I would like to get an active dog that will motivate me to go for walks or runs everyday. What breed would be good and able to keep up? I like border collies. Are they good for that? How about labs? Any other breeds?

i've always thought a lab would be good???

husky or lab! good endurance! haha although my chihuahua love to run! haha

border collies i imagine would be good.. labs arent the best runners simply because they are so largeanother breed i would consider would be a boxer.. they are great dogs and are extremely active.. they would certainly motivate you as well, as they tend to have a slight stubborn streak, so if they really wanna keep running, youre coming with

maybe a gray hound,almost all dogs run with there owners some are much slower that all.

Good for you for becoming more active. We have a lab and a border collie. My husband takes the lab (age 6) for a run every other day. They go three to five miles and SHE LOVES IT! The border collie (age 4) goes for walks with me but is not into running. She will do sprints in the back yard if thrown a ball and loves to play chase with my children. But her attention span seems to be too small to be able to run for any distance at time. My boss lives in not so great of a neighborhood and she takes her Doberman for a run four times a week. The dog loves it and no one messes with my boss. Have fun and I hope you find a good running companion!

There are many breeds of dogs that make good running partners. Of course you wouldn't go with a small breed dog (such as a chihuahua) because they tire easily and don't need as much exercise as their larger counterparts. In most cases you will end up having to carry them along.You will want either a medium, large, or extra size large dog since they have higher energy levels and can handle the long distances without tiring easily.Retrievers are good runners. They're bred to run after and retrieve objects so they're made to last. I've got two of em and boy they sure can run! Even after a good run they're still itching for more. Border Collies like to run too, but they're smaller so they'll tire at a faster rate than a larger dog.Greyhounds are excellent runners as well! They have lots of energy and love to expend it by running.There are many other breeds that run and my advice is to just do more research on specific breeds that you think are good for you.Good luck!

dalmation, they do run fast and they are good partners to run with and are very playful dogs or huskeys............I think that huskeyes and dalmations are very alike.

for me the best running partner would be a belgian malinois because it can run for a mile without tiring and it also protects you from any treats because they are one of the best guard dogs around....but its in ur choice...gud luck

I know that chihuauas are small and I'm thinking about getting one. Is it ok to walking with a chiuaua?

[mrandrei]

Bulldog?? Kiddin.' I think Border Collies would be perfect.

Graybear, perhaps you should consider other factors in addition to wanting a good running partner. After all, getting a dog is a life-changing event. You'll be doing much more than just running with whatever four-legged friend you bring into your life.

It's not as simple as just buying a Retriever (or whatever) and instantly having a great running partner. You'll want a dog that is capable and happy to run at your pace (and not pull you along), that doesn't get distracted by cats, people, other dogs or interesting smells, etc., and most importantly -- that is a wonderful companion when you're NOT running.

I would not recommend a Border Collie as a running partner. As has already been said, they may be a bit too small for long-distance running. Plus they are extremely intelligent and get BORED easily. (Smiling Mom, that's probably what you're mistaking for a short attention span.) You gotta admit, running at a set pace for a long distance without being allowed to stop and check out all the cool smells and sights might be pretty dull. Running is boring if you don't have music in your ears or interesting thoughts in your head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diogi
"A Trained Mutt is a Happy Mutt!"

I understand the standard poodle is a very good running mate.

[wishbone]

Border Collies and Labs are great running buddies, they have good recall.

[rayter]

German shorthair pointer, if you want to improve your endurance!

You didn't say what climate you're running in. If in the South, you have to make sure that the full coated dogs (Collies, Shepherds, etc) won't get overheated. Most hunting dogs love to run. Also, Catahoulas, Vislas, dobermans, whippets, greyhounds are smooth coated and love to run. Go to the dog park and watch which breeds just run to be running. And whatever dog you choose will be one luckly pooch to have someone to run with them. Good luck.

[mrandrei]

Boston terrier is an awesome running partner!

[UnderDog]

Originally Posted by mrandrei

Boston terrier is an awesome running partner!

They are, but they are a flat nosed/short face dog.
Border collie's are good running partners, nice family dogs, GREAT pets, they are good to train because they are clever...but they are VERY clever. Sometimes this gets the better of humans! Also, it depends how far you want to excercise them for and as said, they do get bored easily.
Boxers are pretty cool dogs and running partners aswell, and I fostered a Standard Poodle a while back and, despite being 18 years of age would beg to go running with me! She had a lovely pace and, this isnt important but she was stunning when she was running, a great family dog and loved other dogs and little kids.

I ran 5K with a female boston terrier, though I was running a little more slowly than usual. She was very well trained and stayed right at my heels. She didn't need any water...it was only 25 minutes. She was panting afterwards. We trained on a track.

I don't think you should ever consider running with a dog for a long distance. If you have to give them water, then you're probably making them run too long

Rat Terriors are FULL of energy and mine run with my boyfriend EVERY day. They don't stop, even if they are tired. They just love to play. But make sure you bring water with! Brandon brings the Handi Drink. you can find it here Handi Drink Dog Travel Bowl