At a glance: large size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing, sheds a lot
Most common names: Luna, Bella, Charlie
Dog breeds for active people
14 breeds whose exercise we rate as lots: bred to retrieve, herd or pull, or described as needing plenty of exercise. Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Golden Retriever lead the list.
What we looked at
- Exercise rated lots: from what the breed was bred for, or from its description
The breeds, in the order the quiz ranks them
At a glance: small to large size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most
Most common names: Luna, Coco, Teddy
At a glance: large size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds a lot
Most common names: Charlie, Daisy, Cooper
At a glance: small to large size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds less than most to sheds a lot
Most common names: Teddy, Charlie, Luna
At a glance: medium to large size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds a lot
Most common names: Luna, Charlie, Milo
At a glance: medium to large size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing, sheds a lot
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention howling
Most common names: Luna, Loki, Blue
At a glance: large size, lots of exercise, light grooming, sheds some
Most common names: Lucy, Daisy, Duke
At a glance: small to large size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing to regular grooming, sheds less than most to sheds a lot
Most common names: Luna, Teddy, Charlie
At a glance: medium to large size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing to regular grooming, sheds a lot
Most common names: Luna, Lucy, Sadie
At a glance: small to medium size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing, sheds a lot
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Charlie, Winston, Pepper
At a glance: small to medium size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing, sheds a lot
Most common names: Mochi, Kuma, Bella
At a glance: small size, lots of exercise, light grooming to regular grooming, sheds less than most to sheds some
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Jack, Milo, Lucy
At a glance: medium size, lots of exercise, weekly brushing, sheds some
Most common names: Charlie, Bailey, Bella
At a glance: small size, lots of exercise, regular grooming, sheds a lot
Worth knowing: its descriptions mention barking
Most common names: Chloe, Cooper, Max
Side by side
| Breed | Size | Coat | Grooming | Shedding | Exercise | Voice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | Large | A double coat, short to medium | Weekly | Heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Poodle | Small to large | Curly | Regular | Lower | Lots of exercise | - |
| Golden Retriever | Large | A long double coat | Regular | Heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Goldendoodle | Small to large | Depends on the parents: a long double coat or curly | Regular | Lower to heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Australian Shepherd | Medium to large | A long double coat | Regular | Heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Siberian Husky | Medium to large | A double coat, short to medium | Weekly | Heavy | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention howling |
| Boxer | Large | Short and smooth | Light | Moderate | Lots of exercise | - |
| Labradoodle | Small to large | Depends on the parents: a double coat, short to medium, curly, or wiry | Weekly to regular | Lower to heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Border Collie | Medium to large | By variety: a double coat, short to medium or a long double coat | Weekly to regular | Heavy | Lots of exercise | - |
| Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Small to medium | A double coat, short to medium | Weekly | Heavy | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
| Shiba Inu | Small to medium | A double coat, short to medium | Weekly | Heavy | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention less barking than most |
| Jack Russell Terrier | Small | By variety: short and smooth or wiry | Light to regular | Lower to moderate | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
| Cocker Spaniel | Medium | Silky and feathered | Weekly | Moderate | Lots of exercise | - |
| Shetland Sheepdog | Small | A long double coat | Regular | Heavy | Lots of exercise | Its descriptions mention barking |
General information to help you narrow your choices. Every animal is an individual; meet them first. Check your lease and local rules.
Breed facts: Wikidata and each breed's Wikipedia article, read 2026-10-04. The ratings are ours, from those facts; how we match is on the breed fit quiz.
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