There is nothing like having a dog by your side when you’re out running in the city or hiking in the woods.
While a lot of athletic dogs are big, dogs do not need to be big to be good at running and hiking.
There are plenty of athletic small dogs that you can take out with you on your next adventure.
Many people associate small dogs with being lapdogs, but not all of them are meant to sleep on the couch all day! Check out the 20 best small dogs for running and hiking below.
20 Best Small Breeds For Hiking And Running
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
With its streamlined long body, short legs and low center of gravity, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is made for agility and speed. Did you know this adorable, short-legged breed is one of the world’s best herders of cattle? Running and nipping after the feet of cattle has made this breed strong and sturdy.
This active small dog has no off button in terms of energy. In fact, the Kennel Club classifies them as one of the top 15 most active dogs. They easily have the stamina to be your running dog.
- Activity: Running and hiking
- Distance: Short distance
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walk, fields and dirt paths
- Climate: Any climate
2. Jack Russell Terrier
As a terrier dog, the Jack Russell Terrier was bred for speed. Originally they were used for fox hunting so the Jack Russell had to be fast enough to chase foxes and small enough to follow them through small nooks and holes.
They can be quite independent so make sure you train them and keep them on a leash because their high prey drive might make them wander off in the woods. You might find that you have to run after your Jack Russell with their eagerness to chase and boundless energy.
- Activity: Running, hiking and hunting
- Distance: Short to medium distance
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walk, fields and dirt paths
- Climate: Mild or warm
3. Beagle
The merry Beagle is not only one of the best family dogs, it is also one of the best dogs for hiking and running. If they can chase down rabbits to hunt, then they can surely be your partner on a run or hike.
As a hound, the Beagle feels comfortable in the outdoors. They are great for the light jogger as they were meant to stay close to the hunter in a pack while they hunted.
Make sure to keep them on a leash as they might just start following their nose after whatever interesting scent they find.
- Activity: Jogging, hiking and hunting
- Distance: All distances
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walk, fields and dirt paths
- Climate: Mild
4. Miniature Poodle
Like the Standard Poodle, the Miniature Poodle is an athlete made for dominating the agility course with their intelligence and athleticism. A simple jog in the streets or woods will seem like nothing to them.
This athletic small dog is very versatile and is one of the best dogs for running. They can actually accompany you on any outdoor activity you decide to do. Even if you are a swimmer, the Miniature Poodle will be eager to follow you through the stream as it was originally a duck hunter, bred to wade through water.
- Activity: Running, jogging, hiking, agility, swimming and retrieving
- Distance: Short to medium distance
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walks, fields and agility course
- Climate: Any climate
5. Papillon
Though the Papillon is often associated with royalty, this pup is not merely a small lapdog. They have plenty of energy to spare and are considered one of the most athletic small dogs.
The Papillon is known to be an excellent agility dog and will always be up to running or hiking with you. Papillons are very spirited and eager to please. With their high versatility, they will quickly adapt to your lifestyle in any region, whether hot or cold.
- Activity: Running, hiking and agility
- Distance: Short to medium distance
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walks, fields and agility course
- Climate: Any climate
6. Miniature Pinscher
Get ready to start racing with your Miniature Pinscher. They have a high-stepping ‘hackney’ gait, like the trot of a hackney horse, and will run as if they were a horse! They also love to hike, but can be a bit independent so it’s important to not let them wander loose.
The Miniature Pinscher is not a dog to mess with, even if it is mini! Their body is well-muscled, sturdy and combines strength with speed.
- Activity: Running and hiking
- Distance: Short to medium distance
- Terrain: Trails, streets, side-walk, fields and dirt paths
- Climate: Any climate
7. Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, commonly known as the Sheltie, was bred in Scotland to be a quick-footed herder of sheep. This is an active, small athletic dog that has a natural talent for agility competitions and running. They make one of the best dogs for running and hiking.
A Sheltie is very friendly and empathetic, making them a great family pet. They are also quite reserved with strangers, so will happily run by your side and won’t run off to say ‘hi’ to anyone.
- Activity: Running, hiking, agility and swimming
- Distance: All distances
- Terrain: Trails, fields, agility courses and rocky paths
- Climate: Cold and mild
8. Whippet
A Whippet is like a miniaturized version of the Greyhound. With their S-shaped, sleek and streamlined body they are one of the fastest dogs in the world. If you tell a Whippet to run, it will run at lightning speed!
In between their sprints a Whippet likes to relax. In fact, they are a pretty affectionate and quiet breed and their personality can deceive the energy they hold within.
Though Whippets need a lot of space to be able to run, they are actually good city dogs. They will happily accompany you on runs through the city. A Whippet is a very athletic dog and can do a variety of different sports as well.
