If you are an avid hiker, love outdoor adventures, or are planning a camping trip, some dog breeds might be an ideal partner for you. Many dogs love the outdoors and make excellent companions for hikes. Also, some dogs are better at camping than others.
The best camping dogs are usually energetic, loyal, and adaptable to outdoor environments. While taking your dog for a hiking or camping trip, properly train your dog. Make sure your dog can follow your commands and stay with you, particularly if he will be off-leash.
Your dog needs to be responsive in uncertain situations, such as wildlife encounters. If you are looking for a canine buddy for camping excursions or outdoor activities, this article is for you.
Here are 10 top dog breeds that can take your camping experience to the next level.
Dog Breeds for Families Who Camp Often
1. Australian Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 23 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Energy Level: Hyper
Breed Group: Herding
At the top of our list are the Australian shepherds, known for their high energy levels. I bet these smart dogs never run out of energy, which makes them great companions for hikes, walks, or camping trips.
These highly trainable pups relish outdoor pursuits. Their strong and muscular bodies help them navigate rugged terrains and rocky landscapes. Aussies were originally bred as working dogs.
They excel at activities like agility and obedience training. Inadequate physical and mental stimulation can make them exhibit destructive behaviors.
2. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Sporting
Labrador retriever is another dog breed for camping. Their high energy levels and stamina make them well-suited for outdoor adventures. Labradors love water, so if you are planning to camp near a lake, your Lab can be an excellent companion.
One of the smartest dog breeds, Labrador retrievers have an eagerness to please. They enjoy fetch games and can be easily trained for carrying equipment. Their strong prey drive can be useful for locating wildlife.
They have a protective nature and are loyal towards their favorite humans. They will inform you if a stranger or a wild animal tries to approach the campground.
3. Border Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Energy Level: Hyper
Breed Group: Herding
Border Collies are highly energetic dogs. One of the most intelligent dog breeds, they possess excellent problem-solving skills. Since they can easily learn and follow commands, you can train them for great outdoor excursions and adapt to various camping environments.
Teach them to stay in a certain area and come when called. With proper training, they can also learn to carry their own rucksack. Border Collies are agile dogs— they can navigate tough terrains. These traits make them excellent trekking buddies.
However, Border Collies love food and can become obese without adequate exercise.
4. Siberian Husky
Breed Profile
Height: 20 to 23.5 inches
Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
Energy Level: Hyper
Breed Group: Working
Siberian Huskies were originally bred for pulling sleds in cold weather. Their insulating and thick double coat makes them well-suited for handling colder climates associated with camping. Plus, their sociable nature and pack mentality make them good enough for group camping trips.
Huskies are independent and adventurous fellas. They make wonderful family pets and get along well with children. However, they have a strong prey drive. Keep them on a leash or in a safe area when around small animals.
They have a stubborn streak. Proper training and early socialization can turn your Husky into a well-behaved pup. You should leash train your pup so that they don’t run to explore on their own, says PetMD.
5. German Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Herding
German Shepherds are working dogs known for being courageous, smart, and confident. Their high trainability and versatility make them suitable for demanding outdoor activities. They excel at hiking, trekking, and herding.
German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, which might be helpful in finding lost hikers or campers. These camping dogs can make your trip more fun, whether you are moving through a tough trail or simply lounging around the campfire.
Do you know? German Shepherds can carry 25% of their weight in a pack on their back. So you can ask you GSD to carry their backpack themselves on a hike.
6. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Sporting
Golden retrievers are medium-sized dogs known for their sociability. Their friendly nature makes them well-suited for family camping adventures. Due to their gentle demeanor, they get along well with humans and other dogs. So, you can also camp with other families along with your Goldie!
Golden retrievers have a natural affinity for water, so you can also plan a camping trip near a lake, river, or beach. Their water-resistant coat protects and prevents water from reaching their skin. They are smart and responsive, so you can easily train them for various camping situations.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 15 pounds
Energy Level: Calm
Breed Group: Working
Bernese Mountain dogs are popular for their strength and endurance. According to the American Kennel Club, they have a long double coat and love outdoor adventures. Both traits make them ideal canine partners for camping in cold climates.
Berners are working dogs by nature, and they do their best when given assignments. They can also be trained to pull carts. It is important to keep your Berner on a leash during a hike or a camping trip. They might appear intimidating to other hikers or wildlife, but they are good-natured dogs.
8. Vizsla
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 44 to 60 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Sporting
These avid campers thrive in an active lifestyle and enjoy activities like hiking or camping. Vizslas are the velcro dogs who will stay by your side throughout an outdoor adventure. Their excellent off-leash reliability makes them ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path trails.
Their shorter coats keep them comfortable in warmer climates, expanding the range of your camping expeditions. These clever dogs can easily pick up new commands and skills. Make sure to keep your Vizsla by your side all the time, because they are vulnerable to separation anxiety.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Sporting
German Shorthaired Pointer is an energetic, trainable, and naturally curious dog breed. Their love for exploring new trails and scents can enhance your hiking experience. According to PDSA, these big dogs need an owner who can spend plenty of time and explore outdoors with them.
Their endurance allows them to keep up with the demands of outdoor activities like camping and long walks. GSPs are known for their strong hunting and tracking instincts.
Therefore, make sure your German Shorthaired Pointer stays focused and well-behaved during a hike. Keep them leashed and avoid potential distractions like wild animals.
10. Alaskan Malamute
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 25 inches
Weight: 75 to 85 pounds
Energy Level: Active
Breed Group: Working
Alaskan malamutes love challenges. They were originally bred for pulling sleds in cold environments. These heavy-duty workers are capable of handling rugged terrains and harsh weather.
They can adapt to different camping situations and follow commands, which makes camping with them a great experience.
Alaskan Malamutes have a strong prey drive. So, you have to be cautious when camping in areas with wildlife. Proper leashing is important for the safety and well-being of other living creatures. These intelligent dogs should be given obedience training from an early age.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds possess great stamina, endurance, and intelligence to conquer the tough trails and rocky landscapes. Such dogs make excellent camping and hiking partners due to their boundless energy and protective instincts.
If you want to adopt a dog to accompany you on your next hike, one of these breeds might be perfect for you!
