If you're looking for the ideal training partner, look no further than your local pet store, breeder or humane society.

A dog can provide the reliability, companionship, loyalty and pace-setting that you need in a training partner. A dog is always ready to exercise when you are, keeps the same pace as your long legs (if it's the right breed) or pushes you to run faster, doesn't whine when tired and probably could be a tough challenger in a speed match-up.

Dr. Julia Georgesen at Blum Animal Hospital in Chicago recommends a dog weighing about 50 to 70 pounds, and categories including Labrador Retrievers and greyhounds. Mixed breeds also make good partners, while pure-bred dogs are more apt to develop hip dysplasia, a serious bone ailment in pets. Smaller dogs or those with short muzzles, like the bulldog or pug, are not the best choices for running.

"They're at a disadvantage by having more problems with heat tolerance and exercise tolerance," explains Dr. Georgesen.

Before taking your pooch with you outside for a run, there are a few things to keep in mind.

It's important to make sure your dog is healthy and set to take on a training regimen. Just as you would not embark on a 10K without gradually increasing your mileage, well, the same goes for your dog. You'll want them to build up their mileage.

"All dogs should be checked out by a veterinary professional before running," says Dr. Georgesen. "Watch them to make sure they build up to a good exercise program."

Georgesen also suggests that dogs be about two years old when they start training, once their bones are done growing. How far and how long they can run depends on the dog. Dark-coated dogs usually absorb sunlight quicker and are more at risk of overheating, as are long-haired dogs.

Safety is another consideration. Many runners, especially women, feel safer when running with a dog. But for the dog's and general public's safety, it's important to note that the City of Chicago law requires that all dogs be licensed and they always be on a leash. There are a variety of leashes to choose from like retractable and no-hold ones.

Like their owners, some dogs just love to run.

Dan Daly, a financial planner and CARA board member, has three dogs that all love to run. His chocolate Labrador, Kodiak, will run with him six to eight miles except in the summer when humidity is high.

"When it's more than 60 degrees then you have to moderate it because the dog will keep going," advises Daly.

While on the trail, dogs need plenty of water to keep them from overheating. Georgesen says that dogs absorb heat through their paws as they run across the tough surfaces and panting is a sign of dehydration. Their paws can suffer from abrasions on concrete surfaces and it's recommended that dogs run on soft or firm surfaces.

Dogs are man's-and woman's-best friend, and just like most runners their needs are pretty similar. That must be why the right type of dog makes the ideal running companion.

What's Your Breed?
Your next running partner may be available through a local dog breeder, shelter or humane society. A few of the top dogs to run with include:

Dalmatian: This dog just itches to get outside and will keep even the most energetic runner going strong. They were bred to pace horse-drawn wagons and have a large amount of stamina and energy.

Greyhound: Some folks enjoy watching them run at the racetrack, but their size and stature makes them great partners.

Golden Retriever: A playful pet requiring attention from the owner and exercise from running to tossing a ball outside.

Labrador Retriever: America's most popular dog according to the American Kennel Club and a great running companion. Dogs to avoid as training partners because of their genetic composition include those in the "toy dog" category like:

Bulldog: Their short noses make breathing difficult during intense workouts.

Chihuahua: Cute canines, but can you imagine their tiny legs keeping stride?

Pug: Their short muzzles make them more prone to breathing difficulties during a run.

For more information on the best running dogs, check out www.dogbreedinfo.com which lists breeds most suitable for various activities. To read about different dog breeds and their characteristics, check out the American Kennel Club at www.akc.org