Active Dog Breeds
Active breeds are brilliant for households who genuinely want a dog as a daily activity partner. Long walks, off-lead time where safe, dog sports, scent work, and consistent mental engagement are typically part of life with one of these breeds. They are not a good fit for households whose dog-time will be confined to two short walks a day — under-exercised working breeds frequently develop frustration behaviours that owners find hard to live with.
420 breeds in this category
Labrador Retriever
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
Golden Retriever
From Scotland
Affectionate, trustworthy, eager, sociable
German Shepherd Dog
From Germany
Confident, loyal, alert, hardworking
Poodle (Standard)
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Beagle
From England
Cheerful, curious, amiable, determined
Rottweiler
From Germany
Confident, watchful, even-tempered, courageous
German Shorthaired Pointer
From Germany
Enthusiastic, cooperative, bold, affectionate
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Alert, loyal, outgoing, spirited
Australian Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, devoted, work-driven
Boxer
From Germany
Playful, loyal, alert, spirited
Siberian Husky
From Russia
Friendly, mischievous, independent, gentle
Doberman Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, fearless, intelligent, energetic
Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie)
From Scotland
Bright, responsive, loyal, sensitive
Brittany
From France
Happy, agile, attentive, eager
English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, obedient, gentle
Border Collie
From Scotland
Intense, smart, energetic, responsive
Airedale Terrier
From England
Alert, bold, versatile, friendly
American Pit Bull Terrier
From United States
Confident, affectionate, driven, tenacious
American Staffordshire Terrier
From United States
Loyal, confident, attentive, brave
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
From England
Clever, courageous, affectionate, bold
English Cocker Spaniel
From England
Merry, affectionate, responsive, keen
English Setter
From England
Gentle, friendly, biddable, lively
Irish Setter
From Ireland
Enthusiastic, affectionate, energetic, eager
Whippet
From England
Gentle, amiable, quick, affectionate
Afghan Hound
From Afghanistan
Dignified, independent, aloof, sensitive
Basenji
From Central Africa
Smart, curious, independent, poised
Pharaoh Hound
From Malta
Friendly, alert, intelligent, athletic
Ibizan Hound
From Spain
Athletic, sensitive, playful, polite
Alaskan Malamute
From United States
Steady, affectionate, strong-willed, dignified
Samoyed
From Russia
Bright, gentle, alert, social
Rough Collie
From Scotland
Responsive, devoted, gentle, alert
Smooth Collie
From Scotland
Smart, affectionate, attentive, agile
Belgian Malinois
From Belgium
Focused, driven, confident, alert
Belgian Tervuren
From Belgium
Energetic, intelligent, protective, devoted
Belgian Sheepdog
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, loyal, energetic
Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler / Queensland Heeler)
From Australia
Alert, tough, loyal, intense
Shiba Inu
From Japan
Alert, confident, spirited, reserved
Miniature Pinscher
From Germany
Fearless, curious, lively, bold
Jack Russell Terrier
From England
Bold, energetic, clever, driven
Parson Russell Terrier
From England
Alert, lively, confident, intelligent
Cairn Terrier
From Scotland
Cheerful, alert, independent, tough
Wire Fox Terrier
From England
Friendly, bold, quick, assertive
Kerry Blue Terrier
From Ireland
Alert, determined, affectionate, bold
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
From Ireland
Cheerful, affectionate, confident, spirited
Dogo Argentino
From Argentina
Courageous, loyal, athletic, determined
Rhodesian Ridgeback
From Zimbabwe
Even-tempered, athletic, loyal, independent
Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, sensitive, energetic
Weimaraner
From Germany
Energetic, fearless, headstrong, devoted
Pointer
From England
Even-tempered, hardworking, affectionate, responsive
Gordon Setter
From Scotland
Loyal, serious, affectionate, dignified
English Foxhound
From England
Genial, active, determined, pack-oriented
American Foxhound
From United States
Sweet, independent, active, good-natured
Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Loyal, bold, alert, friendly
