Just like people, dogs have individual personalities and traits. The same litter can produce a variety of different temperaments – some lively, others laid back. But certain breeds are known to have higher energy than others.
A high energy breed of dog means a smart and motivated pet that’s always willing to do something awesome with you. It will need lots of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, and lots of affection and time spent with you. If you have this to offer, a high energy breed will pay in dividends, making the very best of canine friends.
If left alone for long periods of time, a high energy dog will likely get into trouble. They may bark, whine, dig, jump the fence or chew. Without proper training, a high energy dog can injure small children by being over exuberant, and when meeting new people will often jump up with sheer excitement. A high energy dog requires a role – a job of some sort, or it may get bored. They will require at least two walks a day of at least 20 minutes and needs constant direction and guidance.
Still up for the challenge? Then read on and find some of the most exuberant breeds out there. Given the right situation, these breeds will make a wonderful addition to your home.
Border Collie
The high-drive Border Collie will keep any owner fit with its energetic nature requiring several walks a day. Bred to be a working dog, the Border Collie was developed to gather and control sheep and is known for their intense stare used to control the flock. A Border Collie has boundless energy, stamina and drive and is highly trainable, it’s still one of the most common breeds used on farms today. This is not a couch potato dog, so if you’re looking for a pet to cuddle and relax with, keep looking.
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier is full of intelligent exuberance and requires a variety of different training methods. As well as efficient walking, they should enjoy time playing games that use their considerable intelligence. Developed by Yorkshire hunters who wanted a dog that would both work and guard, the Airedale makes a valuable working dog thanks to their agile and powerful swimming ability. Airedale Terriers are friendly, adaptable and courageous dogs that require a firm hand to settle their naturally dominant characteristics. Fun-loving and great with people, they make excellent family dogs. They can also be fiercely protective towards their family and home.
Blue Heeler
The hearty Blue Heeler is loyal and hardworking. Also known as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Blue Heeler loves to herd animals and makes a courageous, tireless and robust family pet. They are agile, muscular, powerful and determined when working and will benefit greatly from herding and agility classes which will not only provide them with the exercise they requires, but offer the mental stimulation needed to keep them well-balanced. Providing they gets plenty of exercise and stimulation, a Blue Heeler will make an excellent and very obedient pet.
Dachshund
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the ever-exuberant Dachshund – big things can come in small packages. Dachshunds require lots of mental and physical exercise to keep them out of mischief, with many Dachshunds loving to dig, bury treasure and bark. Dachshunds are scent hounds designed to hunt badgers and other tunnelling animals. Their short legs enable them to dig while their long chest gives them the “heart” to fight. Somewhat stubborn, they have lots of spirit and are very proud animals. Always playful, they make excellent pets for small children.
Fox Terrier
The playful Fox Terrier loves to be with his pack so if you have young children, expect him to run by their side wherever they go. Handsome, happy, outgoing, active and inquisitive, the Fox Terrier lives in the moment and enjoys everything that’s going on around them. Designed to make foxes “bolt” towards hunters, Fox Terriers are fast and highly driven. They can be impulsively scrappy with other dogs, so training and early socialisation is important. Their intelligence makes them great with tricks and obedience, but if not stimulated properly they’ll react by digging, barking, chewing or chasing other animals.
Siberian Husky
Beautiful to look at, the Siberian Husky needs plenty of exercise, but also a job. Bred as working dogs, this trait is still very much within them and putting them to work each day will make for a peaceful home. Very loving, gentle and playful, the Siberian Husky grows easily attached to his family and makes a friendly, loyal pet. Highly intelligent and trainable, they require lots of stimulation when they are young but will become more docile as they age. Be aware, however, that without a firm, consistent and confident pack leader, he will become mischievous. If you love to jog, the Siberian Husky makes an excellent companion.
Jack Russell
Jack Russells can be little rascals, but they also make excellent companions. The combination of high energy and high intelligence makes them too exuberant for their own good sometimes, but with the right training and exercise, they make a great pet. Never be fooled by their small appearance – Jack Russell’s are very agile and will play fetch until you drop. They won’t stand for boredom and if you don’t entertain them, they’ll find their own ways to keep busy. Devoted to their people, they love playtime, and while this can be fun for older children, younger kids may find it a little overwhelming.
Weimaraner
Otherwise known as the Grey or Silver Ghost, the Weimaraner is a willful and and exuberant dog. Strong leadership skills and lots of exercise are needed to keep this dog content – their ideal companion being a jogger or hiker. Distinctive in appearance, Weimaraners are elegant, aristocratic, loving and devoted. Very protective, they seem to detect when their owner is sick or sad and become very protective. With the right exercise and stimulation they make excellent pets, but if neglected they become nervous and high-strung. They also have very strong prey drive, so should not be left alone around cats or small dogs.
Dalmatian
Once upon a time the Dalmatian ran alongside horse-drawn carriages for miles. In fact, many Dalmatians still take part in an activity called a “road trial” that mimics this historic usage. Dalmatians love to run and make an excellent jogging or cycling companion. Sleek, athletic and very handsome, they are as charming in life as they are in the Disney films and will go from gallant to goofy and back to gallant again in the blink of an eye. As a sensitive breed, they require a soft approach to training, with lots of treats and positive rewards required. They are said not to forget mistreatment or harsh behaviour and will not respond well to a firm leader.
Beagle
Small, compact and hardy, Beagles are active companions for kids and adults. Fun loving and extremely gentle they can also be somewhat stubborn and require a firm approach to training. That said, patience, creative training techniques and lots of food treats are encouraged. The Beagle’s nose will guide them through life and they are never happier than when following a scent. Still used as working dogs for their outstanding sniffing abilities, they have a habit of running off after a scent should they get the opportunity to. Being pack dogs, they get along well with other dogs and people – in fact, they think everyone they meet is their new best friend. If you want a dog that will love you always, a Beagle is it.
Check out our dog breed guide for more info on these energy packed canines!
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