Most active dog breeds for sport

In short The most active breeds are built for movement: running, agility, hiking, cycling. If you lead a sporty life and want an athletic partner, this ranking is for you.
How we rated

The higher the “Energy” score, the higher the position. We factored in the need for exercise and stamina.

Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1English FoxhoundEnglish FoxhoundEnergy 5.0Training 3.0Apartment 1.55.02Siberian HuskySiberian HuskyEnergy 5.0Training 2.0Apartment 1.55.03Poitevin HoundPoitevin HoundEnergy 5.0Training 2.5Apartment 1.05.04Plott HoundPlott HoundEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.05.05Patterdale TerrierPatterdale TerrierEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.55.06Kunming WolfdogKunming WolfdogEnergy 5.0Training 5.0Apartment 2.05.07EurohoundEurohoundEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 1.55.08Irish Red SetterIrish Red SetterEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.05.09English PointerEnglish PointerEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.05.010Australian HeelerAustralian HeelerEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.011Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogAustralian Stumpy Tail Cattle DogEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.012DalmatianDalmatianEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.05.013BrittanyBrittanyEnergy 5.0Training 4.5Apartment 2.55.014Greenland DogGreenland DogEnergy 5.0Training 2.5Apartment 1.05.015Russo-European LaikaRusso-European LaikaEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 1.55.016Hungarian Shorthaired VizslaHungarian Shorthaired VizslaEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.017German Shorthaired PointerGerman Shorthaired PointerEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.018German Wirehaired PointerGerman Wirehaired PointerEnergy 5.0Training 4.5Apartment 2.05.019Hungarian Wirehaired VizslaHungarian Wirehaired VizslaEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.020Longhaired WeimaranerLonghaired WeimaranerEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 2.05.021Shorthaired WeimaranerShorthaired WeimaranerEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 2.05.022Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)Energy 5.0Training 3.0Apartment 1.55.023East Siberian LaikaEast Siberian LaikaEnergy 5.0Training 3.0Apartment 1.55.024West Siberian LaikaWest Siberian LaikaEnergy 5.0Training 3.5Apartment 1.55.025Petit Gascon-SaintongeoisPetit Gascon-SaintongeoisEnergy 5.0Training 3.0Apartment 1.55.026German JagdterrierGerman JagdterrierEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 1.55.027Wire Fox TerrierWire Fox TerrierEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 3.05.028Smooth Fox TerrierSmooth Fox TerrierEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 3.05.029Appenzeller SennenhundAppenzeller SennenhundEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 1.55.030Parson Russell TerrierParson Russell TerrierEnergy 5.0Training 4.0Apartment 3.05.0
FAQ
How much exercise does an active breed need?
Usually 1.5–2 hours of activity a day: running, games, training. Without it, these dogs get bored and may wreck the home.
Are active breeds suitable for an apartment?
Yes, if given enough outdoor exercise — at home even energetic dogs rest.
Which dog sport should I choose?
Agility, canicross, frisbee, obedience training — depending on the breed and its instincts.
Т
The tvaryny.com editors — canine experts and vets
Ranking based on structured breed ratings. Updated regularly.