10 Best High-Energy Dog Breeds for Active People

No two dogs are exactly alike, but breed is a major factor in determining energy level, so keep that in mind when searching for high-energy dog breeds. For instance, many herding and working dog breeds tend to be quite active. These high-energy dogs need both mental and physical exercise to thrive. And if they don't have an outlet for their excessive energy, they might become destructive or develop other behavioral issues.

Energy aside, these breeds vary widely in size, appearance, and temperament. What unites them is they generally like being up and busy for most of the day, and they need an active person who can keep up with them.

Here are ten of the most energetic dog breeds.

Tip

Daily walks alone might not be enough for some high-energy dog breeds. Consider taking part in dog sports, such as agility or flying disc, to provide your dog with extra mental and physical stimulation.

01 of 10

Border Collie

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Border collies are extremely intelligent, energetic dogs bred to be nimble herders with good stamina. They are known for their natural abilities in agility and disc competitions. And they can make excellent pets, but first and foremost, they need a job. Their natural instinct is to herd, but they can channel that into chasing toys or doing puzzle games.

These dogs are a great choice if you’re looking for a loyal and trainable dog, but they don’t do well in small homes and can become destructive if they don’t get enough attention.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding
HEIGHT: 18 to 22 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 55 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, alert, loyal
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Rough or smooth medium-length coat; can be solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 17 years
02 of 10

Australian Shepherd

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Another high-energy dog breed is the Australian shepherd. These dogs also are very smart and active, and they excel in dog sports. They were bred to herd livestock and enjoy staying bus, so they will likely seek out their own "work" in the form of chasing animals or people if not given an outlet for their energy.

Some Aussies might act stubborn or aloof if not given structure, training, and sufficient exercise. These dogs are loyal and affectionate, but they have boundless energy and can become destructive without enough mental and physical stimulation. They also can be wary of strangers.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding
HEIGHT: 18 to 23 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 65 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, affectionate, active
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length coat; colors include black, blue merle, red, and red merle
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
03 of 10

Australian Cattle Dog

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The Australian cattle dog is a hard-working, high-energy dog breed. These dogs have the drive and stamina to herd cattle over long distances every day. And a dog with that much endurance can easily get bored as a pet unless given ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Cattle dogs excel at most dog sports and tend to enjoy learning tricks and puzzle games. They’re also loyal, eager to please, and curious. They don’t like being left alone, as they prefer being around their humans as much as possible.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding
HEIGHT: 17 to 20 inches
WEIGHT: 30 to 50 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, intelligent, active
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth double coat; colors include blue and red with black and tan markings
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
04 of 10

Jack Russell Terrier

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Many terrier breeds are known to be highly energetic, including Jack Russell terriers. These little canines certainly aren't lazy lap dogs. Without training and vigorous daily exercise, they might channel their energy into digging, excessive barking, and other undesirable behaviors. But they often do well in learning dog sports and other tricks.

Jack Russell terriers have a high prey drive. This means they’re likely to go after other animals, and they may not be right for households with other pets, including cats.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Terrier
HEIGHT: 13 to 14 inches
WEIGHT: 13 to 17 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Fearless, athletic, intelligent
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Smooth or wiry coat; colors include white with black, brown, or tan markings
LIFE SPAN: 13 to 18 years

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05 of 10

Weimaraner

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The Weimaraner was bred for hunting and continues to have that drive to be on the move, running long distances. These dogs tend to be friendly and affectionate, though some can be hyperactive. Without structured training and a tremendous amount of exercise each day, Weimaraners can become stressed or destructive.

These are very smart dogs that can do things like learn to open doors and turn faucets on, so you need to keep an eye on them and provide proper training. They also need a lot of exercise—an hour or more daily—to let their energy out.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 23 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 55 to 90 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, aloof, stubborn
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat; blue to gray color
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years
06 of 10

Belgian Malinois

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The Belgian Malinois often works for law enforcement, and needs some kind of job to thrive. If you choose a Malinois as a pet, let your dog participate regularly in dog sports. In addition to ample daily physical exercise, nose work and tracking are also great options for mental stimulation.

