Finding the perfect dog breed for your family can be tough. You have to consider a lot of things, like how big your home and yard are, how much the dog might shed, and how your neighbors might react to a dog who’s prone to barking.

And if you’re considering a high energy dog breed, you also need to consider how active your family is. Can you keep up with these extra high energy dog breeds?

1. Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terriers are big dogs trapped in small bodies who are always on the lookout for adventure. They’re playful, mischievous, and full of energy. They need playtime and exercise every day, whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood or some romping around in the living room. If you’re looking for a quiet lap dog, Yorkshire terriers aren’t for you.

2. Shiba inu

Shiba inu’s are known for their bold personalities. If their owners don’t train them well, they can develop quite the attitude. That paired with their high energy level can be a lot to handle for unequipped owners.

The best way to get a handle on the stubborn, high energy nature of a shiba inu is to start socializing them early on. Take them to parks, invite people over pretty regularly, and sign them up for puppy kindergarten classes, if possible.

3. Poodle

According to Dog Time, poodles were originally bred as water retrievers — they were trained to jump in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters. Though much has changed for poodles since those days, they still maintain their sense of hard work and high energy.

Because they are so playful and highly intelligent, they can become destructive when bored. So, it’s important to keep your poodle’s mind and body active with obedience training.

4. Toy fox terrier

Toy fox terriers are great family dogs. They’re loyal and playful, and they do well in just about any size home (apartments included). They’re also very energetic. Through the years, they’ve been consistently successful as agility competitors, ratters on farms, hunters of small game, and even circus performers.

Their intelligence coupled with their strong energy may have you wondering who’s the boss of the house between the two of you. As a result, these terriers have a tendency to take on privileges usually reserved for family members, like sleeping on the bed. 

5. Shetland sheepdog

Shetland sheepdogs were originally guard dogs for farmers in the Shetland Islands off the coast of Scotland. They protected the crops from hungry birds and sheep. They were also herding dogs.

Today, they make great family dogs and are always top competitors in dog sports. Needless to say, they’re filled with energy. So, they need a lot of space to run around. They also need their playtime to include things like quick sprints and flyball. 

6. Welsh corgi

Welsh corgis were bred to herd cattle, sheep, and horses. They’re a smart, high-energy breed. Though high in energy, they’re very obedient and easy to train, making them perfect for newer dog owners and families with children. Because they are so filled with energy, though, they need a healthy amount of exercise every day.

7. Siberian husky

Huskies may seem like the calm, stoic type, but they’re actually full of energy. According to Dog Time, they’re so high energy that their behavior can border destructive (both indoors and outdoors). To combat this, make sure they’re getting the exercise they need (30–60 minutes a day).

8. Yorkipoo

Yorkipoos are adorable little bundles of energy. It’s no surprise that these are high energy dogs because both Yorkshire terriers and miniature poodles are also both energetic dogs. Yorkipoos love to play, whether it’s fetch or a good romp in the yard, but they also love to cuddle up in your lap as well. To burn off some of their energy, make sure they’re getting in ample playtime and exercise everyday.

9. Rat terrier

Rat terriers are terriers through and through. They’re high-energy, feisty, and animated little guys. As all rat terrier owners know, there’s never a dull moment when these pups are around. They need at least 40 minutes of exercise a day to work through some of that pent up energy. If they’re not properly exercised, they can become destructive. 

10. Papillon

Papillons are outgoing and energetic dogs. They love being with their families and are easy to train. Because they have so much energy and respond well to training, they make great dog sport participants, especially in the agility and rally areas. And in obedience competitions they often rank as the No. 1 toy breed.

11. Scottish terrier

Next on the list of high energy dog breeds is the Scottish terrier. Scottish terriers aren’t your low-key lap breed. They’re stubborn, funny, and very energetic. Though they can’t keep up with you on runs because of their short legs, they need ample exercise to channel all of that excess energy. If they’re not playing around with their families, they love to dig — so gardeners beware.

12. Labradoodle

Labradoodles are loving, family dog with the work ethic of the poodle and high energy of the Labrador retriever. Because of their high energy, they require anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise a day. Labradoodles are too energetic to live in an apartment, but they make great family dogs for those who live in good sized homes with an open yard. 

13. Italian greyhound

Italian greyhounds are known for their small, slender bodies. Though small, Italian greyhounds are quite active and playful. Fit Italian greyhounds make great running partners, but be sure to keep them on a leash because they still have that prey-hunting instinct (for small prey like squirrels and rabbits). Though very active and energetic when young, Dog Time says Italian greyhounds mellow out in their golden years, especially if the rest of their family is also calm. 

14. Dalmation

Dalmations are another high energy dog breed. According to the American Kennel Club, they’re alert and active, and they possess great endurance, speed, and intelligence. Dalmations are also very athletic and need a good amount of exercise, so they make great running, jogging, and hiking partners. 

15. Brussels griffon

Brussels griffons are known for their almost human-like expressions. They’re funny little guys who are both very affectionate and protective, so they make great watch dogs.

Because they have a lot of pent up energy, they require regular exercise. However, they don’t necessarily need a large home with a big yard to run around in (they make good apartment dogs). As long as they get a couple of brief walks and other forms of exercise a day, they’re good.

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