# Canine Running companion suggestions? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 29, 2008, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123 "2008-03-29T00:27:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2008, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/21 "2008-03-29T21:58:28Z")
[QUOTE=Omega Glory] **Porcupine** , I was told that RR’s aren’t usually good with kids and smaller animals like cats or small dogs. Is that incorrect? [/QUOTE] Meant to give [this link](http://www.kwetureg.com/children.html) about kids and RRs: > [@](#): > > The thing that drew me to this breed, over thirty years ago, was that I had three young children at the time. I needed a dog that would be tolerant of them and a good playmate for both them and their friends. The “and their friends” part was important, as I wanted my children to be able to bring their friends home to play and I did not want to be worried that a dog would hurt the friends, especially if he saw the children and the friends roughhousing. Although I wanted a dog with protective instincts, I did not want those instincts to be so strong that the dog would attack a child that was fighting, or appearing to do so, with my child. There had been a scary article in the newspaper about a dog that saw “his child” being tackled in a game of football in the back yard, and crashed through a picture window and attacked the other child. The Ridgeback is not that kind of guard dog! ---
**Author:** ![BarnOwl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2008, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/22 "2008-03-29T23:06:11Z")
[QUOTE=schnuckiputzi] What about a retired greyhound? I’ve often wanted to adopt one of those. [/QUOTE] (Snippet) I’d second that motion. We went to a country fair last year and my wife had to tear me away from the Adopt a Retired Greyhound stand. They are soooooooooooo loveable. Sadly, the wife is against all pets except our feral cat. Petco offers free retired greyhounds on a semi-regular basis. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/23 "2008-03-30T01:45:44Z")
Retired greyhounds don’t tend to be great cat dogs -since they have a chase and hunt instinct. They are also built for short bursts of speed, not great jogging dogs - much better sprinting dogs. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/41988e/32.png) [@El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Cid_Viscoso)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/24 "2008-03-30T03:05:06Z")
Catahoula. Just get him a good coat for cold weather. I run with Blue almost every day AND he’s a working dog here at the ranch. ---
**Author:** ![Dag\_Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@Dag\_Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dag_Otto)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/25 "2008-03-30T07:29:38Z")
Kiko looks like a fine dog. I think 9 months is fine too. ---
**Author:** ![Br\_er\_Lapin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e79b87/32.png) [@Br\_er\_Lapin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Br_er_Lapin)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 10:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/26 "2008-03-30T10:03:08Z")
[QUOTE=NajaNivea] The very first dogs I thought of were the [German Shorthaired Pointer](http://www.lovemypet.com.au/images/41_body_picture.gif) and [German Wirehaired Pointers](http://www.dovehunt.com/images/bird_dogs/german_wirehaired_pointer_007.jpg) [/QUOTE] They were my first thought as well, except for this part: \* “I work during the day, so it can’t be too hyper-energy”\* Pointers have a LOT of energy to burn. They’re best suited to homes where they have access to a decent sized yard if they’re going to be left alone during the day, and the OP is unclear on this aspect. When I had one, there was always a circle of dead grass lining the perimeter of our inground pool because she’d literally just run laps around it for an hour at a time several times a day. The other one we had was a big lazy blob though, so I guess (as always) it depends on the individual dog. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/27 "2008-03-30T13:44:02Z")
Samoyed. Meets every one of your criteria, loves the cold weather, and can double as a lovely flurfy pillow when you are done running. ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/28 "2008-03-30T13:47:13Z")
[QUOTE=Acid Lamp] Samoyed. Meets every one of your criteria, loves the cold weather, and can double as a lovely flurfy pillow when you are done running. [/QUOTE] [LINK](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoyed_(dog)) Males average about 50-65 lbs but all the flurf makes them look considerably larger. While friendly, they are fearless dogs when it comes to protecting their people. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/29 "2008-03-30T14:39:45Z")
[QUOTE=Acid Lamp] [LINK](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samoyed_(dog)) Males average about 50-65 lbs but all the flurf makes them look considerably larger. While friendly, they are fearless dogs when it comes to protecting their people. [/QUOTE] I always thought northern breed dogs were more likely to do after a cat -I’ll have to look into this breed ---
