Hiking is a physically and mentally demanding task, and not all breeds are suitable for this activity. If you are an ardent hiker, recreational climber, or like to go camping, you should adopt a dog with a similar energy level and physical prowess.
Great hiking dogs love outdoor adventures and thrive on having a job to do. While choosing the right hiking companion, you need to consider a variety of factors. The foremost thing to consider is how obedient your dog is.
Especially if you are planning to take your dog off-leash, make sure it follows your commands and stays with you. The pooch also needs to be responsive in various situations, like wildlife encounters and run-ins with toxic plants.
Here are 9 amazing dog breeds that thrive on hiking trails.
Amazing 9 Dog Breeds That Thrive on Hiking Trails
1. Border Collie
The most intelligent dogs on Earth, Border Collies possess boundless energy and enthusiasm. They make wonderful companions for people who love hiking adventures. Thanks to their laser-like focus and keen sense, Border Collies can easily sense potential threats during hikes.
Border Collies are known for their high trainability, so you can teach them to hit the trails off-leash like a piece of cake. These athletic dogs require plenty of daily physical exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on having a job to do and are better suited for owners with an active lifestyle.
Proper training and socialization are important to turn Border Collies into well-behaved pets. According to PetMD, these herding dogs have a spunky personality. Border Collies also enjoy playing frisbee and taking part in agility competitions.
2. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is an incredibly intelligent and sturdy dog that makes a great hiking companion. These agile dogs have an athletic build and lots of stamina, which make them well-suited for outdoor activities like hiking and running long distances.
The German Shepherd is a versatile working dog breed that has frequently served as a military and police dog for several decades. Having sharp senses and lots of enthusiasm, German Shepherds also make wonderful search-and-rescue dogs.
They are immensely loyal to their owners and form strong bonds with them. Their strong protective instincts make them excellent guard dogs and enable them to protect their owners against all potential threats that they may encounter on a hiking trail.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a strikingly beautiful dog with a sweet and affectionate nature. This large and sturdy worker requires at least half an hour of moderate daily exercise for mental and physical stimulation.
Having an independent and aloof nature, Berners are a bit reserved towards strangers. According to the American Kennel Club, they enjoy outdoor activities and make for long hikes and walks. These outdoorsy dogs also like camping and backpacking.
Berners also excel at various canine sports like agility, herding, obedience, rally, and tracking. They also like participating in carting and drafting competitions. Despite their imposing size, Berners have a gentle disposition and a heart as big as mountains.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Originally bred as a hunting dog in South Africa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are recognized by a distinctive ridge of hair on their back in a direction opposite to the rest of the coat. They were used to track lions, so they are not afraid of anything you encounter on your hike.
These athletic canines require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Their strength and agility make them well-suited for navigating rugged trails. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are aloof dogs, wary of strangers, and have an independent streak.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks require experienced handlers who can exercise them for a couple of hours every day. They have strong hunting instincts and thrive in large spaces and a securely fenced garden in a rural location.
5. Vizsla
Vizsla is a versatile dog with a hunting background. Their muscular build and stamina enable them to cover long distances. Vizslas are high-energy dogs having a playful nature. Thanks to these traits, Vizslas make excellent companions and great trail partners.
Vizslas form strong bonds with their people and love staying by their side, due to which they are often called ‘Velcro dogs.’ Having a knack for adventures, Vizslas demand continuous training and mental enrichment to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.
According to PDSA, Vizslas need at least two hours of daily exercise every day. This can be split into several walks with lots of time to run around off-lead in a secure area. They get along nicely with children and do well with positive reinforcement-based training methods.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an affectionate and easygoing dog having an adventurous spirit. The best thing about these dogs is that they can easily adapt to a plethora of terrains and climates. With their friendly nature and boundless energy, they are always up for a trek through the wilderness.
Having incredible stamina and enthusiasm, Labradors are a great fit for owners who enjoy outdoor adventures. These highly energetic dogs require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They need at least an hour of daily physical activity every day.
Labradors are athletic and smart dogs having an eager-to-please nature. These wonderful canines possess strong instincts due to which they can be trained to serve as service dogs, search and rescue pups, and therapy dogs.
Their thick double coat and excellent swimming skills enable them to move through water bodies. The coat also provides insulation against harsh weather and trail conditions.
7. Belgian Malinois
One of the best dog breeds for outdoor adventures, Belgian Malinois are agile and strong dogs. They need intensive long-term training and exercise. It makes them good hiking dogs, running companions, and biking buddies.
Belgian Malinois also excel at various dog sports like herding, tracking, obedience, and agility training. These high-energy dogs require a considerable amount of exercise every day to stay physically and mentally fit.
Lack of adequate exercise can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture, gnawing through doors, and digging holes in the yard. Mals have a high prey drive, which makes them extremely interested in moving objects.
8. Siberian Husky
Originally bred for pulling sleds in Siberia, Siberian Huskies possess incredible stamina, endurance, and strength. It makes them ideal for navigating mountain trails. A great breed for hiking, Siberian Huskies are mischievous, independent, and deceptively clever.
Their thick double coat not only gives them a striking, wolf-like appearance but also makes them resistant to cold climates. As a result, they can comfortably hike on snowy mountain peaks. Their high energy levels also make them a good hiking dog.
Siberian Huskies have an independent streak, which can make obedience training a bit challenging on hikes. These athletic canines need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily. Huskies have a high prey drive, so they may end up chasing cats and livestock.
9. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is a friendly and loyal companion with an alert and obedient disposition. Their incredible intelligence and high energy levels make them great hiking partners. These athletic pooches require an ample amount of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
Weimaraners thrive on human companionship and can become anxious or bored if left alone for extended periods. Properly trained Weimaraners get along nicely with children. They have a high prey drive, due to which they may not be suitable for homes with smaller pets.
Due to their alertness and an instinct to guard their territory, Weimaraners make excellent watchdogs. They enjoy spending time outdoors with their family. Their stamina means they want to keep going, even after you’re ready to call it a day.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds that have incredible stamina, endurance, and strength make ideal hiking companions. Their high drive and seemingly endless energy enable them to do well on the trail. Plus, their protective nature enables them to protect their owners against wildlife encounters.
Hiking dogs are capable of sensing potential threats beforehand and taking quick action when needed. They are usually very athletic and need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Their physical prowess also makes them well-suited for strenuous activity and navigating rough terrains.
Many of them have waterproof double coats that protect them against harsh climates. These dogs are willing to take on any sort of physical challenges.
