What Dogs Are Good Walking Partners?

Many dog owners consider dogs their best walking buddies. The dogs persistently demand their walks, and often are the first to get to the door and are ready to go, rain or shine. Extra benefits for their owners include getting outside for some exercise and knocking off some excess weight. Dogs are treadmills on a leash, and canines provide increased safety for human walkers by increasing their visibility and discouraging muggers. However, some breeds are better walking companions than others.

  1. Choosing a Breed

    • Choosing the right canine companion can be a challenge.

      Not all dogs are good at walking with people. There are several considerations one must make in choosing a good canine walking companion. It is important that the dog walk at a good pace. The breed's size, activity level and stamina determine whether or not the dog will be a good partner. A small dog might struggle to keep up. However, a large active breed dog may pull and drag at the leash. Obedience training is necessary for any canine companion. Numerous breeds from the sporting, herding and working groups make excellent dog-walking candidates.

    Sporting Breeds

    • Golden Retrievers love to spend time outdoors with their people.

      These canines are alert, natural athletes, and make well-rounded companions. Many of these breeds are active in hunting and field activities, requiring regular exercise. Some of the most popular members of this breed are Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Irish Setters. They are ideal pets for families with children in that they are gentle, sweet-natured and playful.

    Hound Breeds

    • Hounds are good choices for exercise walking.

      Humans and hounds have been hunting partners since man's earliest experiences with developing canine breeds. Two types of hounds are those that use their acute scenting powers in tracking down their quarry. They have long ears which aid in find the scent on the ground. Others are sight hounds that visually follow the prey. These dogs make excellent walking companions; the major drawback is their distinctive baying sound rather than barking. Generally they only vocalize to sound an alert that a stranger is approaching.

      Many hound breeds have droopy eyes, long ears and short statures. They may look sad and old, however they are active, loyal and affectionate creatures. These hounds play well with children and are excellent walking companions, yet will curl up with an adult to watch a movie. Popular examples include Bassets, Beagles, Scottish Deerhounds and Irish Wolfhounds.

    Herding Breeds

    • An Old English Sheepdog is a stalwart walking partner.

      The herding dogs are working dogs bred to protect and control the movement of other animals such as sheep and cattle. Size does not matter here. The Corgi, one foot tall at the shoulders, drive herds of cattle by nipping at their heels; others herd animals with different techniques. Their herding instincts extend to their owners and especially the children of the family. These canines make intelligent walking companions and protectors. Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, the Bouvier Des Flandres, Bearded Collies, Briards and German Shepherds are all excellent companions representing the herding group.