Has it been a long time since you went on a solo trip to the mountains or a hiking adventure? Life just got too busy, and now you can’t even remember how it felt when the cold mountain breeze touched your face or how proud and powerful you felt when you finally reached the summit.
Ah! great nostalgia hits when the word “outdoor adventures” comes in front of our eyes, does it happen to you too? But that young and free part of life feels too far gone, and now you are sitting in your hometown, by the windowsill, deliberating, should I even think about going on a trail again, would it even feel the same?
Of course, man, you deserve that walk past the lush green valleys, and this time you should take your bright and energetic pooch with you. Come on, what are you waiting for?
So, you are all set for the trail and just about to embark on your life’s greatest adventure? Just a small piece of advice: make sure your pooches get a health check-up from the veterinarian and all their essential vaccinations before you start your journey. Great outdoors, here we come.
Dog Breeds That Stay Close to Owners During Hikes
1. Australian Shepherd
Height: 18-23 inches | Weight: 40-65 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: Very High | Life Span: 12-15 years
Temperament: Exuberant, Rugged, Agile
Ideal For: Warm to cool weather conditions, active families, and diverse hiking trails
If you are one of those people who have an undiminishing zeal and spirit, then this Aussie is going to be your perfect sidekick for your next unforgettable hiking adventure.
These versatile brainiacs crave a good challenge, and are so agile and high-spirited that they’ll match your enthusiasm for every hike and trail.
They were originally bred to be highly intelligent herding dogs who cannot resist their urge to herd everything, hence they will make the ideal motivators on the trail and make sure you never lose your way.
As per Omlet, they need a massive amount of daily outdoor activities; hence, with a little bit of obedience training and love, they’ll build a deep bond with you and make excellent hiking partners.
Their magical presence and beauty with their merle and mottled straight to wavy dense coat fits right in with your incredible panoramic nature shots.
P.S. Just know these pooches are too smart for their own good; hence, if they get bored, they will find their ways to bring fun in their lives, hence don’t leave them off leash until you are 100% sure they are ready.
2. Border Collie
Height: 18-22 inches | Weight: 30-55 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: Very High | Life Span: 12-15 years
Temperament: Workaholic, Energetic, Agile
Ideal For: Warm to Cool climate and Hiking Veterans who love an enthusiastic and intelligent hiking partner.
The idea of adventure for these fun-loving dogs is quite picturesque and elaborate. In their bright minds, they are exploring the untrodden paths and trails off leash with their wonderful companions. Gazing at the wide expanses with the intense almond eyes, and breathing in that fresh pine scent of the forest.
Exploring the vast possibilities of who they can be, from hunting dogs to the most intelligent breed. Contemplating whether they should take part in the agility trials, to make their owners proud and beat all the athletic dogs with sheer intelligence and strategy.
Continental Kennel Club states these amiable pooches are just amazing, maybe too amazing for a sedentary and unfocused owner, but a dreamy and great hiking companion for those who love a bit of regular exercise.
These dogs love to be overachievers, are incredibly intelligent, and hence can help you along the trail immensely with their sharp intellect.
Because of their breed characteristics, they are the optimal outdoor champions.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
Height: 23-27.5 inches | Weight: 70-115 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: Medium | Life Span: 7-10 years
Temperament: Affectionate, Sturdy worker, Majestic, Eager
Ideal For: Extreme cold weather, snowy mountain tops, and people who love family getaways, camping trips, and moderately challenging hikes.
We cannot emphasize enough the benefits of taking this lovable working dog with a medium-length double coat out on the road.
Because they are exceptional for an outdoor excursion, they are big dogs that are imposing yet not threatening. Being friendly with loved ones and aloof with strangers is a perfect combo for those relaxed hikes.
PetMD mentions that Berners are strikingly beautiful, sturdy yet calm giants that love a romp from time to time, yet are also ideal for a stroll in the woods.
The intelligent gleam in the dark eyes and their protective nature are so reassuring for pet parents who are taking their toddlers out on their first camping trip in the uncertain and ever-changing outdoors.
They get attached to one lucky human but also work superbly with a big family and will bring that factor peace and calm to any outdoor adventure.
P.S. These mountain dogs will constantly remind you that it’s all about enjoying the journey rather than reaching the destination, and make your trip memorable and worthwhile.
4. Poodle
Height: Over 15 inches | Weight: 40-70 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: High | Life Span: 10-18 years
Temperament: Aristocratic, Eager, Athletic
Ideal For: Warm to cool climate, campers, and hikers who love water-based activities and hypoallergenic dogs
A great companion for all reasons and seasons, the Poodle is so ready with its curly, allergen-free, and dense coat to accompany you on the journey of a lifetime. They are so versatile, even with their chic exterior, that they’ll follow you off-leash and keep up with you even on the most difficult paths and trails.
