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I have a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. We hike and jog together - next week we are going to do the first 10k of the year at a slow pace, as we are coming out of hibernation.

I am sadly aware that my German Shepherd is 6.5 years old and in a few years he won't be able to jog with me. I am also aware that the replacement will have to be picked about a year and a half in advance, to have time to grow while the German Shepherd is getting old.

As a replacement I am thinking about a Rottweiler. It's not for tomorrow, not even for next year.

Can a Rottweiler accompany me on a very slow jog on a trail (10min/km, including walking when going uphill) for 10-20km? Assume that the Rottweiler is well conditioned.

This is what 10min/km means in real terms: Imagine you are in the army, it's your last day and you don't care any more. The sergeant wants you to join the unit on a run, and you don't want to be nailed for insubordination. So you do the slowest thing that kind of looks like running, while complaining loudly that the liver pain is killing you.

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The traditional dog breeds are categorized in groups depending on their original function: "toy" breeds as human companions, herding breeds to control a big group of animals, guard breeds to protect against strangers, etc.

If you specifically want a dog that can run for long distances, you should look at traditional dog sledding or herding breeds. These dogs were bred and selected over generations for their ability to run long distances. Of course crossbreeds are perfectly acceptable as well.

When choosing a pup, look at them from behind when they are standing or walking. You want the hind legs to form parallel lines straight down. overly inward or outward facing knees or paws are indicators that this pup may develop a medical problem in the hips or legs.

In the case of the German Shepherd modern show breeding has ruined the sturdy and enduring body by selecting for a permanent crouched posture... You may recognize this meme

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Elmy
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tldr: You need some breed that was created for running: sled dogs, herding breeds, retrievers.


Highly muscular dogs are not really suitable for long distance running. This rule quickly excludes rottweilers and Caucasian shepherds (as well as other breeds; quite likely, the German shepherd too).

One easy way to get information about it is to use a search engine. Just search some keywords in the area of "dog breeds for running".

On the other hand, you can find information about rottweilers (or any other breed) with a search text like "are rottweilers suitable for running". Replace "rottweiler" with the breed of your choice, to find specific information.


In a similar spirit, even though cheetahs are trainable and friendly and can run exceptionally fast, they can do that only for very shorts amount of time. Just like the heavily muscular dog breeds. So long distance running is not something that they will excel at, regardless of speed.


Some interesting information about shepherd breeds and herding breeds here.

Herders are involved in the care and management of various types of livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep, among others. Their responsibilities may vary based on the type of animals they are tending to and the specific needs of those animals. Shepherds, on the other hand, specialize in caring for sheep, and their role often includes guiding the sheep to pasture, protecting them from predators, and managing their breeding.

While herding can take place in a variety of environments, depending on the livestock and geographical location, shepherding is traditionally associated with pastoral scenes, where sheep graze on grasslands or meadows. This distinction highlights how the environment and type of livestock dictate the herder or shepherd's daily activities and responsibilities.

Herders may use different methods and tools based on the animals they tend to, including horses for cattle herding or dogs for both cattle and sheep. Shepherds are particularly known for their use of sheepdogs to help control and protect the flock, illustrating a close working relationship between the shepherd, the dogs, and the sheep.

The skills and knowledge required for herding and shepherding can vary significantly. Herders need to understand the behaviors and needs of a variety of animals, while shepherds often develop a deep understanding of sheep behavior, health, and welfare, reflecting the more specialized nature of shepherding.

So generally (and simplistically), herders are more dynamic, moving the herds from one place to another, while shepherds ensure protection.

virolino
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