Can a miniature be a running partner?

[RunningInMI]

Hello All,

We're new here and (finally) looking for our next dog. A miniature labradoodle fits into our life better than a full sized. My wife is a marathon runner and we'd like the dog to be a running companion for her on her short and medium length runs. Of course we know that no dog should run long distances until 18-24 months, but at that point with proper conditioning (and training) can a miniature lab run for 10 miles or so at a moderate pace? (8 to 10 minute miles - or about 7 miles per hour).

I know there are a few "ways" to breed a miniature - are any better suited to running?

Thanks for any feedback!
Anthony and Julie

[Jac]

Hi Anthony and Julie,
I don't breed or own minitures so I am not much help...but I would suggest that you discuss it with your breeder. They will have a good understanding about the parents and can tell you whether or not your pup will enjoy running.
I would, of course, take it slowly...puppies need to build their foot pads up in order to go distances and over various surfaces...and be sure to understand about heat stroke (there is a good article about it on this forum) and don't let the pup run too long on bad surfaces, like hot pavement or sharp rocks...
I would suggest that you talk to your vet about it too...
I have always thought that people get minitures to be housedogs so I don't know about that much exercise...I know that your breeder can give you references of people who have minitures and they would be good to contact.
Best wishes!

[KingstonTodd]

Running with doodles is great but I can't help you with mini's. Do you know anyone that runs with a cocker spaniel, that would be a similar size. Ours are standads (60-70 lbs) and run with me very well.

[lindamarie]

Welcome Anthony and Julie!!

I'm not sure about your question either and would refer you to the breeder on the running issue.
I speed walk with my doodle up to 6 miles sometimes. Always have H2O handy and make sure to stop an hydrate........I don't think there should be any more of a problem with a doodle then any other breed of dog.........but I would definitely ask the breeder.

[RunningInMI]

Thanks for the replies!

We'll talk to our breeder and vet about it. I may have actually meant a medium, not miniature. We're ideally looking for around a 30 to 40lb - not sure exactly what that would be considered.

Thanks,
Anthony and Julie

[Maureen]

Hey, Anthony and Julie WELCOME!!!

I do breed Miniatures and Mediums, and Standards (of course) and I get this question a lot. So today when I take our new puppies (mini's) into the vet for dewclaw removal I intend to ask him what he thinks.
I believe that even miniatures can keep up on jogs and hikes to a point, because they do, or should have some Labrador stamina if they are pure Lab and Poodle However the smaller size of their legs, body and lungs are factors, of course. So a day hike is easier for me to visualize over an actual run. Does that make sense?

As for Mediums, well they are the size of Springer Spaniels, right? So I can't imagine why the Mediums (30-45lb) size cannot be quite athletic, within reason.

I'm going to talk with my fantastic vet today and get back with you! Thank you for asking this great question!

[Maureen]

HeY! THIS JUST IN!!
Hey, everybody I asked my vet about the running question. He said a Miniature can run a marathon if it wanted to! NOT the first year, or 18 mos. of course...but he said there is no reason to think that a Mini can't keep up wtih you on a hike or a walk or a camping trip, once it is mature and developed.

cool, huh?

[lindamarie]

Anthony and Julie......I also live in Michigan. I'm curious as to where you're getting your doodle.
Could you PM me? Do you live near Birmingham?

[Maureen]

Hey, yeah, where are you in Michigan? I grew up there.
I keep hoping on those family visits to find April someplace...or visit a local romp in lindamarie's neighborhood.

Have you guys found your Doodle already??

[deepnite10]

i would nt run any dog for 10 miles..just my personal opinion of course..

dog s tend to over heat much faster than us and you ll need a constant supply of
water..and if they do drink too much there s a real danger or bloating..running on
a hard surface over time will endanger paws and joints..just as you would protect
yourself against injury to your feet and joints while running with the proper foot wear..
dogs need that same amount of consideration..

its a nice to have a companion running with you..if its just excercise you want to give
your doodle..a mile is plenty a couple time s a day..some walking, jogging and running
makes for a healthy strong doggie

[Jac]

Originally Posted by deepnite10

i would nt run any dog for 10 miles..just my personal opinion of course..

dog s tend to over heat much faster than us and you ll need a constant supply of
water..and if they do drink too much there s a real danger or bloating..running on
a hard surface over time will endanger paws and joints..just as you would protect
yourself against injury to your feet and joints while running with the proper foot wear..
dogs need that same amount of consideration..

its a nice to have a companion running with you..if its just excercise you want to give
your doodle..a mile is plenty a couple time s a day..some walking, jogging and running
makes for a healthy strong doggie

Agreed!