Looking for athletic dog breeds that make great hiking partners? You have come to the right place because we have gathered the top 7 dog breeds who prove to great hiking companions because of their energy, resilient nature, high intelligence, and ability to survive in both warm and cold weather situations.

Outdoor adventures are already a lot of fun, but when accompanied by a four-legged trekking partner, the whole experience becomes more enjoyable. Not all dogs are built for the wilderness and hikes on long distances, but these pups have great stamina, are mentally alert, and have high energy, which allows them to walk for long hours without getting tired quickly.

Read on to learn more about these breeds that excel in outdoor adventures, familiar trails that make these tail-wagging dogs perfect for hiking adventures, and how you can provide proper training to help them survive long-distance hiking.

Best Dog Breeds For Long Hikes And Exploring The Wilderness

1. Border Collie

A medium-sized British herding dog breed, the Border Collie is known for its high endurance, exceptional stamina, intelligence, and athleticism, which makes it a great hiking companion. These intelligent dogs were originally bred for livestock herding and are used to rough terrains, which gives them an edge in this scenario.

This intelligent breed is great at navigating hiking trails. They have high energy needs, which is why constant physical exercise and mental stimulation are necessary for these pups to keep their head in the game. They are sensitive to loud sounds, which may disturb them during long hikes, but with proper training, this can be kept under control.

These dogs prefer an active lifestyle, which is why they are well suited to for frequent hikers and experienced owners. According to PetMD, if a Collie is not provided enough exercise and stimulation, they may end up showing destructive behavior, which is why you need to plan a proper activity schedule to keep them well-behaved.

2. Alaskan Malamute

Originally bred to haul heavy loads across snowy mountain terrain, Alaskan Malamutes are powerful working dogs known for pulling sleds with ease. They are admired for their thick double coat, friendly and gentle nature, remarkable stamina, and strong muscular build—traits that make them exceptional companions for outdoor adventures.

These dogs can be a lot to live with, but they always pay you back with utmost love and loyalty. They are a highly energetic breed, which is why mental and physical stimulation must be a part of their everyday life to keep them in control. These pups are built to tolerate cold climates and long walks, making them a well-suited and good hiking dog.

They are true adventure dogs, and if left alone outside for long hours, you will find them exploring here and there. These pups make great hiking dogs, but if you plan to go on a trail during the Summer season, you might want to consider ways to keep these dogs cool, as their double coat may end up overheating them quickly, as compared to in cold weather hikes.

3. Australian Shepherd

Eager to please and easy to train, Australian Shepherds are intelligent and hard-working dogs with boundless energy who make perfect hiking companions. Because of their high intelligence, these four-legged companions are always on the move and need some kind of physical and mental stimulation to calm their nerves.

These pups are intelligent, energetic, and are always up for a tricky challenge, making them the perfect hiking companions. Though they are made for rough terrains, these four-legged companions require proper and constant training to survive in the wilderness, the harsh weather conditions, steep inclines, and so much more.

You can take help from our dog activity calculator to plan an activity schedule for these dogs to ensure they stay alert, mindful, and fully devoted during hiking.

According to Orvis, Australian Shepherds must not be left out alone for a long time, or they may start going after other animals like cats, squirrels, etc.

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Strong, athletic dogs that can survive in all situations, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a well-suited breed for long hikes and exploring the wild world. These pups are known for their endurance, strength, and calm confidence. Because these dogs were bred to hunt game animals over long distances, this is why they can also make great trail partners with some training.

Other than being great hiking companions, these pups have a lot of energy and require constant physical and mental stimulation, which makes trailing a smart choice to fulfill their needs. With consistent training and behavior checks, these dogs can be the best breed to bring home.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are the right dog, not just for hiking but for your home as well. This is because they are extremely loyal and like to stay close to their owners. They can also make great watchdogs because of their alert nature. The only thing you would need to work on is reducing their strong prey drive and keeping them on a long leash when outdoors.

5. Bernese Mountain Dog

Looking for a canine companion who is also great at hiking? Bernese Mountain Dogs are your ultimate choice. These big dogs are not only great outdoors but also make wonderful family pets because of their affectionate, loyal, and friendly temperament.

They do require constant training to keep their head in the game; otherwise, these dogs are well-suited for cold-weather hikes. They have a heavy and thick double coat, which keeps them warm while also preventing them from overheating if you take them for a hike on a hot summer day.

BMDs are strong and sturdy, which allows them to perform strenuous activity easily. According to the American Kennel Club, these pups have an imposing size but are not threatening in any way. They are friendly and loving around their family, but may act aloof around strangers.

6. Siberian Husky

If you’re someone who loves hiking in cold temperatures, Siberian Huskies are the perfect choice for you. These pups have high energy levels, and trekking on longer routes is the best way to fulfil their needs. These pups have a lot of endurance and are fond of cold weather. Their dense coat keeps them warm and ready to go out in rough terrain.

Training a Siberian husky is an essential part of their upbringing because they have a strong prey drive and can be stubborn at times. If they pick up a whiff during your journey, you will end up on a chase and trail rather than a fun hike. It is recommended to keep them on a leash until and unless your doggo is ready to listen to all commands.

Because they were born to pull sleds, these pups have a lot of strength and energy. They require at least 2 hours of activity and exercise every day to keep them from showing destructive behaviors. They are great dogs and love being close to family and involved in all the activities happening around them.

7. Golden Retriever

Known for their lively, friendly, and enthusiastic nature, Golden Retrievers are truly the next dog that comes to mind when we talk about adventurous breeds from the canine world. These pups are intelligent, smart, and adaptable, which allows them to get used to any camping situation.

They love being outdoors and have a lot of energy to burn. Goldies were bred as working dogs, which is why they love staying active for extended time periods. Goldies have a balanced body and good strength, which is great for rough and steep paths.

With consistent and proper training from an early age, these pups get used to long walks and hikes. Because of their easy-going and easy-to-please nature, Goldies listen and follow all commands well, making them the perfect hiking companions.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dog breed specific to hiking can be a task, but we have made it easier for you with this amazing list of high-energy canines. A right dog for hiking shouldn’t just have to be strong and have stamina; they must be able to listen and follow commands as well.

These high-energy dogs don’t just make incredible hike partners but are also well-suited for being house pets that make every day seem fun and paw-sitive. So, without any further ado, contact a reputable breeder and bring home your next hiking partner today!