These dogs will bond strongly with their humans. But they may not be appropriate for children, and their strong prey drive means they also may not be a good choice for families with other pets.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Herding
HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
WEIGHT: 40 to 80 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, active, intelligent
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat; colors include fawn, mahogany, and red with a black mask
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
07 of 10

Siberian Husky

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Siberian huskies were bred to pull sleds over long distances, so it should come as no surprise that they need plenty of exercise. You can embrace those instincts and get your dog involved in sledding for fun.

Most huskies appreciate long daily walks, runs, and hikes. Just be careful to avoid overheating in hot climates, as they have very thick coats. Their dense double coat also requires regular brushing. And they’re known for their loud howling.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 20 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 35 to 60 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, friendly, alert
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat; colors include black, gray, red, and white
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
08 of 10

Dalmatian

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Dalmatians historically ran alongside and protected carriages, and they continue to have that endurance that allowed them to keep up with horses today. They are driven to work and can become hyper if no job is provided.

Some might develop bad habits, such as excessive barking. But for active people, they can be excellent running or hiking partners. Just be sure to keep them on a leash when outdoors, and in a securely fenced yard when off-leash, to ensure they don’t run off.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-Sporting
HEIGHT: 19 to 24 inches
WEIGHT: 45 to 70 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Friendly, active, playful
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short, dense coat; white with black or brown spots
LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years

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09 of 10

Boxer

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Boxers are often goofy, lovable, and somewhat hyperactive. They can make wonderful companions for all kinds of families, but they need structure and exercise. If your boxer likes playing with other dogs, doggie daycare is a great option to burn energy. In addition, long walks and games are a must.

This affectionate, high-energy dog breed makes a great family pet because they love children. They also don’t have complicated grooming needs, though some of them do drool excessively. And some like to jump on people, so training is important.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 22 to 25 inches
WEIGHT: 50 to 80 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Playful, affectionate, active
ENERGY LEVEL: High
COAT AND COLOR: Short coat; colors include brindle, fawn, and white with a black mask and/or white markings
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years
10 of 10

Irish Setter

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Irish setters were bred to be swift hunting dogs, and they need ample daily exercise to match what they would get out in the field. These dogs are typically eager to please, albeit somewhat rambunctious. They respond well to training and excel in dog sports, including obedience, tracking, and agility.

These social and friendly dogs are a good choice if you’re looking for a family pet. They’re kid-friendly, sweet, smart, and get along with other pets.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Sporting
HEIGHT: 25 to 27 inches
WEIGHT: 60 to 70 pounds
PERSONALITY/TEMPERAMENT: Intelligent, gentle, affectionate
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium
COAT AND COLOR: Short to medium coat with long, silky feathering and fringe; colors include red, chestnut, and mahogany
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years

Breed Characteristics

High-energy dog breeds have a lot of physical energy that they need to release daily. They might require one hour or more of exercise and playtime, and will also need mental stimulation in the form of training, dog sports, puzzle toys, etc. The key is to find ways of letting these dogs release their energy in positive ways so they don’t end up doing destructive things out of boredom and frustration.

If you are not an active individual or family, a high-energy dog breed wouldn’t be right for you. And if you work long hours, aren’t home a lot, and want a calm lap dog, high-energy dogs wouldn’t be the right fit.

These are not the types of dogs that you can leave alone in the house for extended periods of time. They need a lot of attention and plenty of time outside of the house, and many prefer having a job to do. But this doesn’t mean that they won’t relax with you when they’re done playing.

The hardest dog breeds to raise include those that are independent, stubborn, and high-energy because they require so much attention and need to be trained properly. So, before bringing one home, keep that in mind.

Breeds to Avoid

Several dog breeds tend to be quite laidback and relaxed compared to their high-energy dog breed counterparts. Some breeds with relatively low energy levels include:

But like any animal, these dogs still need exercise to stay healthy despite their reluctance to leave that comfy spot on the couch. They typically can get their energy out with strolls around the neighborhood and some playtime each day.

10 Best Dog Breeds for Runners

10 Best High-Energy Dog Breeds for Active People

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Breed Overview

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Breed Characteristics

Breeds to Avoid

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