Four legged running companions

     Yesterday I mentioned that having a friend to run with can really help you be accountable/ responsible and get you out there.  Sometimes those running buddies happen to have four legs and a tail!  However, not just any dog is a great running friend-- there are some that will love different kinds (and lengths) of runs.

This is our dog Stella...she is not the running type, obviously!  A trip to the mailbox (1/2 mile there and back) and she's totally exhausted...poor little smushed face!

 If you are looking for a pet, and think it would fit into your running lifestyle, then doing a little research is a great way to start out!  If you don't have room for one, some shelters and even family and friends might let you borrow Fido to help burn off some excess energy!  Either way, here are some of the top contenders for a four legged running companion.

Best Dogs for Long distances (over 10 miles)

These guys (Jack Russels) are small, but they LOVE to run and have boundless energy!

• Jack Russel Terriors

• Vizslas

• Weimeraners

Great Sprinters and Short Distances

Labs make great family pets too-- and they love water sports, so maybe a triathalon training buddy?

• Pit Bulls
• Golden Retrievers/ Labs
• Greyhounds

Fastest and Slowest Paced Pups

Weimeraners are also wonderfully beautiful!

Fastest:

• Vizslas
• Weimeraners
• German Shorthair Pointer

Catahoulas will keep you safe, and they love trails too!

Slowest/ best "Sloggers":

• Catahoulas
• Dalmations
• Labradors

      Whatever research you do, please check out your local shelter and rescue organization first!!  There are so many amazing animals there (some of these listed, purebred, and lots of amazing mixes that are full of these trails and more!), and you never know what you might get. 

     I have an amazing personal story about this very thing-- my parents dog, Sally!  We had a border collie mix for almost 16 years, and when she passed away there was just a hole that we couldn't fill.  We had another small dog, and she mourned the loss of her friend so much that she wouldn't eat or drink.  My dad looked all over, and found this 3 year old border collie in a rescue almost 9 hours from our hometown.  They got in the car the next day to go and get her!  

This is what they were met with when they arrived-- she came to them and never looked back!  She rode the 9 hour drive home with absolutely no complaint, she loves riding!

      She now goes out with my mom almost every day-- she knows when mom gets home that it's time to go!  She will walk back and forth from her shoes to the door, and generally make my mom get her daily in!  It's been years now ( I think it's been 5 or 6-- we've lost track!) and she is the constant companion for her, and a great rescue story all around.

Do you run with a furry friend?  What kind is it? Are there any breeds I missed listing? Let me know below!!