The time is nigh when you’re ready for some hiking and stretching your body to get in shape. A dog that can stay upbeat when hiking with you makes the adventure even more magical and fills it with memories worth cherishing.
Whether you’re going with a group of friends or alone, your canine companion can multiply your confidence and make you feel safer. Dogs have navigated through different faces of nature; from the rough terrains of mountain areas to forests, even today, a lot of dog breeds thrive on outdoor adventures.
So, while you’re creating a checklist of hiking essentials, make sure to add a hiking dog. Go through our list of 10 energetic woofers that are great and untiring hiking companions.
10 Dog Breeds that Are Born to Hike
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are all about pouncing at any opportunity to stretch their strong legs. They confidently stride through dry lands and splash with might while on water rescue missions. Hiking with you over long distances puts their sturdy and enduring nature to great use.
German Shepherds have a longstanding history as herding dogs and are often used as police and military dogs. These large dogs are excellent hiking partners due to their agility and fearlessness when exploring the wilderness.
German Shepherds can be up to 26 inches tall and 90 pounds heavy. American Kennel Club warns that if they don’t get enough physical exercise, these woofers might develop undesirable behavior. They have great running speed and are full of courage and confidence.
2. Australian Shepherd
When an Australian Shepherd is paired with an owner with an active lifestyle, it’s a match made in heaven. These high-energy dogs are happier when they’re doing a job for you, and hiking trails great way to keep them active and busy.
Aussies are no doubt a thing of beauty with their colorful speckled coats and sweet faces. They’re dreamy farm dogs and have been used as fixtures on rodeos and ranches. Their boundless energy and ability to march with grace through any kind of terrain are what make them perfect hiking companions.
Aussies stand from 18-23 inches tall and weigh between 40-65 pounds; males tend to be bigger than females. They can be wary of strangers, which also makes them protective partners for hiking trips.
They are intelligent and tireless dogs with a strong work drive. These traits make them a perfect companion for hiking and other outdoor adventures that active owners would like to pursue.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are sporting dogs used to track game and point, and retrieve waterfowl. Also called GPS or Deutsch Kurzhaar, these dogs make active companions and enjoy trail running and hiking with their humans.
GPS are 21-25 inches tall and weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. As pointer dogs, they’re no strangers to spending long hours in outdoor activities. From trotting by your side on daily, long walks to hiking through forests and mountains, these canines are unwavering in their dedication.
GPS is amazing for agility training and dog sports that involve them using their hunting talents and resilience. These dogs are built to work long days in the fields and are known to have great power, speed, and endurance.
4. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are gorgeous pooches made for the farm life and hiking adventures. As affectionate dogs, they love to please their human partners and make great outdoor dogs.
Golden Retrievers need daily exercise is no joke. As a high-energy breed, short walks don’t cut it for them. From agility courses to playing fetch, they need strenuous daily activity. Long hikes are the stuff their dog dreams are made of, and they allow them to run to their heart’s content and explore wilderness.
Goldens are sporting dogs, originally bred in Scotland. They stand between 21.5 to 24 inches tall, and weigh up to 75 pounds. Their origins can be traced back to a group of dogs born at Guisachan House in 1868, according to Britannica.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Good trekking dogs don’t have to be large or medium-sized. Many small dog breeds are also more than capable of being your sidekicks on hiking adventures. They are a small, energetic breed that doesn’t shy away from exploring nature on foot with their humans.
These beautiful dogs are distinct due to their tan marks and perky ears. They’re muscled-up pups in a smaller package and are overflowing with personality.
Jackies can be 10-12 inches tall and can weigh between 9-15 pounds. They’re amazing family pets, but due to their hunting dog background, they show a prey drive, which makes their co-existence with other pets like cats a bit tricky.
JRTs are little escape artists, so if you’re taking them for hiking, be careful or they might run off in the forest. They move freely with an elegant gait that shows their innate confidence.
6. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are loyal companions and make ideal hiking buddies, especially if you might also explore some water-based activity on the way.
Labs are renowned for their retriever dog capabilities; there’s no doubt in their prowess in handling the dry and wet settings. They’re passionate when it comes to joining you on hiking and will happily run ahead of you.
Labs have big hearts and make loving friends to take a breather with. Resting appropriately under shade during hot days is important for both you and your pup. Make sure you both stay appropriately hydrated as well.
Labs can be up to 24.5 inches tall and up to 80 pounds heavy. With early obedience and socialization training, they grow to be very cooperative pups and get along well with kids and other pets.
7. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Also called all-purpose “Renaissance Hounds,” the Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic dogs known for their agility. They are great companions for active owners and make ideal hiking buddies.
A Rhodesian Ridgeback’s most defining feature is the strip (or ridge) of hair that tends to grow on its back. These badass canines have a reputation in Africa for even tracking lions. Their high prey drive means you’d better make sure they have received proper training before taking them on a hike.
These pups can be up to 27 inches tall, and their weight can go up to 85 pounds. They have beautiful colors that represent the color ranges of a wheat field, from pale to red. WebMD recommends getting these pups their annual vaccine to keep them safe.
8. Border Collie
There’s no way to leave out the super-intelligent and energetic Border Collies when we’re talking about hiking dogs. Border Collies are great at learning complex commands and will provide a reliable company outdoors.
These highly intelligent pups are not just a fun presence indoors; taking them on longer runs helps them live to the fullest. As herding dogs, they’re eager to please and love to get their job done. Collies stand 18-22 inches tall and weigh from 30-55 pounds.
As highly trainable dogs, they can be taught to behave well while off-leash easily. Make sure to give them proper attention and provide them with physical and mental stimulation even when you’re not planning a hiking trip.
9. Vizsla
Vizslas are stocky and enduring pups that love to develop a deep bond with their favorite person. They’re good hikers and enjoy outdoor activities where they can burn off their energy. They are multi-purpose dogs, ranging from upland game, on rabbits, or waterfowl retrieving.
Vizslas are sporting dogs and stand 21 to 24 inches tall, with weights ranging between 44-60 pounds. They’re sensitive dogs, but when it comes to surviving in nature, they’re not behind the other breeds.
Vizsla puppies rank 33rd on the American Kennel Club’s most popular breeds list. If you’re wondering how enduring they can be in the wild, they have a history of being on the battlefield with Magyar warriors 1000 years ago, according to the Vizsla Club of America.
10. Siberian Husky
What other dog breed can be more worthy of being your hiking companion than a dog known for its prowess pulling sleds? When it comes to going hiking in cold weather, Siberian Huskies are furry friends to keep you warm with their loving nature.
Sibes’ double-layered thick coats keep them fully protected against elements. Whether it’s cold or raining, these fabulous coats provide them with fail-safe warmth. They are great, high-energy dogs who can go a long distance of four to five miles a day.
Sibes are beautiful, wolf-like hunting dogs and make good companions for couch potatoes as well. They’re 20-23.5 inches tall and weigh up to 60 pounds.
Conclusion
While these resilient and active dogs make fabulous hiking companions, always be mindful of your pooch’s well-being outdoors. Take notes of their weather tolerance and make sure to take fresh water along. Feed them on time and make sure they’re getting proper rest through appropriate intervals.
If you are somebody who loves to go out often and is fond of trekking, then a dog from the above 10 breeds can prove to be your fantastic hiking partner. These canines not only give you company while outdoors, but also give you the confidence of being safe while in the open.
