Is a high-energy dog right for your family? Here’s more info to help you make this big decision!
There are many types of dogs in the world, and no two are the same. While many breeds and breed categories exist, one can also group breeds into high-energy and low-energy. It is best to realistically consider your lifestyle compared to the needs of your potential new pet. Below is more information to help you decide whether or not a high-energy dog is right for you.
Types of High-Energy Dogs
There are quite a few high-energy dog breeds out there, all of which make for great family pets. No two dogs are the same, but one can expect these breeds to demand much attention and energy:
- Airedale Terrier
- American English Coonhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Poodle
- Siberian Husky
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. In general, however, one can mostly assume that terriers, coonhounds, shepherds, retrievers, setters, and pointers are energetic dogs.
Mental Stimulation Ideas
Because of their energy levels, these breeds make excellent companions that will go with you on your adventures abroad and at home. These dogs need both mental and physical exercise. Some ways to give your dog mental stimulation include training and interactive dog toys. Bred with high intelligence and the eagerness to learn, they are excellent at learning new tricks of all kinds and practicing them. Interactive dog toys include puzzle toys, food dispensing toys, hide-and-seek toys, and responsive toys.
Ideas for Physical Activities
Physical activities you can do with your dog abound as well. If you aren’t much of a runner yourself, it’s best to have an enclosed yard where your dog can run around. Other activities include hiking, swimming, obstacle courses, frisbee, fetch, and more. At the very least, it’s best to have a local dog park to go to where you can play and run around with your high-energy dog.
High-Energy Dog Lifestyle
A high-energy dog is a great companion for families and active individuals. While you don’t have to be an athlete to own one of these breeds, you will need to be ready to handle meeting its needs. Without the ability to match its energy, a dog can end up engaging in destructive behavior like digging and chewing up things it shouldn’t. Destructive behavior is not done out of malice, but because of unspent, uncontrollable energy and boredom. If you are a family that likes to play games and do physical activities, a high-energy dog could be for you.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!