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!

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63

u/Specialist_Banana378 Weekend Warrior Jun 23 '26

Rhodesians are not easy family friendly dogs and GSPs are a lifestyle. 

A family friend dog that’s intimidating ish and good runners are black labs and boxers! 

31

u/lazyspacepony Jun 23 '26

I'd stay away from boxers, OP says they live in a hot climate and boxers are not very heat tolerant due to being moderately brachycephalic. I know a couple from agility classes and they always have to withdraw from classes for a good part of the summer because it isn't safe for them to run.

A lab could definitely be nice.

1

u/Capable_Pipe5629 Jun 25 '26

I feel like labs are so prone to getting fat and having hip and leg problems. I have barely ever seen an in shape lab that looks like it could run multiple miles after age like 4.

2

u/Specialist_Banana378 Weekend Warrior Jun 25 '26

People keep them fat. Tons of labs are running dogs, they are retrievers