Hi all,
Just completed my initiation ceremony of 10 posts and now to get to my question.
I need help trying to find a running companion dog breed that would work for me.
About me: I am a short woman (148cm tall) and I am a slow runner. 6kmph and maybe I may eventually reach 7kmph but I don't see myself going faster than that. I do long slow runs... sometimes walk and run and trying to train for a 50K by the end of this year. I run on trails and my 50k is a trail run.
I live in a city that has a pleasant cool climate most year (high 28 degree C and low 20 degree C) . March - June is pleasant and cool in the morning but gets really hot by noon (highs of 35 degrees C and lows of 22 degree C). Humidity is very low in summer and non-existent the rest of the year.
Live in an apartment with a terrace garden and a large dog sized cooling pool.
AND being a woman runner, a bit of protective instinct in the dog would be a nice plus
(Also, I know if I get a pup within the next few months, it will be at least 2 years before I can start slowly introducing him/her to long runs... provided he/she enjoys it *fingers crossed*) and hopefully by then I would be a really seasoned long distance runner too.
So with these info, could some one give me some recommendations and advice based on your experiences? At the moment I am trying to consider between:
1. Border collie
2. Dalmatian
3. Labrador
4. Golden Retriever
5. Standard poodle
6. Jack Russell Terrier
7. Parson Russell Terrier (Though I doubt this breed is available here)
oh and we I have a 4 yr old female Maltese at home.
Comments
Also, would be considering adult dogs if I find the right ones to adopt. Though its usually hard to find these breeds at shelters here.
https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20810747/the-best-types-of-dogs-for-runners/
All the best.
Border collies are not beginner dogs - they have a lot of energy and can be very demanding.
I've had labs for the last 25 years and they make great running companions.They're easy to train,willing to please and have great stamina.Mine weren't great in hot weather,so I'd get them out early in the morning when still cool.If they get a scent of food they might do a detour but apart from that they're great.I have two,one is 11, she's past it now,but in her prime she was incredible and a 9 month pup,she'll come out with me properly in about 12 months time.All of mine have been from working stock,so they seem to be leaner and not as stocky than show labs.
Good luck in finding the right dog.