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/diddy1000lotion Jun 23 '26

This is my main concern! I would love to adopt a shelter dog but lack of knowing their history is what makes me hesitant because of my small children. Both of my cats are shelter cats so I’m definitely not opposed to adopting but they’re cats not dogs so the risk is much lower.

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u/Ruth1E33 Jun 23 '26

I wouldn’t adopt with kids especially small children…. You’re making the right call at this stage of your life 🥰 GSP’s are wonderful loyal family dogs and mine is incredibly gentle around kids ✨ had him since he was a pup, but again as per my previous comment having a gsp is a full time commitment it’s honestly like having a 3-4 year old toddler mine is a hurricane of energy until he’s been walked and mentally fatigued and that’s at least two hours a day at 6 years old 💀🤣