The 13 Most Energetic Dog Breeds and High-Energy Pups

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Each dog has their own unique personality, no matter what breed they are. However, some dog breeds have a reputation for being high-energy.

Dr. Wayne M. Johnson, a veterinarian at Birdneck Animal Hospital, explains: “A high-energy dog is always on the move—lots of running, jumping, and excitement. They’re the ones that rarely settle down and need constant activity or stimulation.”

Can certain breeds really be more high-energy than others? “Absolutely,” confirms Dr. Johnson. “Certain breeds are bred for work, like herding or hunting, which makes them naturally more energetic. Breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Jack Russell Terriers are known for their high energy. They thrive when they have a job to do.”

With Dr. Johnson’s help, we compiled a list below of the 13 dog breeds with the highest energy levels, plus what caring for one looks like.

Border Collie

Border Collies were bred to work on the farm, so they’re not only intelligent and obedient but also responsive and alert. They need lots of room to play and release their energy. These medium-sized dogs are highly active and are known to resort to destructive behaviors if bored or kept in a small space for too long.

Due to their herding instinct, they may herd other animals or even small children, but these loyal canines make excellent companions who are almost always down for an adventure.

• Size: 19-22 inches tall, 40-55 pounds (males), 18-21 inches tall, 30-45 pounds (females)
• Personality: Intelligent, loyal, and athletic
• Grooming needs: Heavy shedders with double coats; should be groomed every 4-8 weeks and brushed 3 times a week
• Activity requirements: 2-3 hours of exercise daily
• Trainability: Easy
• Barking: High tendency

Australian Shepherd

Like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds are energetic herding dogs who thrive when they have a job and lots of room to roam. These intelligent and loyal dogs are known for being eager to please their people. Due to their strong herding instincts, they tend to herd other pets and potentially even their human family. But they’re full of love, loyalty, and lots of fur.

• Size: 20-23 inches tall, 50-65 pounds (males), 18-21 inches tall, 40-55 pounds (females)
• Personality: Loyal, active, and intelligent
• Grooming needs: Heavy shedders with double coats; should be brushed at least once a week (more during heavy shedding seasons)
• Activity requirements: 2 hours per day
• Trainability: Easy
• Barking: High tendency

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are a small dog breed from Britain known for their playfulness, curiosity, and athleticism. They also had a knack for solving mysteries on 90s television shows. These inquisitive pups have a strong prey drive, so it’s important to start training early to help break those instinctual habits.

• Size: 10-12 inches tall; 9-15 pounds
• Personality: Upbeat, friendly, and inquisitive
• Grooming needs: Should be groomed twice a year; brushed at least once a week
• Activity requirements: 1.5-2 hours of activity daily
• Trainability: Slightly challenging
• Barking: High tendency

Australian Cattle Dog

Herding dogs are some of the most energetic of them all—you have to be to round up cattle on the daily. But just because they’re natural herders doesn’t mean that herding sheep is the only way for them to get their energy out. In other words, if you’re on the lookout for a marathon training buddy, look no further than the Australian Cattle Dog.

These medium-sized dogs are smart, athletic, and known for being excellent running partners. Like other high-energy and intelligent dogs, they may become bored or destructive if left alone for too long.

• Size: 18-20 inches tall (males), 17-19 inches tall (females); 35-50 pounds
• Personality: Alert, protective, and loyal
• Grooming needs: Require minimal grooming; should be brushed 2-4 times a week (depending on shedding)
• Activity requirements: 2+ hours of activity daily
• Trainability: Highly trainable, but need consistency
• Barking: Low tendency

Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers may look like they would be short on stamina, but they’re a high-energy breed. Fortunately, they tend to be very friendly, so you can take them out on the town for plenty of activity. Known for their tuxedo coats, Boston Terriers are typically affectionate with their humans, happy, and strong-willed.

• Size: 10-12 inches tall; 12-25 pounds
• Personality: Playful, intelligent, and affectionate
• Grooming needs: Should be bathed every 4-6 weeks; brushed 2 times a week
• Activity requirements: 50-90 minutes a day
• Trainability: Easy but can be stubborn
• Barking: Low tendency

Dalmatian

Back in the day, Dalmatians trotted alongside carriages, keeping the occupants safe inside. Today, they trot around firehouses and movies—and with lots of loving families! This breed tends to be friendly, love playing, and want to be active all day.

• Size: 19-24 inches tall; 45-70 pounds
• Personality: Outgoing, playful, and loyal
• Grooming needs: High shedders that should be brushed at least once a week; bath every 1-2 months
• Activity requirements: 2 hours of exercise per day
• Trainability: Can be difficult for first-time pet parents
• Barking: Low to medium tendency (may bark more if bored or left alone)

Golden Retriever

It’s not surprising that Golden Retrievers are such a popular breed—they’re friendly, gentle, and fun to run around the backyard with. They love being in the water, too, so if you live by a lake, pond, or ocean, that’ll allow them to burn off some energy while doing something they really love.

• Size: 23-24 inches tall, 65-75 pounds (males); 21.5-22.5 inches tall, 55-65 pounds (females)
• Personality: Friendly, even-tempered, and playful
• Grooming needs: Bath every 4-6 weeks; brush weekly (during times of high shedding, brushing daily is recommended)
• Activity requirements: 1 hour of exercise daily
• Trainability: Highly trainable
• Barking: Tend not to bark much

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular choices for a family dog. They’re gentle, kind, loyal, smart, friendly, and fun. Labs are always down for a game of fetch, a jog around the neighborhood, or playing tag with the neighborhood kids.