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
From United States
Courageous, loyal, tireless, sensible
Flat-Coated Retriever
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, birdy, eager
Curly-Coated Retriever
From England
Smart, confident, reserved, hardworking
Welsh Springer Spaniel
From Wales
Loyal, affectionate, diligent, steady
Boykin Spaniel
From United States
Friendly, eager, energetic, keen
Spinone Italiano
From Italy
Patient, docile, resilient, affectionate
Lagotto Romagnolo
From Italy
Keen, affectionate, quick, diligent
Irish Water Spaniel
From Ireland
Smart, spirited, humorous, confident
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
From Netherlands
Loyal, eager, sensitive, outdoorsy
German Wirehaired Pointer
From Germany
Driven, loyal, confident, energetic
German Longhaired Pointer
From Germany
Calm, cooperative, affectionate, driven
Bracco Italiano
From Italy
Affectionate, docile, diligent, sensitive
Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
From France
Merry, bold, curious, vocal
Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
From France
Cheerful, determined, outgoing, vocal
Wirehaired Vizsla
From Hungary
Affectionate, eager, resilient, gentle
Old English Sheepdog
From England
Comical, adaptable, protective, gentle
Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Steady, loyal, fearless, confident
Appenzeller Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Energetic, alert, confident, devoted
Entlebucher Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Devoted, determined, alert, energetic
Pyrenean Shepherd
From France
Intense, smart, devoted, agile
Swedish Vallhund
From Sweden
Cheerful, watchful, energetic, bold
Finnish Lapphund
From Finland
Friendly, alert, docile, eager
Icelandic Sheepdog
From Iceland
Happy, alert, friendly, energetic
Norwegian Buhund
From Norway
Cheerful, alert, energetic, clever
Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, independent, protective
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
From Poland
Bright, confident, watchful, affectionate
Portuguese Water Dog
From Portugal
Loyal, spirited, intelligent, biddable
American Eskimo Dog
From United States
Bright, alert, playful, affectionate
Finnish Spitz
From Finland
Lively, independent, vocal, friendly
Norwegian Lundehund
From Norway
Alert, agile, curious, sensitive
Shikoku
From Japan
Loyal, alert, reserved, brave
Kishu Ken
From Japan
Calm, loyal, courageous, reserved
Kai Ken
From Japan
Alert, agile, faithful, reserved
Hokkaido
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, hardy
Thai Ridgeback
From Thailand
Independent, alert, strong-willed, loyal
Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Serious, independent, loyal, intense
Plott Hound
From United States
Bold, loyal, alert, driven
Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Friendly, determined, vocal, devoted
Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, affectionate, driven
Treeing Walker Coonhound
From United States
Active, confident, intelligent, sociable
Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Easygoing, brave, sociable, determined
American English Coonhound
From United States
Sociable, athletic, persistent, good-natured
Lakeland Terrier
From England
Confident, cheerful, game, independent
Welsh Terrier
From Wales
Happy, confident, alert, friendly
Bedlington Terrier
From England
Gentle, spirited, intelligent, affectionate
Manchester Terrier
From England
Bright, spirited, observant, loyal
Miniature Bull Terrier
From England
Comical, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
Bull Terrier
From England
Playful, courageous, stubborn, affectionate
American Hairless Terrier
From United States
Lively, curious, alert, affectionate
Rat Terrier
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, tenacious
Schipperke
From Belgium
Alert, confident, curious, mischievous
Saluki
From Middle East
Reserved, gentle, independent, fast
Azawakh
From West Africa
Reserved, loyal, vigilant, elegant
Sloughi
From North Africa
Reserved, noble, gentle, athletic
Africanis
From South Africa
Agile, alert, affectionate, resilient
Ainu Dog
From Japan
Courageous, alert, loyal, reserved
Airedale
From England
Alert, bold, trainable, friendly
Alano Espanol
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
Alano Español
From Spain
Courageous, stable, determined, tolerant
Alaskan Husky
From United States
Athletic, focused, social, driven
