When dogs get bursts of sudden energy and run wildly around your house or yard, pet owners affectionately refer to this behavior as “the zoomies.” Officially known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), zoomies are a common and usually healthy display of high energy that dogs experience. While all dogs can exhibit this behavior, certain breeds are more prone to letting loose in this way, often due to their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. This article explores the nine dog breeds most likely to get the zoomies, ranging from energetic terriers to sprightly herding dogs, each with their unique tendencies to sprint spontaneously.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Known for their boundless energy and feisty nature, Jack Russell Terriers are small in size but incredibly vigorous. This breed tends to have high stamina and a playful disposition, making the zoomies a common occurrence. Originally bred for fox hunting, their instinct is to chase and explore, often translating into sudden sprints around your living space. Jack Russell Terriers require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, and without it, they’ll find their ways to burn off energy, often through frenetic bursts of speed.
8. Border Collie
Border Collies are renowned for their intelligence and exceptional energy levels, traits that make them likely candidates for the Zoomies. As a herding breed, they possess a natural drive to move and often display this behavior when they have excess energy to burn. Their agility and stamina mean that when the mood strikes, a Border Collie can turn any space into a racetrack, showcasing their swift, fluid movement and sharp turns.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are another herding breed that frequently gets the zoomies, especially when they’re not given sufficient exercise. Known for their versatility and high energy, Aussies thrive on having a job to do and can become quite restless when bored. A bout of the zoomies allows them to release pent-up energy quickly, which can be a sight to behold as they dart with great enthusiasm and agility.
6. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are not just stunning with their icy blue eyes and striking coats; they are also known for their vigorous energy levels. Originally bred as sled dogs, they possess remarkable endurance and a need for regular, vigorous exercise. When kept as pets, without adequate physical activity, Huskies often resort to zoomies as a quick way to release their energy. This breed’s zoomies can be particularly intense due to their strength and stamina.
5. Boxer
Boxers are playful and energetic dogs that love to run and jump, making them prime candidates for getting the zoomies. They often retain their puppy-like energy well into adulthood. With a strong build and lots of energy to expend, Boxers enjoy sprinting around in wide-open spaces, and a good zoom can be just what they need to keep their spirits high.
4. Dalmatian
Historically used as carriage dogs, Dalmatians have a lot of stamina and love to run. This breed is known for its endurance and speed, making the Zoomies a natural outlet for their high energy. A Dalmatian amid the zoomies is a spectacle of graceful speed and agility, often accompanied by a happy, carefree expression.
3. Greyhound
Greyhounds, famed for their status as racing dogs, naturally exhibit the zoomies, often showcasing their incredible top speed and agility. Despite their reputation for being laid-back indoors, a Greyhound’s bursts of speed during zoomies remind you of their athletic prowess. They are capable of incredible acceleration, making their zoomies short but breathtakingly swift.
2. Whippet
Whippets are closely related to Greyhounds and share the same propensity for speed, making them likely to engage in zoomies. They are slightly smaller and highly energetic, often using zoomies as a way to express their joy and burn off excess energy. A Whippet in full zoom is a joyous sight, as they can turn and twist even in limited spaces, all while maintaining an impressive burst of speed.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers top this list not because they are the fastest but because their sheer joy and enthusiasm often lead to some of the most entertaining and frequent zoomies. Labs are known for their friendly nature and high energy, especially as puppies and young adults. Their zoomies are full of exuberance and can happen just about anywhere – from backyards to living rooms – often much to the delight and amusement of their families.
In conclusion, while many dog breeds can exhibit the zoomies, those listed above are particularly known for their energetic and lively nature which often results in these spontaneous bursts of energy. The zoomies are not only a fun spectacle but also a healthy way for dogs to release energy and express their innate joyfulness. Whether in a park or your living room, these bursts of speed reflect the spirited and vivacious character of these breeds, reminding us of the zest for life dogs so beautifully exhibit.