- Activity: Running, jogging, racing, hiking, lure-coursing, agility, barn hunting and dock diving
- Distance: Short distance
- Terrain: Streets, sidewalks, fields, agility courses, dirt paths and race courses
- Climate: Mild and warm
9. West Highland White Terrier
The West Highland White Terrier was known as an earthdog as its job was to drive out rats from the houses of its owners. This innocent white terrier might be cute, but it is not meek. The West Highland White Terrier is a hard worker and is like a fountain of energy and courage.
When you decide it is time to go outside for some exercise, the West Highland White Terrier is happy to come along. They love adventures and will be thrilled to go on a jog through the park or a hike through the woods.
- Activity: Jogging, short runs and hiking
- Distance: Short distance
- Terrain: Streets, sidewalks, trails and dirt paths
- Climate: Mild and warm
10. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise might be small, but it has a big personality. This comedic and curious dog is a great companion for a hike in the woods. They are very adaptable to any situation, and with their confidence, make one of the best long distance hiking dogs.
Though you might not think of them as fast, the Bichon Frise will surprise you with their speed. When they get into the mood and want to zoom everywhere, they will amaze you with their zappy energy and agility. You can easily channel their zoomies into trails around the city.
- Activity: Hiking
- Distance: Long distance
- Terrain: Streets, sidewalks, trails and dirt paths
- Climate: Mild and warm
11. Norfolk Terrier
As a true terrier, the Norfolk Terrier is a daring adventurer and not a lapdog. These athletic small dogs are always ready to chase anything small that moves, as they were bred to hunt rats and foxes. The Norfolk Terrier moves with swiftness and agility so it can be hard to keep up with them sometimes.
Norfolk Terries are some of the best dogs for hiking as they love the outdoors and have a weather-resistant coat and sturdy body. They also enjoy long walks and jogs through the city or park.
- Activity: Jogging and hiking
- Distance: All distances
- Terrain: Street, sidewalks, trails, dirt paths, rocky and mountainous terrains
- Climate: Mild and warm
12. Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is an ancient dog that was raised in Buddhist monasteries to keep watch and provide companionship on the cold mountains. They are known for their characteristic ‘snowshoe’ feet which help them navigate through the snow and climb mountainous terrain.
If you live in a cold climate, this is definitely the kind of small dog you want to take with you on your long hikes through the mountains. Their long, wooly coat is made to withstand the cold weather, so you shouldn’t be taking this dog out on long runs in hot places.
- Activity: Jogging, hiking and climbing
- Distance: All distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, rocky and mountainous terrains
- Climate: Cold and mild
13. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is another active small dog that is very similar to the Whippet. Just like the Whippet, it has the S-shaped body of a sighthound and is bred to move at incredible speeds. They might also be a bit more energetic and playful than the Whippet, but are slightly smaller.
Italian Greyhounds are like a windup toy that cannot stay still once on the move, which is what makes them one of the best dog breeds for running. Your Italian Greyhound might run off in pursuit if it sees something move while running, so make sure to keep a tight hold of your leash.
- Activity: Running, jogging, racing, playing, hiking, lure-coursing, agility and hunting
- Distance: Short distances
- Terrain: Streets, sidewalks, fields, agility courses, dirt paths and race courses
- Climate: Mild and warm
14. Miniature Schnauzer
A Miniature Schnauzer was bred to be a smaller version of the standard Schnauzer, but with all the same capabilities of being a good farm dog and ratter. As a farm dog they can patrol over acres of farmland, so you can definitely expect a Miniature Schnauzer to accompany you on those long hikes or jogs.
The Miniature Schnauzer can adapt well to running and loves to please, but the temptation of chasing something small that moves is too great. Like other dogs with a high prey drive, they do need a leash when they go out with you.
- Activity: Jogging, hiking and brisk walks
- Distance: All distances
- Terrain: Streets, sidewalks, fields, trails and dirt paths
- Climate: Mild
15. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher isn’t a terrier, but was bred to be a rat hunter so they will fearlessly chase small animals when you go on hikes. This breed loves to go on brisk walks and is one of the best small dogs for hiking. They are very active and will be glad to accompany you on your adventures.
This active dog will do pretty well on jogs around the park or city too. The Affenpinscher is a goofball and might make you laugh during your outings with their shenanigans. They are often described as a “monkey dog” for their looks and silly personality.
- Activity: Jogging, hiking and brisk walks
- Distance: Short distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Mild to warm
16. Norwich Terrier
Just like the Norfolk Terrier, the Norwich Terrier is an earthdog that was bred to hunt rats. They cannot stay still and would much rather play a game of fetch all day, than relax on the couch. They can definitely use that energy to go out running or hiking with you.
The Norwich Terrier has a big dog’s energy, even if it is one of the smallest terriers. With their adventurous spirit they will gladly explore the outdoors and are not afraid of anything. Just make sure you keep them on a leash at all times.
