10 High-Energy Dog Breeds That’ll Keep You On Your Toes
Often times dog parents excitedly bring a dog home from the shelter, only to find out they are not the right fit. They may be cute as a button and super lovable. So, what’s the problem?
What the owner didn’t anticipate was the dog’s energy levels! They may have wanted a dog who would just lounge with them in their small apartment all day but their pet is one of the most hyper breeds of dogs who wouldn’t stop running around or chewing on things. These prospective dog parents should opt for one of the least energetic dog breeds.
So, to avoid such a mismatch, it’s always good to know the dog breed before adoption and whether the dog is well-suited to your lifestyle. We have brought you the most energetic dog breeds ranked. You should only adopt these if you can devote hours every day to providing them with enough exercise daily.
10. Jack Russell Terrier
Quick Facts
- Height: 10-12 inches
- Weight: 9-15 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Breed Group: Terrier
- Exercise Needs: 1.5-2 hours
At first glance, a Jack Russell Terrier might seem like a calm little dog. However, don’t mistake their size for their energy levels. Jack Russell Terriers are one of the small energetic dog breeds. They can match the energy of any of the dogs in this list of top 10 most energetic dog breeds.
Jack Russell Terriers are the best dog breeds for active seniors because of their small size and high spirits. One of the most popular small active dog breeds, these dogs can be your hunting partner as well.
If you’re not so keen on hunting, you can take them to a dog park and let them play with other canines in order to avoid socialization issues.
9. Labrador Retriever
Quick Facts
- Height: 21.5-24.5 inches
- Weight: 55-80 pounds
- Lifespan: 11-13 years
- Breed Group: Sporting
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
One of the most popular hyper energetic dog breeds is Labrador Retriever. Families love and favor them all over the world for their intelligence, attentiveness, and protective nature. This is why some consider them one of the best energetic dog breeds.
However, they cannot be happy without physical and mental exercises. They can become hyperactive, leading to destructive behavior if they do not find healthy ways to spend their energy. So, if you have a Lab, take them out, play a game of fetch with them, and see how happy they will be.
8. Weimaraner
Quick Facts
- Height: 23-27 inches
- Weight: 55-90 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-13 years
- Breed Group: Sporting
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
Also known as the “Gray Ghost,” a Weimaraner is one of the most energetic dogs, who were bred for accompanying the nobility in their hunting expeditions. These canines want to constantly engage their body and mind, which is why, they are brilliant hunters, trackers, and agility sports participants.
A potential owner of a Weimaraner should be someone who loves to go jogging and hiking regularly. These dogs thrive with such parents and form strong bonds with them.
These strong bonds can also lead to separation anxiety. So, you must be ready to spend a lot of time with your dog if you decide to adopt a Weimaraner.
7. Dalmatian
Quick Facts
- Height: 19-24 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Lifespan: 11-13 years
- Breed Group: Non-Sporting
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
Are you a fan of the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians? If that’s the reason you’re considering adopting a Dalmatian, think again. These white and black dogs not only make wonderful Disney characters, but they are active dog breeds who used to run with horses.
Dalmatians still have the same stamina and, therefore, require plenty of physical stimulation. Moreover, if they are not assigned an adequate job, the dogs can become one of the most hyper dog breeds and develop behavioral challenges. For instance, some develop the tendency to bark at anything and everything.
6. Australian Cattle Dog
Quick Facts
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 35-50 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Breed Group: Herding
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) has many nicknames, such as Blue or Red Heeler and Queensland Heeler. These dogs were originally bred in Australia and are known for being muscular and hyper dog breeds.
An ACD’s happiness relies upon how much physical activity he is getting. They love to be outdoors, so having a farm or a big yard is good for them.
One of the most energetic dog breeds, these resilient animals enjoy running with their owners regularly and taking part in dog sports. With low grooming needs, owners can devote all their time and effort in making sure an ACD’s energy needs are met.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Quick Facts
- Height: 21-25 inches
- Weight: 45-70 pounds
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Breed Group: Gundog
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) dogs have their roots in 17th-century Germany. They make up for great hunting dogs and, thus, are one of the most high energy dogs.
These versatile canines require low maintenance due to their short coat. However, when it comes to exercise, they need at least 2 hours of exercise every day and love engaging in tracking, retrieving, running, and swimming.
Additionally, dog parents should provide GSPs with mind games and training to allow them to become happy dogs.
4. Siberian Husky
Quick Facts
- Height: 20-24 inches
- Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Breed Group: Working
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
Siberian Huskies are extremely popular all over the world due to their distinctive appearance and silly personality. However, a dog parent should also understand that Huskies are among the most active dog breeds.
These dogs were originally bred for pulling sleds in low temperatures. Thus, they are perfect for dog sledding and skijoring – activities that require high endurance. They are great runners and if not given the opportunity for that, they run around in circles for hours in the house.
Apart from demanding exercise needs, a Siberian Husky also has high-maintenance grooming needs. When it comes to their temperament, they are mostly independent, friendly, and adventurous.
3. Border Collie
Quick Facts
- Height: 18-22 inches
- Weight: 30-45 pounds
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Breed Group: Herding
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours per day
Border Collies were originally bred for herding livestock. They are highly intelligent, agile, and energetic dogs. They need to have some kind of work to do.
If you can not engage a Border Collie in farm work, ensure that apart from regular physical exercise, you are providing them with mentally stimulating puzzles and toys for high-energy dogs. They also do well in dog competitions and advanced training.
However, these working dogs are also incredibly fluffy and lovable, which makes them a great cuddling partner.
2. Australian Shepherd
Quick Facts
- Height: 18-23 inches
- Weight: 40-65 pounds
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Breed Group: Herding
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
Similar to Border Collies, Australian Shepherds are also herding dogs, along with being one of the most intelligent and high energy dog breeds. They are incredibly smart and hard-working, and so they require a lot of mind and body stimulation regularly.
If you’re bringing an Australian Shepherd dog home, be prepared to provide them with resources to run around and play. They are essentially farm dogs and so they need a job to be happy and healthy. These majestic dogs will likely resort to chasing people and animals in the absence of some “work.”
Aussies are easily trainable and adapt well to their surroundings. If they do not get enough exercise, structure, and training, you might see some behavioral issues in them, and they can become indifferent or stubborn.
1. Belgian Malinois
Quick Facts
- Height: 22-26 inches
- Weight: 40-80 pounds
- Lifespan: 14-16 years
- Breed Group: Herding
- Exercise Needs: 2+ hours
According to many experts, Belgian Malinois is the most energetic dog breed. This breed is protective, smart, and active. They make excellent police and military dogs because they are highly intelligent, agile, and obedient.
First-time dog parents should think twice before adopting a Belgian Malinois since they might feel overwhelmed by the dog’s energy levels. A short walk will not suffice for them, dog parents should take them for activities like running and hiking. In addition, the owners must make sure they are getting adequate amount of dog food for high energy dogs.