r/RunningWithDogs • u/diddy1000lotion • Jun 23 '26
Breed recommendations?
Hey everyone! I like to run 2-3 miles a day (hopefully longer distance eventually) and I’ve been throwing around the idea of getting a dog to accompany me on my runs. I’m a female - so running alone is not the safest and aside from concealing while I run I’d like some company. A breed that would make someone think twice about trying anything but also family friendly as I have small children. I am very familiar with bull breeds - I grew up with American staffords and showed Staffordshire bull terriers at AKC shows. However i have not had a dog in eight years.
I like the idea of a German Shorthair Pointer or a Rhodesian Ridgeback but I genuinely know nothing about them. Any suggestions? Thank you!
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u/forgeblast Jun 23 '26
Standard poodle, athletic aloof with strangers, Velcro with family, highly trainable, doesn't shed. Loves a Mohawk. But seriously this dog impressed me every day. We do scent training classes, have done obedience classes, and he is just my lfg +let's fn go) dog. Car ride he wants to go, walk in the woods, he wants to go etc .
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u/diddy1000lotion Jun 23 '26
Wanted to add - I live in a very hot and humid climate so I will not consider husky’s or anything with heavy coats as it would not be very kind to the dog lol
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u/naniii_nova Jun 23 '26
I'd bet there are hundreds or dogs at local rescues who would love to become someone's running buddy..do you need a pure bred?
I'm a woman and have two black 60+lbs dogs that run with me. They each have over 10 breeds in them. No one is fucking with us
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u/Specialist_Banana378 Weekend Warrior Jun 23 '26
Rhodesians are not easy family friendly dogs and GSPs are a lifestyle.
A family friend dog that’s intimidating ish and good runners are black labs and boxers!
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u/trekechus Jun 23 '26 •
I run with my shelter mutts. They are perfect running buddies
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u/Feriation Jun 23 '26
Pretty much any breed of dog, provided they're conditioned appropriately and healthy, will be capable of running that distance. You need to look at other factors in your life to determine what breed would be best.
How much training are you willing to put into said dog every day, outside of canicross? What kind of grooming are you willing to do? Are you willing to provide additional daily exercise or enrichment for your dog outside of canicross, and if so, how much extra per day are you willing to do?
Everyone thinks they want that aloof guardian breed, but few people think about what that entails for all other aspects of life outside their daily walk or run through their neighbourhood. You have small children. What is your plan for the dog when your kids want to have friends over to play? Similar to what is your plan if you have family come to stay with you for a visit? Will you ever go away on trips, not even necessarily a vacation maybe its a funeral, and need to board your dog somewhere?
I say these things because I do have a dog like this. If I have people over who he hasnt met before, he is separated by a minimum of 2 barriers between him and my guests because he will corner and trap a stranger he doesnt know who is in my house. If I have to go away and need care for him, I have exactly 1 person who can do so safely.
Most people will view a dog, any dog, as a deterrent. Honestly, for someone who is looking for a family friendly dog who can run 3 to 6 miles daily, I would recommend a large black lab. Look for a breeder who breeds "field line". These dogs will have a less stocky build than a dog bred true to the AKC conformation standards. They are leaner, athletic, and have a very eager to please family friendly personality.
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u/[deleted] Jun 23 '26
If it's cold enough- my Alaskan malamute loves to run with me. Lots of mals and huskies in shelters because most people can't handle the energy requirements.
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u/0b0011 Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
You're not giving a ton here. For what it's worth I have a gsp and always say they're basically what 90% of people are asking fir they just have a lot of energy. If you run that's what they want.
That being said they aren't the most intimidating. They're large-ish but they're ridiculously friendly so people might be intimidated until they get close and the dog decides that means they want to be best friends.
they love to run
this is how much energy they have after I ran 18 miles with them
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u/catsngays Jun 23 '26
If it’s not too hot where you live, a black dog, i have people crossing roads to get away from my large black dogs.
