The smallest sporting dog breed group shouldn’t be underestimated. Spaniels have a lot of energy to spend every day. If you own one, you will notice that they need plenty of exercise time. So you might have thought about running with your Cocker/Springer/Brittany Spaniel.
But you should be aware that not every dog can run safely. Maybe you’re wondering why these active, smart, and athletic companions wouldn’t be able to do such physical activity? After having the same thought, I started doing some research on this subject. Are Spaniels good running partners?
Spaniel breeds, including Cockers, Springers, and Brittanys are generally good running partners because they have a lot of energy and good physical conditions. They used to be working dogs, so they are smart, fast, and agile. So most healthy adult Spaniels would make excellent running partners.
Differences Between Spaniel Breeds.
There are many types of Spaniel you could own. The most popular breeds are Brittany Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, and English Springer Spaniels. As sporting dogs, they are all active, smart, and playful. However, some can be more interesting to run with than others!
Even if they are similar, some characteristics make some Spaniel dog breeds more energetic, active, and better jogging companions. For example, Brittanys will need way more exercise than Cockers. Your dog’s breed can help you know how much physical activity or running your buddy will need!
Information About Spaniel Breeds!
Brittany Spaniels:
These sporty companions will enjoy the outdoors. With Brittany Spaniels, you need to be ready to exercise and go outside. These furry active friends require a lot of exercise with their owners!
- Height: Around 17.5 to 20.5 inches (43-50 cm).
- Weight: Around 30 to 40 pounds (13.5-18 kg).
Springer Spaniels:
These smart, energetic, and endurant dogs will love having tasks to do. Their obedience is perfect to train them for running or even for dog agility. If you like bird hunting, Springer Spaniels could be the best pick for you!
- Height: Around 18 to 22 inches (46-56 cm).
- Weight: Around 40 to 50 pounds (18-23 kg).
Cocker Spaniels:
Cockers are more gentle, friendly, and smart pets. Originally used as hunting dogs, they are now very popular as life partners. With less energy, Cocker Spaniels are not the best dogs to run long distances or for advanced runners!
- Height: Around 13.5 to 15.5 inches (33-38 cm).
- Weight: Around 20 to 30 pounds (9-14 kg).
Are Cocker, Springer, Or Brittany Spaniels Better Running Partners?
Brittany, Welsh Springer, and American Water Spaniels are the best running partners among all Spaniel breeds. They all have more energy than the Cocker for example. Moreover, these dog breeds all have the qualities to keep up with the best runners. But that doesn’t mean other types of Spaniels aren’t suitable for running. Continue your reading to find out if you can run with your dog!
Which Spaniel Breeds This Article Is About?
Now that you know the difference between the main Spaniel breeds, I will use none of them or all of them if you prefer. This article can apply to almost all dogs in this group! I want to help as many people as I can, so I don’t specify this content to one dog breed.
You can have a Cocker, a Springer, a Boykin, an American, an English, an Irish, or a similar Spaniel to these, you will find useful information in this article. I will also answer more specific questions about some of those breeds.
Exercise Needs About Spaniel Breeds!
Don’t underestimate these cute pets because they have surprisingly high energy levels. Most Spaniels are active dogs that could work or move around all day long. Some less energetic breeds like the Cocker or the Cavalier King Charles will need less physical activity. In general, Spaniel breeds need between 1 and 2 hours of daily exercise!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Exercise Needs
That’s a lot for owners, and many of them will not give enough physical or mental activity to their dogs. Don’t forget that your Spaniel also needs to be mentally stimulated as much as they require daily exercise. Things like interactive games or brain toys could also help to avoid boredom!
Like many high-energy dogs, they will enjoy daily walks. Running regularly can be great for you and your Spaniel. This will allow both of you to spend your energy and avoid behavioral issues!
If you can give your dog at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity that would be awesome. You could add some mental stimulation and free playtime to make your Spaniel more happy and healthy!
What Makes Your Spaniel Suitable To Run?
Would you like to know why your companion couldn’t have the chance to run? Most Spaniels can be very good as running partners, but some can have problems with this sport. Let’s see what makes your dog suitable or not to run along your side!
