I am looking to become the proud owner of a dog for companionship and for exercise.
I'm very active and regularly go running and walking so would like a suitable dog to take with me. I want something medium in size that I really could take anywhere since family and friends live around the country.

I'm looking at three breeds: Welsh Terrier, Beagle or Border Terrier. I'm concerned that a Beagle may 'take off' whilst i'm out running if it catches a scent. Border Terriers seem a very popular dog but I don't know much about the Welsh Terrier. I'd appreciate anyones thoughts on these three breeds. I'd also love to visit a few breeders to enable me to investigate each breed a bit more so would appreciate it if anyone would offer up a bit of their time. I live in Shropshire but have family contacts in Suffolk and Derbyshire so could easily mix a viewing with a catchup with relatives.

I have a CKCS which is no good to go running with you - well unless its to the sofa lol - but what about a dalmation? they were originally bred (I think) to go running after horse and carriages to help keep the occupants safe.  They need a lot of exercise so would love running. 

Cavs wouldn't be good for long distance steady running, but they are fine if fit for long walks in general, mine go on 8 or 9 mile walks without trouble. But yes, something like a dally or pointer, perhaps a working springer, might be nice. :-)

Thanks for the response. My sister has a dalmation, rather old now, and as much as I love him to bits he's bigger than I wanted. I really want a dog that I can put in the car and go with me to catch up with friends/relations around the country.....so was thinking of a smaller, more portable breed.

To be honest you would likely have the same problem with all three breeds all tending toward independence and hunting.

Have you thought of Canicross and actually having the dog attached to your waist on a special lead for running.

to be hones any dog is likely to be able to take more exercise and have a natural trotting speed better than yours.

Of course you will have to wait a year until the pup is old enough to take more exercise.

On of my puppy owners wanted a dog to run with and is taking things slowly with training to trot on lead fr short distances.

Just wanted to add that my puppy owners already had a Parson Russell and found him a bit small for the running, as too easily underfoot.  Not sure how much if any bigger Welsh Terriers are than the long legged Parson.

I would say you want a dog that is at least knee high at the withers.

Just been on the Canicross website...it's looks like a really fun sport and was something I hadn't heard about before. A quick look at the photos illustrated that you really can take any dog running with you so long as you, and it, has the energy and enthusiasm !!!
Looking forward to becoming the owner of a dog although the decision on breed isn't becoming any easier.

Are you anywhere near Birmingham or perhaps might fancy a run up to the NEC?

The last big all breeds championship show is on the Friday the 7th of December for Working pastoral and Utility breeds and Saturday is for the Terriers, Gundogs and Hounds, which I think is the day and breeds that seem to be of most interest to you. It is like Crufts but without all the hype and far easier to see the dogs and talk to the owners.

Judging starts at 9.30am, and the show is likely to go on until about 4pm or later, though most people leave after their breed has been judged so best to arrive before midday to see all the breeds.

Oh, no you didn't look at my photo's on there did you aggggghhhhhhh :d

Well a Spanish Water Dog sounds fine for you.  Likes running, sailing etc and as long as they are well socialised a great family dog who likes to be kept busy but when wanted lies down and behaves itself!

Those breeds all seem on the small size to do distance running, apart from the beagle which has been bred for stamina. A dalmatian is a breed designed for steady distance covering, once adult, but is rather bigger than those on your shortlist.

Funny how we amass information from unlikely sources...only found out that Dals come originally from Croatia due to the footy..they said they came from the ?Dalmatia? area during a radio broadcast yesterday...well I never knew that.:rolleyes: Did they run by coaches originally or is that a job given to them once they migrated to our country?
Sorry a bit of the thread I know.
Not given to too much running so don't feel informed enough to comment. Bernese like the slow plod rather than the fast jog...unless there is a Bunny about
Aileen.

>only found out that Dals come originally from Croatia due to the footy..they said they came from the ?Dalmatia? area during a radio broadcast yesterday...well I never knew that.

Old wives' tale. ;) The first dalmatians known in Dalmatia were exported there from Britain in 1930!

