To any dog owners out there!
 

Hi all,

I've been thinking of buying a dog for awhile, and selfish as it may sound, so I can go running with it.
One of my friends with dogs says that dogs can't run for long distances and I'm sure of this as well, but just wondering - are there any of you out there that run long D regularly with a dog? I was thinking around 5KM every morning. Also if so, what breed of dog your's is?

Thanx!

A pug will do 5km with no issues

You need a big dog for that... and I don't just say that because a small one won't make it that far (without you carrying it -> extra exercise for you!) but also small dogs are so close to the ground they get all the interesting "smells" and they stop and sniff the ground every couple feet so you'll find yourself having to stop or drag them all the time LOL

I've only ever owned small dogs but they would all get tired and sit down and stuff after maybe 2 miles at most...

You should do some research, theres more to dogs than just having a running buddy.. its like having a baby!!!! Especially if its a pup..

Get a blue heeler, they love that shit.

Ya, def do some research on different breeds, especially on problems they may develop later in life, IE. Labs have hip problems, so running on a regular basis could put added strain on them.

If you JUST want a dog to go running, I'd say find a running partner instead, as a dog isn't just something you can "not use" when you don't want to go running/take care of it. It's a big commitment. Maybe check for a older dog, older being between 1 and 2, as pups are a handful, especially if you work 9-5.

my Germna Shepherd goes running with my dad all the time. He can out last me or my dad on runs but we ain't exactly the athletic type.

As long as you know that dogs can't be turn off after the run and need constant care, I dunt see any problem with getting a dog as a running partner. Its better than most ppl that get big dog with alot of energy and than keep them inside all the time.

definately do your research. the only breed meant for running that i can think of off the top of my head are greyhound and afaghan hounds... alot of hound breed were built to run along side horse and go hunting.

you can't be serious, a PUG?


Not that I doubt you, it's just that I am really looking into buying a pug and I am quite athletic and think that would totally suite me. The thing is they look lazy as ass and they just dont appear to me to be able to run 5km a day.

lol you're right, I'm not serious. hahah...They are relatively inactive dogs. IMO, basically any big dogs from the working group will do.

Get a greyhound or a whippet. Find an ex-racer and give it a happy home. They love to run, and are often neglected towards the end of their careers. Many large breeds develop joint problems if they're run too much. Especially on concrete.

http://www.ncgl.ca/php/adopt.php

pugs or any dog with unnatural punch in the face look would not be good endurance runners. most of them have breathing problem after a light run

I have a Miniature Pinscher and a Pekingnese that runs with me or my mom for over a good 4 km. Basically, when they run with you, the dog will keep going until it is too tired, and will lay flat wherever it is and just rest lol

I've read that Greyhounds are good for short sprints only. In fact, their daily exercise requirements are two 15 minutes brisk walk daily. I'm not sure if they'll be able to do 5km without stopping.

A husky would be a good choice I think. Keep in mind though, dogs are often not easy to run with, especially when they are young. If they don't want to run, they will let you know it, and will give you a hard time...and by that I don't mean just by pulling back, but by biting the leash and tossing their head back and forth pulling on the leash with their mouths. It will take a lot of patience. But yeah, I would think Husky would be the best 'running' dog. But then again, he might just end up pulling you like a sleddog instead of running with you.

I would suggest a working breed or a terrier type. Jack Russel/ wire haired fox terriers make good running partners and are on the smaller scale. Other then that breeds like Weims, pointers,retrievers,labs,sheperds. The thing to remember is you would never 'run' a puppy that long and any adult dog would need to be worked up to it.