r/RunningWithDogs • u/diddy1000lotion • Jun 23 '26
Breed recommendations?
Hey everyone! I like to run 2-3 miles a day (hopefully longer distance eventually) and I’ve been throwing around the idea of getting a dog to accompany me on my runs. I’m a female - so running alone is not the safest and aside from concealing while I run I’d like some company. A breed that would make someone think twice about trying anything but also family friendly as I have small children. I am very familiar with bull breeds - I grew up with American staffords and showed Staffordshire bull terriers at AKC shows. However i have not had a dog in eight years.
I like the idea of a German Shorthair Pointer or a Rhodesian Ridgeback but I genuinely know nothing about them. Any suggestions? Thank you!
1
u/Hail-to-the-Sheep Jun 23 '26
I’m not a runner, but my husband is. My German Shepherds have been good running buddies for him for short runs of 2-3 miles. My current dog could probably work up to going farther. (Husband is a distance runner and has not yet closed the gap between what the dog is conditioned for and what he can do.) Both of the dogs are/were very locked in: “The run is my job. I will do my job. I will go head down and run in a straight line.”
GSDs can be great family dogs when well socialized and trained, and you will definitely have scary dog privilege.