Are you an avid hiker or camper who loves taking your canine companion with you? From snuggles in the tent to high energy dogs perfecting their heel while trekking down the trail — not all hiking dog breeds will be able to keep up with your outdoor adventures.
But don’t worry, we have rounded up a list of some of the best hiking dogs that are raring and ready for any type of outdoor adventure!
With breeds from small to large, short-haired to long-haired, lazy level 10s or endurance athletes — no matter what kind of hike you are planning there is sure to be a pup on this list for everyone. So lace up those boots and get ready because these four-legged friends won’t let you down when out on the trails!
23 best hiking dogs for your outdoor adventure
1. Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a well-known outdoor companion, and it’s easy to see why – they thrive in the great outdoors! These breeds love taking on challenges such as hikes and enjoy exploring their surroundings.
They do particularly well in terrain with uneven surfaces and rocky areas since their coats are designed for protection against scratches and thorns. Plus their athleticism and energy make them perfect for long hikes.
If you’re looking for a hiking buddy who can keep up with your outdoor adventures, the Mountain Cur is a great choice!
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
These dogs love to hike and explore the great outdoors! These active pups are always ready for an adventure. They’re known for their intelligence and athleticism and make excellent hiking companions.
Their short coats are perfect for warm weather hikes, while their strong legs can easily handle rocky terrain or steep inclines. Before hitting the trails with your German Shorthaired Pointer Pointer, be sure to brush up on, your obedience training.
This breed loves to run and can be easily distracted by interesting smells along the way.
With a little patience and practice, you and your German Shorthaired Pointer will be enjoying all kinds of outdoor sure adventures together in no time!
3. Siberian Husky
Looking for a plus-one to join you on your next outdoor escapade? Look no further than the Siberian Husky!
This lovable pup is ready and raring to hit the trails with its thick fur perfect for braving colder weather and boundless energy that’ll never let boredom set in.
Their intelligence, athleticism, enthusiasm, and friendly nature make them an optimal hiking partner – nothing beats having furry company along!
So if it’s adventure time (and while socially distancing of course!), enlisting a hardy canine friend like the Siberian Husky promises plenty of good times ahead.
4. Australian Shepherd
Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a furry friend to join you on your hiking adventures?
If so, look no further than the Australian Shepherd. This breed of dog is highly active and loves nothing more than going outdoors and being surrounded by nature.
They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them ideal hiking companions.
Australian Shepherds are loyal and protective of their owners, which makes them great protectors on hikes.
They also have a lot of energy and stamina, so they can keep up with you on even the longest and most challenging hikes.
And, because they are herding dogs, they have the instinct to stay close to their pack (i.e. you and other dogs and your hiking buddies), which means they are less likely to wander off and get lost.
5. Border collie
Border Collies are best known to herd cattle. But for those who like their canine companions to have an adventruous spirit, the Border Collie is definitely tops.
This active pup loves romping around new trails and will make even the toughest climbs seem effortless with its impressive physical prowess and intelligence.
Not only can it handle steep inclines, but just as importantly for long hikes – its enthusiasm never gets dull!
Plus you’ll be rewarded by your faithful companion’s eagerness to please every step of the way.
6. The Rhodesian Ridgeback
This loyal and devoted dog makes the perfect companion for your next hiking adventure! Not only are they smart, trainable, and independent, but their long legs and endurance make them ideal for strenuous hikes.
The ridge along their back is not just a cute feature – it’s designed to keep them cool in hot climates, an added bonus when you’re scaling a mountain! Plus, their loud bark means they will alert you to any potential danger in the area.
7. The Weimaraner
With their long legs and sleek body, Weimaraners make for ideal trail companions and a great hiking dog. They have plenty of energy to keep up with you on even the longest hikes, and they’re smart enough to learn commands quickly.
Plus, their thick coat makes them well-suited for all types of weather, from blazing hot days to cold winter hikes.
8. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are very energetic dogs and love the outdoors.
They are also highly intelligent, so you can bring along a few tricks to teach them during your time on the trail.
In addition, Labradors have strong muscles that allow them to cover long distances with ease – making them perfect for hikes of any length.
9. Bernese Mountain Dog
This dog is extra special for being a great hiking pal because of their ability to serve as loyal and reliable partners, while also being gentle giants who will make everyone they meet fall in love with them.
They are intelligent, alert, and have a lot of energy, making them great protectors on hikes and other outdoor adventures.
Berners are very versatile dogs that can adapt to any environment and are great for both beginner and experienced hikers alike.
They have thick, long coats that protect them from the elements, as well as a double coat that helps regulate their body temperature when they get too hot on hikes.
10. The Vizsla
This pup is a hiker’s dream! Not only are they high-energy, sporting dogs that love to run and explore, but they also have an uncanny ability to stay close by.
Whether you need your four-legged buddy to stay on the hiking trail or just don’t want them chasing after every squirrel in sight, this breed has got you covered for being a perfect hiking partner.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
With its intelligent and energetic nature, the Jack Russell Terrier is an ideal companion for outdoor adventurers.
This medium-sized pup can be easily trained to help you stay safe while enjoying a jaunt in nature – plus, it’s small enough that carrying it through even rugged terrain won’t slow your pace!
Its sharp senses allow us all to appreciate the small wonders of nature; from potential hazards along our route or curious critters hidden amongst foliage, this furry friend will pick up on details we might miss out on with just two eyes alone.
If you’re looking for someone (or something!) fun and loyal by your side as you explore trails unknown – look no further than the beloved Jack Russell Terrier.
12. Australian Cattle Dog (THE BLUE HEELER)
Australian Cattle Dogs, are perfect for the active hiker who loves to explore.
