Some dogs are perfectly happy with a quick walk around the block.
And then, there are some dogs who hear the word “hike” and absolutely lose their mind.
The dogs who sprint to the door the second you grab your boots. The dogs that can smell a backpack from three rooms away. And the dogs who look at a mountain trail like it is Christmas morning. But, wrapped in dirt.
If you love outdoor adventures, long hikes, weekend backpacking trips, and trail running at sunrise… then you need a dog who is not along for the ride, but genuinely stoked to be there.
These are the fantastic dog breeds that love hiking and backpacking. The adventurous dog. The trail warriors. The pups who will happily carry their own gear and still have boundless energy for zoomies at camp.
Did You Know?
Portuguese water dogs were originally bred to herd fish into nets for fishermen off the coast of Portugal, as noted by Orvis. Yes, herding fish! Underwater. This is next-level work ethic.
These athletic dogs would dive into the ocean, help gather fish and even retrieve lost tackle.
An adventure dog that absolutely loves working outdoors.
Fantastic Dog Breeds That Love Hiking and Backpacking
1. Australian Shepherd
First up, the Australian Shepherd.
Despite the name, they are not from Australia. They were developed in the American West to work on ranches. Their main job was herding livestock across rugged terrain all day long. So, yeah! Stamina is built in.
Australian Shepherds are incredibly intelligent dogs with a natural drive to move, work, and explore. As per Greencross Vets, they are very energetic, active, and love to play. Plus, they thrive on mental stimulation and physical exercise. It makes them perfect for long hikes and outdoor activities.
These are athletic, agile, and seriously high-energy dogs. They have a medium-length double coat that handles different weather conditions well.
Australian Shepherds need more than just long walks; they need adventure. Backpacking trips, trail running, they are born for it.
Just make sure you give them proper training early on. Because a bored Aussie will pent up energy and will redesign your backyard. Without permission.
But, great hiking companions… completely understatement. And on top of that, a loving and affectionate herding dog.
2. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were literally bred to pull sleds across frozen tundra for hours. In cold temperatures. Through snow. For miles and miles. So, when it comes to endurance and long distances, Huskies do not mess around.
These beautiful dogs have blue eyes.
Siberian Huskies are one of the best dog breeds for outdoor adventures. They have a thick double coat made for harsh climates. Plus, they have boundless energy that feels supernatural and an independent streak that makes them interesting.
Huskies are incredibly athletic dogs who thrive in cooler weather and absolutely love long hikes.
They can cover serious ground without breaking a sweat. But, they also have selective hearing when off-leash. If a squirrel crosses their path three miles away, they will chase. Solid recall command training is non-negotiable for these dogs.
As per Britannica, they are super friendly with other dogs, which makes them great hiking buddies and trail partners.
Just be ready for the drama! Huskies are expressive. Very expressive. Plus, they are escape artists. For adventurous dog owners who want a hiking dog that matches their energy, the Siberian Husky is a natural fit.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer was originally bred for hunting across varied terrain. Fields, forests, water. GSPs were born to cover it all with style, stamina, and a work ethic.
This pointer dog breed is a high-energy dog that absolutely loves being outside. Hiking trails are their happy place.
German Shorthaired Pointers are incredibly agile dogs with lean builds that make long distances feel effortless.
They are short-haired dogs, and their short coats dry quickly, perfect for water crossings and unpredictable weather.
Plus, they are smart, eager to please, and respond well to obedience training. These dogs make great trail partners because they genuinely enjoy the journey. They are actively engaged and ready for whatever the trail throws at them.
If you want an adventure dog that is always ready to go, the German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the best hiking companions you will find.
4. Labrador Retriever
America’s favorite dog.
One of the most popular dog breeds in the USA for 31 years straight.
The Labrador Retriever is not merely a lovable family dog. It is one of the best dog breeds for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Labs were originally bred to retrieve game for hunters, and they used to swim through icy waters. That job needed endurance, intelligence, and a serious LOVE of the outdoors.
