Physical Maturity For Running

[Working Dog Lover]

Hello!

My friend who is going to rescue a dog for jogging with has been offered an 8 1/2 month old border collie, which is now unwanted by a member of her family. I've suggested that this pup is way too young to go running with her, and she could be waiting several months before it's mature enough. Does anyone have any further info I could pass on? From what I've read, it's up to 14 months before some of the growth plates close, and that's very much an average, it could be longer. Her other option is a 2 year old collie x kelpie from a local pound, and I think if she wants to run, it's a much better option.

Thank you

Audrey

[Working_Setters]

I agree with you the pup isn't fully developed at 8.5 months. But even at that age pups can run, I guess it would depend on how much of an athlete your friend is, are they running 2km everyday or 10km?

I'd choose the dog based on which personality I prefered, as you will hopefully be running with the dog until it's 10-12, a few months either way now it's going to make much difference in the long term (was tempted to say long "run" )