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9 Dog Breeds Known for Their ‘Zoomies’

By: Ejay Camposano
A college graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Ejay has a diverse background that combines technical expertise with a passion for pets and is now one of the content writers at IHD. Read more
| July 18, 2024

Many dog owners are familiar with the phenomenon known as “zoomies,” where their dogs suddenly burst into a frenetic dash around the house or yard, often with a wild look of pure joy on their faces. These bursts of energy, technically called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are a common and entertaining behavior in dogs. While all dogs can experience zoomies, certain breeds are particularly renowned for their propensity to engage in these high-speed antics. These breeds often have high energy levels, playful personalities, and a strong desire for physical activity, making them prime candidates for regular bouts of zoomies. This article explores nine dog breeds known for their zoomies, detailing what makes each breed fit this topic and why they are beloved by their owners for their lively and exuberant behavior.

9. Border Collie

Border Collies are often regarded as one of the most intelligent and energetic dog breeds. Originally bred for herding sheep, they have an incredible amount of stamina and a strong work ethic. This combination of high energy and intelligence means that Border Collies are prone to frequent bouts of zoomies. These dogs need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, and when they don’t get enough, they often release their pent-up energy through zoomies. Border Collies are known for their agility and speed, making their zoomies particularly impressive to watch. Their playful nature and boundless energy make them both a joy and a challenge to own.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small dogs with big personalities and even bigger energy levels. Originally bred for hunting, these dogs are incredibly active and curious, always on the lookout for something to chase or explore. Jack Russells are notorious for their zoomies, often darting around the house or yard at lightning speed. Their small size allows them to maneuver quickly and easily, making their zoomies particularly entertaining. Jack Russells need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, and their frequent bouts of zoomies are a clear indication of their playful and spirited nature. Despite their small size, they have an impressive amount of energy and enthusiasm for life.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are also highly energetic and playful, often engaging in zoomies as a way to burn off their excess energy. Labs are large dogs with a lot of muscle, making their zoomies both powerful and exuberant. They love to run, play, and fetch, and their zoomies often occur during or after playtime. Labrador Retrievers are known for their love of life and their joyful nature, and their zoomies are a perfect expression of their playful spirit. Owners of Labs need to provide plenty of exercise and activity to keep their dogs happy and healthy.

6. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are known for their stunning appearance and their boundless energy. Bred to pull sleds over long distances, Huskies have incredible stamina and a strong desire to run. This makes them prone to frequent zoomies, often dashing around the yard or house with incredible speed and agility. Huskies are also known for their playful and mischievous nature, and their zoomies are often a way for them to release their pent-up energy and have some fun. These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy, and their zoomies are a clear indication of their energetic and joyful personality.

5. Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs known for their herding abilities. They have a strong work ethic and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This breed is prone to frequent zoomies, often running in circles or darting around the yard with incredible speed. Australian Shepherds are known for their agility and quickness, making their zoomies particularly impressive to watch. Their playful nature and high energy levels make them a joy to own, but they also require a lot of exercise and activity to prevent boredom and ensure they remain happy and well-behaved.

4. Dachshund

Dachshunds, also known as “wiener dogs,” are small dogs with a lot of personality and energy. Bred for hunting badgers, they have a strong prey drive and a curious nature. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are prone to frequent zoomies, often darting around the house or yard with surprising speed. Their long bodies and short legs give their zoomies a unique and entertaining appearance. Dachshunds need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, and their zoomies are a clear indication of their playful and spirited nature. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate personality, making them a beloved breed among dog owners.

3. Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs known for their excellent sense of smell and high energy levels. Bred for hunting, Beagles are always on the lookout for something to chase or explore. This breed is prone to frequent zoomies, often running in circles or darting around the yard with incredible speed. Beagles are known for their playful and curious nature, and their zoomies are often a way for them to release their pent-up energy and have some fun. These dogs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, and their zoomies are a clear indication of their energetic and joyful personality.

2. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are small, elegant dogs known for their slender build and incredible speed. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and are prone to frequent zoomies. Italian Greyhounds are known for their playful and affectionate nature, often darting around the house or yard with incredible speed and agility. Their zoomies are a clear indication of their energetic and joyful personality, and they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Italian Greyhounds are known for their loyalty and affectionate personality, making them a beloved breed among dog owners.

1. Whippet

Whippets are medium-sized dogs known for their slender build and incredible speed. Bred for racing, they have a lot of energy and are prone to frequent zoomies. Whippets are known for their playful and affectionate nature, often darting around the house or yard with incredible speed and agility. Their zoomies are a clear indication of their energetic and joyful personality, and they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Whippets are known for their loyalty and affectionate personality, making them a beloved breed among dog owners.

In conclusion, these nine dog breeds are particularly well-suited for individuals and families seeking a canine companion with a lot of energy and a propensity for zoomies. Each breed offers unique characteristics and traits that make them exceptional pets for those who enjoy active and playful dogs. Their love of running, playing, and exploring ensures that they stand out as some of the most lively and entertaining dogs around. Proper care, regular exercise, and a loving environment are essential to ensure these energetic dogs thrive and continue to bring joy and excitement to their homes.