Best Breed for Distance Running

Pants · #1 02-04-2008, 08:08 PM

I am currently a college student and currently have no place for a dog. I, however, am an avid distance runner, running 50-60 miles a week and am planning on getting a dog or two as soon as I am out of school and have a place of my own. I was just wondering what breeds people thought where best suited for running (8 mile runs at 6:30 pace or faster).

siberianhusky101 · #2 02-05-2008, 05:08 AM

labs are so long as you get one from a good breeder to avoid the risks of hip dysplasia. Herding dogs are also good running dogs.

Aztec · #3 02-05-2008, 10:26 AM

Look into the herding breeds - Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, Shetland Sheepdogs (Although they are small they have what seems an endless supply of energy)

You could also look into some of the sighthounds.

Some more things to ask yourself...

What size?
Grooming Requirements?
Training Ability? (For example - most sighthounds can not be trained to be off leash)

Pants · #4 02-05-2008, 05:07 PM

I have also heard that the Siberian Husky is a great running dog as long as the weather is cold enough. I was wondering if anyone has tried running with them and if yes, then what is a good tempature range for them to run in?

eldavino · #5 02-05-2008, 05:40 PM

german shepherd are great runners i personally grow, breed and train german shepherd! And from experience i can tell! also doberman and mals! they got endless energy.

Aztec · #6 02-06-2008, 06:46 AM

Read more about the siberian husky breed - many people own them in warm climates, it just isn't ideal for the dog.

One thing you have to be aware of is that this breed was bred to pull, and if you don't work with and train them a lot it is most likely they will pull you the whole time you are running with them. (It isn't a jerk here, jerk there kind of pulling it is a real steady, strong pull - great dogs to roller blade with)

Huskies are also escape artists and must be kept on leash, or your fence will need to be six feet high and wire will need to be under the fence to prevent digging and escaping.

They do love to run though, and would have no problem keeping up. They are very active dogs.

http://www.shca.org/

blueboys · #7 02-06-2008, 08:52 AM

border collies are excellent for this they are a 24-7 dog full of energy

Pants · #8 02-06-2008, 03:45 PM

What about the rhodesian ridgeback. I have heard that they have great endurance and good bit of speed. Anybody know if they would be a good running partner?

Aztec · #9 02-07-2008, 07:38 AM

It would help if we knew what kind of personality you were looking for. Ridgebacks are wonderful dogs if you want a very independent dog. They are stubborn dogs that do what they please. They take lots of training. But considering you liked the idea of the Husky and the Ridgeback I am starting to guess you like independant dogs.

Ridgebacks are also hunting dogs, they can not be trusted not to bolt after rabbits, squirrels or even cars.

You obviously would be able to offer enough exercise for the breed.

Are you planning on having a big house? They are huge dogs, and if laying in a small room you will find it difficult to walk through.

Now that we have covered the bad things...the good things about Ridgebacks are:

They have low shedding, and a short, easy to manage coat.

They are quiet house dogs.

They are quite intelligent.

Have you considered any of the spaniels? Like a Welsh or English Springer?

Or have you considered just going to the shelter when you are ready and seeing if any mutt in there fits into what you want?

Pants · #10 02-07-2008, 10:49 AM

First of all my plan after college is to move out to Colorado. I have looked at a few small one story houses each with 2-4 acres and plenty of woods and trails behind the property. The size of these houses should be plenty big for two large dogs and myself though. All I know right now is that I want a good running partner or partners. I need a dog who can handle at least 8 miles at about 6:30 pace per mile and preferably a dog that would not need a leash after a good deal of training. I also just need a friend which I am sure that any breed will be great for. I really do love siberians though and would love to get a pair, the only problem for me with them is that I may not be able to run with them without a leash or even with a leash. What I really would like to know is if anyone has ever trained a husky to run close by them without any restraints. If not then I need to know of another breed that can run without a leash.