The Blue Heeler is highly intelligent and can learn commands quickly. Their natural herding instincts make them great companions on hikes, as they will keep a watchful eye out while you enjoy nature.
They do require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation, but are very loyal and make great trail companions. With a unique blue-gray coat and plenty of energy, this breed is sure to become your best four legged friend.
Photo provided by: Annie Young - AY Stock Dogs
13. The Portuguese Water Dog
It’s energetic and loves to explore, making it the ideal addition to any outdoor adventure! Its hypoallergenic coat also makes it low-maintenance, so you can focus on having fun with your pup instead of worrying about grooming.
Plus, its water-loving nature means that no matter where you decide to hike, your canine companion will be more than happy to join you for a dip in any lake or river you come across!
So go ahead, take the plunge, and experience all that nature has to offer with your Portuguese Water Dog by your side.
Image by Hanna Hilt, from Pixabay
14. Airedale Terrier
Hikers who are looking for an optimal pooch companion should look no further than the Airedale Terrier.
This pup is known for being affectionate, loyal, and active – perfect for a rigorous day on the trails. They’re also very intelligent and obedient, so it’s easy to train them to follow you around or stay close to you.
On top of that, they have thick coats and webbed feet – making them great swimmers who can traverse through streams with ease.
15. The Alaskan Malamute
Is an incredibly special breed of dog that makes for a fantastic hiking partner. With their strong, muscular bodies and thick fur coats, they are built to survive in almost any terrain or climate.
This breed is also known for its intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please. They love the outdoors and will happily hike all day with you!
Whether you need a four-legged companion for your next backpacking trip or just a loyal friend for weekend hikes, the Alaskan Malamute is sure to be an excellent choice.
16. German Shepherd
German Shepherds have all the key qualities of an ideal hiking companion – they are incredibly strong, intelligent and athletic; possess a profound loyalty towards their owners to keep them feeling secure when out on the trails; as well being able to alert you with their keen sense of smell if any potential danger is nearby.
With these amazing attributes, it’s no wonder why many outdoor enthusiasts turn to this breed for making unforgettable memories in nature!
17. Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are the ideal hiking partner for active adventures! This hardy breed is packed with energy and enthusiasm, so you don’t have to worry about them tiring out on long days.
Plus, their intelligence makes them easy to train – teaching your pup how to walk off-leash adds an extra level of freedom while still ensuring they stick close by as you explore nature’s sights and sounds.
And when it comes time to head home after a full day in the wilderness, there’s no need fret over transportation either; these small but mighty make carrying around stress free!
maxxxiss, Pixabay
18. The Dalmatian
This breed is an ideal companion for outdoor adventurers. Not just clever and obedient, they are also well-suited to long hikes in the wild with their thick fur coat protecting them from rain and chillier weather.
With plenty of energy at hand, these athletic canines will happily keep up with you on every trail – plus their cheery nature makes any journey that much more delightful too!
19. English Cream Golden Retriever
Not only are they very social dogs they are loyal and obedient but also highly intelligent, making them excellent hiking partners that stay true to your side with their strong hind legs for any terrain.
Moreover, these furry friends possess thick coats perfect for cooler temperatures so neither of you need worry about braving new possibilities together!
With boundless energy levels and loving dispositions, who better to go on amazing adventures with? The best part is -they’ll even listen when it’s time to head home thanks their trainability –allowing both human and pup peaceful days out exploring nature in all its glory!
20. The Poodle
Not only are they smart and obedient, but their soft, dense fur keeps them warm in cold temperatures and cool in hot ones.
Their water-resistant coat can help them stay dry during rainy hikes, meaning you won’t have to worry about bathing your pup afterward!
They also have naturally compact, muscular bodies that make them great for long hikes. Plus, those curly locks look super cute in any environment!
The Poodle is a surefire choice if you’re looking for an active, intelligent pup to join you on your next outdoor adventure.
21. The Australian Kelpie
This breed is renowned for being tireless with an impressive amount of energy to power them up and down hills.
Their keen intelligence and athletic ability make them perfect for long-distance hikes, as they can learn commands quickly and follow the trail easily.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend companion or something to trek with through rougher terrain, the Australian Kelpie is an ideal hiking pal.
With their strong legs and powerful endurance, they’ll be sure to keep up with you every step of the way! Plus, they’re always eager for more adventure – so it’s never a dull moment when you’re out in nature.
22. The Beagle
Explorers at heart, Beagles are the perfect partner for an outdoor trek.
Not only is their size ideal to comfortably join you on your journey, but they also have a knack for tracking smaller animals and uncovering new scents among nature that one might miss during hikes.
Offering effortless energy levels and an unrivaled sense of smell, this friendly breed will ensure that any adventure in the outdoors becomes a memorable experience!
23. American Pit Bull Terrier
With its muscular and athletic build, this breed is no doubt an ideal companion for outdoor adventures like hiking.
It’s friendly and intelligent, making it easy to train – a key factor in successful hikes! Plus, its strength and endurance mean it can keep up with you on even the toughest trails.
The American Pit Bull Terrier might be popular for its fighting background, but it’s also a loyal and loving dog that loves the outdoors – perfect for hiking! All in all, this breed is a great choice for avid hikers looking for an adventurous partner.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is an amazing array of dog breeds that can accompany you on your next outdoor adventure.
All of these dogs enjoy hiking and are resilient and energetic, with a strong love for the outdoors that both motivates and calms them.
When choosing a hiking companion, make sure to pick one whose characteristics best fit with your needs. Most importantly, remember to have fun!
The memories created from being out in nature with a canine that loves it just as much as you do will last forever and will be some of your most cherished ones.
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