One of the great joys of owning a dog is incorporating your pet into your favorite activities. Dogs can be running partners, Frisbee partners or swimming buddies. Some breeds were made for an active lifestyle. They are high energy and can endure longer periods of activity than other breeds. In fact, some breeds actually need the activity and stimulation of an active lifestyle in order to be healthy and happy. So, here’s my list of the top five dogs for active people.

1.       Border Collie: This breed has such a strong instinct to run and herd small animals that being inactive will often cause problems in the household with chewing and general destruction. Put a border collie to work, and it will be happy. Whether it’s a daily run, herding up the children of the house or doing agility courses, the border collie needs physical and mental stimulation, and is perfect for someone who loves the outdoors (and not for a couch potato.)

2.       Siberian Husky: I have a special place in my heart for huskies because Freda is a Siberian husky mix. This breed has a lot of stamina and can be very powerful. They should not be trusted off leash unless they are very well trained, as they have a propensity for wandering, but they make great hiking (or dog sledding) partners. (This is a good time to point out that every dog is different though, because to be honest, Freda is really lazy. Maybe she’s just old, but while she loves a good run, she seems happier just lying around the house.)

3.       Labrador Retriever: The ultimate family dog, Labs are happy, active and sweet. With training, Labradors can be the ultimate running, hiking or boating companion. Like most retrievers, they love water and, well…retrieving stuff. Be sure to focus on obedience from the beginning in order to keep this rambunctious breed from getting difficult to handle. As a side note, Lab puppies and adults are one of the most popular breeds in most animal shelters, so consider saving the life of a Lab in need instead of paying a breeder.

4.       Jack Russell Terrier: While not as easy to train as some breeds, Jack Russell terriers have all the energy and need for mental stimulation as other active dogs. They are incredibly smart and sometimes stubborn, but anyone looking for a smaller, easy to groom and high-energy dog will love the Jack Russell. Get involved in agility training with the Jack Russell terrier to see just how smart this breed can be!

5.       Weimaraner: I think Weimaraners are beautiful dogs with their silver-gray color and unusual eyes. They are also fast, powerful dogs that require appropriate obedience training and exercise. Bred as hunting dogs, Weimaraners are the perfect dog for a long distance runner looking for a companion. This breed has incredible speed, but also endurance. Be sure to provide firm but kind training to ensure that your Weimaraner is friendly to strangers and other animals.