Best Dogs for Running
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for running in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for running evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Vizsla
The Vizsla earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Hungary, this medium-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 44–60 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 45–70 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 3/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 4/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Germany, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–90 lbs and lives 10–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 4/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from South Africa, this large-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 70–85 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$2500
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from United States, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–65 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from United States, this large-sized breed from the Working group weighs 75–85 lbs and lives 10–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Belgium, this large-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 40–80 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2500
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Russia, this medium-sized breed from the Working group weighs 35–60 lbs and lives 12–14 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–14 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Border Collie
The Border Collie earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this medium-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 30–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Leonberger
The Leonberger earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from Germany, this giant-sized breed from the Working group weighs 90–170 lbs and lives 9–11 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 9–11 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1500–$2500