So and I would like to get a dog. We want something that can live in an apartment, because we're city people, but also run long distances everyday. We've been thinking about getting a greyhound, but I'm worried that they may be better at sprinting than endurance running. Do you guys have any suggestions about breeds that are good endurance runners?
Running Dogs
- Thread starter Pupcake
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With proper exercise, nearly any breed can do ok in an apartment.
Pretty much any retriever or sporting breed (Lab, Golden, Brittany, Pointer), many of the herding breeds (Border Collie, Aussie, German Shepherd), Dalmatians, Boxers (as long as it's not really hot or really cold outside), Huskies...all these guys are going to be excellent running partners.
However, do you run on dirt or cement or a mixture? Concrete is really hard on a dog's pads and joints, especially sustained running. Never run a dog for long distances until they are at least a year old, to help prevent joint issues later in life.
Pretty much any retriever or sporting breed (Lab, Golden, Brittany, Pointer), many of the herding breeds (Border Collie, Aussie, German Shepherd), Dalmatians, Boxers (as long as it's not really hot or really cold outside), Huskies...all these guys are going to be excellent running partners.
However, do you run on dirt or cement or a mixture? Concrete is really hard on a dog's pads and joints, especially sustained running. Never run a dog for long distances until they are at least a year old, to help prevent joint issues later in life.
Well, there are quite a few dogs that would love and keep up very well with long run (how long is long and what speed typically?) My own awkwardly put together mutt can do 4-7 miles next to my bike and my friends little Spaniel/Golden mix does 10 miles with her dad frequently.
But, the real question is what else are you looking for in a dog? What else are you willing to do with the dog? Being able to keep up with a running routine would only be one aspect of a dog. What other exercise, training would you do? What kind of personality are you looking for? Can you deal with barking? Drool? Shedding?
Do you understand you wouldn't be able to do any real running until the dog was at least a year and depending on the size 2 years?
My understanding of greyhounds is they are more of a short distance sprint runner.
But, the real question is what else are you looking for in a dog? What else are you willing to do with the dog? Being able to keep up with a running routine would only be one aspect of a dog. What other exercise, training would you do? What kind of personality are you looking for? Can you deal with barking? Drool? Shedding?
Do you understand you wouldn't be able to do any real running until the dog was at least a year and depending on the size 2 years?
My understanding of greyhounds is they are more of a short distance sprint runner.
The right greyhound can make an excellent running partner. Just let the rescue know that's what you're looking for, and they can match you up with the right dog. We have borzois and both dogs love to jog with my husband. They can do 5 miles easily. Same thing with my younger borzoi's breeder. Her husband jogs several miles a day with their show dogs to condition them for the ring.
If you want to jog I'd look at adult dogs (over 2 years old). Puppies, especially large breed puppies can take up to two years for their growth plates to close, and the repetitive motion of jogging can damage their joints before they have closed properly.
If you want to jog I'd look at adult dogs (over 2 years old). Puppies, especially large breed puppies can take up to two years for their growth plates to close, and the repetitive motion of jogging can damage their joints before they have closed properly.
most hotblood greys are sprinters rather than stayers but even they can be conditioned for endurance by a graduated progressive running program. also blown pads are usually a result of poor pad condition, often from lack of exercise on hard surfaces. basically track greys have soft feet BECAUSE they are run on groomed dirt although most people think it's the other way around. field greys are better stayers because they are bred for catching hard running game like hare, fox, deer & coyote. alot of other sighthounds are good stayers too, especially deerhound, borzoi & saluki.
I can say that Dekka found runs of over 5k quite tiring (and I am slooooow) Bounce was like what? And even though I didn't condition with her (I started with Dekka) she had no issues with 5k.
I would think a whippet would be a fantastic dog. They are quiet and would make a decent apt dog and should be able to handle long distances with conditioning. (well maybe not full marathons lol)
I would think a whippet would be a fantastic dog. They are quiet and would make a decent apt dog and should be able to handle long distances with conditioning. (well maybe not full marathons lol)
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Lots and lots of breeds make good jogging partners. Like everyone else said, it will eventually come down to what else you're looking for in a dog, big or small, how much training experience you have or want to do, if you're willing to get a dog professionally groomed regularly, do it yourself, or want a low-maintanence coat, etc. Does the dog need to get along with other animals, be friendly and welcoming towards strangers, or do you want a dog that will protect against intruders/wary of strangers. Which things are musts and which are you flexible on?
Also, what kind of climate do you live in? A siberian husky could be an okay jogging partner in a city like Boston, but if you live in Miami, not so much. Likewise, most greyhounds aren't going to want to jog through a northeastern winter without a coat on.
Also, what kind of climate do you live in? A siberian husky could be an okay jogging partner in a city like Boston, but if you live in Miami, not so much. Likewise, most greyhounds aren't going to want to jog through a northeastern winter without a coat on.
