If you are looking for a dog breed that matches a calm, laid-back lifestyle, you might want to reconsider some of the high-energy breeds on this list. While these dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and impressive physical abilities, they also require significant physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. These are twelve high-energy dog breeds that aren’t ideal for calm people.
1. Border Collie
Border Collies are adored for their intelligence and high energy levels. They were originally bred for herding and require a ton of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They need at least two to three hours of exercise every single day. Without enough entertainment, they can become restless and develop behavioral issues.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds share many traits similar to Border Collies; they are also highly intelligent and energetic. They were also bred for herding and require regular exercise. They need a few hours of physical each day, combined with mental stimulation. They thrive in active households and love to go on hikes or play fetch.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs also need a lot of physical activity. They were bred to work long hours on ranches and are known for their endurance and agility. This breed needs at least two hours of exercise each day, which can include running, swimming, or playing interactive games.
4. Jack Russell Terriers
Jack Russells might be small, but they are incredibly energetic and require a lot of regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They need one and a half to two hours of physical activity daily, which can include short runs, playtime in a securely fenced yard, or interactive games indoors. They are not ideal for calm people.
5. Siberian Huskey
These stunning dogs were bred for endurance and were used for sled pulling in harsh Arctic conditions. Because of this, they need a lot of physical activity to thrive. They need at least two hours of daily exercise. They also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to howling or destructive behaviors.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are a versatile hunting breed that loves running and swimming. They need daily exercise to keep them calm and satisfied. These exercises can include running, hiking, or playing fetch in a large area. These dogs are very active and are not ideal for people living a more chilled lifestyle.
7. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are known for their high intensity and strong work ethic, often used in police and military roles. They need at least two hours of physical activity each day, combined with rigorous mental stimulation. They are perfect for active families.
8. Weimaraners
Weimaraners were originally bred for hunting and are known for their sleek appearance and high energy levels. They need regular exercise to prevent restlessness and boredom, requiring about 1 to 2 hours of physical activity daily. They are intelligent and curious, which is why they need mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
9. Dalmatians
Dalmations are famous for their distinctive spotted coats. They were originally bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages, which is why they have high endurance and require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Dalmatians need about 1 to 2 hours of exercise daily, which can include running, hiking, or playing in a securely fenced area.
10. Boxers
Boxers are playful and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy. They need one to two hours of physical activity each day and love playing in the yard with their owners. They also need mental stimulation and social interaction to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
11. Irish Setters
Irish Setters were originally bred for hunting and are known for their energetic and friendly nature. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, needing about one to two hours of physical activity daily. This can include running, hiking, or playing fetch in a large area. Irish Setters are intelligent and curious, so they also need mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
12. Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are often considered friendly and adaptable, but they are also energetic and require a lot of exercise to prevent boredom. They need about one to two hours of physical activity daily, which can include running, swimming, or playing fetch.
Explore more of our trending stories and hit Follow to keep them coming to your feed!
Don’t miss out on more stories like this! Hit the Follow button at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest news. Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
