If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves the thrill of the trail or the patience of the hunt, having the right canine companion can elevate every adventure. Whether you’re hiking steep inclines, exploring wooded trails, or camping in remote areas, choosing a dog that matches your stamina and instincts is key. The best dogs for hiking and hunting combine athleticism, intelligence, and loyalty, traits that help them thrive in the wild alongside their humans.
While many dogs enjoy a good outdoor romp, hiking hunting dog breeds are specially equipped for rugged terrain and long distances. Their natural endurance, keen senses, and trainability make them ideal for both tracking game and navigating unpredictable environments. A responsive, well-trained dog can be a critical partner in situations involving wildlife, water crossings, or off-leash control.
In this article, we’ll explore the top dog breeds built for both hiking and hunting. These loyal, energetic dogs aren’t just great companions, they’re adventure-ready athletes, ready to join you on your next journey into the great outdoors.
Hiking Hunting Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most reliable and versatile companions for those who love hiking and hunting. Originally bred as a gun dog, this breed excels in retrieving game, especially in water, thanks to its dense, water-resistant coat and strong swimming skills.
AKC states that the friendly and charming Labrador Retriever consistently ranks among the most beloved dog breeds in America year after year. Labs are known for their loyalty, friendliness, and boundless enthusiasm, making them excellent partners on long treks or during bird hunting excursions in varied climates and terrain. They become great family pets.
Exercise
With their high energy levels and zest for adventure, Labrador Retrievers require ample daily exercise. They thrive on activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving, and running, and without these outlets, they can quickly become restless or destructive.
Labs enjoy structured outdoor adventures such as hunting trips, but also appreciate casual hikes or games of fetch in the yard. Their trainability and typically obedient nature also make them good off-leash companions when properly trained.
Fact: The Labrador’s water-repellent double coat and strong build make it a favorite for duck hunting and cold-weather adventures, and it remains one of the most popular working and family dogs in the world.
2. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a quintessential hiking and hunting partner, intelligent, devoted, and endlessly enthusiastic. Originally bred as a gun dog for retrieving birds, Goldens are well-equipped for outdoor adventures and thrive in nature-rich environments. PetMD describes Golden Retrievers as medium-sized sporting dogs weighing between 55 and 75 pounds.
They typically stand 21 to 24 inches tall and feature a broad head, short ears, a deep chest, and a strong build. Their calm disposition and eagerness to please make them excellent companions on the trail, while their natural athleticism supports long treks through diverse terrain. They’re also strong swimmers, making them perfect for hikes that involve water crossings or lakeside stops.
Exercise
These intelligent dogs require substantial daily activity to stay mentally and physically balanced. Hiking, swimming, and interactive play are great ways to channel their high energy levels. Because they’re prone to joint issues, especially as they age, it’s important to consult a vet before engaging in more intense or prolonged hikes.
Without enough stimulation, Goldens may resort to chewing or getting into mischief, particularly during their puppy stage. A well-exercised Golden is happy, focused, and far less likely to turn your hiking gear into a chew toy.
Fact: Golden Retrievers are not only one of the smartest breeds but also among the most family-friendly, known for their gentle nature and quiet demeanor on and off the trail.muscular body.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is a versatile, high-energy breed that thrives in active households and excels in both hiking and hunting. Bred for stamina and intelligence, GSPs are enthusiastic trackers and retrievers that love to work alongside their humans.
Their friendly and affectionate nature also makes them excellent family companions, though their strong prey drive may not mix well with small household pets. Eager to please and fast learners, GSPs are highly trainable and adaptable to a variety of outdoor tasks.
Exercise
GSPs require intense daily exercise to stay balanced and happy. A quick walk won’t cut it; these athletic dogs need one to two hours of vigorous activity each day, including hiking or engaging in canine sports.
Without sufficient stimulation, both physical and mental, they can become restless or destructive. Their agility and endurance make them standout trail companions, especially for long-distance hikes or upland bird hunting.
Fact: The German Shorthaired Pointer’s ability to track, point, and retrieve, combined with their boundless energy, makes them one of the most reliable sporting breeds for an outdoor and active lifestyle.
4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Small but mighty, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply called the “Toller”, is a dynamic companion for both hiking and waterfowl hunting.
Originally bred in Canada, this intelligent and agile breed is known for its unique hunting technique: its fox-like movements and red coat lure curious ducks closer, making them easier for hunters to target. Once a game is down, the Toller retrieves it eagerly, showcasing its natural retrieving instincts and love of water.
Exercise
These small dogs are bursting with energy and require several hours of daily exercise to stay happy and well-behaved. Hikes, swims, and mentally stimulating games such as fetch or scent work are ideal for this clever breed. Purina notes that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever enjoys outdoor activities and is perfectly matched for active families living in rural areas.