Alaskan Klee Kai
From United States
Alert, curious, energetic, reserved with strangers
Alopekis
From Greece
Calm, companionable, cooperative, loyal
Alpine Dachsbracke
From Austria
Reliable, determined, sociable, even-tempered
American Black and Tan Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, mellow, sociable
American Blue Gascon Hound
From United States
Steady, determined, amicable, focused
American Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
North American Indian Dog
From United States
Attentive, loyal, sensitive, adaptable
American Leopard Hound
From United States
Energetic, determined, even-tempered, eager to please
American Water Spaniel
From United States
Cheerful, eager, intelligent, hardy
American White Shepherd
From United States
Intelligent, devoted, alert, sensitive
Appenzell Mountain Dog
From Switzerland
Lively, bold, loyal, diligent
Appenzeller
From Switzerland
Alert, energetic, confident, devoted
Argentine Dogo
From Argentina
Brave, loyal, determined, steady
Ariege Pointing Dog
From France
Eager, responsive, calm, friendly
Ariegeois
From France
Gentle, energetic, amicable, focused
Armant
From Egypt
Vigilant, loyal, hardworking, affectionate with family
Australian Cobberdog
From Australia
Gentle, intelligent, sociable, intuitive
Australian Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
From Australia
Energetic, watchful, loyal, determined
Austrian Black and Tan Hound
From Austria
Calm, diligent, friendly, reliable
Auvergne Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
Barbado da Terceira
From Portugal
Loyal, biddable, energetic, affectionate
Barbet
From France
Cheerful, willing, gentle, sociable
Basset Fauve de Bretagne
From France
Merry, determined, friendly, clever
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
From Germany
Balanced, reserved, devoted, persistent
Beagle-Harrier
From France
Friendly, determined, sociable, hardy
Bearded Collie
From Scotland
Playful, intelligent, exuberant, hardy
Beauceron
From France
Confident, loyal, watchful, willing
Belgian Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
Belgian Shepherd Groenendael
From Belgium
Energetic, alert, sensitive, loyal
Belgian Shepherd Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
Belgian Shepherd Tervuren
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
Berger Blanc Suisse
From Switzerland
Gentle, intelligent, loyal, sensitive
Berger Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
Billy
From France
Calm, determined, friendly, resilient
Black Mouth Cur
From United States
Brave, loyal, energetic, biddable
Black Norwegian Elkhound
From Norway
Alert, bold, friendly, independent
Black Russian Terrier
From Russia
Confident, calm, loyal, courageous
Blue Picardy Spaniel
From France
Balanced, friendly, steady, willing
Bluetick Coonhound
From United States
Determined, mellow, intelligent, friendly
Andalusian Podenco
From Spain
Alert, agile, independent, friendly with pack
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
From France
Lively, friendly, determined, pack-oriented
Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie (Alt)
From France
Lively, friendly, determined, pack-oriented
Austrian Brandlbracke
From Austria
Calm, diligent, friendly, reliable
Balkan Hound
From Balkans
Even-tempered, determined, sociable, resilient
Balkan Scenthound
From Balkans
Calm, determined, friendly, pack-oriented
Balkanski Gonic
From Balkans
Sociable, driven, balanced, enduring
Banjara Hound
From India
Aloof, athletic, loyal, resilient
Bedouin Shepherd Dog
From Middle East
Vigilant, loyal, resilient, reserved
Belgian Shepherd Laekenois
From Belgium
Watchful, intelligent, devoted, wary of strangers
Bench-Legged Feist
From United States
Energetic, keen, loyal, eager
Berger des Picard
From France
Lively, observant, loyal, humorous
Berger des Pyrnes
From France
Intense, clever, spirited, affectionate
Berger des Pyrénées
From France
Quick, bright, loyal, energetic
Bernese Hound
From Switzerland
Friendly, determined, calm, sociable
Black Forest Hound
From Germany
Balanced, diligent, friendly, focused
Blue Lacy
From United States
Driven, intelligent, alert, loyal
Bohemian Shepherd
From Czech Republic
Friendly, obedient, alert, devoted
Border Terrier
From United Kingdom
Plucky, affectionate, game, trainable
Bosanski Ostrodlaki Gonic (Barak)
From Bosnia
Hardy, friendly, persistent, calm
Bouvier des Flandres
From Belgium
