All dogs require time and commitment, but active breeds can need more attention than other breeds. These puppy breeds don't enjoy sitting around and doing nothing all day and will often find their own source of entertainment (which could be destructive) when left to their own devices. It's important that you provide your active dog with both physical and mental outlets that fits their needs. (If you're looking for a calm and chill dog, check out our picks!)
It's also key that you pick the right breed that fits your active lifestyle. If you enjoy running, then a Border Collie, Dalmatian, or Weimaraner could be a good fit. Swimmers might enjoy some pool time with a Labrador Retriever, Poodle, or a Portuguese Water Dog. And if you're a hiker, a dog with a lot of stamina like a Siberian Husky or a Bernese Mountain Dog might be perfect.
Here are our top 15 breeds that will surely keep you on the move.
Active Breeds
Australian Cattle Dog
- High-energy herding breed
- Often referred to as Blue Heeler or Red Heeler
- Easy to train
- Excels in canine sports
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Australian Shepherd
- Athletic and high-energy
- They do shed and require regular brushing
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Family-friendly and great with children
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Belgian Malinois
- Hardworking and protective
- Intelligent and easily trained
- Recommended for experienced dog owners that can provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation
- High-energy and agile
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Border Collie
- Considered the smartest breed and often learn new commands in five or fewer repetitions.
- Most breeds learn between 165-250 words. The smartest dog on record is a female Border Collie who learned over 1,000 proper nouns
- Agile breed with boundless energy
- Make great running partners
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Brittany
- Sporting dog with lots of stamina
- Great choice for an active family with children
- Medium-sized spaniel 30-40 pounds
- Known for having a cheerful and upbeat personality
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Dalmatian
- Playful and enthusiastic
- Avid runners
- Come in a variety of spotted colors (not just black)
- Known for being independent and stubborn but also loyal and smart
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Doberman Pinscher
- Excels in obedience competitions
- Weighs between 70 and 100 pounds
- Family-oriented and kid-friendly
- Fast runner that can reach up to 32mph
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German Shorthaired Pointer
- Smart and willing-to-please attitude
- An athletic breed known for their speed, endurance, and agility
- Enjoys human companionship and is great with young children
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Jack Russell Terrier
- A small, adventurous, energetic, and fearless terrier
- Comes in 3 coat types (smooth, broken, and rough)
- Does well in an active household, especially with kids
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Labrador Retriever
- Great for high-energy, high-activity families
- Built for swimming with their webbed toes, otter tail, and a dense waterproof coat
- Known for being intelligent and food-motivated, making them easily trained with treats
- Is prone to obesity if not exercised properly or placed on a good diet
- Labs were the most registered breed in the US for over two decades. It wasn’t until 2022 that the French Bulldog unseated them but they are sitting comfortably as the 2nd most registered breed
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Poodle
- Considered the 2nd smartest breed
- Easy to train and loves learning tricks
- Originated in Germany where they were developed to be hunting and water retrievers
- Available in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard
- Allergy-friendly and low-shedding
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Portuguese Water Dog
- Athletic and energetic working dog
- They love to swim! The PWD was a favorite for fishermen because of their webbed feet, waterproof coats, and ability to maneuver through cold water
- Allergy-friendly and low-shedding
- High-energy, intelligent, and excels in dog sports
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Siberian Husky
- Athletic breed with lots of stamina
- An ancient breed that was originally developed in the fridged conditions of the Siberian peninsula where they worked as sled dogs
- Are known for being master escape artists and should never be left outside unattended
- Are friendly and talkative
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Vizsla
- They are a versatile sporting breed that can point and retrieve
- Can reach speeds up to 40 mph
- Affectionately called “Velcro Dogs” as they will stick to you like Velcro
- Are affectionate family members who are good with children and other dogs
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Weimaraner
- Their appearance and stealthy hunting skills earned them the nickname “The Gray Ghost”
- Are athletic running partners that can reach up to 35 mph
- They are not an independent breed and are very devoted to their family
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If you’re looking for the perfect active puppy to add to your family, browse our available puppies for sale or contact us today!