They particularly excel at activities that involve swimming or carrying objects in their mouths, traits rooted in their hunting heritage. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, Tollers can become bored and potentially destructive, so variety is key to keeping them engaged.
Fact: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s waterproof double coat and high endurance make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures in cold, wet conditions, especially when water retrieval is part of the plan.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
If you’re looking for a compact yet fearless companion to join you on trails and in the field, the Jack Russell Terrier is a bold choice. Originally bred for vermin control, this small but mighty dog is bursting with energy, intelligence, and drive. Jack Russells are known for their fearless attitude, playful spirit, and high prey drive, traits that make them natural explorers and enthusiastic hunters.
Despite their size, they possess the stamina and determination to keep up with larger breeds in the outdoors. Britannica explains that smooth coats need brushing once or twice weekly and occasional baths, while broken coats require hand stripping, which involves manually removing dead hairs.
Exercise
Endless energy defines the Jack Russell’s lifestyle. They thrive on mentally and physically stimulating activities, and hiking offers the perfect outlet for their instincts. Long walks, trail runs, and pest-control games in rugged terrain are ideal for this breed.
Without proper daily exercise and mental challenges, they may turn to digging, barking, or other mischief. Structured training with a mix of play and treats helps keep their focus and curb their tendency to become bored or stubborn.
Fact: Though just 15 pounds, the Jack Russell Terrier has been used not only to flush pheasants and track deer, but even to trail lions, thanks to their unmatched bravery and agility.
6. Treeing Walker Coonhound
With sharp senses and a relentless drive, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a top-tier companion for both hikers and hunters. Bred to track and tree raccoons, this agile and energetic breed uses its keen nose and powerful voice to alert handlers once it’s cornered its quarry.
Coonhounds are fast, efficient runners with streamlined bodies and long, muscular legs built for covering ground swiftly. Their vocal nature might not suit quiet trails, but their loyalty and intelligence more than make up for their baying bark.
Exercise
This intelligent breed is a high-energy dog that craves physical and mental stimulation. Daily long walks, off-road hikes, and time to stretch their legs are essential. These dogs are excellent off-leash runners, once fully trained and trustworthy, but due to their intense prey drive, it’s safest to keep them leashed around wildlife.
Backyard romps, scent-based games, and regular interaction with other dogs or humans help maintain their well-being and curb boredom-related behaviors.
Fact: Known affectionately as “The People’s Choice,” the Treeing Walker Coonhound combines speed, stamina, and charm, making it a favorite for hunters and outdoor lovers alike.
7. Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is a bold, versatile, and wonderful breed perfectly suited for both hiking and hunting adventures. Bred in 19th-century England to hunt otters and rats, Airedales are tenacious, intelligent, and capable of tracking small game and even larger animals like bears.
Their wiry and dense double coat protects them in rough terrain, and their strong-willed nature gives them an edge in challenging outdoor conditions. They make loyal hiking companions and thrive in active homes where they’re given plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Exercise
These loyal dogs are high-energy dogs that require consistent exercise to stay well-balanced. They benefit from long walks, interactive play, or off-leash time in a secure area. Their stamina makes them ideal trail partners, and they’re always up for a game of fetch or a vigorous hike.
Leaving an Airedale under-stimulated can result in boredom and mischief, so daily engagement is essential. They also respond well to training sessions that challenge their minds and instincts.
Fact: The Airedale Terrier is not only skilled at hunting waterfowl and vermin but has also been used in search and rescue, military roles, and even police work thanks to its courage and adaptability.
Conclusion
Whether you’re scaling mountain trails or heading into the field for a hunting trip, the right canine companion can make all the difference. Breeds like the loyal Labrador Retriever and the determined Airedale Terrier are excellent examples of dogs built for stamina, adaptability, and adventure. These hiking hunting dog breeds bring both drive and devotion, making them ideal partners for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliability and companionship on rugged terrain.
While this guide highlighted top-performing breeds, there are many other breeds that also thrive in active settings. Siberian Huskies, for example, are well-known for their endurance and thrive in cooler climates. Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, as classic herding dogs, offer exceptional energy and intelligence, perfect for covering ground and responding to commands quickly. Even short-haired dogs like pointers can perform well with the right conditioning.
For those who prefer big dogs with a calmer temperament, Bernese Mountain Dogs make excellent hiking partners, especially in cooler regions. Ultimately, the best hiking and hunting dog is one that suits your lifestyle, energy level, and terrain, so you and your four-legged companion can explore the wild together, step for paw.
