Camping trips are refreshing as you can see the beautiful water running in lakes and hear the calming chirps of birds. But these adventures become even more fun when you have a companion beside you that isn’t afraid of water and loves swimming.
The one that loves to explore trails and has the strength to handle long hikes along the shore when you need to reach your destination. They must have the energy, situational awareness, and stamina to carry on without throwing tantrums.
We have shared seven energetic dog breeds that love outdoor adventures in this guide. We will discuss what makes them good for lakeside camping or other outdoor activities.
You will also learn about things you need to be aware of when taking them out. In addition, we will talk about their personality, training, and exercise needs so you can understand if they are a better fit for your home or not.
Energetic Dog Breeds Perfect for Lakeside Camping
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as Red or Blue Heelers due to their different coat colors. These medium-sized dogs are highly alert, fearless, and intensely loyal companions. They form strong bonds with their owners and were originally bred to herd cattle, and that’s where they got their name.
Their natural guarding instincts make them exceptional camping and outdoor dogs. They are confident, tough, and love splashing water or staying afloat. Besides that, ACDs also love hiking trails and long-distance running. However, these herding breeds are likely to nip, as PetMD shared.
That said, these active dogs are highly intelligent but require experienced pet parents due to their stubborn nature. They also have high energy levels and require intense exercise for mental and physical stimulation. In addition, they have a double coat that sheds year-round moderately.
2. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds (Aussies) are energetic, highly intelligent, and exuberant companions. They are eager to please, intensely focused, and love being right in the middle of every activity. These medium-sized dogs were bred in the US to work all around the ranch and as herding dogs.
They are naturally loyal and velcro dogs, which makes them perfect for camping as they stick close to your campsite. Most Aussies also love splashing water and riding along paddleboards, though it can vary individually. These are high-energy dogs and require 1-2 hours of regular exercise, as the AKC shared.
That said, their thick double coat lets them withstand cold weather but also trap burrs or twigs. So dry their coat after they come out of the water. In addition, these Shepherds are also moderate shedders and require frequent brushing and bathing to keep their coat free of mats.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are super focused, energetic, and highly observant companions. These are the smartest dog breeds and form deep connections with their owners. However, they were bred to herd sheep across steep terrain and became famous for their stamina and keen eyes.
These working dogs have quick reflexes, which make them well suited for outdoor adventures. Many Border Collies love water and happily jump into lakes to fetch floating discs and sticks. In addition, they are also great hiking companions due to their focus and passion to keep going.
These athletic dogs have super high energy levels, as PDSA also mentioned. They require several hours of exercise for mental stimulation and active owners who keep their minds engaged. Collies have two types of coat, including smooth and rough.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are all-around gun and hunting dogs. They were bred to point, track, and retrieve game on land and in deep water across all types of terrain. These short-haired dogs are affectionate, high-spirited, and family-oriented with a happy demeanor.
These are the best dog breeds for lakeside camping because of their webbed paws. So they are natural swimmers and don’t spend hours in the lake while swimming, paddling, and exploring with you. However, they easily get distracted due to their hunting drive, so training them for strong recall is important.
GSPs are energetic breeds and require about 2 hours of physical exercise. These active breeds require experienced owners and consistent training. In addition, they have a short, water-repellent coat that sheds water instantly and is low maintenance, as they require weekly brushing.
5. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and playful dogs known for their gentle nature and signature vocal personality. These medium-sized dogs are actually the fastest sled dogs and can withstand sub-zero temperatures like extreme Arctic conditions.
These blue-eyed dogs are fearless and love cool lake water, which makes them good hiking dogs and camping companions. Besides that, these Huskies enjoy trail running and long walks. In addition, these active dogs are best for patient and experienced owners.
These working dogs have high energy levels and endurance. Their weather-proof double coat sheds heavily throughout the year, along with seasonal coat blows. Huskies require daily brushing with a slicker brush, especially during seasonal shedding.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, high energy but on top of that, water-loving dogs. They just love activities involving water, no matter if it’s swimming, fetching floating toys, canoeing, or dock diving. These beautiful pups actually have the otter tail and webbed paws.
Honestly, they have a blind love for water and don’t think twice about jumping puddles. You have to keep an eye on them so they don’t sneak off and get drowned in deep lakes or puddles. In addition, they are highly intelligent and eager to please, which is a blessing for first-time owners.
So if you have an active lifestyle and (bonus: love for Labs), then congrats, you can own them. But remember they have high exercise needs and require daily vigorous activities for mental stimulation. Labs have short coats, so you probably have to brush 2-3 times a week, which is fairly easy enough.
7. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are also known as Gray Ghosts due to their coat colors. They are beautiful, fearless, and deeply affectionate companions. These long-legged dogs were bred to hunt big game like deer, bears, and wolves. However, their muscular frame and webbed paws make them good for camping trips.
They are good at swimming and love fetching sticks from water. They also serve as the best watchdogs and alert you if something comes up to protect their families. In addition, they enjoy high-speed trail running, long distance backapcking and hiking.
They are highly intelligent dogs but also strong-willed. Weimaraners have a chewing habit, so keep an eye on them so they don’t end up ingesting something they shouldn’t. Plus, they have a short, smooth coat that moderately sheds throughout the year and requires weekly brushing.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned seven dog breeds are perfect for lakeside camping, as most of them do well with water. Dogs like Labradors and Weimaraners are just popular for being in love with water head over heels. Although other pups also do well, these are just on top, as they just jump into every puddle they see.
Read the details about the stamina, energy levels, and training needs of these dogs before choosing. In addition, some of them shed less while there are also the ones that shed a lot. So if you are allergic, then don’t skip these details.