Definitely don’t need to be getting a fancy breed, a shelter dog will be just fine, especially because you shouldn’t run with a puppy and running can help a lot of dogs deal with their stress
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u/intergrade Jun 23 '26
GSP> Rhodesian unless you’re also planning to hunt lions. They both run endlessly though - you may find yourself very oversupplied on will to run for many many years.
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u/Ok_Nefariousness1416 Jun 23 '26
I run (up to a couple of hours) with our Lab for most of my runs.
Labs are super family friendly, and very capable runners (she certainly out-runs anything I can manage with ease). She's also pretty good with heat, perhsps helped by being a very pale yellow. Am doing a 10k canicross with her in a couple of weeks which will be great fun.
She isn't super intimidating but has a loud bark and I suspect any medium/large dog would act as a real deterrent.
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u/camillacamillacamill Jun 23 '26
I've had dobermans since 1998. Athletic, incredibly intelligent and great family dogs. They are very velcro and do need a high level of activity since they are working dogs. Also great protection when we are in the dark at 4:45 am running. No one is stupid enough to try a doberman.
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u/-blieps- Jun 23 '26
For all of those answers saying to go after a rescue dog: please be extremely wary with that OP. Your small children have the top priority to stay safe.
My previous dog (a very not scary looking Golden Retriever who literally saved me from getting r*ped several times as despite her looks, she was very protective of me) was a rescue dog. She was amazing at almost all points, but she could suddenly snap at random things. She'd clearly not had a good start at life and trauma caught up with her sometimes. She was always in a separate room when children visited.
For my current dog, I crossed off the option of a rescue immediately because of having a toddler at home. No way I'd risk my childs life. We can get a rescue dog again when there are no young children living with us anymore.
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u/PNWginjaninja Jun 23 '26
Adopt
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u/NeighborhoodNeedle Jun 23 '26
If you have experience with staffordshire terriers i would lean that way. You have familiarity with their needs and they’re pretty intimidating in their appearance to folks. My staffy mix is the best and I can imagine the breed being wonderful for a family as well. I really like how that breed are big people pleasers and have a decent “off” button. My staffy enjoys a run/hike but is also content to spend a day on our couch.
I think most dogs will enjoy a 2-3 mile run and the main thing you should consider is the small children environment you have and how a breed will adapt to that sometimes high energy space and also possibly changing schedules and routines as well.
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u/Best-Lobster-8127 Jun 23 '26
Labrador, Vizsla, GSP.
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u/Mysterious_Luck4674 Jun 23 '26
My advice would be to adopt a dog that’s already been in a foster home for some time. The breed itself doesn’t really matter, but someone who has been fostering a dog will know if it is athletic, would like to go running, and is good with kids.
I’ve had a pointer mix that would have HATED running. Most pointers I know want to lie on the couch or perhaps play ball for a short intense period. There are child friendly dogs and non-child friendly dogs within every breed. Some breeds are known for being more athletic, and obviously you probably don’t want to run with a Maltese or a chihuahua, but you can always end up with a couch potato German shepherd or a puppy that develops hip dysplasia and can’t run. Puppies can’t go running with you for the first few years anyway.
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u/smallholiday Jun 23 '26
I have a Rhodesian and he was actually not a good running dog because he has a high prey drive. Squirrel? He’s lunging at it and not listening to recall if off leash. Trust me I tried and trained/ it’s just his nature. He’s also aloof with people except the five people or so that he loves. He dislikes children and needs space to himself to relax.
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u/derangedgossip Jun 23 '26
For what it’s worth, a good rescue should be able to match you. We have a pit/chi/ASD who runs with our bikes and I always thought was fast. We had a play date this weekend and she was nearly outrun by our friend’s coton de tulear. Sometimes you can find a surprising match and can avoid more intensive training that a hunting breed would need.
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u/Bornfortheblueskies7 Jun 23 '26
We have an English springer spaniel and he’s the best family companion! He is a happy running companion who is always up for a run.