Breed
This element can tell you a lot about your dog and his capacity to do intense sports. I found very interesting things about my dog when I started researching his breed. That’s why I suggest every canine owner do the same! Breeds like the Tibetan, Clumber, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels won’t be amazing running companions. Nonetheless, some of these could do the job even if they are not the more athletic pets!
Health
This is something that you shouldn’t neglect at all. Your dog must be in good health to start an intense sport such as running. That’s why it’s highly recommended to visit your vet before going on a run with your Spaniel. Without taking this advice seriously, your dog’s health issues could get worse or this activity could injure him permanently!
Physical Conditions
Things like the size, the coat, or the nose of a domestic animal could restrict him from running. Medium-sized dogs are normally better runners and more likely to enjoy a lot of physical activity. Overweight, ultra-small, or giant companions should avoid high-impact sports.
Lower energy activities such as walking, swimming, fetch, tag, and many other games or sports would be safer for them! The fur of your Spaniel could also affect his ability to run in hot or cold temperatures. I will share with you their heat and cold tolerance a little bit further in this article!
Athletic Qualities
Depending on your running experience and your goals, your perfect partner will change. Running capacities, such as good speed, stamina, energy, and desire are essential for your dog to keep up with your pace while running. Most dogs won’t have issues with the speed.
On the other hand, they might not have the stamina to run for long distances. Happily, Spaniels can be good for almost all kinds of running whether it’s long or short, fast or slow, etc. Moreover, these athletic abilities can be improved with some time and training.
Others Elements
Many other elements can make a good running partner. More advanced athletes should make more in-depth research to find the perfect training companion. Nonetheless, your Spaniel can be awesome to run with if you want to be more active with regular physical activity!
Which Spaniel Breeds Are Good Running Partners?
Brittanys, Welsh Springers, and American Water Spaniels are excellent running partners. Those high-energy dog breeds have a lot of stamina, so they can handle long runs. They are also fast enough to keep up with good athletes. Running with these active companions can be very interesting for them and their owners!
Springers, Cockers, and Field Spaniels can be good running partners. They aren’t the fastest and most endurant, but they still have good physical conditions. So most of them should be able to run for a while at a relatively slow pace with proper training and preparation. I’m sure those breeds will enjoy jogging regularly and be perfect for moderately active people!
Less active dogs like Tibetans, Cavalier King Charles, and Clumber Spaniels could be not suitable to run. They are less energetic and athletic, so running might be too much for them. Lower-intensity activities such as walking, interactive games, fun activities, and free playtime could be more appropriate than serious jogging!
Take note that most adult Spaniels with good health and shape can run. The problem isn’t the sport; it’s how you do it. The most important thing to know to exercise together safely is to adapt the activity to your dog’s conditions!
Can Spaniel Breeds Run Long Distances?
Most Spaniels can run relatively long distances. Cockers, Springers, and Field Spaniels will probably be able to go for between 3 and 5 miles (5-8 km). Breeds with more energy and stamina like Brittanys, Welsh Springers, and American Water Spaniels can run up to 10 miles (16 km) with proper training.
Therefore, some of them are good long-distance running partners. On the other hand, less active Spaniel dogs will probably not be able to do more than 2 to 3 miles (3-5 km). Tibetans, Cavalier King Charles, and Clumbers are not suitable for running long distances.
Find how long can your dog run on Pet Health Network! [Open In a New Tab]
Running With A Cocker Spaniel
Since the Cocker is the most popular Spaniel breed, let’s talk about them as potential running partners. Cockers are loving and energetic pets that will enjoy playing and being active with their owner. They generally need around an hour of exercise per day. So you might consider taking your Cocker for a run.
Can Cocker Spaniels Run With You?
Most Cocker Spaniels can run with you as long as they are healthy and fully grown. This breed can be a good running partner for short distances because they have a lot of energy. But most Cocker Spaniels don’t have enough stamina to go on long runs. So you should make sure to respect your dog’s limits when running.
How Far Can A Cocker Spaniel Run?