• Size: 22.5-24.5 inches tall, 65-80 pounds (males); 21.5-23.5 inches tall, 55-70 pounds (females)
• Personality: Gentle, outgoing, and intelligent
• Grooming needs: Bathe once a month; brush once a week
• Activity requirements: At least 80 minutes of exercise daily
• Trainability: Easy
• Barking: Moderate

Siberian Husky

This Siberian Husky was originally bred in Siberia a whopping 3,000 years ago for sledding. Thanks to its warm fur coat, limitless energy, and impressive work ethic, the Husky was able to withstand freezing temperatures for extended periods of time. While they’re not always used for sledding today, those traits have stuck around, making the Husky a good companion for a human with an active lifestyle.

• Size: 21-23.5 inches tall, 45-60 pounds (males); 20-22 inches tall, 35-50 pounds (females)
• Personality: Intelligent, stubborn, and outgoing
• Grooming needs: Only needs to bathe a few times a year; weekly brushing is recommended to brush out undercoat
• Activity requirements: At least 2 hours of exercise daily
• Trainability: Can be challenging for first-time pet parents; the breed tends to have a strong will and an independent nature
• Barking: Infrequent barkers, but with a wide range of vocal expressions

Vizsla

Even though their temperament can be quiet and cuddly (they love to be right by your side), the Vizsla is hound-bred to be active. Originally hunting dogs, they like to be out in the forest, the field, or the water and are especially agile and quick. Vizslas are popular companions for hunters, thanks to their loyal, protective nature and sharp senses.

• Size: 22-24 inches tall, 55-60 pounds (males); 21-23 inches tall, 44-55 pounds (females)
• Personality: Loyal, affectionate, and intelligent
• Grooming needs: Their short coat hair doesn’t require much grooming, but they should be brushed once a week
• Activity requirements: At least 30 minutes daily
• Trainability: Tend to be highly trainable
• Barking: Low to moderate

German Shorthaired Pointer

This medium-sized German hunting dog is known for its strong athletic build, big floppy ears, and beautiful spotted markings on its coat. German Shorthaired Pointers are loving and loyal, making them great for active families. However, they thrive on attention and don’t do well being left alone for long.

• Size: 23-25 inches tall, 55-70 pounds (males); 21-23 inches tall, 45-60 pounds (females)
• Personality: Bold, affectionate, and playful
• Grooming needs: About every 4-8 weeks for grooming; brush 1-2 times a week
• Activity requirements: 1-2 hours daily
• Trainability: Easy
• Barking: Moderate

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is another dog originating from Germany with a history of being bred for hunting big game. They can be medium to large in size and have short and long-haired coats. They make fantastic family pets due to their loyalty, intelligence, and friendliness. They’re quick learners but can grow bored easily and develop separation anxiety, especially if left alone for long spans of time.

• Size: 25-27 inches tall, 70-90 pounds (males); 23-25 inches tall, 55-75 pounds (females)
• Personality: Obedient, friendly, and alert
• Grooming needs: Important to keep up with nail trims as they tend to grow fast; brush weekly
• Activity requirements: 2 hours of exercise daily
• Trainability: Easy
• Barking: Moderate

Boxer

Boxers are muscular, medium- to large-breed dogs that originated in Germany. These friendly and energetic dogs were once bred as working dogs but have become beloved family pets due to their loyalty and outgoing personalities. Their intelligence and loyalty make them excellent service dogs.

• Size: 23-25 inches tall, 65-80 pounds (males); 21.5-23.5 inches tall, 50-65 pounds (females)
• Personality: Loyal, friendly, and courageous
• Grooming needs: Bathed every few months; brushed weekly
• Activity requirements: 90 minutes of exercise daily
• Trainability: Easy to moderate; can be stubborn
• Barking: Low barkers but known to be vocal and make growling noises

FAQs about High-Energy Dogs

What does “high-energy” mean for a dog?

High-energy dogs need more than just exercise; they also require mental stimulation and activity. Most high-energy dogs are alert, playful, and constantly on the move. They don’t do well with boredom or being left alone for long stretches of time. They often require human attention and lots of interaction throughout the day.

What does it look like to care for one?

“Daily exercise is a must—long walks, runs, or playtime,” said Dr. Johnson. “Mental stimulation is just as important, so activities like training, puzzles, or agility work are great.”

Is a dog’s breed a good predictor of their energy level?

A dog’s breed can be a good predictor of their energy levels. For example, most herding and working dogs need a lot of activity, so you can bet they’ll almost always be high-energy dogs.

How much space does a high-energy dog need?

This varies depending on each dog and their breed. While Boston Terriers can fit in smaller spaces as long as they get to go on walks, Border Collies are better suited for homes on farms or with lots of land. “While more space helps, especially a yard, it’s not the only factor,” says Dr. Johnson. “Even in smaller homes, as long as the dog gets regular outdoor exercise, they can thrive.”

How much time does a high-energy dog require?

This also depends on the breed, but most high-energy dogs require at least 1 hour of high-activity daily exercise, and 2 is better.

Who’s a good fit for a high-energy dog?

High-energy dogs are often best suited for pet parents and families who are adventurous and on the go—and happy to take their dogs with them. “Active people who love outdoor activities, like running or hiking, are a great match,” says Dr. Johnson. “These dogs need someone who can keep up with their exercise needs.”

Further Reading

• What Kind of Dog Should You Get? A Dog Breed Selector
• Surprisingly Effective Ways to Handle High-Energy Dogs
• 6 Great Games and Activities for High-Energy Dogs
• The 12 Best High-Protein Dog Foods for Active Breeds and Seniors