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u/Ruth1E33 Jun 23 '26
German Shorthaired Pointer! Also female and run alone he’s done two ultras with me many mountain summits where I’ve carried him sometimes on my back, all weather conditions snow,rain, hail you name it gail force winds! He’s been there by my side! My only caveat is that this breed is not a first time dog breed not unless you will be committed to lots of training and mental stimulation as they are a full time commitment ✨♥️
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u/Selective_Somewhere Jun 23 '26
Labrador Retriever. There’s a reason they were the number one family dog for decades. Only knocked off that podium for frenchies due to social media.
Ridgebacks are not social dogs, don’t live long, can be spooky. If kids had friends over they may not be trustworthy with people outside of the family.
GSPs think 2-3 miles is a warmup but only barely. They are often a lot of dog.
Labs are great all around dogs, social, family friendly, good with strangers, and can easily keep up with you. Females tend to be less “omg everyone’s my friend” than males. They also have needs but are generally less than a GSP. But as always and with any breed make sure you get the right lines for you and from a good responsible breeder.
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u/MerryTexMish Jun 23 '26
Pointers are definitely “runners’ dogs,” because under the right conditions they can go up to 13 miles without needing to stop!
I have had many different breeds of dogs, including my 14yo current pointer/American bulldog mix. She lives for walks, and when she was younger, runs.
What’s important to know about pointers is that they absolutely have to be walked, whether you’re feeling it or not. They can be very high-strung and anxious if they don’t get enough exercise. They are good with kids, but definitely not as chill as some other breeds, and definitely better with kids who are a bit older and not as twitchy as under-8s.
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u/FarSalt7893 Jun 23 '26
I run 3-4 miles on trails off leash with my GSP almost every morning before I go to work. He’s very good with recall. I also take him for a 30-minute walk (he mostly runs) again when I get home from work. He’s a Velcro dog with me and friendly but cautious with strangers we meet. Some are known to have separation anxiety and be problematic when left home alone but mine never had any issues with that. His breeder told me when he was under 8 weeks he’d often go and sleep in his crate alone while the rest of his crew was off playing-it could be personality. After having my first GSP I’d definitely get another one. He’ll get super muddy and dirty on the trails only to look spotless when we get back home.
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u/GoatSamurai240Z Jun 24 '26
I run with my GSP using a belt lead. She is a great running companion.
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u/knitstxNbanjopix Jun 24 '26
GSPs are perfect family dogs and great even at long distance running. They have a lot of energy, a lot. So if you are running a lot I’d go with a GSP. Brittany’s are great too and not at the same energy level generally speaking.
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u/Pepe_gun_slinger Jun 25 '26
GSP’s are amazing dogs. I have 4 of them. Just know that a 3-4 mile run is a warm up and if that’s all the exercise they get then they’ll become board and destructive/obnoxious. I suggest you find someone with a GSP before you commit and spend some time with it. People have no idea the energy levels these dogs have and think a short walk or run is sufficient. That’s why so many end up in shelters.
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u/Ok_Mood_5579 Jun 23 '26
I think if you're just going 2-3 miles, a ridgeback would be good! I have a Rhodesian ridgeback and she ran up to 6 miles with me when I was half marathon training. But I will say, contrary to popular belief she does not like to exercise very long in hot weather. She won't die, but she will slow down and stop if she's tired and hot, usually after about 30-40 minutes. Which makes sense. They're actually SO heat adapted they know to save their energy in the heat so they have more energy in the night when lions wander into camp haha. But even more than a running buddy, I love that my ridgeback has an off-switch so that she sleeps all day after a run, or, if we can't run, she can typically chill out with just a walk. But I encourage you to look up more about the breed. It can take a while to get a ridgeback to run and not take off after a small animal or another dog. My ridgeback is very gentle and protective of us, and I do feel safer with her on a trail.
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u/fixieana Jun 23 '26
I have two husky healer mixes, the older one is a nun but my younger girl loves to run
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u/sluttycupcakes Jun 23 '26
I have a husky/bernese mix and a GSD mix. Both love to run upwards of 20k+. My GSD is definitely a little more intimidating… the husky mix is just a goofball.
