“Go to the local humane society. They will match you up with a good running dog.”
Exactly what I did. Walked out with a one yr. old pure black lab that some yuppie dorks had just dropped off since they decided “that a dog didn’t it into our lifestyle”. I’ve also had a
golden retreiver and a mutt. All made fabulous running/x-country ski partners. Fortunately I’ve always lived in areas where nature trails are very close.
Another vote for German Shorthaired Pointers. Mine is 11 and has done many runs of up to 20 miles with me over the years. I’ve been limiting him to ~2 hours for the past two years. Very lovable, and great around kids and other animals.
scott
The reason I started triathlons was because of my need to get my dog exercise, which led to running and then a “well, let’s see what a triathlon is like.”
I have a Doberman. If there ever was a breed that look like a triathlete, this is it. 85 lbs of muscle; not an ounce of fat on him; he’s ripped and has a cardiovascular system that matches any dog I’ve seen.
If you are looking for a dog that lives to run, this is it. Exercise is a must. (Especially if you have an alpha male).
We ran for 2.5 hours yesterday. When we got back to the house, he didn’t even need to open his mouth to breathe and gave this “is that all” look. Not bad for a 6.5 year old dog.
That’s cooler weather running, though. In hotter weather, I never run him more than 6 miles, and my route is planned by shade and water stops for the dog.
If you interested in a Doberman, though, be warned that the breed requires a lot of attention. They are commonly referred to as “velco dogs” because they stay attached to your side at all times. And don’t even think for a minute that you can leave this dog outside when you are home. First, they don’t deal with cold temperatures very well (no fat, all muscle, limited fur); Second, they won’t tolerate being seperated from their owners.
You might want to consider a female. You won’t experience the constant dominance issues (no, its not threats to life; its just a need for rough play/mental stimulation) and they tend to run 15 lbs lighter. That said, you must still be an assertive owner.
And if a Doberman isn’t your thing, almost any dog from the “working dog” class would be a good runner. Weimaraners, for example, are a breed that was bred to run long distances.
Two last non-Doberman thoughts: (1) it a good idea to not run your dog until they are around a year old or so; Especially if they are a over 50 lbs. as an adult. You want their hips to be fully developed; and (2) stay away from puppy mills and places that purchase from puppy mills.
I would recommend looking on:
http://www.americanbrittanyrescue.org/
I have had a couple brits in my life and have found their passion and enthusiasm for running outside unmatched. They are extreme people dogs and do need regular human attention. They love their people. Although brits vary, the two I have had have been 25-30 lbs and faster than most other dogs. The only drawback IMO with brits is they are hunters who are often torn between exploring what’s around the next bend and sticking near you. Training and bonding is absolutely essential before long runs in the hills.
“Doberman.”
No offense but these dogs are hit and miss personality wise. A friend of mine is really into them but he will tell you the same thing. Some of them are just downright nasty, even if not trained to be. Of course not all are, and what a great dog to keep muggers away.
I love German beer, automobiles, etc., but there is just something about some of the dogs they breed that conjure up images.
I’ll start by saying, I’ve done a lot with dogs. I’ve been training dogs for 10+ years. I do know my dog breeds. And I am pretty darn good at putting a dog through it’s rounds.
That being said, here are a few of my calls:
Labs, not bad dogs, they run reasonably well, though they will probably be a little shorter on the endurance end. They can be smart, but I’ve met very few inteligent ones. (that can be good or bad for you) If you get a pure breed make absolutely sure you are getting one from a good breeder.
Other pointers/hunting dogs, mostly the same as Labs, but thay haven’t been as over breed, so they tend to have less health and mental problems.
Doberman Pinchers. Great dogs, but not for beginners. Someone had previously mentioned these. If you get one of these, make absolutly sure you get to a dog trainer early. These are physically some of the best dogs in the world. Their one obvious draw back, they’ve been bred to be guard/army dogs, so many of them have very strong aggressive tendencies. Just to be clear, I have nothing against them, I would love them, but they are a lot of dog and need a lot of attention.
Border Collie, my current favorite dog. Lots of endurance, very smart, very inteligent (ussually agreed to be the smartest in the world.) Their major drawback, lots of energy (mental and physical) you absolutly have to keep these dogs busy, or else. I love running with mine, almost as much as she loves running. period.