**Author:** ![Acid\_Lamp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Acid\_Lamp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acid_Lamp)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/30 "2008-03-30T15:00:48Z")
[QUOTE=Poysyn] I always thought northern breed dogs were more likely to do after a cat -I’ll have to look into this breed [/QUOTE] Northern breeds are notorious for having a higher prey drive, but Sammys were bred for herding and that kind of temperament is not allowed around livestock. The Wiki says they make poor guard dogs, but IMHO, I’ve found them to be rather protective of their families, espescially children. As a feel safe deterrent dog, they certainly can meet the line. They have a big, fluffy wolf-ish look, and a good deep bark. In a fight their coat is thick enough to take blows from an attacker, and they are quite brave. ---
**Author:** ![NajaNivea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/22d042/32.png) [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/31 "2008-03-30T17:58:48Z")
[QUOTE=Br’er Lapin] They were my first thought as well, except for this part: \* “I work during the day, so it can’t be too hyper-energy”\* Pointers have a LOT of energy to burn. They’re best suited to homes where they have access to a decent sized yard if they’re going to be left alone during the day, and the OP is unclear on this aspect. When I had one, there was always a circle of dead grass lining the perimeter of our inground pool because she’d literally just run laps around it for an hour at a time several times a day. The other one we had was a big lazy blob though, so I guess (as always) it depends on the individual dog. [/QUOTE] I thought of that too, but for two things: Exercise level–if you’re just going for a slow jog, then a bench-oriented GSP/GWP would be fine and dandy and a couch potato indoors to boot (your second dog). If you’re looking for an intense running companion for marathon running or biking, then a field GSP/GWP would be okay with an outdoor kennel during the day (first dog). ---
**Author:** ![Omega\_Glory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/7c8e57/32.png) [@Omega\_Glory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omega_Glory)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/32 "2008-03-30T20:48:28Z")
[QUOTE=porcupine] Meant to give [this link](http://www.kwetureg.com/children.html) about kids and RRs: [/QUOTE] Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Fetchund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b2d939/32.png) [@Fetchund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fetchund)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/33 "2008-03-30T21:43:25Z")
Something to remember - you should NOT run regularly with a dog until its joints are completely grown. For some of these breeds, you need to wait until they are 2 or so. And, if you are going to have a dog run with you, you need to make sure the dog has a softer surface to run on - not concrete or baked clay. Pups can run _around_ all day, they should not try repetitive stuff, though. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2008, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/34 "2008-03-30T21:45:21Z")
[QUOTE=Fetchund] Something to remember - you should NOT run regularly with a dog until its joints are completely grown. For some of these breeds, you need to wait until they are 2 or so. And, if you are going to have a dog run with you, you need to make sure the dog has a softer surface to run on - not concrete or baked clay. Pups can run _around_ all day, they should not try repetitive stuff, though. [/QUOTE] You bet - this would be more of a work in progress and would be slowly working the dog to a point that it would be mature and ready - in the meantime - obedience! YAY ---
**Author:** ![Elenfair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cc9497/32.png) [@Elenfair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elenfair)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2008, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/35 "2008-03-31T12:37:37Z")
Tollers are awesome. I’m owned by one, who is now 10. Also consider the Australian Shepherd if you want a dog with a little more drive and a little more of a guardian streak. The aussie will also have more of the energy you’re looking for if you’re going to be running long distances in all weather, as long as you’re going to look into herding lines. In both cases, send me a PM, I’ll be glad to hook you up with the right breeders. I know both circles extremely well for having raised working/service/SAR dogs of both breeds. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Barrels](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5a626/32.png) [@Barrels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barrels)\ **Post date:** [March 31, 2008, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/36 "2008-03-31T14:34:07Z")
[QUOTE=Elenfair] Tollers are awesome. I’m owned by one, who is now 10. Also consider the Australian Shepherd if you want a dog with a little more drive and a little more of a guardian streak. The aussie will also have more of the energy you’re looking for if you’re going to be running long distances in all weather, as long as you’re going to look into herding lines. In both cases, send me a PM, I’ll be glad to hook you up with the right breeders. I know both circles extremely well for having raised working/service/SAR dogs of both breeds. 🙂 [/QUOTE] I love Aussies, but it would be hard for me to recommed them to someone who wants a dog that is OK with kids and cats. They can be great with both but not always and the whole you can train them to be “good” doesn’t always work since they tend to have a huge pray drive/hearding instinct/guardian role. ---