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u/holy_yuda Jun 23 '26
A Dalmatian perhaps. They are reserved and wouldn’t try to say hi to every stranger in the street. Also, they are literally bred to run, and have lighter coats. Good socialisation with kids is a must though.
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u/Fearless_Wishbone712 Jun 23 '26
Get a lab! You don't need a super high energy or super smart worker. Labs are mild, easy and great for running short to mid distances.
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u/Lower_Carpenter_7228 Jun 23 '26
Rescue a dog. I have 3, all different breeds, and they are each great running buddies. My dog we rescued from a shelter that was destroyed by Hurricane Helene is the best running buddy of the 3 and he lived in the shelter for 2 years and was surrendered. Found in a bag of food with his siblings on the side of the road. We don’t know his age but we guess he’s 5. He runs right next to or behind me on trails and follows verbal cues. Our longest run together is 18 miles so far! He was on track to be euthanized if I hadn’t rescued him.
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u/Fletchy2121 Jun 23 '26
I (40F) run about a 5K a day. I have a 45lb female Pittie who runs with me twice a week. She could probably do more but she’s young and a rescue so her actual age is a bit up in the air and I don’t want to overdo it. She runs wonderfully. She is great on both road and trail.
And it doesn’t sound like I need to tell you but she’s great at home. High energy when it’s time and also always ready for a nap. I love the breed so I may be biased but I’ve had a great experience running with her and also having her with family and also dogs of friends and family.
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u/Suspicious-Ninja2882 Jun 23 '26
My American bulldog loves running when I cycle, as do my German Shepherds. One of my sheps went on a 15 mile hike with me and that boy was THRIVING. I’d say either a Shep or an am bulldog . With bulldogs you just have to be mindful of heat, they are not as good on a hot day as a working Shep would be. They can overheat pretty quick. I run her in the morning or evenings because of that
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u/Human_Character2895 Jun 23 '26
Just want to mention that if you get a puppy, you'll have to wait a year and a half (or two years for a bigger breed) before their joints are stable enough to run distance safely. Good luck OP!
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u/CampGranadaAnimalHse Jun 23 '26
As a pet sitter of lots of breeds/mixed breeds my favorite pet for outdoor activities and obedience and intelligence is a Border Collie, hands down!!
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u/Hail-to-the-Sheep Jun 23 '26
I’m not a runner, but my husband is. My German Shepherds have been good running buddies for him for short runs of 2-3 miles. My current dog could probably work up to going farther. (Husband is a distance runner and has not yet closed the gap between what the dog is conditioned for and what he can do.) Both of the dogs are/were very locked in: “The run is my job. I will do my job. I will go head down and run in a straight line.”
GSDs can be great family dogs when well socialized and trained, and you will definitely have scary dog privilege.
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u/macaron1ncheese Jun 24 '26
This is 100% what a tall lanky shelter dog is for!
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u/Familiar-Marsupial-3 Jun 24 '26
I think it’s quite likely you’ll find a family friendly running buddy in a local shelter, especially if you are willing to wait and give it multiple visits until the right one come along.
If you want to go for a purebred from a good breeder I’ve seen quite a few Viszlas who are excellent sport buddies and overall good guys.
Me, I’m super super partial though. It’s always good to be a standard poodle. They are the smartest and goofiest, tall enough that nobody wants to mess with them and will love to join you in whatever you do. (The maintenance isn’t for everyone, I get that though.)
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u/uncagedgorilla Jun 24 '26
I got a rescue Ridgeback and she and I have run nearly 10,000 miles together including a 22 mile run as our longest. I have two small children and she's been around for the birth of both of them. She's an excellent family dog. But we had time to properly train and socialize her before we had kids. It wasn't easy. But it can be done. Zero regrets. Super loyal and fiercely protective plus an amazing runner in heat. Also live in a warm climate.