Confident, loyal, courageous, steady
Bouvier des Ardennes
From Belgium
Alert, devoted, tough, lively
Braque du Bourbonnais
From France
Affectionate, willing, calm, biddable
Braque Francais Gascogne
From France
Gentle, cooperative, composed, affectionate
Braque Français Pyrenean
From France
Lively, affectionate, responsive, willing
Brazilian Terrier
From Brazil
Alert, cheerful, smart, spirited
Briard
From France
Loyal, fearless, obedient, affectionate
Briquet Griffon Vendéen
From France
Merry, determined, hardy, social
Brittany Spaniel
From France
Bright, eager, affectionate, agile
Canadian Eskimo Dog
From Canada
Hardy, loyal, alert, driven
Canadian Inuit Dog
From Canada
Strong, resilient, loyal, energetic
Canarian Warren Hound
From Spain
Courageous, enthusiastic, dynamic, noble
Cane Corso Italiano
From Italy
Loyal, intelligent, protective, athletic
Mudhol Hound
From India
Reserved, devoted, alert, athletic
Cardigan Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Loyal, clever, watchful, affectionate
Carolina Dog
From United States
Loyal, independent, alert, gentle
Catalan Sheepdog
From Spain
Intelligent, loyal, lively, affectionate
Cesky Fousek
From Czech Republic
Willing, calm, biddable, affectionate
Chart Polski
From Poland
Reserved, loyal, courageous, independent
Chien dArtois
From France
Calm, friendly, determined, sociable
Chinook
From United States
Gentle, willing, calm, athletic
Chippiparai
From India
Loyal, alert, intelligent, independent
Hortaya Borzaya
From Russia
Calm, neutral-friendly, independent, enduring
Chuandong Hound
From China
Alert, devoted, bold, intense
Cimarron Uruguayo
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
Cirneco dellEtna
From Italy
Lively, gentle, attentive, independent
Cao da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel
From Azores
Protective, confident, intense, loyal
Kombai
From India
Brave, loyal, alert, independent
Cretan Hound
From Greece
Alert, agile, gentle, independent
Croatian Sheepdog
From Croatia
Energetic, biddable, alert, loyal
Czechoslovakian Vlcak
From Czech Republic
Alert, courageous, intelligent, intense
Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
From Czech Republic
Loyal, fearless, independent, energetic
Cão da Serra de Aires
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Cão de Fila de São Miguel
From Azores
Protective, confident, intense, loyal
Dalmatian
From Croatia
Outgoing, smart, active, loyal
Danish-Swedish Farmdog
From Denmark
Friendly, lively, attentive, willing
Deutsch Drahthaar
From Germany
Hardy, trainable, determined, loyal
Deutsche Bracke
From Germany
Friendly, persistent, balanced, social
Deutscher Wachtelhund
From Germany
Eager, friendly, energetic, biddable
Dingo
From Australia
Alert, resourceful, wary, intelligent
Doberman
From Germany
Confident, alert, loyal, energetic
Drentsche Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
Drentse Patrijshond
From Netherlands
Gentle, willing, intelligent, loyal
Drever
From Sweden
Even-tempered, determined, friendly, calm
Dunker
From Norway
Calm, friendly, diligent, social
Dutch Shepherd
From Netherlands
Intelligent, loyal, watchful, athletic
Dutch Shepherd Dog
From Netherlands
Energetic, loyal, responsive, protective
East European Shepherd
From Russia
Confident, loyal, alert, resilient
East Siberian Laika
From Russia
Alert, hardy, independent, devoted
Elkhound (see Norwegian Elkhound)
From Norway
Bold, friendly, dependable, alert
English Coonhound
From United States
Outgoing, determined, good-natured, energetic
English Pointer
From England
Friendly, driven, even-tempered, responsive
English Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, energetic, biddable
English Springer Spaniel
From England
Friendly, eager, attentive, active
Entlebucher
From Switzerland
Loyal, determined, alert, smart
Entlebucher Sennenhund
From Switzerland
Devoted, agile, vigilant, trainable
Eskimo Dog
From Arctic
Hardy, alert, social, energetic
Estonian Hound
From Estonia
Cheerful, determined, sociable, alert
Finnish Hound
From Finland
Calm, persistent, social, even-tempered
French Brittany Spaniel
From France
Eager, affectionate, intelligent, agile
French Spaniel
From France
Gentle, cooperative, friendly, adaptable
French Tricolor Hound
From France
Sociable, persistent, calm, obedient
French White and Black Hound
From France
Calm, obedient, sociable, determined
French White and Orange Hound
From France
Sociable, steady, willing, enduring
