If you own a Staffy or would like to bring one into your life and you’re a keen runner, you’ll definitely want to answer the question: Are Staffies good runners?
It seems most people who are enthusiastic runners or joggers, for that matter, love to take their dogs out running with them. And why not? The dog is excellent company, and as Staffies are typically high-energy dogs, it’s a great solution for burning off their excess energy.
It would need a considerable stretch of the imagination to compare a Staffie to a speedster like a Greyhound, a rough terrain runner like the Vizsla, or an endurance runner like the Husky.
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Still, the Staffie has a lot of heart and is a willing companion; you might even be surprised by their endurance.
Can Staffies Run Long Distance?
As I mentioned, Staffies have a lot of heart, and they can surprise you with the amount of endurance they have. On your off days, you might find your Staffy pushing you to go a bit further and want to take you out of your comfort zone that particular day. Staffies are a bit like those toy bunnies on batteries: there’s no off switch.
However, you can overdo it with a Staffy; yes, you can run long distances, and typically Staffies are game to give it a try, but you can push them a little too hard, and unfortunately, it can lead to heat exhaustion. Something you should bear in mind.
Can You Run with Staffies?
Without a doubt, you can run with Staffies; it’s one way you can burn off their excess energy, which is essential if you’re a Staffy owner. In fact, if you’re a Staffy owner already, you know this to be accurate. Staffies can be incredibly destructive when they become bored and have too much pent-up energy.
It can be the case with some Staffies that no amount of exercise calms them down if you find this is the case for you we have an article about calming a Staffy.
Another way you can help your Staffy burn off unwanted energy is agility exercise. Staffies are intelligent dogs and enjoy a challenge.
If you have a big enough backyard, it’s possible to buy agility obstacles and set up a short course. Alternatively, there are plenty of agility clubs you can join; this is a brilliant way of providing fun and exercise at the same time.
Regular exercise is essential to make sure your Staffy is well behaved. For a Staffy to have too much excess energy is never a good thing for you and your dog. So taking your Staffy running will be excellent for their health and you will get a much better behaved Staffy.
Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers Good Runners?
Staffies are not a dog breed people instinctively think of when talking about born runners, at least not in the same league as the dogs aforementioned. But make no mistake, Staffies love to run, and they make willing companions; in any case, would you really want to run alongside a Greyhound? I know I wouldn’t!
But in all fairness, what a Staffie lacks in straight-line speed they more than makeup for with their tenacity and doggedness.
How Far Can a Staffy Run?
How far a Staffy can run will have a lot to do with your Staffy’s age and physical health and condition.
If your Staffy is fit and healthy, they should be happy to run around three miles, especially if you’re running along footpaths and parks where speed isn’t a factor. You might even find some Staffies wanting to keep going, but it’s essential to think for the dog and stop when the run has gone on long enough.
How Fast Can a Staffy Run?
Surprisingly, Staffies are pretty nifty on their toes and, over short distances, can reach speeds between 15 to 20 MPH. Needless to say, your Staffy might have a faster turn of speed because this is just an average.
Can You Take a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Jogging?
Yes, you can take your Staffy jogging with you, although if you have a young, very fit Staffy, you might find they pull on the lead to go that little bit faster.
If your Staffy is a little older, jogging might be better for his bones and joints than flat out running.
Running with a Staffy Safely – Tips
What are some of the ways you and your Staffy can benefit from running together without putting both of you at risk? Here are a few ideas:
Staffy Age
Staffies under eighteen months old shouldn’t be taken on long and strenuous runs. Their bones have not fully developed, and lots of running too soon in their life can have a detrimental effect on their bodies later on when they reach their senior years.
Likewise, when they get older, a Staffy will have less energy and be more prone to injury; the same way senior humans can easily break bones and injure themselves.
Staffy Health
It’s essential to regularly check your Staffy to ensure they are fit enough to run. You know yourself when something feels off, or you’re not yourself. Even though your Staffy might want to run if they have some medical condition, it’s not wise to continue. An overweight Staffy needs to be vet-checked before going running; ask your vet for advice on how to get the dog started on a fitness regime.
Staffy Training
Train your Staffy to walk alongside you correctly and calmly before you go running. If your Staffy pulls when walking, you can expect the same running, except it can be dangerous if the dog is too exuberant and pulls you over.
Begin slowly, start with a ten-minute run and gradually build up to whatever time you’ve set yourself. It’s best not to dive straight into long runs.