- Activity: Running and hiking
- Distance: Short to medium distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Mild to warm
17. Schipperke
The Schipperke was bred to be the exterminator and watchdog of ships in Belgium. This hard-working, athletic small dog can easily hunt down mice because of their powerful jaw, neck and front legs. They are also quite agile and fast.
There will never be a boring moment with a pet Schipperke. Running is not a big deal for them and it is actually good for them so they can let out all of their energy. Schipperkes might not be running for miles, but you might want to put on your sprint shoes, especially if they see something worthy of a chase.
Schipperkes are also very playful and love to explore so might be up for hiking in the outdoors.
- Activity: Running, brisk walking and hiking
- Distance: Short distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Cold
18. Silky Terrier
A Silky Terrier is slightly larger than its close cousin the Yorkie. This small athletic dog is from Australia and has a curiosity that can never be satisfied. They are a true toy terrier and are very energetic and fast. Their light body can move very quickly, which is why they do so well in agility.
With their boundless energy and quick feet you can rely on a Silky Terrier to come running with you. They can also go on hikes as they are very curious and always ready for adventure.
- Activity: Running and hiking
- Distance: Short distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Mild to warm
19. Toy Fox Terrier
A Toy Fox Terrier is the ideal small dog for any outdoor adventure. They are so energetic, lively and interested in exploring that they will want to accompany you on walks, hikes and jogs. If you don’t take them out, then they might just do laps around your home.
Toy Fox Terriers have an energy that seems never-ending and will dominate in the agility course if given the chance. A Toy Fox Terrier will do just about anything, from walking to running to hiking.
- Activity: Brisk walking, running, hiking, romping, agility and hunting
- Distance: Short to medium distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Mild to warm
20. Toy Manchester Terrier
A Toy Manchester Terrier is the miniaturized version of the Manchester Terrier. They can be as much as 10 pounds lighter, but have all of the energy and agility of the standard size. Their size does nothing to stop them from being a highly active and athletic dog. They can do just about anything.
The Toy Manchester Terrier is a great running dog to have as a family pet. This breed excels in many sports, including obedience, rallying, barn hunting, agility, lure coursing, earthdog, tracking, scent work and even freestyle dancing.
- Activity: Walking, running, hiking, agility and hunting
- Distance: Short to medium distances
- Terrain: Trails, dirt paths, streets, sidewalks and fields
- Climate: Mild to warm
Can Small Dogs Be Good At Running?
Not all small dogs are lapdogs, so don’t feel like you need to get a big dog to have a running companion.
There are many athletic small dogs that make excellent running and hiking dogs.
Some small dogs were bred to run around all day. Others can be lightning fast like a whippet or have paws made specifically for hiking like the Tibetan Terrier.
These dogs can rank as high in activity levels as large dogs like the German Shepherd, Husky, Border Collie and Australian Shepherd.
The perfect kind of running dog will be one that is very active and can stick by your side as you run, no matter its size. A good running dog is one that is very active and has high endurance and a strong body.
A dog that prefers to relax at home and sleeps for most of the day will not be a good running partner.
Why Is Hiking With A Small Dog Better?
A small dog is highly portable, easy to carry and takes up less space.
When you have a car full of stuff that you need for a hiking trip, your small dog won’t take up a lot of space. If you are flying somewhere to hike then it is much easier for you to take a small dog too.
Small dogs can also be easier to control.
Larger breeds can be very strong, and if they have a high prey drive, you might have some trouble controlling them when they see a squirrel or rabbit on the trail.
A small dog might also want to go after them and bark, but at least you can scoop them up!
Which Breeds Are Not Suited To Running?
There are some small breeds that are not suited for running or hiking.
Dogs that are very delicate like teacup breeds, have low energy levels, and tire very easily should not be forced to run.
You should never force your dog to go out running. They might not enjoy being pushed to move their body and might just plop down in the middle of the sidewalk, leaving you to carry them home.
Breeds such as the Chihuahua, Shih-Tzu, Mini French Bulldog and Maltese are not made for running.
Small flat-faced dogs have the additional problem that running can make it harder for them to breathe. You definitely don’t want to take this kind of dog out for a run. Sometimes they might get an energy boost and run in circles in the house, but they will soon tire.
Summary
If you are a small dog person that loves running and hiking then know that your tiny best friend can join you too!
Not all small dogs are made for running, but there are plenty of small breeds that are active, athletic and energetic.
If you want to start exercising with your small dog, make sure that it is a breed that can handle doing intense exercise. Forcing a dog that cannot run to do intense exercise is not healthy.
Don’t try to make a Chihuahua run for miles when its body can’t handle it.
Some of the best athletic small dogs include:
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Beagle
- Miniature Poodle
- Miniature Pinscher
The great thing about having a small dog for running and hiking is that they are more portable, will take up less space and are easier to control.
Let us know your favorite in the comments.
