Summertime is picnic time! When you’ve finally gotten that hard-deserved vacation you’ve been waiting for, there’s just one problem. You know to bring chicken burgers, a tennis ball, and chips. But, how do you find the perfect picnic companion?
Well, did you know dogs can carry picnic boxes, making sure the potato salad and snacks stay intact? They are also good at carrying bags and blankets, making your picnics at the park twice the fun.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 dog breeds that enjoy chasing frisbees but are also good at finding cool shade. They also can’t resist snuggles on the picnic blanket or grass. So, get ready to eat chips, burgers, and give treats to your favorite canine companion.
Dog Breeds That Carry Picnic Baskets Outdoors
1. Siberian Husky
Basics
A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog with a muscular frame and erect ears. It also has a fluffy tail that tends to curl over the back and striking blue or heterochromatic eyes. It can live up to 12-14 years.
Its dense double coat allows it to enjoy colder climates, but it can adapt well to warm climates. A heavy shedder during seasonal changes, this dog has minimal drooling, so you can leave it with your blankets!
The Perfect Companion
Siberian Husky has high energy and will play fetch or frisbee with you for hours without breaking a sweat. Since they can be destructive indoors once they get bored, bringing them outdoors is a safe and good option.
They are affectionate with everyone, including other dogs and kids. They are also pretty mischievous, getting into trouble because of their strong prey drive. Just make sure that they’re always on a leash and you’ll have more fun than trouble.
2. Vizsla
Basics
The Vizsla is a lean but athletic dog that is known for its rust-colored coat and long ears. It can live up to 12-14 years. Males are 55-60 pounds, while females are 45-55 pounds. The Vizsla rarely drools and has light to moderate shedding.
The Perfect Companion
A companion with a lovely nature that also has high energy levels, the Vizsla is very attached to their humans. They love to play fetch with their kids. One will also notice that these dogs are extremely gentle and eager.
Once owners find a nice spot in the shade, they start running or retrieving whatever gets thrown! A frisbee or a ball is the Vizsla’s favorite thing to play with.
Since they are obedient (if one has taken the time to properly train and socialize them), these pups are ready to do whatever they can to make their loved ones smile.
3. Australian Cattle Dog
Basics
Make way for the best dog for outdoor adventures, it’s the Australian Cattle Dog! These bring a strong and compact body with expressive faces. They can live up to 12-16 years. They have short, weather-resistant coats that come in either blue-gray or red.
According to the AKC, males are about 18-20 inches, and females are 17-19 inches. Irrespective of sex, these dogs weigh about 35-50 pounds.
The Perfect Companion
The Australian Cattle Dog is extremely intelligent and protective. Originally bred to herd by biting, these dogs are quite wary of strangers. In case someone makes a suspicious move, the dog will save the day by nipping them.
These dogs have incredible energy and don’t break a sweat, no matter how hard the work is. They love to play fun games like frisbee and share healthy snacks. They also require lots of mental stimulation, or else they might end up chasing away other guests by unnecessarily barking and digging.
4. Dalmatian
Basics
Owned by the famous Dodie Smith (author of 101 Dalmatians), a Dalmatian is a polished, athletic dog that has liver spots on a white coat. They are heavy shedders but rarely drool. They have an average height of 19-24 inches and weigh about 45-70 pounds.
The Perfect Companion
Another lively pet, these pups are great at chasing and fetching. They’ll always bring the ball back to you in just a couple of seconds. Their athletic build and high energy make it easy for them to run at speeds up to 37 mph.
According to Britannica, Dalmatians are best known as coach or carriage dogs, as they have a history of running alongside horse coaches.
They are also incredibly smart but need consistent training, as their stubborn side can show up often. Dalmatians do well in the heat, so summertime is a fun time for them!
5. Border Collie
Basics
A Border Collie is a medium-sized dog with expressive eyes and a medium-sized pointed nose. They are agile and loyal dogs. A Border Collie’s average life span is 12-15 years. According to PetMD, they were originally bred to herd livestock on British farms.