Mutts/mixed breed, probably the best dogs in the world. There have been lots of problems with in-breeding/overbreeding in past years. By some strange scientific/phenomenom mutts have very few medical problems, something about croosing genes or something. The people that run and then win the Iditerod won’t race purebreed dogs. People that show up with a team of Huskies or Malimutes get laughed off the course. Mutts tend to be more hardy. There are plenty of mixed breeds to chose from (pounds, shelters, accidental neighbor dogs doing the tango, ect…) They’re cheap, and for what most people need, perfectly acceptable.
One last piece of advice, what ever dog you get, take some dog training classes, they’ll teach you more about your dog and yourself. Goodluck.
I love German beer, automobiles, etc., but there is just something about some of the dogs they breed that conjure up images.
I will never own another non-German dog as long as I live. I’ve had mutts growing up and really liked them (particularly a border collie/spitz mix I had as a kid), however, I am constantly amazed with my German Shepards ability to learn and retain (as I was with a previous one I owned that went to live with a handicapped aunt). In my experience, they have been smarted than some people I meet and mind better than most kids I’ve met as well. I for one appreciate all the genetic engineering put into the German Breeds . . . often the failures are a result of the “Americanization” of the breeds.
The caveats are the same with this dog as described with the dobbie for the most part. You have to know what you are doing with dominant breeds.
Running dogs can be great, or break your heart. I like any of the pound dogs with some lab, Golden, or Pointer, looking. Rotties are a tad heavy, Dobies need firm training. The collie/cattle dog groups are good, providing their hearding instinct isn’t too strong as they will trip you forever.
For the real runners those Alaskan Huskies can go and go, Ridgebacks for a big dog can run forever. I am not a big fan of the sled dogs in hot country and be sure to take or stop for water plenty.
The break your heart part is to get their hips checked out. Pound dogs are generally healthy but hips can be a problem and it would break my heart to have to give up on a jog dog after a couple of years because of the hips. Even bad hip dogs are good for yard dogs however.
Being in the insurance business, I’ll also add that if you are thinking about getting an “aggressive” breed of dog, check with your homeowners insurance agent to see if that breed with cause your insurance to be cancelled. Many carriers now have “ineligible dog” lists. For example, if you have a Rottweiler, Doberman or Pitbull, you can’t get standard insurance from many companies. If the company finds out you have one of these dogs, you’ll either have to get rid of the dog or get nonrenewed. Don’t flame me on this, these aren’t my rules. I just want to make you aware of it.
In regards to running with your dog, I’d talk with your local vet. I’m a dog-lover and own 2 labs (or should I say they own me : )) Larger breeds are prone to hip/joint problems and if you are going to run with a large breed, you should make sure that they are physically capable of doing so. Your dog will love you and will run with you even in serious pain. Also, a hip replacement for a dog is not cheap. My yellow lab had to have one when he was one year old (not from running, it was bad breeding - I rescued him).
“My 2.5 year old son walks around with ours in a headlock (hug) all night, and they both love it.”
According to my Mum, when I was a baby I teethed on our black Lab’s ear! Apparently her ear was all messed up, and my folks had no idea what was causing it. Took her to the vet, who again couldn’t figure it out. Finally they noticed my chewing the dogs ear, and the dog ddidn’t bat an eyelid. Had 3 different Labs while I was gorwing up. Great dogs. Never been for a run with one though, so slightly off topic 
My insurance company actually gave me a discount for having the dogs -said it was as good as an alarm… But that is Canada where we don’t have the same liability issues. A lab and a chesepeake bay retriever (large chocolate lab type dog with curly hair and yelly eyes) who have some big voices
My dogs love to run with me. I run along a river and they just go for a swim when they get hot. THe lab is getting a little old now and can’t go for too long but the chessie will go forever (he swims in the winter too, a little weird).
Up until 2 weeks ago I had 2 Chocolat labs, the one that died I got in college (13 years ago) and was my original reason for choosing a healthier lifestyle. A great running partner at the start, being 110 lbs., he did not like to run much more than 3-4 miles(neither did I), in mild weather, and in the summer heat about half of that.
The second Choc. Lab is completely different, for many reasons. He is 65 - 70 lbs of pure muscle, I think the breeder saw me coming. This supposed Lab has a thin coat, very lean, skinny tail and swims not much better than me. But take him out for a run on or off lead and watch him go. He is a pure joy to run with, all distances all weather conditions. I would not nessarily recommend a true Lab with stereotypical Lab traits for long runs in warm climates.
Both of our Labs have been very good with our two young children, that is my over riding reason for staying with Chocolat Labs.
