GSD as Running Companion? - Page 1

I'm looking into getting a working line gsd puppy in the future. I currently run 3-5 miles per day. Mostly on trails, however, sometimes I run it on asphalt. Always timed for cooler times in the day. My heart and mind are set on a working line. My concern is I have read different arguments in regards to stamina/endurance/health. My question is: Will a working line gsd, or any gsd, be a suitable running companion?

I understand the importance of waiting until the dog is fully mature. As well as dangers of heat exhaustion/running on asphalt. My main question is will this amount of running be harmful to a gsd? Hard on the joints? Create/exasperate hip dysplasia?

I would expect to work up to the norm of 3-5 per day. I would love to have a daily running companion, however, would understand if this is too much. Would every other day, or every third day be better? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

I started running with my girl when she was about 6 months. At first we did short distances (9-10 miles) days thrown in occassionally. She kept it up until she was 12 years old without any hip/leg issues. My current male is 3 and he and I do 3-5 miles per day every other day. (Age is catching up to me too it seems.) Basically, watch your dog and he will give you signs about how he is doing.

Sounds like you will be a great running partner. Given the precautaions you have already stated, you will have no problems keeping up with a well breed working line GSD for years to come.

JoAnn Letcher

You'll be ready to quit long before yout GSD will.  No better running companion than a GSD.  Watch that the pads of his feet don't get worn or burned on hot pavement.

Phew thats a relief!..In all my research prior to getting a dog I ran across different opinions regarding whether a working line gsd would be good for this, which was a great suprise to me. It was actually a thread on this forum, but now I cant find it. ( I tried to search for it again before posting this just to see if maybe I had misunderstood the topic) However, it is good to hear there are others who believe it to be okay. Whenever the time comes I will definitely look to my dog for cues on how hes handling it. Thanks for all the input!

You may be referring to a wacky post by a poster who thinks that working line GSDs can't "gait" like Am. bred GSDs because their anatomy sort of resembles what nature intended, and hasn't been dramatically altered to develop odd movement that certain individuals seem to honestly believe somehow increase stamina. ;-)

Have you considered a Malinois?

Jenni, I think you are right!...it was a thread that definitely discussed gait/stamina/structure. I'm glad to have found some differing opinions, especially after being unable to find that specific thread again.

BM1, I had put a little thought into a Malinois and done some research, but I think my heart is set on a working gsd.

I run about 3 miles with my working line GSD, 1-5 times per week (depending on how exhausting of a work week I've had) since she was 2yrs of age. She has never had an issue with running, and I live in the city. In most cases, a GSD will have more endurance than you. My bitch got her AD with no training (other than going to club and going on long walks/hikes) at 16 months of age. I was working to hold her back and slow her down the entire time for fear of her over-doing it. Silly me! She was fine and ready for more. 

a mal as a jogging partner ? are you serious? thats over kill


a gsd is way more than enough it will never tire trust me


i jog an hour every other day in trails with my working belgian/czech gsd it does NOTHING for her lol unless its plus 40 or if shes doing insane laps around me


Ball play intense for an hour will tire her out

or i swim mine 45 mins