Dan The Man wrote:
Springer Spaniels make great running buddys. Mine accompanies me on virtually every run and he LOVES it, he is always so excited to come out running with me whatever time of day it is and now he is fully grown he can easily manage 20+miles without getting tired. I run mainly off road so he's off the lead most of the time, he runs about exploring stuff and sniffing in the undergrowth etc. but never lets me get more than 50m before he sprints back and if I call him he comes straight back. I typically run 6 - 8 min miles and that gives him plenty of time to explore and then sprint back whenever he wants. The athletic breeds are so much faster than any human will ever be, your running pace will be pathetic to them.
On warmer days and longer runs you have to look after them, take water/food for them and try to make sure you get near a pond/river/lake so they can jump in and cool off. You also have to put time into their training from a young age (most breed of gundog are superb to train) but this will reap benefits as they grow and you will benefit from a wonderful running partner
your last paragraph is spot on. On hot days dogs can get overheated really fast, some will shut down; my previous Pudelpointer would. Some won't until it's too late (and I mean too LATE). Think about running with a fur coat, I'd overheat too. Cold days are best. Water, better to have too much than too little. In general working dogs (especially sporting dogs) are better for long distance, but not all are, and some have issues endemic to hip problems, etc. One should do their homework, if running is an important criteria.
Mans best friend - and possible running partner (if you don't mind being blown away).
I saw this on a white board in a window box at my daughters middle school...
List of what life owes you:
1. __________
2. __________
3. __________