Galgo Espaol
From Spain
Calm, loyal, sensitive, swift
Galgo Español
From Spain
Gentle, loyal, quiet, swift
Gammel Dansk Hønsehund
From Denmark
Calm, willing, reliable, affectionate
Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, determined, gentle
German Hunt Terrier
From Germany
Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic
German Pinscher
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, confident
German Rough-Haired Pointing Dog
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
Schafpudel
From Germany
Intelligent, willing, gentle, loyal
Giant Schnauzer
From Germany
Bold, intelligent, protective, driven
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
From France
Calm, obedient, social, determined
Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
From France
Sociable, persistent, even-tempered, resilient
Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
From France
Happy, determined, friendly, independent
Grand Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, determined, sociable, steady
Grand Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, persistent, calm
Grand Griffon Vendéen
From France
Brave, determined, sociable, independent
Greek Hound
From Greece
Determined, friendly, steady, focused
Greek Sheepdog
From Greece
Independent, courageous, decisive, loyal
Greenland Dog
From Greenland
Hardy, determined, social, energetic
Griffon Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Lively, sociable, determined, vocal
Griffon Fauve de Bretagne
From France
Brave, eager, friendly, determined
Griffon Nivernais
From France
Courageous, independent, hardy, loyal
Groenendael
From Belgium
Alert, loyal, sensitive, energetic
Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
Grosser Münsterländer Vorstehhund (Alt)
From Germany
Trainable, lively, affectionate, keen
Halden Hound
From Norway
Calm, friendly, determined, social
Hamilton Hound
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
Hamiltonstovare
From Sweden
Friendly, eager, steady, confident
Hanoverian Hound
From Germany
Serious, loyal, patient, focused
Hanoverian Scenthound
From Germany
Loyal, calm, diligent, reserved
Harrier
From England
Cheerful, outgoing, determined, pack-oriented
Hellenikos Ichnilatis
From Greece
Determined, friendly, steady, focused
Himalayan Sheepdog
From India
Loyal, resilient, protective, calm
Hokkaido Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, loyal, dignified
Hovawart
From Germany
Loyal, watchful, intelligent, confident
Hungarian Puli
From Hungary
Lively, smart, vocal, loyal
Hungarian Wire-Haired Pointing Dog
From Hungary
Gentle, eager, intelligent, trainable
Hygenhund
From Norway
Calm, determined, friendly, reserved
Irish Red and White Setter
From Ireland
Affectionate, eager, energetic, friendly
Irish Terrier
From Ireland
Bold, affectionate, spirited, loyal
Istrian Coarse-Haired Hound
From Croatia
Hardy, persistent, friendly, vocal
Istrian Shorthaired Hound
From Croatia
Gentle, determined, sociable, focused
Italian Spinoni
From Italy
Gentle, affectionate, docile, earnest
Jagdterrier
From Germany
Tenacious, bold, intelligent, energetic
Jamthund (Swedish Elkhound)
From Sweden
Brave, steady, loyal, alert
Jindo
From South Korea
Loyal, brave, alert, independent
Kai Dog
From Japan
Brave, alert, devoted, reserved
Kanni
From India
Loyal, shy, gentle, agile
Karelian Bear Dog
From Finland
Brave, alert, independent, loyal
Karelian Bear Laika
From Russia
Courageous, alert, independent, loyal
Kelb tal-Fenek
From Malta
Friendly, playful, athletic, sensitive
Kelpie
From Australia
Smart, intense, eager, devoted
Kerry Beagle
From Ireland
Energetic, free-spirited, determined, social
King Shepherd
From United States
Loyal, confident, intelligent, protective
Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, sensitive
Koolie
From Australia
Alert, eager, intelligent, loyal
Krasky Ovcar
From Slovenia
Loyal, protective, calm, reserved
Kunming Dog
From China
Loyal, alert, confident, intelligent
Labrador
From Canada
Outgoing, eager, biddable, gentle
Lancashire Heeler
From United Kingdom
Alert, smart, cheerful, confident
Lapinporokoira
From Finland
Loyal, energetic, willing, attentive
Lapponian Herder
From Finland
Energetic, responsive, alert, loyal
Large Münsterländer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, affectionate, steady
Large Münsterländer (Alt)
From Germany
Gentle, eager, attentive, keen
Latvian Hound