And, Labs… they have got all.
Labrador Retrievers are incredibly versatile. They handle long hikes beautifully and adapt to different terrains with ease. Plus, their water-resistant coats mean they are ready for river crossings and rainy-day adventures without complaint.
Labs are famously friendly with other breeds and humans. Perfect for group hikes or busy trails. They are patient, loyal, and love spending time with their humans. Plus, they are naturally athletic without being overly intense.
A Lab will happily hike for ten miles… and then curl up in your sleeping bag at camp.
Great trail partners, yes. Great hiking partners with zero drama. Even better.
As per PetMD, they are perfect for an active lifestyle, with families who like to spend a lot of time outdoors, doing hiking, swimming, and hunting.
5. Alaskan Malamute
If you want a big dog with serious trail power, meet the Alaskan Malamute.
These dogs are Arctic athletes. Bred to pull sleds carrying heavy loads across frozen landscapes. Alaskan Malamutes are made for strength, endurance, and cold-weather adventures.
They don’t have the need for speed; they are made for power.
When it comes to backpacking, that strength is relentless. This Alaskan dog breed can carry their own gear without blinking.
Malamutes have a dense double coat for cold temperatures, so they absolutely thrive on winter hikes and high-elevation trails.
They are friendly, loyal, and gentle despite their size. But fair WARNING, they are strong. Really strong.
They need regular exercise and plenty of outdoor activities to stay happy. A bored Malamute is a destructive Malamute.
But give them hiking adventures and challenging trails… HEAVEN!!
These dogs make fantastic hiking companions for experienced owners who can handle their size and independent nature.
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is one of those dogs that just look like it belongs on a trail. And, it does. As per Omlet, they are classic outdoor dogs, originally bred in the Swiss Alps to work farms, pulling carts, herding livestock, and going through rough mountain terrain.
Daily!!
Mountains are kind of their thing.
Bernese Mountain dogs are kind, patient, and strong. They handle long distances and long hikes easily in cooler weather. Their thick double coat keeps them comfortable in cold temperatures.
But, they can overheat in hot climates, so plan accordingly.
Despite their size, Berners are gentle giants and easygoing. They are great with most dogs, wonderful with kids, and have a calm energy. Perfect for slow-paced scenic hikes where you want to enjoy the view with this big, fluffy dog.
If you want a big dog who loves outdoor adventures but also knows how to chill, Bernese Mountain Dogs are one of the best hiking companions out there.
Because this adventurous dog makes the journey worthwhile.
7. Vizsla
Last but definitely not least, the Vizsla.
This dog breed does not do “chill”. Vizslas are usually called “Velcro dogs” because they stick to their owners like glue.
These active dogs want to be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing. And if that has hiking or running… even better.
Vizslas were bred in Hungary as hunting dogs, born to cover long distances across rugged terrain with speed.
Vizslas are lean, athletic, and energetic. They thrive on physical exercise and need a lot of it.
Daily long hikes, trail running, and serious outdoor activities. A quick walk will not cut it.
And if you are active and love spending time outside, a Vizsla is your DREAM!! Because they are such good hiking dogs. They are agile, fast, and responsive to training. They also have short coats, and they dry quickly after muddy trails.
Vizslas make great trail companions because they match your pace, stay engaged, and love the adventure as much as you do.
If you want an adventure dog who will push you to explore more and never say no to a hike, the Vizsla is your dog.
Conclusion
These dogs!! These seven fantastic dog breeds love hiking and backpacking.
They all bring something unique to the table.
No matter if you want a high-energy athlete, a powerhouse, or a loyal, steady companion, there is a perfect hiking dog for you.
The right dog!!
No matter which breed you choose (even the rescue dogs), do your research and understand breed-specific needs. Watch for health concerns. Invest in proper training.
Because the right dog on the right trail is when hiking becomes interesting. Even on a long leash.