Thanks JG for putting me straight on that one....want the No of the local radio station who are spreading the rumor?? They should check their information first
Can see a BC or Springer as being a great running companion, neither are too big and both have boundless energy...not for the faint hearted eh!
Aileen

Yes, as I mentioned before I really want a smaller breed than a dalmation purely so that it's more portable in the car. I had presumed that so long as I didn't go with a very short legged/toy breed that many would make a suitable running companion.

Have a read on the Hungarian Puli - mine goes running with my husband and daughter....  and you dont have to keep them in full cords obviously...

Maxine

I used to walk a beagle for an elderly neighbour, I definitely wouldn't recommend one (to anyone really:D ) The one I walked used to disappear for an hour or so at a time despite intensive early training. I know a few border terriers and they're all fabulous dogs, pretty well behaved, lovely natures - but too small I would think to run with you.

To me a medium size breed would be a border collie, or a springer spaniel. Both of those would love to run with you, and both are highly trainable so you shouldn't have any problems with them 'bogging off' once trained :) Both are high energy breeds though so would need a fair amount of exercise every day and mental stimulation too.

The other dog that comes to mind would be a working bred lab, there are several round here that go out with the horses. Fit, friendly, biddable creatures :)

Or the complete opposite a sled dog???  You might decide to do less running and get a rig to run behind.

The dogs are supposed to do the work - not the musher :p

Don't think I'm brave enough to take up that idea !!!

For a medium sized dog, I would go for a BC, Working Cocker or Springer as a running companion. :-)  All will keep up and love the sprinting and long runs.

Out of interest how much do you run???
As one persons view of a runner is someone that runs just above walking speed, ie 15-20 minute mileing for 2 miles a day
Another is the people that do 7 minute miling and clocks up 40 miles a week:) :)
I am about 9.5 minute miling and looking to do a 15 miler at end of january. And when training average about 25-30 miles a week :)
If you are a runner that does just above walking pace and only a few miles then any medium size dog preferable sourced from health checked lines would be fine.
I am looking at taking my full Rottie training with me.
The one thing you will need to do with any dog is ddo what you would do with yourself. Work up gradually (you probably know this but if someone doesnt)
So build up the way you would do yourself if you had been injured for 6 months :) :)
What milage in what time do you do???
Lea :) :)

Thanks for the tip.
Have to say I'm no athelete....regularly run 10 - 11 minute miles depending on distance. Have been running throughout the summer most days....yes I've already been told I need to take rest days...but now the nights are drawing in I'm probably running on average 3 times during the week and twice over the weekend for an hour and a half each time.
Really am interested in CaniCross ... have you given it a try ???

Hello

What sort of running do you do? Is it mostly on the road or cross country? I do a lot of running ... mostly cross country and it's very different from road running (both for me and my dog). For example on road your dog is attached and does the same distance. off-road my dog is mostly off-lead (lucky to live near massiev woods!) and does much more (and much quicker!) than me. How much and what pace running you do? ... I do about 30 miles a week (all off road) in 4-5 chunks, and I'm not sure I would choose those 3 breeds to run with me. I'd go for something medium/large (knee height) that is built for doing long distances. Also when running I like a dog which stays relatively close or you have to keep stopping to find your dog (I sometimes run with a friend who has 2 labs and this happens a lot .. though sometimes it's nice to have a breather!), so I tend to go for the shepherding type dogs (grew up with border and rough collies, and now have an aussie).

What sort of dog would you like outside of the exercise stuff as this is just as important as the running side? I love my working lines aussie to bits, but she can be demanding, and she's too bright for her own good sometimes (and sometimes a little stubborn - fellow aussie owners will know what I mean! :-) ). The physical exercise isn't enough really - so we do agility and obedience training on those days I'm not running. So I'd think about the personality that you want as carefully as you're thinking about the running side.

