High-Energy Dog Breeds

Many high-energy dogs like hounds, terriers, and herding dogs, that originally was bred as working breeds, now live as companion pets.

Most of the canine behavior problems can be solved or prevented by understanding your dog’s history and origin, and then providing the dog with appropriate and adequate mental and physical stimulation.

According to Tracy Libby, author of the book High-Energy Dogs these are the highest-energy breeds.

Just remembering that it is just a general guideline, and each dog should be taken on its individual merit and behavior.

Breed	Originally Bred for	Trainability	Active Level
1.American Staffordshire Terrier	Bull-batiting	Average	High
2.Australian Sheperd	Herding	High	High to Very High
3.Australian Cattle Dog	Herding	High	High to Very High
4.Basenji	Hunting	High	High to Very High
5.Border Collie	Herding	High	Very High
6.German Shorthaired Pointer	Herding	High	Very High
7.German Shepherd Dog	Herding	High	High
8.Golden retriever	Retrieving water fowl & upland game	High	Moderate to High
9.Labrador Retriever	Retrieving game	High	High
10.Parson and Jack Russel Terrier	Fox Hunting	High	Very High
11.Schnauzer (miniature)	Ratter	High	High to Very High
12.Shetland Sheepdog	All-purpose dog	High	High to Very High
13.Siberian Husky	Endurance sled dog	Low	Very High