Top Six Sporting Dog Breeds That Can Keep Up With Your Active Lifestyle
Getting a dog is essentially the same as adding another member to your family. That’s why it’s essential to pick a canine companion that is compatible with your lifestyle. If you lead an active life, your family will benefit from having a dog that can keep up. This will allow your pooch to accompany you on plenty of adventures.
There are seven different groups of dogs, and they vary tremendously. Today, we’re going to run through these groups, the best sporting dog for an active lifestyle, and finally, how to select the right dog.
What Are the Seven Different Groups of Dogs?
The American Kennel Club (or AKC) officially recognizes seven different groups of dogs. While these groups are all equally wonderful, they’re incredibly different. These groups are broken up by the type of work each breed was originally developed to do.
1. Hound
First up, we have the Hound Group. These dogs were all originally created to pursue warm-blooded prey. They’re often sleek and long-legged, equipped with exceptional speed and vision. Dogs that fall into the Hound Group have strong instincts to hunt their prey.
You might be familiar with breeds such as Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, or Greyhounds. All three of these pups fall into this category.
Working
Up next, we have working dogs. As you might have guessed, these canines are tasked with a different job than their hound counterparts. Working dogs were created to help humans in one capacity or another. This can include pulling sleds, protecting homes, or guarding a flock. Working dogs are some of the most ancient dog breeds. They’re often renowned for their stature, intelligence, and strength.
If you’re familiar with a Husky, Boxer, or Great Dane, then you’re familiar with dogs in the Working Group.
Terrier
Scottish, Bull, and West Highland White Terriers have one thing in common. You guessed it! They’re all in the Terrier Group. These dogs typically have short legs and pep in their step. These dogs make popular companions nowadays.
Toy
Perfectly suited for city dwellers or those with small yards, the Toy Group offers a variety of dogs that will surely fit into the lap of their humans. Toy dogs are known for being attentive and affectionate.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Pugs are all popular toy breeds. If you’re looking for a dog you’re going to be able to satisfy with less space, look no further. A Toy breed is for you.
Herding
Created for the purpose of helping move livestock, Herding Dogs are naturally intelligent and responsive. This allows them to be extremely trainable additions to the family. One Herding Breed, the German Shepherd, is actually trained for police work nowadays. You’ll notice that your Herding Group dog has an abundance of energy, which means you’re going to need to find them a job to satisfy them.
Some Herding Group dog breeds include Pembroke Welsh Corgis or Border Collies.
Non-Sporting
The Non-Sporting Group is the least niche group on this list. They have some things in common, but their differences are more plentiful than their similarities. Think of the Non-Sporting Group as a catch-all for dogs that don’t fall into any of the other categories. Still, all of the dogs that are in this grouping have their own unique histories. They’re also highly desirable companions as they were all created for some form of human interaction.
Poodles and Dalmations both fall into this category.
Sporting
Last but certainly not least, we have the Sporting Group. Dogs that fall into this category were designed with the intention of assisting hunters in the capture and retrieval of game. There are several different types of breeds found within this group.
Retrievers are members of the sporting group, as they specialized in swimming. On the contrary, Setters and Spaniels were designed for hunting on terrain. Sporting Group dog breeds usually have water-repellant, thick coats. This traditionally allowed them to resist the harshness of hunting conditions.
What Are the Best Sporting Dogs to Keep Up With an Active Lifestyle?
If you live an active lifestyle, you can choose dogs from several different groups, and your new canine companion will integrate into your life effectively. However, if you want to make that process easier and find a dog that will bond with your family long-term, you should consider a sporting dog specifically.
The good news is that there are so many wonderful Sporting Group dogs. Choosing the right one can even be difficult due to the abundance of wonderful options. Of course, it’s going to take some time to decide which is best for you, so think about your decision thoroughly.
Since they’re in the same group, these dogs will have some similarities. This means that you’ll have to focus on their more niche personality traits to choose the right one for you.
#1: Labrador Retrievers
Labradors have been in first place for the most popular dog in America for quite some time now, and their reign doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon. These retrievers are popular because they’re equally as comfortable around the younger members of your family as they are spending a day outside in the sun. Labrador Retrievers have several different coat colors, including yellow, black, and chocolate (brown).
Labs have an adventurous streak which means that they make an excellent choice for those who are looking to explore new horizons. While Labrador Retrievers are traditionally hunting dogs, today, they’re better known for their sunny disposition and ability to adapt seamlessly to family life.
#2: Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are another well-loved dog. These large, friendly pets are always ready to explore alongside their human companions. They’re an excellent choice for families with young children, as Goldens get along exceptionally well with youngsters. Gentle and fun-loving, you can’t go wrong by deciding to get a Golden Retriever. Goldens are known for their–you guessed it–shiny gold coat.
Goldens are originally from Scotland and were created to help hunt ducks. Today, they’re sometimes still used for hunting purposes but are more frequently seen as members of the family.
#3: English Springer Spaniels
If you’re looking for a fun, happy-go-lucky, charming yet intelligent dog, the Irish Setter might be the one for you. They’re almost never aggressive and are incredibly welcoming. Irish Setters are able to be trained fairly easily. While they’re excellent hunting dogs, they can adapt very well to being in families with older children.
Since they’re so lively and impulsive, they could potentially knock young children over by mistake, so choose wisely. These dogs do require lots of exercise, but you’ll find that you’ll make your Irish Setter very content by taking them along with you on plenty of active adventures.
#5: Brittanys
Don’t feel like spending hours at the groomer? The Brittany is an active, intelligent, and loyal dog that doesn’t require tons of grooming. This breed is also an excellent match for families with children.
Because they require plenty of exercise, Brittanys work well for those with an active lifestyle. They also make a decent watchdog and an even better hunting dog. Most importantly, your family will love having a Brittany. Easy to train and loving, you can’t go wrong.
#6: Cocker Spaniels
There are few dogs as happy as the Cocker Spaniel. They’re known for having a perpetually wagging tail and their content disposition. Cocker Spaniels are gentle and social, which establishes them as a solid choice for active families with children, especially when these dogs are socialized from a young age.
Because Cocker Spaniels enjoy spending time with their family members, you’re going to want to bring this active breed with you when you get those steps in.
A Sporting Dog
Finding the right dog for your active family is time-consuming, but it’s so worth it when you have the best canine companion. All of these dogs have their own unique qualities, so choose one that you feel is most compatible with your lifestyle and family structure.
These sporting dogs are all active, so get excited about the adventures you’ll have with your furry friend!
SOURCES:
AKC Groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding | AKC
Top 10 Sporting Dog Breeds | Street Directory
8 Most Popular Sporting Dog Breeds | I Heart Dogs
