It's no secret that Denali, my nearly 2-year-old Siberian husky, is a runner. He accompanies my husband and me on at least three runs a week, and his sheer joy for the activity is evident as he prances along next to us.

"Even though they bark and drink out of puddles and sprint after squirrels, dogs are perfect running partners – enthusiastic athletes who'll head out with you at any time, in any conditions," my most recent issue of Runner's World proclaims.

Of course, not all dogs are created equal. I doubt that a Pomeranian would be up for a six-mile run. Neither would a Greyhound.

Yep, I said a Greyhound wouldn't want to run six miles. The magazine's "Pet Project" offers up the best breeds for runners. Huskies, of course, were listed under the category as best dogs to run in the cold. The Greyhound is best for brisk, shorter runs.

The best dogs, overall, for runners? German short-haired pointers, Vizslas and Weimaraners. (Mark and I actually considered a Weimaraner before inheriting Denali.) Vizslas have been clocked running at 32 mph, and Weimaraners can run at speeds of up to 35 mph!

Denali might not be that fast but he can keep up. And, the best part of the project, one of the authors writes: Forget pace and mileage and heart rate, just tell me how long you can keep a husky at a gallop.

Ain't that the truth.

FYI: The September issue also offers advice on how to know if your dog is injured, how to teach your dog to run (yes, you need to do that) and the gear your dog needs to go the distance.