From Latvia
Determined, friendly, calm, sociable
Lithuanian Hound
From Lithuania
Even-tempered, resilient, active, persistent
Llewellin Setter
From England
Affectionate, eager, athletic, responsive
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
From United States
Independent, energetic, loyal, focused
Lundehund
From Norway
Alert, curious, affectionate, independent
Magyar Agar
From Hungary
Calm, loyal, reserved, fast
Mahratta Hound
From India
Reserved, brave, agile, loyal
Majorca Shepherd Dog
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
Malamute
From Alaska
Friendly, strong-willed, loyal, playful
Malinois
From Belgium
Driven, intelligent, confident, responsive
Manchester Terrier (Standard)
From England
Bright, spirited, loyal, keen
McNab
From United States
Loyal, intelligent, protective, energetic
Miniature American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
Miniature American Shepherd
From United States
Smart, energetic, loyal, biddable
Mountain Cur
From United States
Brave, energetic, intelligent, devoted
Mountain Feist
From United States
Alert, lively, loyal, keen
Mucuchies
From Venezuela
Affectionate, reserved, noble, intelligent
Mudi
From Hungary
Lively, intelligent, alert, loyal
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
From Netherlands
Friendly, attentive, agile, affectionate
Nenets Herding Laika
From Russia
Lively, agile, friendly, obedient
New Guinea Singing Dog
From Papua New Guinea
Alert, curious, independent, vocal
New Zealand Huntaway
From New Zealand
Energetic, vocal, loyal, trainable
Norrbottenspets
From Sweden
Alert, friendly, agile, lively
North American Miniature Australian Shepherd
From United States
Energetic, devoted, intelligent, responsive
Chukotka Sledge Dog
From Russia
Friendly, willing, hardy, enduring
Northern Inuit Dog
From United Kingdom
Friendly, placid, outgoing, intelligent
Norwegian Hound
From Norway
Calm, friendly, determined, social
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
From Canada
Playful, intelligent, alert, affectionate
Old Danish Chicken Dog
From Denmark
Calm, reliable, affectionate, willing
Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
From England
Affectionate, adaptable, intelligent, boisterous
Otterhound
From England
Friendly, boisterous, determined, independent
Gull Dong
From Pakistan
Dominant, brave, loyal, intense
Gull Terrier
From Pakistan
Courageous, determined, loyal, intense
Patterdale Terrier
From England
Fearless, tenacious, lively, loyal
Patti
From India
Watchful, loyal, brave, adaptable
Pembroke
From Wales
Affectionate, smart, bold, friendly
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
From Wales
Outgoing, smart, bold, loyal
Perdiguero de Burgos
From Spain
Gentle, biddable, steady, affectionate
Pachón Navarro
From Spain
Docile, calm, intelligent, sociable
Perro Cimarron
From Uruguay
Brave, loyal, confident, determined
Perro de Pastor Mallorquin
From Spain
Protective, loyal, serious, independent
Perro Ratonero Andaluz
From Spain
Alert, cheerful, agile, affectionate
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
From France
Merry, bold, friendly, curious
Petit Bleu de Gascogne
From France
Calm, sociable, determined, gentle
Petit Gascon Saintongeois
From France
Steady, sociable, determined, calm
Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog
From Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Alert, friendly, agile, independent
Picardy Spaniel
From France
Calm, friendly, willing, affectionate
Plummer Terrier
From United Kingdom
Bright, alert, determined, self-confident
Podenco Ibicenco
From Spain
Gentle, agile, playful, independent
Poitevin
From France
Sociable, determined, energetic, courteous
Polish Hound
From Poland
Calm, friendly, persistent, social
Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Porcelaine
From France
Gentle, sociable, determined, calm
Portuguese Podengo
From Portugal
Lively, alert, friendly, independent
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno
From Portugal
Playful, alert, friendly, hardy
Portuguese Pointer
From Portugal
Gentle, eager, sociable, steady
Portuguese Sheepdog
From Portugal
Alert, intelligent, devoted, lively
Posavac Hound
From Croatia
Calm, sociable, persistent, gentle
Pudelpointer
From Germany
Intelligent, eager, steady, affectionate
Puli (Pulik)
From Hungary
Lively, smart, loyal, vocal
Pumi
From Hungary
Energetic, intelligent, alert, bold
Rajapalayam