The Perfect Companion
Border Collies are extremely smart and top-class hard workers. Since they are a high-energy breed, it’s easier to just make sure they have a job to do. Otherwise, it’s safe to say that they’ll get bored and start barking and whining.
Therefore, ensure you bring your A-game when it comes to family picnics! These dogs are top-tier fetchers and players. They are also extremely alert, and because of their nature, they might even start herding other guests or pets in the household.
6. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Basics
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an athletic dog with a muscular frame. Its most distinct characteristic is a ridge of hair along the back growing in reverse. They were originally bred to be hunting dogs to track large predators.
Also called African Lion Hounds, this breed can live up to 10-12 years. It has a short, dense coat that is light or red wheaten. Thankfully, it sheds and drools minimally.
The Perfect Companion
Since their diet should be at least 25% protein, the Rhodesian Ridgeback will eat food like chicken or beef to support muscle growth. Otherwise, snacks such as carrot sticks or strawberries are a safe option on a hot summer day.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a confident and calm pet. It does well with kids but is reserved with strangers, even if they have snacks.
Since they love physical activities, ensure you bring them outdoors with you, but keep them on a leash, as it takes only seconds for them to start chasing any small prey.
7. Australian Shepherd
Basics
It’s easy to identify an Australian Shepherd because of its bobtail and bright, alert eyes. Standing at 18-21 (females) or 20-23 inches (males) and weighing about 40-55 (females) or 50-65 pounds (males, the Australian Shepherd is an active dog.
In order for them to remain clean, they need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks, and their coat needs to be brushed 2-3 times a week. They love a good exercise and enjoy playing with puzzle toys as they eat their food.
The Perfect Companion
A big part of the Australian Shepherd’s personality comes from its natural herding instincts. These dogs have a strong work ethic paired with a deep desire to please their owners.
They thrive on structured play, especially games that involve chasing, retrieving, and herding. Whether it’s a ball, a frisbee, or even a chore, Australian Shepherds are happiest when they have a job to do.
8. Portuguese Water Dog
Basics
The Portuguese Water Dog was originally used to help fishermen, but has become a favorite amongst families due to its easy-going nature. It has curly or wavy coats, or can be brown, black, or white, or a combination of the three. Their eyes and nose match; if it has brown eyes, a brown coat, it’ll surely have a brown nose.
It has a sturdy build and webbed feet. The Portuguese Water Dog can live up to 11-13 years. Bathe them every 4-6 weeks to keep them clean and fresh.
The Perfect Companion
The Portuguese Water Dog is a caring, energetic, and adventurous breed. These dogs love to play, swim, and even carry items for their owners—or guests—making them both helpful and entertaining companions.
They’re also hypoallergenic, which means they shed very little. So, you won’t have to worry about finding fur on your blankets or scattered across the yard.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
Basics
A German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its long legs, expressive eyes, and floppy ears. It can live up to 12-14 years. Females can weigh up to 45-60 pounds, while males are about 55-70 pounds.
The Perfect Companion
Burgers can be a safe and enjoyable treat for dogs, as long as they’re plain and free of seasoning, garlic, or onions. So while you’re soaking up the sunshine and enjoying your meal, your pup can have a little snack too!
These dogs are also strong runners and love playing fetch or other retrieving games. They thrive in dog sports that involve structure and discipline, making them excellent competitors in activities like agility, obedience, and rally.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Basics
Bernese Mountain Dogs are calm dogs that enjoy exercise. They are about 23-26 inches (females) or 25-27.5 inches (males). They possess a thick, long double coat that is black with white and rust-colored marks.
The Perfect Companions
These dogs are known for their friendly nature; they get along well with children and other dogs alike. Highly adaptable and eager to please, they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, especially when treats are involved.
They’re also great at gentle play and can even help out by carrying picnic supplies, thanks to their strength and cooperative spirit. At their core, they embody the essence of a gentle giant, with more than half of their personality defined by calmness, patience, and a loving heart.
Conclusion
Enjoy your summer with your furry friends. They are great guests at outdoor events and block parties. Now, you have someone to help you carry all of your picnic items and play with when you’ve got your skin tanned. The aforementioned dogs are energetic, athletic, and enjoy playing various games.
