Sunday, 2 September 2012

Most Athletic Dog Breeds

American Pit Bull Terrier
Unfairly maligned as vicious, American Pit Bull Terriers are superb athletes. Originally bred for dog fighting and catching large game, they are not prone to human aggression and make for wonderful family dogs. Nowadays, Pit Bull owners channel their dog’s energy and drive through sports like weight pulling. Some Pit Bulls have managed to pull 8,000 lbs!

Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds, affectionately known as ‘Aussies,’ are loving, loyal, and energetic. They are one of the larger herders, and excel at agility. Aussies are very intelligent and will require mental stimulation as well as physical. They’re a popular breed, partially due to the fact that most have an ‘off switch’; i.e. the ability to settle when not actively engaged in something. Size, shape, and temperament can vary depending on what lines are present in a dog’s pedigree.
Border Collie
Border Collie is the Australian Shepherd’s more intense cousin. Highly biddable and considered the most intelligent of dog breeds, Border Collies NEED a job to be happy. These jobs can be simple: putting toys away, grabbing a soda from the fridge, or even playing fetch.
Boxer
Boxers are one of the best family breeds when they can keep all four paws on the ground. Bred, like the American Pit Bull Terrier, for fighting and hunting, the breed has since transitioned into a companion role and are extremely devoted to their owners. Unlike herding breeds, the Boxer’s energy is not ‘focused.’ Young dogs can seem like whirling, clownish dervishes springing this way and that with no idea what to do with their excess energy.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are a bold breed that would do anything for their owners. They are large dogs bred for guard work and protection, and as such they need to spend lots of time with their family.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Owners describe them as the jocks of the dog world, not the most intelligent in the class but certainly willing to please and always ready to go out and do something. They are one of the best jogging companions on this list, but also compete in agility with great success.
Greyhound
Greyhounds typically begin their life at a racecourse and are adopted upon retirement. Being raised in a professional setting, they tend to be well socialized and trained, making them great dogs for first time owners.They make good family pets and are actually one of the easiest large breed dogs to own, being low-shedding, calm, and fairly simple to train.
Jack Russell Terrier
ack Russell Terriers are great for dog sports or kicking around town. They have a typical terrier personality- headstrong, vigorous, and protective. They were originally bred to hunt foxes, so you can imagine the tenacity and punch these little dogs pack.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks originated in South Africa and were used to hunt lions. The dogs would distract and bait the lion while their masters moved in for the kill. As such, they are large, agile, and courageous. They are named for the distinctive ridge of fur down their back. The Ridgeback is fiercely loyal and aloof with strangers.
Siberian Husky
Independent, enduring, and endlessly energetic, they are a highly rewarding breed for those that can meet their needs. They were bred to pull heavy weights for miles, and because of this they can run for hours on end without tiring.

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