Best dogs
Best dogs for active owners
High-energy, trainable breeds for runners, hikers and people who want a sporting partner.
If you run, hike or take part in dog sports, a high-energy breed can be a partner and not a problem. These breeds are rated highest for energy and are also trainable, so the energy can go into work and play.
The list
| # | Breed | Size | Typical weight | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australian Shepherd | Medium | 40 to 65 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 2 | Border Collie | Medium | 30 to 55 lb | 12 to 15 years |
| 3 | Belgian Malinois | Medium | 40 to 80 lb | 14 to 16 years |
| 4 | Belgian Tervuren | Medium | 45 to 75 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 5 | Belgian Sheepdog | Medium | 45 to 75 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 6 | Mudi | Small | 18 to 29 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 7 | Belgian Laekenois | Medium | 55 to 65 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 8 | German Shorthaired Pointer | Medium | 45 to 70 lb | 10 to 12 years |
| 9 | Brittany | Medium | 30 to 40 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 10 | Vizsla | Medium | 44 to 60 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 11 | Australian Cattle Dog | Medium | 33 to 50 lb | 12 to 16 years |
| 12 | German Wirehaired Pointer | Medium | 50 to 70 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 13 | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Medium | 35 to 50 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 14 | Wirehaired Vizsla | Medium | 45 to 65 lb | 12 to 14 years |
| 15 | Pumi | Medium | 22 to 29 lb | 12 to 13 years |
About the breeds
1. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is an agile, intelligent American herding dog with a merle or solid coat, known for stamina, loyalty and a need for work. Read the Australian Shepherd profile.
2. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a lithe herding dog from the Anglo-Scottish border, famous for intense focus, speed and exceptional trainability. Read the Border Collie profile.
3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a powerful, short-coated Belgian herding breed used in police and military work, with intense drive that calls for experienced handling. Read the Belgian Malinois profile.
4. Belgian Tervuren
The Belgian Tervuren is an elegant, long-coated Belgian herding dog with a black-tipped fawn coat, known for sensitivity, athleticism and drive. Read the Belgian Tervuren profile.
5. Belgian Sheepdog
The Belgian Sheepdog is a striking, long-haired black herding breed from Belgium, known as the Groenendael elsewhere, with intelligence and a watchful nature. Read the Belgian Sheepdog profile.
6. Mudi
A rare, athletic Hungarian herding dog with a wavy coat and upright ears, quick, versatile and alert, best suited to owners who have plenty of time to train. Read the Mudi profile.
7. Belgian Laekenois
The Belgian Laekenois is the rarest of the four Belgian herding breeds, with a rough, wiry fawn coat, and is valued as an agile working partner. Read the Belgian Laekenois profile.
8. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an athletic, versatile hunting dog with a short liver or black-and-white coat and very high energy. Read the German Shorthaired Pointer profile.
9. Brittany
The Brittany is a compact, leggy French bird dog with a lively, biddable nature, built to point and retrieve and to cover ground all day. Read the Brittany profile.
10. Vizsla
The Vizsla is a lean, rust-colored Hungarian pointer and retriever, known for its tight bond with its owner and very high energy. Read the Vizsla profile.
11. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is a tough, compact herding dog bred to drive cattle over long distances, known for endurance, loyalty and a strong will. Read the Australian Cattle Dog profile.
12. German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a tough, versatile hunting dog with a harsh weatherproof coat and a determined, energetic nature. Read the German Wirehaired Pointer profile.
13. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever, a red, fox-like Canadian dog that lures ducks to shore and is very energetic. Read the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever profile.
14. Wirehaired Vizsla
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a rust-colored Hungarian bird dog with a weatherproof wiry coat, bred to point and retrieve and to stay close to its owner. Read the Wirehaired Vizsla profile.
15. Pumi
A lively, terrier-like Hungarian herding dog with a curly coat and upright, tipped ears, quick and vocal with a love of activity. Read the Pumi profile.
How this list was made
Breeds rated 5 for energy and 4 or 5 for trainability, ordered by trainability. The ratings come from the breed profiles on this site, which rate each breed as a whole. Individual dogs differ, so use the list to decide which profiles to read, then meet the breed before you choose.