well when they have a strong foundation of training and a daily routine. Running alone is not enough for these dogs. Often times, you must invest in dog sports and activities to keep the dog active.
We put together the top ten list of active dog breeds using data collected from Fitbark users. This data was collected over a period of time from owners who voluntarily provided data using their Fitbark devices. Let’s get started!
10. Poodle (Toy)
The Toy Poodle dog breed is highly intelligent. They are bred from the Poodle which was originally bred to help hunters gather waterfowl. Toy poodles are also very eager to please and do make great family pets.
A toy poodle’s coat takes a considerable amount of grooming and will need to be tended to about every 6 weeks or they can develop matts. Toy poodles can develop health problems much later in life such as Addison’s or Crushings disease but are generally considered a healthy breed.
Size
Toy Poodles can wiegh between 5 to 10 lbs and grow to 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Lifespan
Toy Poodles have an excellent lifespan between 14-18 years!
9. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier breed has been in existence within the past 200 years. They are well known to be one of the most active dog breeds. These dogs are small and but have a big personality.
They perform incredibly well in disc competitions, agility, and other dog sports. Some of them act stubborn or grumpy when they are not given enough training or exercise. Overall, they are wonderful companions when given enough activity.
Size
Their weight ranges between 13 to 17 pounds, while they usually grow up 10 to 12.5 inches at the shoulder.
Lifespan
Their average lifespan is 14 years.
8. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an extremely active and intelligent dog breed. These dogs are well known for their natural abilities, which include disc competition and agility. As one of the most active dog breeds, the Belgian Malinois breed makes excellent pets. Though they always need a job to do due to their dynamic nature, their general temperament is calm and friendly.
Size
Belgian Malinois dogs weigh between 40 and 80 pounds. They stand 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulders.
Lifespan
The average lifespan for this breed is 13 years
7. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a courageous, intelligent, and graceful dog breed. They are usually referred to as the “grey host” due to their distinctive color. The breed was initially used in the early 1800s as a hunting companion until people realized that they are great as family pets and companions.
These dogs are always alert, and they have a loving physical appearance and effortless stamina. Even as one of the most active dog breeds, they have a soft facial expression and personality, which makes them ideal even in an environment with kids.
Size
The males are 15 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 70 to 85 pounds, while females are between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
Lifespan
This dog breed lives between 9-12 years.
6. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound breed was initially bred to hunt small game such as rabbits. With time, this active dog breed became popular and is now widely used as a companion due to its dynamic and friendly nature. They are also friendly but do not tolerate being alone.
Size
The average size for the female Basset Hound is 28-36 cm while the male is 30-38 cm. Most of the dogs weigh between 50 to 65 pounds.
Lifespan
Basset Hounds have an average lifespan of 11 years.
5. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel breed is active and friendly. These dogs are purposely bred for fortified games, and thus, most of them are versatile and great in sporting events.
Size
English Springer Spaniel weighs between 45 to 55 pounds while their size is 1 foot 6 inches to 1 foot 10 inches tall at the shoulder.
Lifespan
Their average lifespan of this most active dog breed is 9 to 15 years
4. English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a well-known medium-sized dog breed, with a happy disposition and adorable long ears. The breed originated from England, like all other English Springer breeds. With its infectious and lively character, this most active dog breed doesn’t tolerate being alone. This also means that they fit well with families.
Size
Their weight ranges from 26 to 34 pounds. The female English Cocker Spaniel is 36–41 cm while the male is 38–43 cm.
Lifespan
English Cocker Spaniels have an average lifespan of 13 years.
3. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a fearless and terrific watchdog breed. The dogs are super active, with many antics that are pure entertainment. The Miniature Pinscher is a friendly breed and fits well with families, especially with kids and other pets. Additionally, they are simple to maintain and to groom.
Size
Most of the dogs in this breed are 10 inches long and 12.5 inches at the shoulder. These dogs weigh between 8 to 11 pounds.
Lifespan
These dogs also have an average lifespan of 12 years.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
This is a versatile sporting dog, which hunts many types of games. The dogs are super active, and you must keep them busy through exercise and training.
Size
The German Shorthaired Pointer male is 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 55 to 70 pounds. Females are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 45 to 60 pounds.
Lifespan
German Shorthaired Pointers have a great average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
1. Hungarian Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is a fun and lively breed that fits well with families. They are one of the most active dog breeds and are also sporting dogs and loyal companions. They are the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds.
Size
The dogs weigh between 45 to 65 pounds. Adult male Vizslas stands at 57-64 cm and the adult female at 53-60 cm.
Lifespan
Hungarian Vizsla’s have an average lifespan of 12 years.
Conclusion
There are countless benefits of having one of the most active dog breeds. The most obvious one is that a dog reduces the boredom in the house by being the perfect companion. Having an active dog can encourage you to participate in regular exercise and activity.
If you didn’t find the dog breed you’re looking for here, go and check out the Top 25 Most Expensive Dog Breeds in 2019!
