From Labrador to Chihuahua: the five most and least active dog breeds – see the full list

If your New Years resolution was to “get in shape”, “walk more” or “train for a marathon” then why not involve the dog too?

For some of us, the idea of ​​leaving home to lift weights or run on a treadmill at the gym is not very appealing.

However, most dogs love to rush for exercise and only need to hear “Would you like to do a …” before they leap in excitement.

Dogs can help maintain a healthy lifestyle, going for daily walks and adventures – but some are better up than others.

And if you’re thinking of making a dog your training companion and your running partner, it’s important to do your research and say, don’t have a Bichon Frize.

That said, while all dog breeds need exercise, some require more physical activity than others, and Viovet have compiled a list of the most physically active dogs who will appreciate the opportunity to join you in your outdoor activities.

Here are five of the more active breeds that love nothing more than a good run or two:

Labrador / Golden Retriever

By far one of the most beloved and popular dog breeds, the Labrador is a very friendly dog ​​that requires a lot of physical activity.

Besides frequent walks on the beach or in the countryside, he also enjoys playing fetch and splashing around in the water.

Likewise, golden retrievers also have a soft spot for swimming. Both very active and intelligent, they can easily engage in strenuous activities – so be sure to take that into account.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are great athletes and ideally need two hours of physical activity per day. Formerly used as “carriage dogs” to guard passengers and reassure horses in the stable at night, running long distances is in their DNA.

While not the fastest sprinters, Dalmatians have tons of energy.

They will truly benefit from long trots in the middle of nature and mentally stimulating activities.

Siberian husky

There is no doubt that it is difficult to tire a Siberian husky.

Usually bred to pull heavy sleds and travel long distances in harsh climates, this dog breed has a lot of energy.

A Siberian husky that is not exercised enough can cause problems in the home.

Therefore, it is important to plan for a daily two-hour walk or run and allow them to enjoy satisfactory physical activity.

German shepherd

Bright, strong and obedient, it is no wonder that German Shepherds are often used in the police force.

They are very loyal companions who are not well suited to apartment living and require at least a few hours of exercise per day.

Leave them to be stuck in engaging and physically demanding activities – you will soon find that they are great fun both for training and for adventure.

Border collie

If you’ve ever asked a class of dog breeds if they like to work, border collies will be the first to lift their paws.

Often involved in sheep rearing, these dogs are always on the move and get things done quickly.

To keep them physically and mentally stimulated, be sure to provide them with plenty of exercise.

With all this energy, it takes a while to wear them out.

The five least active breeds

Some dogs just weren’t bred to be hardworking or long-distance runners, and if this type of dog suits your lifestyle better, here are some suitable canine candidates.

Maltese

They might be smart and energetic dogs, but the little Maltese is more than happy with a 30 minute walk down the street or a short run in the garden. Indeed, that’s a lot of exercise for this adorable dog breed.

Once the pampered babies of noble ladies of the Roman Empire, it’s no surprise that the little Maltese enjoys relaxing in his cozy abode.

Chihuahua

Tiny and loud, Chihuahuas are small dogs with great attitudes and huge personalities.

Weighing just under three pounds on average, it goes without saying that they don’t need hours and hours of physical activity.

A walk in the park will do the trick, and then they’ll be ready to go home without any complaints.

Bichon frize

More than happy to sit on your lap and be petted all day long, the cloud-shaped Bichon Frize is the perfect companion for senior owners or dog lovers with mobility challenges.

A short, half-hour daily walk is all a Bichon Frize asks for, and will happily spend the rest of their day grooming their fluffy curls.

Chow chow

Famous for their friendly, wrinkled face, Chow Chows are the perfect cuddly companion for a night out.

They are also good dogs for people with busy routines, as they only need one walk a day to stay fit and socialize with other poochs.

In addition, they tend to be quite independent.

This means that you don’t have to stimulate them so much to keep them entertained.

King Charles Spaniel

Perhaps one of the most majestic purebred dogs, King Charles Spaniels enjoy sitting on their thrones most of the time.

Due to their generally relaxed nature, there is no need to take them on mile-long walks – short walks will do just fine.

That said, they also enjoy playing and being around adults and children.

At the end of the day, it’s essential to always make time for your dogs to engage in deserved physical activity.

Some friendly companions require a lot of exercise; others, not so much.

With this list at your fingertips, you will be able to find out which dog breed best suits your lifestyle without compromising on their all-important daily “walkies”.