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20 Most Hyper Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

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By Nicole Cosgrove

dog and man playing tug of war

Some dog breeds prefer cuddling on the couch with you all day long. Others are livewire dogs that constantly need to go, go, go. Most dogs fall somewhere in the middle and only need moderate daily exercise.

If you’re an active person who is looking for a canine companion that can constantly keep up, here is a list of the 20 most hyper dog breeds with the energy to definitely go the distance.

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The 20 Most Hyper Dog Breeds

1. Border Collie

Border Collie
Image by: 4924546, Pixabay

A super smart and highly hyper dog, the Border Collie is one of the most popular working breeds in the U.S. Utilized to herd sheep, cattle, and other livestock on farms and ranches, this energetic pooch needs tons of mental and physical stimulation to live his best life.


2. Australian Shepherd

close up australian shepherd
Image by: Pascal zum Felde, Shutterstock

With a jaw-dropping multi-colored coat and ice-blue eyes, the Australian Shepherd is a striking dog. He’s also an extremely hyper one. This herding breed always needs a job to do to ensure boredom is kept at bay. Whether you enroll him in an agility course or doggie daycare, it’s important to keep your Australian Shepherd busy.


3. Basenji Dog

Basenji outdoor
Image Credit: Verbitskaya Juliya, Shutterstock

The Basenji has energy for days. An extremely intelligent yet hyperactive breed, this dog needs constructive ways to release his energy or else he’ll resort to some very bad habits, such as chewing or barking.


4. Dalmatian

dalmatian walking outdoor
Image Credit: TheOtherKev, Pixabay

Known for his iconic spotted black-and-white coat, the Dalmatian is an athletic, agile, and intelligent breed. Originally developed as a coach dog, this breed would trot along horse-drawn carriages up and down through town. If you’re an avid long-distance runner, the Dalmatian might be the perfect running partner for you!


5. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky
Image Credit: maria6170, Pixabay

A sociable, mischievous breed, the Siberian Husky is always up for an adventure. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain or participating in an outdoor sport, this breed is sure to keep you on your toes. However, Siberian Huskies shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time as they thrive on companionship. If you work long hours, this may not be the dog for you.


6. German Shepherd

German Shepherds
Image Credit: DanaTentis, Pixabay

One of the regalest breeds on our list, the German Shepherd is a friendly, energetic breed that is constantly watching over his family. Used by policemen for years for search and rescue missions, this breed loves keeping busy.


7. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier eating watermelon
Image Credit: Albina Glisic, Shutterstock

A spunky, sporty, and hyper dog, this pint-sized pooch is a ball full of energy. The Jack Russell Terrier definitely is a breed that needs vigorous, daily exercise or else he’ll get into trouble. Make sure to give him plenty of toys and playtime throughout the day so your Jack Russell doesn’t resort to excessive yapping.


8. Labrador Retriever

labrador retriever training_Pixabay
Image Credit: Pixabay

A family favorite, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds out there. Loyal and loving, this high-energy breed needs daily doses of exercise to keep him healthy and happy. Whether you take him for a brisk stroll around the neighborhood or play catch in your backyard, your Lab will be at his happiest when he’s getting tired out.


9. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Image Credit: ClaudiaWollesen, pixabay

One of the smallest breeds out there, the Chihuahua is also an extremely hyper little pup. With a headstrong disposition and vocal temperament to match, this petite pup is better suited for experienced dog owners. The Chihuahua needs plenty of exercise and lots of attention to keep him happy and calm.


10. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher
Image Credit By: CC0 Public Domain, pxhere

Another little dog, the Miniature Pinscher is brimming with energy. Prone to being extremely talkative, this dog needs to be run ragged every day to ensure he’s not getting into trouble. Perfect for active owners, the Miniature Pinscher makes the ideal canine companion for folks who are constantly on the move.


11. Poodle

6Poodle
Image Credit: harvey117, Pixabay

The Poodle is one of the most highly intelligent breeds out there, and the most hyper. Good with kids and adults alike, your Poodle needs to keep both his body and mind active through daily exercise and plenty of training. Consider enrolling him in an obedience class or working on tough tricks a couple of times each week to keep his mind occupied.


12. Beagle

beagle standing outdoor
Image Credit: Andrey_and_Lesya, Pixabay

A hunting hound dog, the Beagle is notorious for his high activity levels. With a keen sense of smell and a sharp mind, this pooch requires lots of exercise and stimulating activities. Beagles are also very clever and can get into trouble if they get bored.


13. Labradoodle

Australian Labradoodle Puppy_josiah gaulke_shutterstcok
Image Credit: Josiah Gaulke, Shutterstock

Since the Lab and Poodle both made this list, it’s only natural that this designer dog does too. Fun-loving and family-oriented, the Labradoodle is an extremely excitable breed. He’ll need plenty of exercise and training to stay physically fit and tuckered out.


14. Vizsla Dog

Yellow labrador vizsla mix with pink nose sits on lawn_Jared Cook_shutterstock
Image Credit: Jared Cook, Shutterstock

This Hungarian hunting dog is sharp as a whip and always ready to go. This breed thrives with rigorous amounts of exercise and challenging tricks to keep him both physically and mentally busy.


15. Boston Terrier

boston terrier
Image Credit: guvo59, Pixabay

This dapper doggo is a natural-born comedian who loves attention and exercise. Your Boston Terrier needs about 70 minutes of activity every day to keep him calm. A walk, game of tug, and plenty of mental stimulation will tire him out and make him the ultimate couch potato.


16. Boxer

Boxer
Image Credit: Myriams-Fotos, Pixabay

A strong, stocky dog, the Boxer is the ultimate protector. However, this breed is also prone to being hyperactive and requires at least an hour of activity each day. The Boxer makes an incredible hiking or jogging partner.


17. Maltese

Maltese
Image Credit: Pezibear, Pixabay

At first glance, the Maltese appears to be a superior breed for slumbering on the couch all day. But don’t let his long, fluffy coat fool you. These pretty, little pup needs plenty of exercise every day or else will resort to destructive behavior.


18. Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel
Image Credit: contagionpseudomonas, Pixabay

A breed of gun dog, the Brittany Spaniel was originally developed for the purpose of hunting birds. His working-class characteristics mean that the Brittany always needs a job to do. Intelligent, agile, and athletic, this dog requires over an hour-and-a-half of rigorous exercise each and every day.


19. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Lab Dog Breed Info
Image Credit: Wilda3 , Pixabay

An avid hunting breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly trainable and extremely intelligent breed. Growing to weigh up to 70 pounds, this dog needs nearly two hours of vigorous exercise per day to keep him happy.


20. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois Close Up
Imag Credit: TC_Perch, pixabay

A medium-sized breed that looks a lot like a German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is an extremely hyper dog with lots of stamina and a strong work ethic. Used for herding, search and rescue, and police work, this breed needs over two hours’ worth of activity each day.

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Is a Hyper Dog Right for Me?

The simplest way of deciding if a hyper dog is the right breed for you or not is to examine your own daily activity level. Do you enjoy jogging or hiking? Can you provide your energetic pooch with the right amount of physical and mental stimulation each day?

If you work long hours or aren’t that active, you should consider getting a low-energy dog breed. Hyperactive breeds can succumb easily to boredom and may channel all of their pent up energy in destructive ways, such as endlessly barking or chewing up your sofa.

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Final Thoughts: Hyper Dogs

Each of the breeds mentioned on this list needs tons of exercise to keep them calm. If you live in an active household and can dedicate time each day to engaging your pooch, one of these 20 hyper breeds may be the perfect pup for you.

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Featured Image Credit: thka, Shutterstock

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