PS: The Mini Daschound truly is a trip running with, accept when the snow gets more than 3-4" deep, then Gus has to be carried like a football.
Cullen isn’t lying, they can roll if they are fit. Only don’t trip and fall, they will run in your mouth and eat your guts, I call them “Little Black Tubes of Hate”
I’ve been training dogs for 10+ years.
Aren’t you something like 19-years-old? Started young, huh?
You’re right about Labs. Mine seemed to pull the first mile, run alongside the second mile, and end up being pulled the third mile.
I have a half English Setter half Dutch Drente. Typical large-chested small-waisted upland “working” dog that weighs about 50 pounds. He’s absolute crap as a pet, but can run and run and run.
I have 2 desert dogs which are mixed breeds which have survived the harsh environment. Ones got a bit of Lab and the other has a lot of Saluki. 35 to 40 LBs. Can run like mad forever. In hot weather I take a 3 litre camelbak and a bowl. Will time them some day with the GPS watch attached to their harness.
I have two siberian huskies that go forever…one problem I see a lot of people doing ie. labs, shephards, etc… is that these dogs are not bred for long distance running…10km at the most…even that would be too much. You need a breed that has been bred for years for running. Definitely lighter dogs are better. Some of the muts I have known over the years are the best for long distance running, problem is you don’t know exactly which ones?
The reason I started triathlons was because of my need to get my dog exercise, which led to running and then a “well, let’s see what a triathlon is like.”
The very reason I started to exercise after years of in-activity. Started out with two German wire-haired pointers, that I used to go hunting. They have been great running companions, and they just go on on and on for ever. But they love the hunt, and un-leashed there is now way they will follow my trail, just check in on me every now and then.
I’ve got a 13 yr old dobe, my first dobe and I’ll never have anything but a doberman.
However, if you have not had several other dogs before, don’t get a dobe. If you are not willing to train them intensely, don’t get one. If you, or someone in your family is not at home most of the day, don’t get one. If you will not give it attention throughout the day, every day, don’t get one. If you are not willing or able to assert your dominance and enforce your commands, don’t get one.
If you are willing to do these things, then a dobe is the most wonderful dog. I got our doberman b/c the previous owners couldn’t manage her and were going to put her down. I took her in, showed her that I was boss but that I loved her. Started her running at least an hour every day, and now all the neighborhood kids use her as a jungle gym/wrestling partner/bean bag. All the parents on the street love her b/c they know that their kids are safer when she is around. (The dog tells kids to get out of the street when cars are coming, is wary of strangers around the kids and keeps the kids from fighting)
On the running side, I forget what her top mileage is, but I know she has had 40-50 miles in one day. Other than sleeping and eating more then normal that day, she was back running 6 miles the next day. 100 mile weeks are nothing to her. The Texas heat does hit her pretty hard though.
one problem I see a lot of people doing ie. labs, shephards, etc… is that these dogs are not bred for long distance running…10km at the most…even that would be too much.
Please don’t lump hunting dogs (labs, retrievers, pointers) with herding dogs (collies, aussies, shepherds). Hunting dogs are bred to hunt which is to walk, flush, chase, and sit. Herding dogs are bred to run and herd for hours and hours. While this is not straight line running like a sled dog, most herding dogs are more then capable to maintain a human running pace for multi-hour runs.
That said, I know more then a few labs that could out run all but a few humans on earth and not break a pant (dogs don’t sweat).
Also be careful with herding dogs as a lot of their great herding characteristics have been bred out in lue of “show traits”. This incestuous breeding is criminal IMO.
Go to a working farm or ranch and get your dog from one of the farm families litters. Typically both mother and father are on site and you can see first hand what kind of stock the dog is.
Although I am not a rat terrier lover myself - I must support you in you efforts. Friends own a horse farm and just had to put down their old rat terrier (they had got her from a shelter 14 years earlier - as a full grown dog - no idea how old she was). This dog would help bring the horses in, bark at intruders, play with the baby and go on multi hour horseback rides.
On another note, my main running goal is to one day be able to outrun my Chessie. This summer he spent two hours retrieving balls out of the water (about a 50 yd swim each time) then went on an hour run with me and then another hour with my wife (we don’t run together - fodder for a whole other post). When he got back to the cottage he picked up a ball and ran down to the water’s edge - with a look that said “Okay lets do that again”.
Also, the show thing also holds true for labs. A good field lab is a much leaner, fitter dog than your show lab who tends to be shorter and heavier.