As many athletes (and aspiring athletes) learn, having a canine companion by your side makes staying active way more enjoyable.
Some pet breeds are known for their get-up-and-go personalities. These pets tend to thrive when given activities or jobs that keep them super active and performing at the top of their game. It’s no surprise many of these dog breeds are favorites for taking home the gold medal in dog sports. Meet a few of our favorites.
A hunting dog turned family favorite, the Chessie is a popular pup for duck hunters. They're quick to learn and eager to please, but they often have their own ideas on how to accomplish tasks. Chessies love to run and thrive when they’re given a job to perform—especially if it involves fetch.
Size: Large (55-80 lbs)
Energy level: 4/5. This breed was developed to hunt all day in every imaginable condition, which means they need exercise rain or shine.
Special health considerations: Chessies have a moderate risk of developing hypothyroid disease in adult life that increases to a very high risk as they age—four times more than any other dog. Watch for signs of low thyroid production, including weight gain, lethargy, changes in skin and coat, loss of appetite, weakness or intolerance to cold.
Go to the Nationwide Pet HealthZone to learn more about Chesapeake Bay retrievers.
Athletic, active and devoted to family, the Doberman pinscher is a working dog’s working dog. Commonly found in military and law enforcement settings, they also make marvelous service dogs and family pets, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. A healthy Dobie makes a great companion for runners.
Size: Large (60-100 lbs)
Energy level: 5/5. Built for athletic endeavors, this high-energy breed needs daily exercise. Superb at running an agility course or beside you!
Special heath considerations: Dobies face a very high risk of cardiomyopathy, more than four times that of other dog breeds. This danger persists from young adult through senior life stages. Monitor for coughing, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, and seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your pet is having trouble breathing, has blue gums or tongue, or collapses.
Go to the Nationwide® Pet HealthZone® to learn more about Dobermans.
German shorthaired pointers want as much daily, heart-thumping exercise as they can get—and then they’d like to get some more. Bred to retrieve fowl for hunters in challenging environments, the athleticism and drive of the GSP makes them enthusiastic competitors in many dog sports.
Size: Medium-large (45-70 lbs)
Energy level: 5/5. GSPs are smart, but easily distracted. Strenuous regular exercise will help this high-energy breed concentrate on training.
Special health considerations: This breed has an increased risk of accidents resulting in trauma for both young adult and mature adult life stages. In fact, their likelihood for injury is 25% higher than other dog breeds. It helps to keep GSPs leashed and monitor their activity to avoid traumatic injuries on the go.
Go to the Nationwide Pet HealthZone to learn more about German shorthaired pointers.
Athletic and high-energy, the vizsla’s exercise needs make this dog a good choice for very active families. Vizslas do best with families that can provide them with close companionship and plenty of exercise. Like pointers, they’re commonly ranked as top competitors in all kinds of dog sports.
Size: Medium-large (44-60 lbs)
Energy level: 5/5. This breed needs strenuous activity to avoid boredom and possible destructiveness.
Special health considerations: Vizslas develop a very high risk of skin cancer as they age—more than four times the risk compared to other dogs! It’s important to be proactive if any lumps or bumps emerge and have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out any cancerous growths.
Go to the Nationwide Pet HealthZone to learn more about vizslas.
Active pets are always raring to go, but it is also important to know when to encourage them to stop, especially during the warmer months. Heat exhaustion—and, more seriously, heat stroke—can come on quickly if your dog doesn’t get enough water and time in the shade to cool down.
Read more about the dangers summer heat presents to your dog.
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petTake advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet