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10 High Strung Dog Breeds

Australian Shepherd Playing Frisbee

Some people prefer dog breeds with a lot of energy while others like dog breeds that are calm. If you’re looking for a dog that will get you out on walks and playing fetch, these 10 high strung dog breeds are a great choice.

Most Hyper Small Dog Breeds

Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffon standing in grass with yellow flowers looking at carmera
Brussels Griffon

Brussels Griffons are incredibly affectionate dogs that cannot be separated from their favorite person, even in bathrooms. Although it does look cute in the beginning, you need to ensure regular interaction because they are prone to separation anxiety. In the case of frustration, these dogs can cause a lot of damage. Some common protests include overturning trash bins and peeing on your favorite carpet. Therefore, you must train them properly during early days to avoid any inconvenience (for both parties).

Jack Russell Terrier

Wet Jack Russell Terrier standing in sand
Jack Russell Terrier

Owning a Jack Russell Terrier is a full-time job because he can develop destructive habits, pretty quickly. He is hyperactive and can find his own ways (barking, destroying things, etc.) of staying occupied. Obviously, you don’t want that to happen so you need to focus a lot on your demanding dog. Considering the fact that these dogs love running, they are ideal for your jogging partners. Similarly, they are well-suited for terrier races and earth-dog tests. However, one reputation a Jack Russell avoids is being a dog breed that is a picky eater. They’ll eat almost anything.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier with ears at attention standing in grass
Yorkshire Terrier

“Big things come in small packages.” This phrase is the best possible explanation of this tiny dog because Yorkshire Terriers are filled with energy. Having said that, they can suffer from “Small Dog Syndrome”. This mental illness can make them bite people. Hence, you need to make sure that you are there for your little companion at all times.

Other than that, the silky coat of this dog is another thing that needs regular maintenance. In order to prevent the formation of agonizing mats in its beautiful coat, you need daily brushing and weekly bating. Additionally, you need to visit a professional groomer regularly to maintain the look of your pet.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel standing on moss covered rock in forrest
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Also known as “Love Sponges”, Cavaliers are just the perfect companions for stay-at-home parents. They are so loving and caring that they won’t leave you alone for a moment. They will jump into your lap as soon as they find you seated. This makes them an ideal option for retired couples who want to have someone around them, all the time.

Similarly, people who work-at-home can enjoy their relaxing time with these beautiful creatures. All they need from their parents is regular brushing because thick fur can entangle into painful mats.

Most Intense Dog Breeds

Border Collie

Border Collie puppy running through tall grass
Border Collie

These agile and intelligent dogs need a lot of attention to keep them at bay from developing compulsive behavior. This list of bad habits includes chasing every moving thing and bouncing up and down. If you design an active schedule with plenty of dog sports and exercise, a border collie is an amazing companion. In addition to their physical liveliness, they are one of the smartest dogs out there. That’s the reason why some people refer to this breed as a ‘Canine Einstein’.  

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd sitting on wooden boardwalk looking into carmera
Australian Shepherd

The primary purpose of breeding Australian Shepherds was to use them for herding livestock. The nature of the dog truly reflects that as it offers a lot of energy and intelligence. That’s the reason why Australian Shepherds do so well at dog sports (e.g. disc competitions). In addition to that, they can prove pretty helpful in your everyday chores like digging out weeds from your garden. On the contrary, lack of proper exercise (both physical and mental) can make them stubborn and destructive.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel on a leash standing on a leaf covered lake shore
Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels is a really high maintenance dog for a number of reasons. The first one of them is their thick hair. In order to make sure that everything is good, you need to take frequent care of its coat. Alongside daily brushing, weekly bathing, and regular trimming, you will need the services of a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.

Similarly, cocker spaniels are significantly prone to ear infections. For this reason, you need to ensure ear inspection every week. You could also go for cleaning the ear if it is needed. If that’s not enough, this breed of dogs is also susceptible to eye issues and hip dysplasia.    

Siberian Husky

Side profile of a Siberian Husky sitting in the woods
Siberian Husky

The breeding of Siberian Huskies is self-explanatory when it comes to their level of activity. Bred in freezing temperatures to pull sleds, they need an ample amount of exercise to burn their energy. If they don’t get enough activity, they can become extremely whiny and noisy. In extreme cases, they bark so much that your neighbors might find it a little too much to handle. Having said that, you need to take into account the climatic conditions of your area as they are extra sensitive to heat.    

Poodle

3 Poodles sitting side by side on a brick wall
Poodle

A Poodle is a balanced amalgamation of classical intelligence, never-ending energy, and difficult-to-maintain fur. Not only do they need daily mental and physical activities, but they also require regular brushing to keep them adorable. Failing to do so can result in a massive, painful mat. Given all these demands, owning a poodle can be a difficult task if you are working full time. On the other hand, it is an extremely loving companion for those who can manage a feasible schedule.

Boxer

Boxer at point in a snow dappled field
Boxer

Boxers are generally considered a wonderful pet option for all types of families due to their lovable nature. However, they do require a proper routine to stay in control. It could be a really difficult job to train these goofy dogs because they have a small attention span. Consequently, you may have to adopt a reward-based technique to train them. Despite that, patience and consistency will be critical.   

Whether you are looking for small energetic dog breeds, a dog with neurotic dog behavior, the most hyper small dog breeds, or the most intense dog breeds, one of these 10 High Strung Dog Breeds may just be the perfect fit for keeping up with your active lifestyle. And if you want to see the least needy dog breeds – go here.

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