How far dogs can run? The speed and distance a dog can run vary from one dog to another. It’s not just about the breed; other things matter too. For instance, not all border collies are great runners, even though they’re known for their endurance. Dogs can run different distances depending on their training and health. Greyhounds can sprint at 45 mph, but smaller or older dogs might not go as far. Most dogs can comfortably run 5 to 8 miles a day, which adds up to about 25 to 40 miles in a week. Some really fit dogs can even run 15 to 20 miles a day or over 100 miles a week. The dog’s age, genes, overall health, how they were raised, and their personality all play a role.
In this article, I’ll talk about how long dogs run, how far you can go running with your dog, which dogs are good running partners, and how to get ready for a race with your furry friend. I’ll also explain how dogs run and what makes many of them speedy.
Factors: How Long Can Dogs Run Before They Get Tired
Dogs are better at running short and fast, but not so good at running for a long time. But some breeds of dogs, and some dogs themselves, can run for a while and be good running partners.
Several factors play an important role in determining how long a dog can run:
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Your Dog Breed
Some dog breeds are better at running and keeping up with you during exercise, while others are not so great at it. The breeds that are usually good for running are the sporting and working breeds. Even some smaller dogs like terriers can be great running companions. Here are some of the best breeds for running:
- Weimaraner
- German and English Pointers
- Hungarian Vizsla
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Labrador, Golden, Chesapeake, Curly, and Flat-coated Retrievers
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- German, Belgian, and Australian Shepherds
- Blue Heeler and Kelpie Cattle dogs
- Border and Rough Collies
- Husky
- Standard Poodle
On the other hand, there are breeds that are not well-suited for running. These include dogs with flat faces like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. Also, very large and muscular dogs like Mastiffs, Saint Bernard’s, and Newfoundlands are not good for longer runs.
Your Dog Age
Age plays an important role in running. Running is good exercise for healthy adult dogs, but not for puppies. aged dogs need less exercise, and they become seniors around 7 or 8 years old, depending on their breed. Some older dogs develop hip or elbow problems like dysplasia or arthritis. For tips on exercising older dogs, check here.
Your Dog Health
A dog’s ability to run well depends a lot on its health. If a dog is overweight or has health problems, it might not be able to run for very long. Before you start running with your dog, it’s important to have your vet check if your dog is healthy enough for it.
Training of your Dog
Exercising and training regularly can make a dog better at running over time.
How many miles can a puppy run?
The short and direct answer is zero. Puppies should not go for running. Running isn’t good for them because their muscles, tendons, and bones are still growing. Running can hurt their growth and lead to injuries. Only adult dogs should go for running.
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How Many Miles Can a Dog Run (By Breed)
Here are the details about the dog running by breed
1. Collie
How long can a Border Collie run?
Border Collies are very energetic dogs, and some can run really far, like 40 to 48 kilometers, but that’s not typical. A good amount of running for a healthy Border Collie is around 16 to 24 kilometers regularly. These dogs are super active and smart. They can work hard all day and need lots of playtime. They love mental challenges too.
How fast can a Border Collie run?
Border Collies are fast dogs that can run between 20 to 30 miles per hour. They’re really good at quickly changing direction while keeping their speed. This skill is perfect for herding animals.
2. Pitbull
How far can a Pitbull run?
Pitbulls are strong and athletic dogs. They can be great running partners, but not for super long distances because they have big muscles. However, if you train them and keep them in good shape, they can run 3 to 7 miles (5 to 11 km) without much trouble. Pitbulls need at least an hour of exercise every day to use up their extra energy and stay healthy.
How fast can a pitbull run?
Their strong muscles allow them to run as fast as 25 to 30 miles per hour (40 to 48 kilometers per hour).
3. Golden Retriever
How far can a Golden Retrievers run?
Golden Retrievers are active dogs that enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. A healthy Golden Retriever can run more than 25 miles (about 40 kilometers), but it’s best to aim for 10 to 15 miles (around 16 to 24 kilometers) of exercise a day. These dogs need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy, prevent boredom, and release their extra energy.
How fast can a Golden Retriever run?
Golden Retrievers are quite fast and can run as fast as 25 to 30 miles per hour, or even up to 35 miles per hour.
Tips for Running with Your Dog
- Begin with short walks and gradually increase distance and speed.
- Always use a leash for safety and control.
- Run during cooler times of the day.
- Check your dog’s paws for cuts or sores.
- Bring water for both you and your dog.
- Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort.
- Choose routes with good paths and avoid busy roads.
- Start and finish with a short walk to warm up and cool down.
- Have fun and enjoy your time together!
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FAQS: How Long Can Dogs Run?
Still not satisfied Here are some frequently asked questions
How long is it safe for dogs to run?
Labradors, Beagles, and English Setters are good for short runs up to 6 miles. But if you want to go on really long runs of 10 miles or more with your dog, Huskies, Goldendoodles, Weimaraners, and Vizslas are great choices because they enjoy it.
How long should dogs run a day?
Most dogs need to play and move around for about 30 minutes to 2 hours every day. Big dogs like retrievers, collies, and shepherds need the most exercise, while smaller dogs like terriers and Maltese don’t need as much.
Do dogs get tired of running?
Be careful when running with young dogs because puppies might not be ready to run until they’re all grown up. And with older dogs, keep in mind that they may still like to run, but they could get tired faster than younger dogs.
How fast can a common dog run?
Most dogs can run at speeds of 15 to 20 miles per hour, but some are slower and others can run even faster. How fast a dog can run depends on their body, the type of dog they are, and if they are healthy.
Can a dog run a marathon?
Yes, Some dogs can run marathons with proper training, but it’s tough. Marathons are very tiring. I ran a few with my German Shepherd, but we kept our training runs under 15 miles. If you want your dog to run a marathon, they need to train a lot, around 80 to 100 miles per week.