Sports dog breeds: the top 8 dogs for sports masters

    The Australian Shepherd
  1. The Border Collie
  2. The German Shorthaired Pointer
  3. Reverend Russell's Burrow
  4. The Weimaraner
  5. The Rhodesian Ridgeback
  6. The Siberian Husky
  7. Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer

1. The Australian Shepherd

The Australian Shepherd, despite its name, was developed as a herding and herding dog in the United States. This working dog has an almost vital need to exercise and be intellectually stimulated on a daily basis.The practice of a regular sport will also be essential to ensure its balance. The Australian Shepherd excels of course in the work of the herd but also in canine sports such as agility or treibball. If you want an athletic, dependable canine companion who likes to go out, run with you, and exercise, the Australian Shepherd might just be the dog breed for you.

2. The Border Collie

The Border Collie is a very active, intelligent, docile, and fast herding working dog. Widely used as a herding dog, he also excels in various canine sports, such as agility and obedience. Provided their mental expenditure needs are adequately met (through herding work or some other mental expenditure), Border Collies make excellent companions for people looking for a dog that can keep up with them in endurance sports. This breed of dog is nevertheless intended for informed owners who are sufficiently available to offer him a specific education which will allow him to properly channel his strong herding instincts.

3. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a very active and intelligent dog that shows endurance, speed and strength. Hunting dog par excellence who is not afraid of long hunting trips in the cold, so he also has all the assets to become the perfect active companion of an athletic owner. Running and other endurance activities are ideal for him. Intelligent and attached to his master, the German Shorthaired Pointer will also be a pleasant family dog in addition to a very good training partner. Even if he adapts well to city life, if his needs are well met, the German Shorthaired Pointer nevertheless appreciates wide open spaces and will therefore have a better chance of being fully fulfilled in the countryside with an available owner.

4. Reverend Russell's Burrow

The Reverend Russell Terrier, also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, is a small dog with a strong character.Very lively and enduring, it is also an excellent companion for someone looking for a hiking or trail running partner. Always ready to follow his masters in any adventure, he is also a most affectionate family dog if he is given a consistent education and meets his great spending needs on a daily basis. Recalling in the forest or countryside can still be difficult though as his fox hunting instincts can take over which can make off-leash activities more risky.

5. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a breed of German hunting dog so its skills give it the stamina needed for adventures of all distances. Active, intelligent and fearless dog, this sociable dog likes to spend time with his master, who can sometimes even find him a bit of a stickler. Be careful, however, not to practice too long sports sessions or too intense sessions with the Weimaraner before its 16 to 19 months which marks the end of its growth, which in this gentle giant, is particularly long.Also be careful not to engage in any physical activity within 2-3 hours of feeding as the Weimaraner, like many breeds of its size, is prone to stomach dilatation-torsion syndrome.

6. The Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback, more simply called the Rhodesian Ridgeback, is a strong, agile dog that is very devoted to its owner. It is a very active breed of dog, known for its endurance as well as its speed. The Rhodesian Ridgeback makes excellent outdoor companions, whatever the activity, and will especially delight runners and hikers.

7. The Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky is undoubtedly the most famous sled dog. He is a very athletic working dog who needs adequate mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis.These independent dogs who nevertheless enjoy the company of their peers make excellent running partners. However, recall can be difficult due to a rather strong hunting instinct. The great pleasure of the Husky will of course be towing. The cani-vt, the cani-scooter or any other sport requiring traction will also be ideal to meet the great need for physical exercise of this working dog. Their thick coat nevertheless makes them particularly vulnerable to hot weather. Then prefer morning sports outings and their walks and after sunset when summer is raging.

8. The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer

The Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer, or Vizsla, is a very affectionate and energetic hunting dog that just wants to exercise with its family. This breed was developed for long days of hunting, making it suitable for running, hiking, and cycling activities.Endurance is a strong point of this breed, so owners should be prepared to give it enough exercise that the Hungarian Shorthaired Pointer crave.

Sporting dogs, breed isn't everything!

Just because a breed of dog is known to be sporty doesn't mean you can impose long sports sessions on your dog without taking precautions.

Just like for us, warming up, training and progressing efforts will be necessary elements before you can practice a sport intensively with your dog. It's not about offering a quick 10 km run for the first session to your dog. A runner does not set off to run a marathon without training (at least not without injury). Well, it's the same for your dog, no matter what breed he belongs to!

In addition, it is recommended to offer your dog a visit to the veterinarian so that he can judge whether or not he is ready and above all able to exercise "intense" and regular physical activity at your sides.Certain he alth problems could indeed contraindicate the practice of a sport in your dog.

Finally, if you have a young dog, pay close attention to its development and prefer to wait for the end of its growth before offering it an intense sporting activity. In the meantime, you must still stimulate him physically and mentally, but while respecting his development.