People who are addicted to the adrenaline rush coming from hiking love going on snowy excursions. Challenging adventures on the snow-clad mountains actually give them the taste of life. Where some of them go on the mountains with their human friends, others prefer getting four-legged companions.
However, the choice of your companion must be a wise one! You can’t simply get up one day and take your pet along for hiking in a high-altitude environment. Such excursions need dogs that have the required physical strength and mental power. They must be resilient enough to fight the extreme weather of the mountains.
The behavior of the dog, his ability to make decisions, and react to situations also matter a lot. In this article, we shall talk about the dogs that have been selectively bred to live in the harsh mountains, covered with snow. These are your perfect companions for hiking in the snowy mountains, and make sure that you get to enjoy a splendid expedition with them.
Dog Breeds for Hiking in Snowy Mountains
1. Alaskan Malamute
Known for its resiliency and endurance, the Alaskan Malamute is surely the best mountain dog to keep along during hiking missions.
Actually, the regular mountain hikes are not really a big deal for this dog. It was originally bred to carry a heavy load on the snowy mountains. Today, it is able to rescue the adventurers stuck in the mountains. This dog is for sure the safest option to have around you while you are hiking.
Being an arctic dog breed, AKC mentions it is naturally sufficient in terms of endurance when compared to other dogs. Also, as it is full of energy and has an outgoing nature, it would love to tag along with you in activities that involve stepping out of the house.
While packing your stuff, don’t forget to bring along your dog’s items as well. Pack his favorite food and appropriate clothing to ensure a successful hiking mission.
2. Saint Bernard
A Saint Bernard is a powerful dog. It has enough strength even to pull a heavy card on the snowy mountain. As a hiking dog, this one is surely a great choice.
It wears a thick double coat. This means the cold weather has got nothing on it. It is naturally insulated and can work for many hours on a mountain in cold weather as a rescue dog.
A popular dog breed amongst hiking lovers, this one sets its own pace while hiking. Don’t expect it to move ahead up a steep mountain in a continuous manner. Rather, it would like to take a few breaks in between the trails and manage its energy accordingly.
If you are looking for a companion for your next adventure, Orvis suggests the Saint Bernard has all the qualities that make it a great hiking dog.
3. Finnish Lapphund
The Finnish Lapphund is filled with energy and loves long walks. If you take it with you for an adventure up the mountains, it would be ecstatic.
The fact that they are super-energetic works in their favor and makes them suitable hiking partners. Going up the mountains turns out to be a phenomenal outlet for their energy.
WebMD states these herding dogs wear a thick, water-resistant double coat. This thick coat insulates them from severe cold and makes sure they are not affected by the harsh weather of a snowy mountain.
What further makes them good hiking dogs is their intelligence. At a time of crisis, they have the ability to make independent decisions smartly.
Great for cold climates and phenomenal as companions, these dogs are a perfect choice for your next outdoor adventure.
4. Norwegian Elkhound
This snow dog is strong and sturdy and has just the right attitude to be an amazing hiking partner on a snow-clad mountain.
Norwegian Elkhounds are athletic dogs and were originally bred to work alongside people who live in harsh, cold weather areas. This individual dog is enough to help a whole colony of people who need assistance in physical work in a cold place.
As these dogs are known to be phenomenal for their skill at hunting and tracking big game, they are a good choice of companion on risky mountain trips.
With its sturdy build and really strong legs, this medium-sized dog can effortlessly be a part of your mountain excursions.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Yet another popular mountain dog amongst hiking lovers is the Bernese Mountain Dog.
What makes it a fabulous choice as a jiking partner in a snowy area is its dense, double coat that protects it from all kinds of harsh weather conditions.
Originally bred to help the locals at the alpine meadows, these working dogs have the required strength and endurance for long strolls on tricky hiking trails. They adore fresh snow. Hence, whenever it is snowing, it is the favorite time of the year for these dogs.
This wiss working breed has a great endurance to pull a cart and even help adventurers stuck in the mountains. They are also a crucial member of the rescue teams working on the snowy peaks to aid excursion teams.
Bursting with energy, these dogs require an active lifestyle at home as well. They make great family dogs, especially for those who have a love for excursions and adventures.
6. Samoyed
No matter how harsh the climate is at the site of the excursion, the Samoyed won’t be affected by the cold, thanks to its outer coat. Its thick double coat makes it resistant to freezing cold weather.
Bred in the Arctic regions and meant to work, a Samoyed is a hardcore mountain dog known for its strength, endurance, and power. The chances of frostbite and hypothermia are minimal owing to the super-thick coat this dog wears.
Naturally adapted to cold environments, these dogs make good hiking companions. They are so amazing in the mountains that you’ll be amazed to see this dog’s hiking capabilities.
This energetic dog is a wonderful hiking buddy who not only loves being next to you on the trails but also likes to explore new paths outdoors.
7. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees loves snow and hiking adventures! It thrives in cold temperatures and likes to be in areas where there is some frost.
The layered coat it wears is double and provides this dog with excellent insulation. This makes it possible for this sturdy dog to enjoy spending time outdoors when the weather is cold.
This dog knows the mountains pretty well. Originally, it was bred with the aim of guarding livestock on the mountains. Hence, it is well-suited for any adventure that involves mountain hikes and peaks.
Long hikes, moving up the trails, and finding paths along the long distances on the mountains come naturally to this dog when compared to other breeds.
Need a dog that would love exploring and playing in the snow while you chill with your team on the mountain top? Get your hands on the Great Pyrenees.
8. Border Collie
The Border Collie is a good choice to take along if you want a sturdy dog to accompany you on a mountainous adventure.
As a matter of fact, this dog can endure temperatures when it goes low as 15°F.
However, at the same time, it is recommended that you take some safe hiking precautions if you take this dog along on a hiking adventure.
Well, this dog is also likely to get snow stuck in its paws. This is why, when you take it out for a venture on the snowy mountain, make sure to keep checking its paws and removing the snow from them for it to walk easily.
9. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback can also be a part of your hiking adventures. However, you’ll have to take good care of this dog while you are on a snowy mountain.
Despite wearing a short coat, this dog is good at tolerating cold temperatures. But, to be on the safer side, it is always wise to pack an additional coat for your pet to keep it comfortable throughout the adventure.
While packing the bags, add some dog wax. Apply this on the paws to avoid the accumulation of snow and ice buildup on the paws. Keeping paw pads along is also a wise idea.
While hiking up the mountains, give your dog regular breaks to avoid fatigue and tiredness.
10. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd wears a double coat that makes it a good dog to carry with you on a mountain hike.
The weather-resistant outer layer of the dog makes it a good fit to be a partner on adventures. However, it is not a typical mountain dog; hence, some care needs to be taken. These herding dogs have good strength and endurance, but definitely come with some limitations.
Take a warm coat or sweater along, as the weather can get too cold for the dog. Alongside this, having booties or paw wax along can work in favor of the dog and would let it move up the tricky trails without any problem.
Conclusion
What’s better than having your best friend along on a fun, mountain adventure? Dogs that can endure the harsh cold of the mountains are surely a great companion for hiking adventures. Be it the greater Swiss mountain dog or the Rat terrier, a Siberian husky or a Miniature schnauzer, taking them along on mountains surely adds to the fun.
Even a Golden retriever with its boundless energy becomes a good fit for a mountain excursion after proper training. These big dogs have exemplary strength to walk up the trails, and their protective instincts make them good guardians on risky mountains.