A word of caution ...  if you get a puppy it'll be a while before they can do a lot, and even then you'll need to build them up slowly to doing big distances. I only mention this as it was sometimes frustrating for me having to restrict my running/walking to look after our lovely pup :-). BUt then again she was lovely so it'd wasn't exactly very hard :-)

The other thing to think about is that when you have a very fit dog, it can be a pain when you can't get out as much ... like if you're ill, they are in season, or when they are spayed. They don't understand why they are housebound and it can become a bit of a nightmare :-).

Cani-cross is great as well ... the adult events go from 5km to 20km ... and for the 20km ones you have to prove that your dog is fit.

Not sure if this helps, more of my experience with doing lots of running and the fallout from having a very fit dog that frankly I can't keep up with ;-)

Maybe it is a US thing, but I see that Canicross is popular with Husky owners, and soem people in my breed do it too as the dogs are built for stamina not so much speed, keeps them fit without needign to be off lead.

Lot's of Husky's here too doing Cani-Cross.  Last event that I went to there were also 7 Spanish Water Dogs, they were all ready for more at the end of the run, not so sure about their owners :d :d

Brainless your absolutly right about the using the canicross
They are also very popular in the UK
My OH uses one for my eldest girl and she loves it.
Its a great way of exercising the dog as well as yourself

Just want to add I have tried it once...............never again :D
Im not the running sort, much prefer the dogs to do the work using a rig lol :D :D :D

Also a few people using Belgians -now there's a breed you can NEVER tire out! :D

I thnk any breed that is designed for stamina, such as hunting, sledding, or herding will be suitable.

"I think any breed that is designed for stamina, such as hunting, sledding, or herding will be suitable."

I agree, the original poster would just have to decide which of the different types of dogs they'd most like to live with when not exercising :)

As a general rule for the OP - Most hunting and sledding breeds would have to be kept on lead while you run, most herding breeds will run off lead beside you. If all your exercise is on roads where the dog would be leashed anyway it's not an issue, however if you like to run cross country and would like your dog free beside you then one of the herding or possibly working gundog breeds would be best.

As the original post mentions terrier breeds, how about having an airedale? A bloke that comes to our vet surgery has one he takes running with him.

Cani-cross is certainly becoming more popular with dog owners. I first heard about it through nobs.org.uk (which is a web site for gundog owners and country sports followers). Mind you seems all far too energetic for me! lol

Mmmm...friend has an airedale called Hester who is beautiful....that;s really why I thought about a Welsh terrier since it seems to be a smaller version !!

Hi.....mostly do road running due to safety reasons but I do have some great riverside paths and parks around me so that's a popular run in daylight hours.
As previously discussed on the forum I was wanting a smaller dog so that it's more mobile. Also I don't live in a mansion so was wanting something comparable in size which wasn't going to end up kncking over my many heirlooms!!!
What's your experience of Canicross....having seen what's involved it looks like great fun and a nice twist on the usual running events.
Outside of running I enjoy hill walking and helping my sister out who competes in three day eventing...so the breed would also need to be ok around horses and not yappy.
I'm also keen to have something which doesn't malt too heavily or drool lots. I feel that i'm now getting too picky !! At the end of the day I want a loyal companion who needs lots of exercise.

How about a poodle?  They don't shed or drool, although they are energetic I'm not sure if they have the stamina you need.

The further down this thread I'm getting - the more I'm thinking Hungarian Puli - herding dog - non moulting.....

Maxine

A small Collie would be ideal.You actusally sound a perfect owner for a BC

Would love to also do some obedience. I know I will probably get bombarded with abuse for saying this but it seems to me that you get far more out of obedience than showing dogs.
Other than running i'm currently learning to sail so I'd ultimately also like a breed that is as happy on a boat as I will hopefully be. I presume you can get a lifejacket for dogs !!!

What about a Border Terrier they are really hardly little characters & my friends go for miles & miles. There's a breed champion working obedience(who my Cavalier JD is in love with)IMHO they are one of the better temperamented terriers, being quite gregarious with other breeds if socialized correctly & of course there are quite a few doing agility. They don't shed & can be hand stripped quite easily(LOL I often start stripping my friends for her if they sit on my knee or next to me very relaxing once I get into the rhythm)

You can get canine life jackets.

