Fetch Fido, fetch! The most playful dog breeds

Canines have all sorts of wonderful elements to their personality but one of the most fun to be around is often their playful nature. There is nothing quite like a goofy pooch to brighten up any day no matter how gloomy it may be. Although all dogs have a playful side to them, some dogs are actually far more playful than others. Here is a list of the most playful dog breeds.

1. English Springer Spaniel

This breed is known for having plenty of energy and a love for playing outdoors. Try activities like hiking, fetching, agility training, and tracking. They need several longish walks and periods of play per day, and should be able to get a good amount of variety in terms of their activity levels. They are very versatile and enjoy both running around, jumping and swimming, and are a great choice of dog for canine sports such as agility and flyball.

2. Corgi

A herding breed that is a little bundle of energy and playfulness. The Corgi loves to play with kids and be outdoors. They are keen to work hard and are very persistent, and if they find a favourite game such as chasing a ball, will usually be happy to do this for hours on end! They like to be mentally challenged as well as physically, so it is a good idea to devise organised games that your Corgi can learn, to allow them to both receive physical and mental stimulation.

3. Boxer

A sweet-natured and playful dog that loves to be around children’s high energy. A happy, curious, easy-going, energetic dog breed that makes for a perfect playmate. Known to be real clowns, Boxers are often referred to as the "jokers of the dog world". They are energetic, playful and fun characters to have around and they take a long time to mature. Boxers are a great choice for families and people who love to spend as much of their free time with a canine companion in the great outdoors. They adore playing interactive games which includes things like Frisbee.

4. Jack Russell Terrier

This breed doesn’t let its tiny size slow it down and it is one of the highest energy dogs on this list. A playful dog that is full of life, the Jack Russell Terrier particularly loves agility, flyball, swimming, running, hiking and anything else that will require it to use up its energy. Jack Russell Terriers are highly intelligent dogs and need as much mental stimulation as they do physical activity. These dogs excel in agility activities and there are entire competitions set up around Jack Russell Terriers that include sprinting, flyball, obstacle course and retrieving. Enrolling your Jack Russell in these types of activities ensures he's getting his daily physical and mental stimulation.

5. Golden & Labrador Retriever

Both of these breeds are fun-loving and filled with a ton of playful energy that makes them for a great family companion. The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever both enjoy being outdoors with their loved ones to play.

6. Australian Shepherd

This high-energy dog needs to play all the time to lead a happy life. This particular breed is very responsive to any tasks that you may assign to him, like bringing in the newspaper, fetching, helping in the garden, playing soccer, and any other fun games that you can think of. Australian Shepherds need a great deal of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Herding, advanced obedience, agility, jogging or biking, chasing balls, and playing Frisbee are constructive outlets for their enthusiasm.

7. Dalmatian

With his ancestors being coach-pulling dog and circus performers, this dog has a few playful tricks up his sleeve. If you’re looking for a goofy, high-energy companion, this breed is the one for you. Dalmatians are dependable, dignified gentleman, yet high-spirited and playful. This athletic, vigorous dog has great endurance and a working heritage and should be taken jogging, hiking, or biking on a regular basis, or otherwise allowed to romp in a safe, enclosed area.

8. Portuguese Water Dog

As its name suggests, this dog loves the water! So if you’re looking for a swimming buddy or someone to join you on a beach day, look no further. They make excellent jogging, biking and hiking companions, and swimming pool owners will have a hard time getting their dogs out of the water. One to two hours per day of vigorous activity will keep your Portuguese Water Dog happy and healthy.

9. Brittany

This breed is up for anything as long as it engages his playful side. The Brittany loves to play fetch, run, hike, play tug-of-war and a myriad of other active activities. With a trust zest for life, Brittanies are a happy, energetic breed that loves the outdoors. They are excellent family dogs who love to go on hunting and outdoors trips with dad as much as they enjoy playing with children in the garden.