Running and Doodle Size

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi All!

Well, this is my first post so please forgive me if this has been asked a bunch.  I tried to search older posts but didn’t quite find what I was looking for.  

My husband and I like to run a few times a week.  We are not long distance runners but average maybe 2-4 miles when we do.  I was excited to find out that goldendoodles can make good running partners.  We have beautiful trails by my home but I always feel a little anxious about running alone.   I thought with a dog I might feel more confident.

My question is does the size of your doodle affect its ability to run?  My husband and I were looking more for a medium size or smaller goldendoodle verses a standard.   Would a medium/smaller size doodle still be able to run 2-4 miles as an adult? 

Thanks in advance for the replies.  I’m trying to learn as much as possible about these beautiful puppies!

Rachel

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My doodle could certainly run 2-4 miles as an adult.  I am not a huge runner, but I do looooong 3-5 mile walks and sometimes run-walk, she does very well.  She is very active - she is a mini - 25 pounds. 

[Christine & Shelby]

I recently began running with my Medium Australian Labradoodle (40 lbs).   She is able to do 3-5 miles just fine.  The hardest part was getting her to keep pace with me while on leash.  We do occasionally run trails where she is allowed to be off leash, but when running around the neighborhood - she's got to be on leash.

It's not safe for them to run with you until their bones are fully mature.... Shelby is 2 now and finally has the control to be able to run with me at my pace (which is between 10:30-12:00/mile).  I started doing practice during walks jogging for 30 seconds or so, but typically - she would try to take off full speed.   She eventually get got the hang of it and now we are running together 2-3 times a week.

  I do enjoy running with her and appreciate that she is also alert to our surroundings and will alert me if someone is approaching!

[Sara & Trix]

I have a medium - she is 8 1/2 months and 31lbs.  I am waiting until she is 12 to 18 months before I bring her along on my runs (I average 4 miles).  However she very easily walks 5 miles already!  

I was told by my vet to start them off slow (and only once they are fully grown) and increase the distance little by little every week.

All in all - I think a smaller doodle would be just fine for that distance, as long as its eased into it :)  

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna is a medium GD (golden x mini poodle) and runs with my DH.  He goes with her for about 20 minutes every few days.  I have no idea what that is in miles, but it sounds about the same.  She's about 35 pounds, knee height and most definitely runs faster than DH so no troubles there!

When she was little we started her off with 5-10 minute runs, no more, and if she looked tired he would stop immediately and walk the rest of the way.  I'm quite sure she could easily do 4-5 miles, we take her for hour long walks in the dog park every weekend where she runs almost the entire time.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I've seen little dogs run with people too. My two doodles are standards and their running pace is a comfortable prance so they don't tire easily. I agree about waiting until bone growth is more mature, 12-18 months.

[Kami Allen]

We have a mini-australian labaradoodle (22 lbs) and she can run 3-5 miles just fine with me, I am a slow runner 12 plus min a mile.  It's great exercise for them too, she loves it :)