They are very adaptable little dogs

Yes it would be my choice of terrier too love the breed :D

Yes, me too. Border terriers are quite un-terrier like, the ones I've met have all been really nice friendly characters :D I have doubts about taking one running though, just because their legs are so short. A taller dog would lope along happily at your side but a border terrier would have to run flat out all the time :D

Border collies love boats, & water, they love doing ANYTHING!!!!!!

It depends on what you want.  I find showing easy to fit into my life as once the dogs know the ropes you can do as little or as much of it as you please.  For me the main interest in a day at a show is the company of people and dogs.  I also have a real interest in the breeding side, genetics inheritance, luck etc.

In the breed ring your efforts as a breeder are being evaluated, not you, in obedience it is your training skills with your dog, so I suppose you are more on the line.  It is done to you if you make a hash of it, in the breed ring it is the judges decision with your handling not having as big an influence on the outcome, as ti is (or should be) the dogs conformation and character being judged.

With obedience you have to be pretty committed to training, as it has to be kept up.  More than the basics I haven't the commitment.  Love to watch others working but am too lazy myself.  Also the few times I have had a go at the bottom levels I get into such a state with my left and right :D

Sadly because the various canine disciplines are so popular and the events so large it is rare that you can do more than one at top levels as the shows are rarely together, sadly this does mean that the different disciplines have Little understanding of each other.

If that was me, I'd have a look around rescue centres/organisations. These types of dogs often come up in rescue and I am sure you would find a suitable young dog there that would love to go running with you and do some obedience. There are lots of collie types as well as terrier types waiting for a lovely home like yours.

Vera

LesleyW don't know where you live but if you fancy any of the Canicross events and I can make it I'll let you run Anton and I will run Carmen! 

I think just about any breed that isn't particularly short legged or exaggerated will be OK for running that kind of distance at that kind of speed.   I've just retired my staffy from running with me - he's nearly 13 and the vet thinks he's starting to get a bit of arthritis in his shoulders - but up until recently he's been able to do 3-4 miles at 8 minute miling easily enough - on tracks so he's off the lead.   Certainly when he was younger he could have kept up that pace for 7-8 miles - and he's quite a heavy one though maybe slightly longer legged than the average modern show bred staffy.    So the choice is really down to finding a breed that is likely to want to stick with you while jogging and other factors which have nothing to do with jogging - size, coat length, temperament etc.   

One note of caution is that some of the  high energy breeds that are often mentioned as good jogging dogs really do demand a lot of exercise - 3-4 miles a few times a week isn't going to be enough - whereas if you get a Border Terrier, Manchester Terrier or similar they'll easily be able to keep up with you but wont want to do another 20 miles that evening and the day after. 

when is your next canix event ?  Im not going to be able to do one until Feb now, cant make Bristol on Sunday (xmas do's Fri and Sat :rolleyes: ) and dont fancy driving all the way to Cheshire. 

I'll unfortunately be doing mainly the northern ones and we will be at Crufts in March.  90% of my puppy owners travel down at least twice before to see the dogs and even just to see if it's what they want and some have done 6 - 7 hour drives one way and then done exactly the same to go home on the same day.

Offers there if you fancy attending Crufts, although I won't know whether I'll be doing it until around Feb. time as only a few Cani-Cross dogs are able to attend.

im hoping to do crufts too, I wont be able to run both dogs though as one is entered and you can guarantee it will be a wet day !! I do have someone to handle him but it wont be the same without them both. 

Edit to add - it was me that asked about canix events you were doing, not LesleyW ;) thought maybe one day we will bump into eachother !

My Border Terrier used to come running with me and loved it. Could happily manage a 10k and would have gone further if I could have !. He's quite a tall lad and had no problems at all........I'm the one who developed problems with sciatica !.
Another lady in my town also runs with a BorderTerrier - but she really does run - miles and miles and her little chap is always by her side.

Val