Walking along side humans is adorable, but when a canine breed wants more from its pet parent it means you can take these furry friends on your adventures as well. The canine running partners surprise their owners with built in stamina, resilience and versatility.
All these attributes have not developed over the night, but a result of compatible generations working with mankind. To train your partner for long distance hikes, one should understand its temperament and trainability and health.
High energy levels should be monitored closely, and running is one of the best way to use up some of their energy. Their smartness can be utilized by challenging their minds while trekking through serene forests and scaling rugged peaks.
Fun Fact: If some one has a mixed breed (resulting from the upcoming canines) as its companion, it can also be trained well for long hikes and running via consistency and patience. Moreover, short nosed breeds are not the one to opt for this purpose, as they quickly develop respiratory issues.
Ideal Dog Breeds for Hiking and Trail Running Fun
1. Border Collie
Border collie is originally bred as herding dogs for livestock by Romans. This working dog breed has boundless energy and keen intelligence due to which it makes an excellent hiking partner for families. Queen Victoria’s favoritism to this dog made him popular as pet and show dog worldwide.
Border collie carries an affectionate and gentle temperament which is why this breed gets along well with families having children. Due to herding instincts, they always try to herd small kids making socialization and training necessary.
One of the smartest dog, Collie is a natural runner and navigate tricky trails just like a breeze. They enjoy learning advanced training sessions with positive reinforcement methods. These high energy dogs thrive in daily physical exercise as well as mental stimulation, says AKC.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
If you are seeking a rugged companion who enjoys outdoor adventures as much as you do, Rhodesian Ridgeback is the one. These hound dogs hail from Africa where they have been used for large game hunting, especially for Lions.
Backed by history, Rhodesian Ridgeback’s high energy can be channelized well via dog sports including long hikes. Blessed with stamina and endurance, they excel in long distance running for many hours. While at homes, these calm dogs love cuddling and lounging.
Being a short haired canine, Rhodesian Ridgeback’s regular grooming needs are less. However, their strength and athleticism can easily be translated into hiking adventures. These guard dogs share a deep bond with their family members while thriving in protection work.
3. Golden Retriever
These energetic dogs maintain their upbeat athleticism throughout their lives. Golden Retrievers were bred in 19th century for retrieving purposes. Their versatility along with smartness make these athletic dogs a great hiking buddy.
This hunting breed also flourishes as service dog and guide dog. Their friendly demeanor shape them as a wonderful family dog in an active lifestyle. With their favorite humans training sessions of Golden Retrievers become a breeze.
Double coat of Goldens though sheds heavily, but also protects them from cold weather. While these dogs enjoy being your hiking companions, they are also prone to some joint related problems, so if you are going to have an adventure with your Golden , seek an advice from vet.
4. Vizsla
Vizsla is a muscular breed with stamina and endurance enabling him to be one of the best dog breeds for dog running. Hailing from Hungary, their high energy levels exhibits their past work as hunting dogs. Their playful nature drive them to run off leash and be a hiking companion for their owners.
Vizsla has sleek golden rust coat with long ears. They are sensitive dogs who carve human interactions Therefore, leaving them alone in backyard is not a good option as they easily develop separation anxiety or other undesirable behavior.
These devoted dogs are the happiest when assigned with some jobs to do. They are not well suited in small homes due to their demand of ample space to relax and play. These adventure dogs need proper training starting from young age to groom into a well behaved canine companion.
5. Siberian Husky
A dog who was used to pull sleds in its past , still carries enough strength and muscles to run alongside its human, we are talking about Siberian husky. This working dog breed is known for its blue eyes and thick double coats protecting them from frigid temperature while outside.
They make a perfect dog breed for those who are living in cool weather and want to have agile dogs. According to Pet MD, Husky thrives as long distances running partner with training and is well suited in active yet experienced homes due to high energy and smart brain.
If Siberian huskies are not provided with daily exercise and mental enrichment, it leads to their destructive attitude including digging and escaping. Owing to their independent nature, owners sometime face difficulty in their training, that’s why establishing a bond prior to teaching them is vital.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain dog makes a natural fit in those families who want a calm yet amazing running partner for long distances. They are not hyperactive at homes, when met their daily dose of physical activities. Bernese are originally bred for guarding livestock in Switzerland.
Britannica mentions that this giant dog is active but with low energy, making an occasional hiking companions for families as well. Being a large breed, it is also prone to several health issues sch as bloating, hip dysplasia and some tumors.
Their easygoing temperament make them a breed for people of all ages. They are smart and easy to train dogs who get along beautifully with other dogs and older kids in the same house. Bernese Mountain dogs need an hour of exercise for happy and healthy years.
7. German Shepherd
All rounder and famous dog breed, German shepherd is loved by dog owners due to its high trainability, smartness and eager to please nature. Those who want to enjoy adventures along protection would definitely go for this devoted, gentle and playful big dog.
They were developed in Germany to herd sheep, and later introduced in USA after world war I by the soldiers. As a working breed, GSDs have ample energy to spend. When their strong work ethics fuses their drive to work and intelligence, they make excellent hiking partners.
While ranking as great family dog, GSDs are also thriving in fields as service dogs, military and police dogs. They bond strongly with their humans and remain calm and kind around kids with proper socialization and training. A true courageous and protective dog who will never hesitate to sacrifice its life for its beloved one.
8. Alaskan Malamute
Another sled dogs who is known for its powerful presence and stamina, Alaskan Malamute has been working in arctic for several years, Their thick coats protect them from harsh elements of cold weather. They were originally bred for endurance not for speed, that is also displayed by their physique.
Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent dogs and need early socialization to behave well in new situations and around new living beings. This trained pooch is friendly and loyal to everyone and also makes great companion for winter adventures.
Malamutes easily overheat in warm weather, due to their dense coats. They thrive in those tasks where energy channelizing occurs fast but with purpose. They would never mind if you are taking them with you to explore nature or as morning running buddy in cold days.
9. Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are affectionately called Labs and rank as one of the friendliest dogs world wide. These social and loving canine pals have enough stamina and energy to continue dog run for considerable distances with their owners.
Labs need serious physical and mental enrichment throughout their lives to boast their friendly and happy disposition more. Moreover, they make friends easily and are not wary of strangers, but loyal to their dearest. After having their daily requirements, they love snuggling as well.
While they excel on lands as great running partners, Labs are also excellent at swimming, thanks to their webbed feet and water repellent coats. Pleasing nature make them an easy to train breed who does well on leashes and under voice control.
Conclusion
When dog owners are finding a perfect match for their adventures, they should be prepared for their regular activities as these active dogs need constant attention and physical engagement even they are not out for any hike or hunt.
Choosing one of the best dog breed as your hiking companions comes with responsibilities including training, care and love. Remember, it does not matter how much your canine best friend is trained for difficult terrains, you should also have a back up plan for their safety, as accidents can happen to anyone anywhere.
With necessary precautions and a right dog, you can enjoy your memorable adventure at the fullest.