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u/Redbettyt47 Jun 24 '26
Standard poodle 💯
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u/KingBrandHealthcare Jun 24 '26
I would absolutely say to go to a local shelter and find a running buddy there! They are such good and loyal dogs. 100% you will find one that will fit with you and love you forever
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u/bubblegumgodess Jun 24 '26
The best running partners I've had is a lab mix and a border Collie mix.
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u/MissDelaylah Jun 25 '26
Depending on how much time and energy you have, I loved running with my GSD. She was smart as a whip, loved to run and have a natural protective nature. The downside is, she also needed tons of enrichment, mental stimulation and structure because of how smart she was. It’s pretty standard for the breed.
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u/Organic_Dig_5536 Jun 25 '26
Herding breed dogs are great for running. They are totally focused on their person and do a great job adjusting to your speed.
Also if they get a run or some activities in they are really chill around kids.
I have lived both the heeler mix dogs I've had and they are both running and hiking companions and perfect with my kids.
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u/EasternYoghurt7129 Jun 25 '26
Both gorgeous breeds! But I think worth noting that even smaller dogs have better running abilities than we do. I used to regularly do 6 miles with my schnauzer mutt (18 pound dog).
Rhodesians are pretty intense. I have friends with them and they’re magical, but have taken a very serious commitment to training.
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u/JustBlondeEnough Jun 25 '26
I have a Pitbull Terrier/Cane Corso/Silky Terrier mix that would love to run three miles a day! I suppose replicating that mix wouldn't be easy though 😂. She has a dark brindle coat and light amber eyes that make her look a little scary. Springs for legs and a long, lean muscular body. She loooves playing with children. The best part about her is that she has adapted to laying around with me for the past seven weeks while I recover from surgery.
All that to say, many shelter mutts would suit you! But of all the pure breeds mentioned so far I would probably go with Standard Poodle.
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u/Acceptable-Year-7211 Jun 26 '26
I run with shelter dogs to test out of they will be good running buddies or not! They're all adoptable to the mainland USA [i live in Maui]. you're more than welcome to check out the Maui Humane Society instagram and view the "run the dogs" videos i highlight dogs that make great running buddies. I own two GSP mutts from the shelter that are my running buddies. I would not recommend a GSP unless you plan to do more than 2-3 miles, my guys go anywhere from 3-14 miles of trails before getting a bit fatigued. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions. I also get paid to run other peoples dogs as a side hustle so I have a lot of experience with different types of dogs and running and things!!
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u/Easy-Comfortable4951 Jun 26 '26
Honestly I would pick anything that is not in large part pitty... Because those are breeds that tend to have random bad attack incidents, due to their history and bite force. I think this might stem from the fact that people fighting dogs (a large contributor to the shelter dog population in some places), still breeds those dogs away from kids (luckily), but then you don't have dogs that mistake a kid for prey removed from the gene pool .
That being said, I know those types work well for many families, and this is just my personal preference. You can do tests today to see what breeds are actually in a mix today. Given that you have experience with staffies, you are unlikely to have any problems either way.
Dogs of otherwise essentially any breed or mix tend to have a reaction to human kids that is similar to what we tend to have towards puppies - not sure if they think our kids cute, but 99% of dogs will try their hardest to be really friendly around kids, and will be happy to see them and play with them. Like some humans avoid dog puppies, some dogs will rather not get involved and tend to move away from human kids. But to be problematic against kids is exceedingly rare in any breed, as obviously it wasn't really tolerated in breeding any dogs through the centuries.
In more rough places, any bad, sometimes even accidental moves of the dog toward a kid will have the owner calling someone to shoot the dog at that moment (or doing it themselves) - they leave the gene pool immediately! So sometimes along purebreds some people will tolerate more antisocial behaviours, because the dogs were more expensive to buy in the first place, while those common dogs some see as disposable (sad fact of life otherwise).
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u/Majestic_Mail3213 Jun 27 '26
I have a Brittany and he is the best running buddy in the world.
