Many working, herding, and hunting dogs need quite a bit of mental and physical stimulation to enjoy the best quality of life possible. These dogs become bored when they do not receive enough to do, which can cause behavior problems such as destructive urges.
Therefore, it is crucial to be sure you can handle a dog’s needs before adopting it. Here are a few of the dog breeds that require the most stimulation.
Borzoi
Previously known as the Russian wolfhound, borzoi are intelligent, independent dogs that originally helped hunters. They are affectionate with family members and have beautiful, silky coats. These dogs are fast, able to run at 35-40 miles per hour, and they love to run. Because of this, a fenced-in backyard is a must for this breed.
Border Collie
Border collies are beautiful dogs. They love their family members, and they’re great with kids, making them an excellent choice for young families. They are loyal and intelligent, so consistent training will go a long way. However, they are herding dogs, so they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to behave their best.
Weimaraner
These German-bred hunting dogs are the picture of elegance and poise. Weimaraners are extremely affectionate and good with children; they love to be part of a family dynamic. They are very intelligent and love to learn, so you must pair them with a good trainer. These dogs do best with frequent exercise and mental stimulation—taking them for runs and teaching them small tasks can keep them happy.
Jack Russel Terrier
The Jack Russel terrier might be little, but it isn’t a lap dog. These dogs were originally foxhounds, and they have the energy to show for it! They are jaunty and inquisitive little dogs with beautiful coats and clever expressions. They’re very friendly, love their families fiercely, and get along well with other dogs. All that intelligence needs an outlet, though, so in addition to regular exercise, these dogs benefit from the mental stimulation puzzles toys provide.
Newfoundland
These gentle giants need plenty of space, weighing up to 150 pounds when fully grown. Despite their size, they have a sweet disposition, working well with young kids and other dogs. They are so fond of children that they’re sometimes called “nanny dogs.” They respond very well to gentle guidance in training. Because of their size, they require more exercise, stimulation, and care than many breeds.
If you have one of these dog breeds that require the most stimulation but cannot meet their exercise needs, we highly recommend sending them to doggy daycare. The opportunity to play, run, and interact with other dogs while you’re at work will dramatically improve their behavior and quality of life!