**Author:** ![jay-c](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@jay-c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jay-c)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/37 "2008-04-02T16:40:21Z")
[QUOTE=Dangerosa] Retired greyhounds don’t tend to be great cat dogs -since they have a chase and hunt instinct. They are also built for short bursts of speed, not great jogging dogs - much better sprinting dogs. [/QUOTE] In some cases, this is true. However, any rescue group worth its salt will test their dogs for safety around cats, and many greyhounds are just fine with cats. My household of 3 cats, 2 greyhounds and 2 tiny little malteses is a testament to that. Additionally, while they are used to running in short bursts, they can easily be trained to jog on a lead for considerable distance… I just adopted one straight off the track, and in less than 2 weeks he’s jogging 3 miles with me, neat as you please. A GSP might be good, except they do tend to have a few years of that “puppy phase” - super energetic, playful, getting into things. My sister has a beautiful GSP that’s 6 now… he’s pretty laid back and calm, I don’t even know if you could entice him to run. I fostered a 4-year old field trained GSP, and good lord did that thing have energy to burn! ---
**Author:** ![Septima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@Septima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Septima)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/38 "2008-04-02T18:04:14Z")
My thought was either a German Sheppard or Border Collie. Both are lovely dogs for running and agility - the Border Collie in particularly is great for agility, the German sheppard is THE #1 dog when it comes to obedience training (with the right owner, mind). (Keep in mind, I’ve never owned either a purebred Border or a German Sheppard. I have ownded and raised a dog who is probably nine parts border collie to one part labrador i.e. looks like one, acts like one and is from a line of actual sheep-herding dogs - he just doesn’t have any papers and the shape of the skull isn’t quite Border Collie. My SO’s family breed German Sheppards.) Some issus: The Border Collie can be somewhat flaky. They’ll learn hundreds of tricks in no time, and obey you perfectly - unless they suddenly don’t want to. The trick is to drill into it that a certain activity is “work” (running with you, say.). They are perfectly obedient “at work” - not entirely so when not “at work”. The German Sheppard seems to somewhat unpredictable when it comes to affectionate behaviour. My SO’s parents have had three dogs while I’ve known them (all bitches, if it matters). Two of them are mother and daughter - both are as loving and aggresively affectionate as can be, and will crawl all over you for a scritch behind the ears. The third one os more aloof - she will come greet you at the door, and won’t mind any affection from us, but otherswise seems rather “meh” about the whole thing. So - be careful to select a particular puppy with an affectionate nature, instead of just relying on an “afectionate breed”. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2008, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/39 "2008-04-02T18:36:27Z")
I’m a big fan of goldens. I currently have my 3d - 12 weeks old - at home. But every breed has its advocates. One thing I think favors goldens is the consistency of their behavior/personalities. Any breed of dog _can_ be a great pet. But some just seem to me to be a little more consistent than others. Everything I have read has echoed what has been said about waiting 18-24 months before running a pup. Shepherds, labs, and goldens usually do quite well at most obedience trial competitions, and are heavily used for various aid and rescue functions - which should be a good indicator of those breeds trainability. Border collies are amazing animals. I don’t have much personal experience with them, but I’d question how well they would do if left alone for large parts of the day on a regular basis. My understanding is that they really _need_ regular work or else they tend to develop problems. But, like I said, I’m not an expert. I had a Brittany bitch one time. The most impressive dog I ever knew in terms of being worked. You could NOT tire that bitch out. Which was way cool. And smart as a whip. But then at home she’d go into another room and lie down. Basically wanted nothing to do with us unless we were working her. Not what I wanted in a pet. Having said that, other people rave about their pet Brittanies… Whatever you get, check out the breeders, learn the potential health issues, and - if possible - get a puppy young (7-8 weeks) so you can be a positive influence on it during it’s early development. ---
**Author:** ![bubble\_pop\_electric](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ecae2f/32.png) [@bubble\_pop\_electric](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubble_pop_electric)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2008, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123/40 "2008-04-03T01:48:20Z")
[QUOTE=StGermain] I love dobies - I have two right now. They aren’t wimps about cold, although not an outdoor dog. They love to be loved, love to make you happy, obviously great security dogs (protective but not aggressive). Another breed to think about is the standard poodle. Great intelligence, highly trainable, good coat, good for security. Maybe not the intimidation factor of a dobe, but believe me, no one would want to mess with one in protective mode. I have one of those, too. StG [/QUOTE] Word. My best friend has a standard poodle. It is ginormous and vicious. He loves snow, too…and we live in Central New York. If it’s much colder there though, poodles’ coats can be grown out. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canine-running-companion-suggestions/443123.md?page=1)