It’s true that a dog can be your best friend. But it can also be the case that dogs and owners get a bit mismatched. You might be a high-intensity person looking for an active dog, or maybe you are a low-intensity person that wants an active dog to get you out of your shell. On the other hand, you might be a low-intensity person who wants a dog to cuddle with you, or you’re a high-intensity person looking for a less active dog. Whatever combination of owner intensity and dog intensity seems perfect for you, there are dog breeds to match!

In this post, we’re going to look at different energy levels of dogs so that you can figure out what breed might be your soulmate. You don’t have to find a dog that is exactly like you! Just find a dog with an activity level you can love. The activity level isn’t the only thing that you should consider when getting a dog, but it’s a great place to start.

Most Active Dog Breeds

Let’s start by looking at some of the most active dog breeds, including small energetic dog breeds and low maintenance outdoor dog breeds. Finding the most active kind of dog breed means that you’ll have a dog that needs a lot of room to run. If you have an active dog, you can protect your car with seat covers that make traveling more comfortable for the canine and a bit easier on your ride.

If you’re looking for new ways to have a ton of fun with your dog, these are the dogs that are always game. Check out our recommendations for active dog breeds that are always ready for one more round of fetch.

Border Collie

The activity of the Border Collie could be best described as a kind of vibrant curiosity. If there’s a dog most likely to participate in solving a crime mystery straight out of a novel, it’s a Border Collie. If you set up puzzles and games for them in life, they will love you forever. If you want a dog that wants to play and wants to engage mentally while playing, the Border Collie is absolutely ideal.

Doberman

The Doberman might be the most versatile dog breed out there, ready to be trained in any way that you want them to behave. They are intelligent, curious, and intensely loyal. In fact, Doberman’s have been bred over the years precisely for their loyalty. If you treat them well they are an active life companion that will go anywhere and do anything with you. 

Portuguese Water Dog

Answering the question, what if the Poodle was a bit more round and fluffy like a teddy bear? If the Portuguese Water Dog is a teddy bear, though they are certainly a very active and vivacious one. The Portuguese Water Dog will make you really want to cuddle it, but then their energy quickly turns those cuddles into playtime.

Small Energetic Dog Breeds

Small dogs with a ton of energy like to bring big energy to small spaces! If that small space is your car, it could be a very frustrating experience. Make both you and your dog a bit more comfortable with a front seat copilot cover that protects your dog and protects your car. Consider one of the following pups:

• Maltese
• Boston Terrier
• Beagle

These dogs tend to run a little wild, and are the perfect size to ride shotgun!

Low Maintenance Outdoor Dog Breeds

So you want a dog that runs wild. You want a Fido that really takes the terrain, without being too whiny or needing too much from you. Here are some low maintenance outdoor dog breeds that give you that lone wolf feeling. The great news about low maintenance outdoor dog breeds is that you don’t generally have to do too much to relieve their boredom!

• French Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• Dachshund

Least Active Dog Breeds

If you are looking for a dog that is simply down to chill and be your valentine every single day, these are the kinds of dogs that you’re going to want to hang out with. These dogs understand chill, and they’re ready to share the good vibes with you.

Basset Hound

Yep, the Basset Hound is the dog that you picture when you picture a moping pup with his nose to the dirt. They are great tracking animals and can pick up scents easily. It’s not a Bloodhound, but it’s the second-best tracking dog. Basset Hounds are also really sweet, and despite some similar colors to the Beagle, they could not be further from their energy level.

Pug

Pugs are known for smashed faces and sweet attitudes, but there are probably a whole bunch of things that you didn’t know about pugs. They are great family dogs, and have a face that is just too cute when they poke out from blankets and pillow forts.

Great Dane

Just to throw a different kind of dog on the list, here’s the German Great Dane. Great Danes are known for their huge size, and there are a whole bunch of record-holding Great Danes for their height. You might think about dog energy relating to their size, so it seems that mid-size and small dogs would be the least energetic. But Great Danes are actually gentle spirits, not needing a whole lot of activity to be happy and healthy.

Least Hyper Dog Breeds

These dogs are still packing in a lot of energy, but they bring a calmer, quieter kind of presence as well. They are active, but aren’t “hyper.” If you love dogs but really hate when they jump around all over you or your guests, these are the dog breeds for you.

Shih Tzu

A long and storied history that extends far beyond the jokes that people put on coffee mugs and t-shirts. The Shih Tzu is a prestigious toy dog that brings a lot of energy and passion without being hyper. They are likely to run around and play, but they aren’t super likely to bite or jump up on your guests. If you’re looking for a dog that brings a lot of class to your house, and brings a gentle kind of storied energy, the Shih Tzu is perfect.

English Mastiff

When the Romans invaded England, they loved the English Mastiffs. They thought that the dogs were amazing, and took them back to their capital. The courage of the English Mastiff still lives on, and you can bring it home to your house. While the Mastiff certainly isn’t lazy or inactive, it has such a prestigious past that you won’t find it with an embarrassing hyper behavior that drives you crazy. Trust the energy that the Mastiff will bring.

Lhasa Apso

Not a sporting dog, the Lhasa Apso has a very spiritual history. It was originally used as a guard sentinel in Buddhist monasteries. It wasn’t for fighting intruders, but the monks knew that they could trust it to let them know if anything strange was going on in the monastery. With such a cool background, you can trust the Lhasa Apso in your own home. If they are gentle spirits enough to get them into Buddhist monasteries, you can certainly trust that they won’t disturb the peace and harmony of your own house.

Final Barks

As you begin your dog selection journey, remember that dog breeds may have reputations, but each individual dog is its own. You can also find your perfect pup at a local shelter, and will likely end up with a mix of many dogs, meaning its traits and personality will be unique to him or her! 

We wish you luck, and a happy, healthy life for you and your future furry friend.