These graceful water dogs that were originally bred for hunting now literally belong on the runway, because they are too cool for that rugged game.
Petplan calls these classy hunting dogs and retrievers a perfect blend of sophistication and athleticism.
Their long curls are meant for long hikes and thrive in cold temperatures.
P.S. Rocky terrains and splashing streams, be ready because this impressive Poodle is going to grace you with its presence in a short while without missing a beat.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Height: 21-25 inches | Weight: 45-70 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: Very High | Life Span: 10-12 years
Temperament: Versatile, Enthusiastic, Noble
Ideal For: Warm to cool climate conditions, and people who are looking for a steadfast hiking companion with a dynamic personality
Their owners call these short-haired dogs the perfect pointer, and it is truly the ultimate good hiking companion with a dense double coat and high energy.
PDSA says that this dog thrives on vigorous exercise and is always ready to burn its boundless energy by spending time with their owner, who loves outdoor adventures.
It is a highly trainable and manageable pooch that only needs a bit of positive and proper training with lots of love.
Versatility is their second name as they love diverse physical exercises and activities like running, swimming, and organized dog sports.
Hence, what are you waiting for? Add hiking to their repertoire and lace up those boots, because you are ready as you’ll ever be to take on this new adventure.
6. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21.5-24.5 inches | Weight: 55-80 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: Very High | Lifespan: 11-13 years
Temperament: High-spirited, Eager, Social
Ideal For: Warm to cool climate and hiking enthusiasts who want to build a dynamic duo with Mr. popularity and take nature selfies for cute Instagram posts.
This universal canine hero is the ultimate favorite and ideal contender to be an excellent companion. It is well-suited to anything and everything you wish to do outdoors, from swimming, fishing, hiking, running, hunting large game, or just plain chilling in the warm rays of sunshine.
Orvis says the eyes of this popular pooch glimmer with kindliness, and this great trail partner has a love for marathons and games of fetch. Hence, whether you are planning a solo trip or a family excursion, the Lab is the best dog for every owner.
With their distinct double coat that is weather and water-resistant, these excellent hiking partners make your long hikes entertaining, funny, and happy.
They are better than most dogs at off-leash hiking cause they are extremely attached to their owners and prefer to stay close to you while you are busy conquering new feats.
7. Siberian Husky
Height: 20-23.5 inches | Weight: 35-60 lbs.
Stamina/Energy Level: High | Life Span: 12-14 years
Temperament: Friendly, Fastidious, Energetic
Ideal For: Vast frozen expanses and harsh Russian climate, especially for lovers of cold weather, hiking, and rugged terrains.
Before you get lost in their beautiful blue almond eyes and the graceful existence of this Russian dog, you need to focus on what the Siberian Husky brings to your winter hikes.
Because where else will you experiment with this pup with a thick double coat if not the snowy expanses and trails?
The Sibe has a powerful but seemingly effortless gait and is quick and nimble-footed. Hence, it is well capable of completing that hiking marathon you committed yourself to.
Purina says that these born pack dogs are full of energy and enjoy family life, and get on well with other dogs. So you don’t need to worry about them being too stubborn or aggressive.
They are natural-born Spitz dogs that love running and spending time in the snow, so they are perfect for your winter escapade.
They are great, indifferent watchdogs and naturally clean with little doggy odor, which is a bonus.
P.S. Just make sure to work on your recall commands and provide proper training to these high-energy, high-prey-drive, independent pooches.
Who might lose focus if they find a furry something on the trail and start that stressful game of chase or dash off into the horizon, leaving you behind, perplexed and agitated.
Conclusion
Take that dusty suitcase out from storage and get ready for the time of your life with your new pack of furry friends, and explore the world with these powerfully built dogs, that just make the perfect hiking companions.
Their boundless energy and athleticism, love for dog sports, and strong bond with you will make the hiking trails so fun that it won’t feel like you are on a long walk anymore, and the next time you won’t even think twice before getting in your car or denying yourself a full-blown experience in nature.
A good hiking companion has enough stamina to go through the distance, a strong will and spirit to conquer every fear, optimal health, a love for an active lifestyle, and a zeal for challenging trails. And these best dogs have all of that and much more. They’ll happily follow you around, even off-leash.
These dogs can survive in the harshest weather conditions without giving you a scare. But most importantly, you might not even realize it now, but these energetic dogs were waiting for this opportunity to enjoy spending time outdoors forever. Hence, get them and yourself a much-needed long hike to remember.
