You do not need a regular dog breed if you love hiking, tracking, and outdoor adventures. Because not every dog is adventure-seeking, and many of them like to lie on the couch all day.
Your active lifestyle demands an active dog breed. A dog with high stamina, intelligence, and athletic build. So they can take long walks, cross the rough terrain surfaces and do not get tired in the way.
These hiking dogs have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise for mental stimulation. They don’t mind sitting in a car while travelling to hiking sites, but prefer window seats. Yeah, only for outside views.
But before you get overwhelmed with dog options, let us list the top 9 dog breeds that love outdoor activities. They are perfect hikers, companions, and pets at home. So read the details to find a pup that you believe is for you.
Fantastic Dog Breeds to Join Your Outdoor Escapades
1. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for the forward-growing hair on its back, and that’s why are also called “Ridge”. They are a strong, muscular, and fearless dog breed with webbed feet to maintain their balance on terrain and wet surfaces.
Their feet make them better hiking partners and swimmers. The Ridgeback dog was bred to hunt large game like lion and that’s why they are named “African Lion Hound” as per AKC. They are fearless, but the best protectors for active families.
This medium to large-sized dog is tough in the field but extremely affectionate at home. Rhodesian Parents share that they like to sleep next to you on the couch while keeping their head on you.
Honestly, they are fans of the slang “sharing is caring” and want to share your space, food, and even emotions. But remember that they don’t like rain that mcuh so avoid going on trips or hiking without a raincoat, otherwise be ready for that pup look.
This hiking dog has high energy levels and requires 45 minutes of exercise daily for mental stimulation. They shed moderately and do not have as many grooming needs, which is good for busy bees.
2. Border Collie
Border Collie is a smart, affectionate, and energetic dog with innate herding skills. They are perfect for active families and those who love hiking, running, and tracking.
This sharp dog was also featured in a movie called “Babe”. They are super friendly with kids and can also help you to keep children in one place during trips. Border Collies require a lot of exercise for mental stimulation and a happy day.
Robert Burns called this dog breed a faithful and honest pup, as per PetMD. They are always ready for outdoor activities, but make sure to take frist aid kit when hiking. Focus on early socialization to let them learn their boundaries and not to herd kids like sheep.
This outdoor dog breed has a double coat that moderately sheds and requires grooming every 6 months. With that said, keep your pup busy all the time with puzzles, other pets, or kids; otherwise, they start chewing furniture.
3. Siberian Husky
A dog that looks like a wolf with blue almond eyes, erect ears, and an athletic frame. Yes, we are talking about the Siberian Husky, and you probably have seen it growling or howling in parks.
They are super friendly and known as adventure dogs because they accompany you no matter where you go. Their thick coat, muscular body, and stamina allow them to walk for hours without complaining. That being said, they are such yappers. Husky likes to be in an argument with you and responds with howling.
You said, “Can I get a wu?” and here you get a Siberian husky singing for you. They are super cute and melt your heart with their affectionate nature.
This furry gentleman doesn’t like to have a sedentary lifestyle. You have to take them for walks and meet their exercise demands. They are not for people with allergies due to their coat that sheds a lot.
4. Vizsla
Vizsla is a gentle, calm, but also energetic dog breed with a gold-rust coat and long legs. They are sturdy dogs and were originally bred for hunting purposes.
This big dog is best at three things: being cute, sleeping, and being cute while sleeping. Pet owners share how mischievous they get sometimes and sit like they are the owner and you slave (in a fun manner).
This is the best dog breed if you love to travel or hike because they are protectors and ideal companions. They are active dogs, but also have the potential to do nothing depending on their mood.
Vizsla does not require grooming that much, but make sure to brush them daily for better blood circulation and prevent matting. This outdoor dog breed doesn’t like to live alone at home and stays by your side always.
5. Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain is a gentle and sweet-tempered hiking partner that loves its people. It’s a calm dog and gets shy around people they don’t know.
Bernese Mountain dog was bred in Switzerland as a farm dog, so they are quite agile. They don’t get tired easily but are prone to arthritis when bone health is neglected.
Make sure to check on the dog when tracking or hiking to make sure it does not get injured. This medium size dog is famous for its double coat that heavily sheds.
They require grooming and brushing every other week, so it’s not for someone who doesn’t like to see fur on their furniture or sofas. Pet owners say this is a big dog with a big heart, and that’s what makes it a perfect family pet.
6. Labrador Retriever
This would have been unfair not to write about the GOAT, Labrador Retriever. This is a smart, physically fit, and affectionate dog breed that lives in many US households.
They are perfect adventure buddy due to their outgoing nature and loyal companionship. They enjoy hiking, swimming, tracking, and fetching.
Labs have deep chests, floppy ears, and otter tails, which is the breed’s trademark. They make strong bonds with children and active families. Labrador Retrievers require a lot of exercise to stay fit and make sure they don’t get obese.
Their water repellent double coat sheds a lot and requires daily brushing and grooming every 6 weeks. It’s a fair deal when you are getting an avid hiker and a best companion in return.
7. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointer is a hunting dog with a history of pointing at birds and retrieving animals in games. They have a high energy level and agility that make them perfect for active families.
GSP is always ready for great outdoor adventures, whether it’s camping, hiking, or tracking. They are unique with a spotted coat and floppy ears. This avid hiker loves being around kids and is also a bit vocal.
A GSP owner shared that be ready to lose your bed, help them hop in the car, and deal with constant injuries with this puppy. Honestly, you are not going to own a German Shorthaired Pointer, but they owe you. That being said, they consider themselves small pups and try to jump into your lap for cuddles.
As their name shows, “shorthaired,” they do not need much grooming but biweekly brushing in mpre than enough.
8. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd is a dog bred in America, but still has the term ” Australia ” in its name. This confuses a lot of people, but they used to herd Austalian Sheeps in America, and that’s why they got their name.
This working dog is hyperactive and pure chaos at home. They are intelligent, smart, and love outdoor activities. Australian Shepherd has a sturdy and athletic body frame. They can also be a pet at home, but don’t complain when they keep runing form one room to another.
They don’t like to have a sedentary lifestyle. Pet parents sarcastically say that they were for sheep, and now you are the sheep for them. But make sure to train them properly, not to herd you and the kids at home.
This big dog has a strong prey drive that makes it perfect for hiking. They have a double coat that does shed, so you have to brush them almost daily.
9. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes have the DNA close to wolf and that’s why they look like that. They have erect ears, a furry head, and a strong, athletic build.
This muscular dog used to pull sleds, hunt animals, and also protect livestock from predators. They are risk takers and don’t settle for a lazy life, which makes them perfect hikers.
Alaskan Malamute does not bark much but tries to talk with “awoo” that only pet parents can understand. They have high exercise needs, and as Orvis suggests, a Malamute is happiest when it’s well-exercised and worn out!
Conclusion
Not every dog breed enjoys outdoor activities, and it is important for hikers to adopt one that can accompany them. The above mentioend dog breeds are strong, muscular, and don’t get tired halfway. You can choose a Siberian Husky, GSP, Australian Shepherd, or Vizsla according to your space and needs.
Make sure to keep the first aid kit and your dog hydrated on such trips. Don’t force them on long hikes that you know are beyond their limit, as it leads to injuries.
