Are you dreaming of laughter-filled picnic moments with a charming and delightful dog by your side? Picnics and dogs are somehow images that feel so harmonious together. While most dogs enjoy some type of outdoor activity, some dogs are just the perfect match for picnic-loving owners.
Dogs are not just lazy or active; different characteristics make different breeds suitable for various activities. Some breeds aren’t just energetic and entertaining; canines that make good picnic companions are the ones easier to handle outdoors.
If you have a family that loves outdoor activities, especially picnics, here are dogs that can make enthusiastic pets for them.
Top Dog Breeds That Love Picnicking
1. Labrador Retriever
There’s no way to skip Labrador Retrievers when we’re talking about dogs that offer affectionate and supportive presence to their owners in all kinds of activities. Labs make amazing outdoor dogs and love to spend time with their favorite person.
Labs were originally bred as bird dogs used to retrieve small game and waterfowl. Their hunting background has left them amazing abilities to search and track, which is why they’re often used as police dogs. For you, they are more than happy to use these talents in playing fetch and other outdoor games.
From taking walks in a park to going on family picnics, Labs sprinkle life into every activity. If swimming is part of the plan, your Lab will be overjoyed to take a splash. With their webbed paws, they’re one of the most water-friendly dog breeds out there.
2. Siberian Husky
You can always count on a working dog to keep you company outdoors without tiring in a breeze. Siberian Husky is one such breed from the Spitz dog family, and it’s made for an active lifestyle. Sibes are the best furry friends for people who love picnics.
Sibes have a wolf-like appearance and smiley faces that radiate happiness. They were developed to prefer the pack life, which makes them loyal and family-friendly. Their affectionate nature makes them perfectly suited for picnics where they might get to interact with other dogs.
Sibes can do with some early obedience training. They have a thing for running away; you might want to watch out for that. Keeping them on a leash might be a great idea. The American Kennel Club describes them as “nimble-footed”, which points to their graceful gait.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies are the perfect picnic partners for robust individuals and families that don’t mind burning their calories. Even the sight of these pups can bring joy to their owners and onlookers. Collies’ pleasant nature reflects on their faces, and their gorgeous coats make them soothing to look at.
Border Collies are active, energetic, and love to explore; made for the country life. They’re working dogs and want to be given a job to take care of; abandon them or let them be sedentary, and watch them react like the divas they are.
They love to protect their territory and get along well with the kids in the family; strangers better watch out, though. As picnic dogs, you can count on them for keeping things interesting with their spunky nature. They love to run and will enjoy games like playing catch.
Your Collie can grow to adopt an amiable behavior, but it’s important to start its dog training when it’s still a puppy. How cooperative and easy to handle any pup is at picnics depends on how good a trainer you’ve been.
Despite being working dogs, they won’t mind sitting on your lap the moment they’ve burned off their excess energy. So, from playtime outdoors to cuddles in your room, Collies are versatile furry partners.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are gorgeous and strong pups that are widely used as service dogs due to their intelligence and dedicated nature. If you want a strong and alert furry companion for a picnic that allows you to relax and enjoy your moment, this dog is for you.
German Shepherds don’t enjoy crammed-up spaces; they’re made for yards and fields. They will thrive on outdoor activities like walks and picnics. They do need their humans to engage them in lots of physical activity as they’re athletic and energetic canines.
They love to run, explore, and play, and if you let them get bored, be prepared for some barks and bouts of digging and chewing. Bored or not, they love something under their teeth; give them chew toys or dog treats to control those urges.
5. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are big dogs born to move heavy loads by pulling sleds. Their hardy and resilient nature makes them great picnic fellows if you live in cold and harsh environments. These smart dogs are loyal and gentle to their owners, even though they tend to think for themselves.
These wolf-like dogs need experienced owners who can handle their strong-willed nature and energy. They are bouncy dogs who love running and jumping and can be tricky to control outdoors. They’re intelligent dogs, which can make them tricky to train.
But with long training sessions when they’re younger, paired with positive reinforcements, they can grow to be well-mannered. They’re going to be outgoing and social, though, and if you can handle them outdoors, picnics are going to be fun-filled.
6. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are gorgeous and often “spotted” dogs with thick, long hair and an interesting personality. These brainy and active dogs make entertaining companions, but not for the faint of heart. Aussies are great picnic or outdoor dogs if you’ve got what it takes to handle them.
Aussies are loyal to a fault; if they’ve marked you as their favorite human, they’ll stay devoted forever. They get attached to their living space, so they might take time adjusting to a new house. Their deep bonding tendencies make them pets that will etch their memories on your heart.
Aussies love to act silly, and wagging their tail to greet their owners is their signature move. They can be quite chatty; their barks are made up of different kinds of sounds depending on the situation.
7. Belgian Sheepdog
Belgian Sheepdogs (or Groenendael) are huge pups that need a lot of physical activity (preferably within a fence). They make amazing outside dogs because they can do well in both warm and cold climates.
With a history that can be traced back to 19th-century Belgium, Belgian Sheepdogs are alert and smart dogs, known for their obedience. After successful socialization training, they do well around people and other pets; they’re quick learners despite being strong-willed.
These pups love engaging in physical activities with their humans. They can make an amazing company with picnics and walks. Great for agility training, nose work, and tracking, these dogs also enjoy playing fetch and jogging with their owners.
Conclusion
Most dogs, if trained early and properly, can make fabulous companions on picnics and other outdoor activities. Also, if you’re going to be outdoors with your dog for long periods of time, make sure you know what kind of temperature they’re tolerant of.
Patience and starting early are the keys to teaching your dogs to socialize and adopt a rather calm behaviour. All dogs come with their own natural tendencies; we can’t completely change them, but we can help them manage.