From India
Loyal, courageous, reserved, alert
Rampur Hound
From India
Loyal, courageous, calm, independent
Rastreador Brasileiro
From Brazil
Calm, determined, sociable, obedient
Redbone Coonhound
From United States
Even-tempered, eager, friendly, determined
Russell Terrier
From England, Australia
Alert, lively, active, keen
Russian Pied Hound
From Russia
Friendly, determined, energetic, sociable
Russian Hound
From Russia
Calm, balanced, persistent, social
Russian Spaniel
From USSR, Russia
Hard-working, enduring, intelligent, contact-seeking
Russo-European Laika
From Russia
Brave, alert, independent, loyal
Saarlooswolfhond
From Netherlands
Alert, independent, loyal, cautious
Sabueso Español
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
Sabueso Español (Alt)
From Spain
Calm, persistent, friendly, vocal
Schapendoes
From Netherlands
Cheerful, smart, active, affectionate
Schiller Hound
From Sweden
Friendly, energetic, determined, sociable
Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Scotch Collie
From Scotland
Loyal, intelligent, sensitive, friendly
Segugio Italiano
From Italy
Steady, eager, gentle, sociable
Serbian Hound
From Serbia
Calm, friendly, diligent, vocal
Shiloh Shepherd
From United States
Calm, courageous, self-confident, intelligent
Silken Windhound
From United States
Gentle, friendly, intelligent, athletic
Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac (Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer / Rough-Haired Pointer)
From Slovakia
Steady, obedient, intelligent, gentle
Slovensky Kopov (Slovakian Hound)
From Slovakia
Determined, calm, friendly, diligent
Smalandsstovare
From Sweden
Calm, friendly, faithful, keen
Small Munsterlander
From Germany
Intelligent, biddable, lively, loving
Small Swiss Hound
From Switzerland
Friendly, calm, diligent, social
Smooth Fox Terrier
From England
Alert, fearless, friendly, quick
Spaniel de Pont Audemer
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, friendly
Spanish Hound
From Spain
Affectionate, calm, brave, courageous
Spanish Water Dog
From Spain
Faithful, obedient, lively, hard working
Srpski Gonic
From Serbia
Calm, friendly, diligent, vocal
Montenegrin Mountain Hound
From Montenegro
Well balanced, attached to master, docile, trustworthy
Srpski Trobojni Gonic
From Serbia
Lively, sociable, persistent, friendly
St Germain Pointing Dog
From France
Gentle, willing, calm, affectionate
Stabyhoun
From Netherlands
Gentle, loyal, intelligent, patient
Standard American Eskimo
From United States
Alert, playful, intelligent, friendly
Standard Poodle
From France
Bright, eager, athletic, people-focused
Standard Schnauzer
From Germany
Alert, spirited, intelligent, sturdy
Stephens Stock Mountain Cur
From United States
Energetic, brave, loyal, focused
Stichelhaar
From Germany
Calm, reliable, determined, affectionate
Styrian Roughhaired Mountain Hound
From Austria
Hardy, determined, friendly, vocal
Swedish Lapphund
From Sweden
Friendly, alert, affectionate, lively
Swiss Hound (Swiss Laufhund)
From Switzerland
Sociable, calm, persistent, gentle
Taigan
From Kyrgyzstan
Independent, loyal, persistent, resilient
Taiwan Dog
From Taiwan
Loyal, vigilant, intelligent, bold
Thai Bangkaew Dog
From Thailand
Alert, intelligent, loyal, watchful
Transylvanian Hound
From Hungary
Good-natured, courageous, enduring, quiet
Treeing Tennessee Brindle
From United States
Friendly, courageous, intelligent, eager
Tyroler Bracke
From Austria
Steady, passionate, independent, enduring
Ukrainian Carpathian Hound
From Ukraine
Balanced, calm, slightly cautious, non-aggressive
West Siberian Laika
From Russia
Steady, vigorous, self-confident, alert
Westphalian Dachsbracke
From Germany
Faithful, friendly, serious, alert
Wetterhoun
From Netherlands
Loyal, reserved, determined, calm
White Swiss Shepherd
From Switzerland
Lively, balanced, friendly, discreet
Yakutian Laika
From Russia
Bold, lively, friendly, sociable
How we choose breeds for this list
Energy ≥ 4 and exercise needs ≥ 4.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as "enough" exercise for an active breed? +
Usually at least 60–90 minutes of active daily exercise, plus mental enrichment. Many active breeds happily do more if offered.
Can I just walk an active dog further to compensate? +
Walks help, but most active breeds also need mental work — training, scent games, puzzle feeding, dog sports. Physical exercise alone is rarely sufficient.