Many of us have decided to welcome new puppies into our homes over the past two years – according to figures from the Kennel Club, dog ownership has soared nearly eight percent during the global pandemic .
There are 221 different purebred dog breeds to choose from, as well as plenty of crossbreeds, so there’s a lot of thought to go into before selecting the latest addition to your family.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with psychologist Stanley Coren’s book “The Intelligence of Dogs” ranking breeds by instinct, obedience and adaptability.
One thing to consider is that certain breeds will suit owners with particular lifestyles – and their specific hobbies.
Sportswear retailer lululemon recently revealed a list of the best dog breeds and their ability to run, to find the best furry running partners.
They analyzed a variety of parameters, including the types of running they would be suited to, temperament, size, lifespan, friendliness, trainability, popularity, and living conditions.
So here are the 10 dog breeds that make great exercise companions.
Adapted to long, steady runs, research has found Golden Retrievers to be the best dog for a running partner. The friendly attitude of Golden Retrievers towards strangers is a bonus for those running in crowded areas, where there will be interaction with other runners and dog walkers.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
Labradors are the perfect running companion for beginners, thanks to their friendly temperament and easy-to-train nature. They have several great characteristics that make them the perfect running companion for those new to outdoor activity, while their patience and enthusiastic temperament can be a great morale booster on longer runs.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
For city dwellers, Poodles are a perfect hypoallergenic breed, suitable for apartment living as well as daily running. They have a lot of energy, intelligence and obedience, which makes them an ideal running companion.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
Boxers love to run, but caution should be exercised during the summer months. These dogs need regular breaks in hot weather and plenty of water. Scheduling runs for first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening when it’s cooler is the safest policy.
Photo: Canva/Getty Images