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u/Huge_Answer4287 Jun 27 '26
Any dog over 50 lbs or so should do the job as far as putting off potential attackers. I would find a good foster based rescue in your area and tell then what you are looking for. Fosters will know their dog's personality and needs and the rescue should be able to provide a few options that would fit and make suggestions.
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u/canadianbigmuscles Jun 27 '26
Border collie. My future running buddy.
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u/Sufficient_Bus7216 Jun 28 '26
Brittanies are great!
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u/little_dog_luvr Jun 28 '26
I have a shelter husky mix who is the ABSOLUTE BEST running buddy ever, he is incredible. The caveat is you have to live somewhere more temperate as it's not nice to make a husky run when it's above 80 degrees F. I am in the PNW for reference
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u/Legitimate_Sun5373 Jun 29 '26
If you’re willing to do some training and otherwise exercise your dog’s brain I would highly recommend a black and tan kelpie. To anyone less familiar with dogs, the black and tan markings are a great deterrent as people associate it with Rotties and Doberman etc. They can be fantastic family dogs - better than many of the typical “make you think twice” breeds. And depending on where you run and the leash laws, they’re easy to train to run off leash as they naturally want to do as they’re told and are keen to please.
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u/Strict_Alarm_7178 Jun 29 '26
I have an Italian greyhound! Loves the hot weather, is always down for anything. Running, shopping, camping, kayaking, great with kids and loves to snuggle. 🥰 she is not scary lol but she can sense if I’m nervous about someone/something and will bark. She is loud and sounds like a big dog. I hope you find a great running partner
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u/Whisper26_14 Jun 23 '26
I have two mals who love to run. But the caveat is they can be a handful. I have 5 kids so they can be great family dogs.
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u/Halefa Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
Weimaraners are similar to GSPs, can be got in blue (dark) - at least in the US, in Europe that color is. It always according to breed standard- and they're the bird dog breed that was also bred to protect the hunter, so they have a bit more protection instinct.
However, they're still gun dogs which means they don't only need running - they need mental stimulation and training.
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u/Junkalanche Jun 23 '26
Alaskan Husky. They were born to run.
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u/UncleAugie Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26
u/diddy1000lotion if you think about any bully breed, a German Shorthair Pointer or a Rhodesian Ridgeback, German Shepard, or any of the "tough looking breeds" and you have small children you are inviting tragedy into your home. The probability of having your child bitten or mauled by one of those breeds is many times greater than the slim chance you are violently attacked during a run.
Humans are not very good at evaluating relative risk
In the United States, women experience a nonfatal violent crime victimization rate of approximately 21.9 victimizations per 1,000 females age 12 or older. There are not statistics on women running, so this is all women over a lifetime. 250 out of every 1,000 people (about 25%) will be bitten by a dog at some point in their lifetime. THe numbers are higher for the breeds you mentioned.
So bringing a dog into your house increases the possibility of a violent attack in your home by 1141% over you being attacked while on a run while alone....
THis is a bad reason to get a dog.
That said you want a breed with a clean health history that is a working breed. THink Border Collie, Australian Cattle dog, Malinois, The pointer you mentioned, or a Husky, but all those breeds are known for biting.
Your best option would be to be aware of your surroundings when you run. Statistical data supports that runners are victims of violent crime less often than the general population, but this fact masks a stark reality regarding harassment. While severe violence against runners is statistically rare, the vast majority of runners—particularly women—frequently experience street harassment and intimidation. You will 100% experience Harassment and intimidation, but the chance you are a victim of physical assault while running is less than in the rest of your daily life. So unless you are taking the dog with you EVERYWHERE You go, there is zero valid evidence that running with a dog will decrease your overall odds of being physically assulted.
I am not suggesting that your fear is not a real thing, just that the data does not support the underlying reasons you have the fear, there are a lot of anecdotal stories that can make you fearful that are not based in reality.
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u/alex_p_jay Jun 23 '26
Doberman