Best Dogs For Hiking: Finding
Your Trail Partner
Typically, dog owners lead an active lifestyle. The spirit of adventure asks for a companion who enjoys exploring. To choose a ‘paw-some’ companion for your next hiking adventure, let’s examine the most excellent canines for hiking.
Dogs are man’s best buddies. They accompany their owners in all activities, including walking, eating, and sleeping.
However, not all dogs are comfortable with outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and climbing.
If you have an active lifestyle and a thirst for adventure, you need a breed that can match your spirit.
A breed’s physical prowess is crucial if you search for a dog to accompany you on your adventures.
Many dog owners spend a great deal of time contemplating whether or not they should bring their pets on such demanding outings.
Well, have no fear.
We have conducted research and created a list of the top hiking dogs so that you have the ideal hiking companion for your next excursion.
The Top 11 Best Dogs for Hiking
So what are the finest dog breeds for hiking? Many dog breeds are well-suited for extended outdoor excursions in challenging weather conditions.
These dogs are highly active; you may become exhausted, but they will not. These breeds would make ideal hiking partners. Here is our list of the finest dog breeds for hiking.
1. Siberian Husky
You undoubtedly already know that the Siberian Husky is the best trekking dog if you’re a dog lover.
Originating in the frigid Siberian mountains, these dogs were bred and taught to pull sleds in the severe Russian climate.
These working dogs are robust, possess muscular legs, and are never afraid of an adventure.
Their tenacity and exuberance make Huskies the ideal companion for a long, challenging trail.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain, a gentle and robust breed, is so friendly that it must be trained to restrain its desire to befriend everyone it encounters.
That is very cute.
Bernese Mountain Dogs were initially taught to herd livestock in the Swiss Alps’ snow.
These adorable critters like vigorous sports and running around regardless of the weather, making them excellent trekking dogs.
3. Alaskan Malamute
If you ever see a Malamute puppy, you would want it could remain a puppy forever.
The little furballs are as adorable as buttons. Alaskan Malamutes are traditionally employed to pull sleds and carts in the highlands.
The breed enjoys cold weather and the outdoors. They are bred and raised to have exceptional endurance instead of hunting dogs’ blazing speed. Their tenacity makes them the ideal choice for long journeys in severe climates.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Walk with the Rhodesian Ridgeback for a more tough companion in the wilderness.
They are another of our favorite hiking dog breeds. Initially raised in Africa by lion hunters, this hound has made its way into our homes.
Due to their training for hunting, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are exceptionally handy and make for an excellent trekking companion.
These hounds are perfect for all outdoor activities, from trekking to climbing, because of their hunting instinct, agility, and endurance.
If properly trained, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are respectful of outsiders and affectionate with their families due to their dignity and reserve.
5. Aussie Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a high-energy, friendly breed of dog that is always on the move.
Originally a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd is highly energetic and excels at dog sports due to its submissive attitude.
This dog rarely becomes exhausted and would encourage you to do more.
These dogs require vigorous daily exercise to maintain fitness and expend excess energy.
Their athleticism, agility, endurance, and pleasant disposition make them perfect for challenging hikes.
6. Border Collie
Like its Australian relative, the Border Collie is an energetic breed. No list of athletic dogs is complete without the inclusion of the Border Collie.
They have an exceptional work ethic and can run for hours without tiring. If you are an avid hiker, you will like a Border Collie because it is simple to train and quite intelligent. If its leash is removed, it will sprint like the wind.
If you are looking for an exercise companion and a trekking companion, a Border Collie would be delighted to accompany you.
7. Shorthaired German Pointer
Favored initially as a hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is renowned for its agility and stamina.
It is a high-energy breed that could become destructive if not properly channeled. When properly trained, these dogs are exceedingly affectionate and enjoy physical activity.
They appreciate arduous labor in any environment. Due to their friendly disposition and willingness to continually satisfy their “hoomans,” these puppies are ideal for any hiking excursion.
8. Aussie Cattle Dog
Australian Livestock Dogs are hardy and clever dogs trained initially to herd cattle by the settlers of Australia.
These canines, often known as Heelers, are already highly outdoorsy due to their expertise in managing farm cattle for hours.
Additionally, they are incredibly devoted and highly trainable. You can teach them anything, from simple orders to sophisticated acts, and their intelligent brains will retain it all.
If you are searching for a hiking companion, an Australian Cattle Dog is a breed that will never let you down.
9. Portuguese Water Dog
These canines were initially designed to assist anglers in managing their fishing nets and catch.
Even the fish were herded into the nets. Any outdoor activity involving a body of water requires a Portuguese Water Dog as a companion.
Their affinity for water makes them inherently outdoorsy; their feet are even webbed.
Even Former-USA Bo was President Obama’s best friend’s Portuguese Water Dog.
However, their thick coats require care to retain their attractive appearance.
10. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are frequently misperceived as demanding and challenging.
However, this conduct is a result of ineffectively directing their high energies.
These are athletic canines with solid legs and great endurance.
Hikes and challenging paths are perfect ways for Weimaraners, who were bred to tolerate physical and mental adversity, to unleash all that excess energy.
They are devoted, passionate, and fun-loving, making them the perfect hiking partner.
11. Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers make terrific hiking dogs. They were bred to be robust working dogs with high levels of endurance.
They adore being outdoors and adore pleasing their owner even more.
They are both curious and playful and may encourage you to explore portions of the trail that you might not have discovered otherwise.
The No Outside Club
Although most dogs enjoy the outdoors, certain breeds must be prevented from engaging in demanding activities such as hiking.
Brachycephalic or “flat-faced” dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs, should not be taken on long walks or vigorous exercises because their respiratory systems tend to overheat.
Their endurance is not particularly impressive.
It is best to avoid shorthaired dogs like whippets, whippet mixes, and chihuahuas when hiking during the winter months.
It would help keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of summer as no breed appreciates it.
All dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Selecting a Hiking Dog
Even though dogs love being outside, not all of them prefer walking or running on long, hilly paths.
The best hiking dogs have a lot of stamina, speed, agility, and intelligence. They also have a lot of enthusiasm.
Read more: When Your Vacation Happily Goes to the Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Hiking Dogs
Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Beagles, and Golden Retrievers are frequently cited as suitable jogging companions for extended distances. I’m sure there are exceptions, but these breeds cannot handle 90-minute runs at a strong pace over challenging terrain.
Sarah Wharton, the proprietor of Marathon Dog Walking and Training in Oakland, California, states that the average dog can run two and five miles.
Use care when jogging with a dog; I cannot run with my dog for more than three miles without feeling like I’m abusing him. Some hyper Labradors may go 10 miles further than they should, putting themselves at risk for orthopedic damage, discomfort, or heat stroke.
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Appenzeller, and Entlebucher are Sennenhund breeds with tricolor coats.
The quick answer is yes; hiking is generally beneficial for dogs. It offers both physical and cerebral stimulation. And most dogs enjoy hiking.
What dog breed makes an ideal mountain rescue dog? German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are also frequently trained as good rescue dogs.