A healthy adult Cocker Spaniel can generally run between 1 and 3 miles, which isn’t very far. With proper training and preparation, some more athletic and energetic dogs of the breed might be able to run up to 5 miles. How far your Cocker can go will mainly depend on age, health, fitness level, and stamina.
5 Things To Know Before You Run With Your Spaniel!
Now that you understand how good a running partner your dog can be, you’re almost ready to start. Before you go on trails there’s some essential information you need to know. Here are my last 5 pieces of advice for Spaniel owners that consider running with their dogs!
Age Matters!
Please wait until your dog is fully grown before going for a run together. Puppies aren’t suitable for intense and high-impact physical activity. Too much exercise can hurt or injure your puppy permanently. To give you an idea, most dogs are ready to run around 1 year of age!
Senior companions can also have issues with this sport. Some unusually healthy dogs can run in their golden ages. However, most old buddies should find lower-intensity activities to exercise safely. The best way to know when it’s time to start and stop running with your dog is to ask your vet!
Don’t Run When It’s Too Hot or Too Cold!
The weather can restrict your Spaniel from running. There are many elements to analyze before knowing what temperature is too much for your dog. In general, low-energy breeds like Toy, Cavalier King Charles, or Clumber Spaniels will not tolerate the heat or cold very well.
Therefore, you shouldn’t run with your companion when it’s over 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24°C). Some tougher breeds adapted from warmer climates, such as American Water Spaniels will tolerate heat up to 75-80°F (24-27°C). Normally double-coated, these dogs can run in cold temperatures over 10°F (-12°C)!
Pay Attention To Your Dog!
Too many owners don’t give enough attention to their dogs while running. This is crucial to understand if he needs anything. Without a regular check-up or quick look at your jogging partner, he could hurt himself, suffer from dehydration, or face other serious problems!
Start Running The Right Way With Your Spaniel!
Once you begin something the wrong way it’s difficult to change it after. That’s the same thing for pets. They need to learn the right technique at the start. Here’s a guide from AKC [Open In a New Tab] to learn how to run with your Spaniel. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to start enjoying physical activity with your buddy!
Preparation Is The Key!
Like any other sport, you need to be prepared to jog with your dog. For example, you will need to find quality running gear, especially for advanced runners. Some essential accessories such as water, snacks, or waste bags should also not be neglected. I highly recommend beginning with smooth training to improve both your running capacities gradually and safely!
Gear List For Running With Your Spaniel!
Equipment is an essential part of the preparation to head on trails with your dog. Thus, here are the main things you might need to run together safely. I’ve also added links to my favorite products for each type of gear in parentheses! [All Links Will Open In New Tabs]
- Running Harness. (Ruffwear Webmaster)
- Dog Leash. (Ruffwear Front Range Leash)
- Hands-Free Leash. (Ruffwear Waist Belt With Leash)
- Protection Paws Wax. (Secret’s Musher Dog Paw Wax)
- Doggie Boots. (Ruffwear Grip Tex Outdoor Fo Boots)
- Portable Water Bowl. (Kurgo Zippy Bowl)
As you can see I really like Ruffwear’s dog gear. To be totally honest with you, these are all affiliate links so I might get commissions for qualifying purchases made through them!
Have Fun!
With these simple tips (and 21 dos and don’ts: running with your dog), you should be ready to start teaching your dog how to run. Spaniels will love to go running with their owner. Furthermore, you will both benefit from many advantages while enjoying this sport. Therefore, there’s no reason to not start as soon as possible. You should also don’t forget to have fun while running with your Spaniel!
Last Thoughts About Running With Your Spaniel!
Finally, your Spaniel (Cocker, Springer, Brittany, etc) will need a lot of exercise every day. Regular physical activity like walking and running is essential for your furry friend’s health and happiness! Not every dog owner has the opportunity to jog with their buddy. You should take that chance without any hesitation. You will see, it’s great to improve your life and the bond with your dog by being more active with him!
Don’t forget to enjoy your runs with your Spaniel. You must have fun doing physical activity with your dog. If jogging isn’t pleasant for you, find another canine sport or activity to have fun doing it! I hope this article helps you find the answers to your questions. I wish you will enjoy running as much as my dog and me. Who knows, maybe I will have the chance to meet you on running trails!
