Can you think of a dream team more epic than a hiker and his or her dog? While most dogs enjoy some level of activity, other dogs are better suited for high-energy activities than others. If bringing your four-legged companion to your long hikes is on your checklist, we have a list of 7 suitable dog breeds to help you pick.
Dog Breeds for Hiking
1. Labrador Retriever
According to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers are one of America’s most popular breeds. Originally bred as working dogs and used for retrieving game for hunters, it’s no surprise they’re full of energy.
Fun fact: Powerful historical figures, such as Prince Harry and Prince William, have owned this breed.
If you want an athletic dog to take hiking, a Labrador Retriever is your best bet. Their height (depending on gender) can range from 21.5 to 24.5 inches, and their weight can be between 55-80 pounds. The Labs have thick coats with shorter hair, which mostly stay naturally clean.
Their low-shedding tendency also makes them great hiking dogs; you don’t want a high-maintenance diva on your trail. Take good care of them, and this breed is generally as fit as Ronaldo. Some health concerns to watch out for are ear infections, heart conditions, elbow and hip dysplasias, cancer, and eye disease.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd is the hiker’s choice due to its gentle nature and love for outdoor activities. What gives the Aussies their sociable, outdoorsy side is this breed’s herding background. This also makes them excellent family dogs as these soft boys (or girls) love their families.
Despite their names, they’re not really ‘Aussies’. Developed completely in the United States, they’ve had their run as rodeo and ranch dogs. They live to please their owners, but are wary of strangers. So, they’re the Sam to your Frodo; their protective instincts make them excellent companions for hikers.
The Aussies or ‘Velcros’ have a medium-length double coat that makes them look fluffy and huggable. Their height ranges from 18-23 inches, and their weight can go from 40 to 60 pounds. Bursting with boundless energy, your Aussie will become grumpy if it doesn’t get regular exercise, as per Hills Pet.
They’re a healthy breed, so responsible owners can keep them in the best physical condition. Keep taking your fluffball to a vet regularly to keep certain conditions at bay. Some possible health conditions to watch out for are eye diseases, hip and elbow dysplasia, and epilepsy.
3. Siberian Husky
If you need a furry sidekick who can handle cold weather conditions, get yourself a Siberian Husky. This dog breed comes from Siberia, duh. The Chukchi, a badass indigenous tribe, bred these Huskies to be their sled and work dogs in the harsh Arctic atmosphere. We all love a tough but adorable doggo!
Siberian Huskies are large dogs; their heights range from 21-23 and 20-22 inches for males and females, respectively. Taller dogs are generally a great choice for people who love outdoor adventures. They are a domesticized breed, yet if taking your Sibe on hikes over long distances won’t disappoint you.
You’d better love grooming time with your canine because Sibes need their lush, thick coat brushed. They do shed a lot, so keep grooming tools with you if you’re going to be out for long periods of time.
These dogs have high energy; playtime and physical activity are non-negotiable. Their hunter instinct might make them want to run after other animals who are smaller. Sibes are sociable and love their humans.
4. Alaskan Malamute
Fierce looks and gentle personality; it’s hard not to adore the Alaskan Malamute. Their origins as Alaskan sleigh dogs make them great dogs for active families. Wait, are they the same guys as Alaskan Huskies? Well, there are similarities, but this specific breed is larger than huskies.
Bred by the Alaskan Mahlemut people of Alaska, these dogs are the ‘Thor’ of the dog world. These highly intelligent dogs have a pack mentality and are loyal to their owners.
These majestic dogs tend to be 75 to 85 pounds heavy and 23 to 25 inches tall. Their strength is something their hiker human counterparts can always count on. Their dense double coat makes us go soft for them, but also calls for some care.
While tolerant of cold and wet conditions, these muffins might not tolerate heat well. So, if you’re out hiking in hotter weather, keep them hydrated. Other than that, these dogs have a lot of energy and can totally ‘sleigh‘ long walks.
5. Vizsla
Vizlas are a dog breed for owners who can commit to an active lifestyle. Bred to be hunting dogs by Hungarian royals, they’re not exactly a cakewalk. They literally slept on their owners’ beds. While young, they don’t just need toys; make sure they get proper training and off-leash time.
Vizslas stand out for their golden-rust and normally short coat. So, less grooming worries for you while on long hikes. The lack of an undercoat also means they’ll get cold easily, so make sure to go shopping for some dog jackets for your bestie.
While they’re great hiking companions, their hunter instinct might push them to chase little birds.
Bonus points to their nose for being good at catching scents. They can be trained to become the perfect scent hounds. Don’t be intimidated by these talents; the Royal Canin declares them as “even-tempered” and “sensitive”.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
This large dog will fill any dog lover’s mind with dreams of cuddles. Strikingly beautiful, the Bernese Mountain dog is also a great trail partner. Coming from Bern, Switzerland, this breed has guardian and farm dog energy. Nothing makes this furry guy happier than a trot outdoors with their human pal.
Once you get over their size, you’ll notice how magnificent their dense coat is. This breed’s lush, weather-resistant outercoat makes them great companions for hikers in cold climates. Also, maybe call a short-haired canine friend instead if you need to go hiking in hot weather.
A little high-maintenance in grooming, keep your fluffpuff well-combed and shampooed so it’s hike-ready when the time comes. PetMD suggests shampoo sessions every two to four weeks.
7. Weimaraner
They might look just as serious as their name sounds, but Weimaraners are quite gentle in nature. They fangirl over their owners and get along with other dogs. The only catch is, they’re a bit jealous and clingy. So, if you’re taking two dogs on the trail, there might be some conflict.
They’re a highly intelligent breed from Germany and were bred to be sportsmen’s companion dogs. So, you bet they’re energetic and perfect for long hikes.
They tend to be 23-27 inches tall and weigh about 55-99 pounds. Their coat is short and comes in shades of gray. Keep their winter gear ready if the climate you live in is cold.
They’re very active and might get occasional injuries or cuts. What you really need to watch out for is where their mouth is! They love to chew and end up with gastric problems by swallowing the wrong things.
Wrapping it all up!
There are many intelligent breeds and strong, sturdy dogs to take with you on your hiking adventure. Knowing each breed’s individual needs and weather tolerance will help you keep both you and your dog happy.
