If you are a dog owner who loves exploring, climbing, and hiking, having a dog’s company on your next adventure can double the fun. Hiking dogs possess bundles of energy that enable them to match your vibe during a hike.
Dogs bred to work outdoors for long hours usually make good hiking dogs. Their high intelligence and easy trainability make them well-suited for exploring new trails. Such dogs are physically strong and sturdy, having unmatched stamina and endurance.
If you are planning to navigate a trail in a colder region, breeds with a thick double coat may be a good choice for you. Their weather-resistant and waterproof coat enables them to thrive in lower temperatures.
Explore the 9 best dog breeds for hiking in the wilderness.
Best Dog Breeds for Hiking in the Wilderness
1. Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were originally bred to pull sleds in cold regions of Antarctica. No surprise they are blessed with incredible endurance and unmatched stamina. These athletic dogs make good hiking buddies for mountain lovers.
Having a thick double coat, Huskies are always up for outdoor adventures in the cold weather. Their high energy levels and strength mean you are likely to get tired before a Husky on the trail. They need plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit.
These agile canines are better suited for individuals with an active lifestyle who can keep up with their energy levels. Huskies are intelligent dogs, but have an independent streak which can make them a bit challenging to train.
Obedience training is a must to turn them into well-behaved pets. Huskies are social dogs who exhibit a friendly nature towards their loved ones.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are an ideal match for people who enjoy camping trips and long hikes. They were originally bred as working dogs in the Swiss Alps. Berners are potentially very strong dogs who can take long-distance hikes in their stride.
Despite their large size, Berners are amiable dogs with a calm demeanor. They get along nicely with the entire family, including kids, and have earned the title of ‘gentle giants.’ Berners are imposing but not threatening and maintain an aloof dignity with strangers.
These loving dogs are meant to live indoors, but make good companions for long walks or hikes. Berners need at least half an hour of moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation, as per the American Kennel Club.
3. Border Collie
Having boundless energy and love for running, Border Collies are athletic and agile dogs who love having a job to do. These herding dogs are one of the smartest dogs in the canine world. Their eager-to-please nature means you can easily train them to accompany you on the trail.
Border Collies need plenty of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Hiking offers these dogs a good outlet for their energy. In the absence of adequate stimulation, they can become destructive. Clearly, this is a breed for active owners and not for homebodies.
They love taking part in canine sports like agility, rally, obedience, and tracking competitions. Border Collies love their families but are somewhat reserved towards strangers. This lovable breed was Queen Victoria’s favorite. Over the years, she owned many Border Collies, and ‘Sharp’ was her favorite.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are agile, athletic, and highly intelligent dogs. Their brainpower, combined with their stamina and endurance, makes them excellent hiking companions. They are incredibly loyal to their owners and possess a strong protective nature.
If you are looking for a furry friend who can guard you against potential threats on a hiking trail, opt for a German Shepherd. Thanks to their keen senses, eagerness to please nature, and high trainability, GSDs have been used in police and military for several decades.
Their muscular build and substantial bodies enable them to navigate tough terrains. German Shepherds have a thick double coat, which protects them from harsh weather on hiking adventures. However, they have a strong drive, so PetMD recommends keeping them on a leash.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
If you are a fan of outdoor activities, this rugged companion can make a great hiking companion for you. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in Africa for hunting lions. While they are affectionate at home, Ridgebacks are quite agile and robust when it comes to hiking and mountain climbing.
They have an independent personality and tend to be wary of strangers. Due to their protective instincts, they make excellent guard dogs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks need early socialization and proper training to become well-behaved pets.
According to PDSA, Ridgebacks are high-energy dogs. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy. However, they have a strong prey drive, so they may not be a good match for multi-pet households.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are loyal and smart dogs with playful energy. They are the friendliest dogs on the planet who form strong bonds with their owners and follow commands well. Goldens lead an active life and are always up for new adventures.
Their enthusiasm, stamina, and strength make these Sporting dogs a great choice for hikers and climbers. Plus, Golden Retrievers can swim too! Their thick double coats and webbed feet enable them to navigate easily through water bodies during hikes.
But make sure your vet approves rigorous hikes before hitting the trail. Golden Retrievers love exploring things. Apart from being great hiking partners, they also love accompanying their humans on hunting trials.
Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs who excel at a variety of canine sports, including agility, obedience, and tracking.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Resembling a Siberian Husky in appearance, Alaskan Malamutes have a similar waterproof double coat. However, they are a bit larger in size. Their coat provides adequate insulation, so they don’t mind hiking with you in cold weather.
Having a massive bone structure, Malamutes are built for endurance. This trait makes them suitable for long hikes. These intelligent dogs need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay fit, which can be provided in the form of a long hike.
If they do not get adequate exercise, they may find other ways to entertain themselves, like chewing on your couch. These curious pups love getting attention and affection from their favorite humans. Alaskan Malamutes respond well to positive reinforcement-based methods.
8. Labrador Retriever
Originally bred as gun dogs, Labrador Retrievers make ideal companions for individuals who like to spend most of their time outdoors. You can take your Lab for hiking, hunting, and tracking. They were developed to retrieve things from water, so they excel at swimming as well.
These loving canines are very social and love making new friends. Labradors are full of playful energy and love having a job to do. They don’t mind carrying their own gear on their backs. Labs have an eager-to-please nature, due to which they can be trained easily.
Labs excel at various canine activities like dock diving, scent work, obedience, agility, and tracking. With proper training and socialization, Labs can make excellent therapy pups and service dogs. Thanks to their strong sense of smell, they also excel at search-and -rescue work.
9. Vizsla
Vizslas are gentle, affectionate, and energetic dogs. Their muscular build and high stamina make them perfect for covering long distances. Vizslas were bred as hunting dogs, so their strength and drive are unparalleled.
They form strong bonds with their humans and want to stay with them all the time, whether it is napping with their owners or accompanying them on a hike. That is why they have earned the title of Velcro dogs.
Vizslas enjoy playing with their humans and don’t want any opportunity to run off-leash. They are highly intelligent and curious, but can be manipulative sometimes. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are important to avoid destructive behaviors.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are built for endurance. Their unmatched athleticism and immense stamina make them excellent hikers. Having high energy levels, they are well-suited for active owners who love outdoor adventures like hiking, jogging, and running.
These canines are usually very intelligent and eager to please, so you can train them easily to accompany you on a trail. At home, they make loyal and loving companions. Hiking dogs need lots of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
