A journey hits differently when you have an amazing partner with you who accompanies and protects you at the same time. And who could be better than adventurous dogs that are built to thrive in rugged terrains, like Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, and many more?
It is common that when planning outdoor trips, people pay so much attention to picking a breed that they forget the two main elements that matter the most: the area’s climate and the dog’s coat. They are important because a dog’s coat is built to protect them from extreme weather conditions and keep them warm.
So, on the basis of your adventure weather, if you pick a breed, your journey will be full of excitement.
Furthermore, the qualities that these outdoor dogs must possess are: a healthy lifestyle and diet, stamina, endurance, confidence, and trainability. So, owners must focus on their exercise needs and ensure that they provide them with an active lifestyle without fail.
This guide will help you walk through seven outdoor dog breeds that are suitable for long hikes, running, and adventurous outdoor activities. Further, you will learn how to train and make them exercise to stay fit.
Ideal Dog Breeds for a Life of Outdoor Excitement
1. Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute is one of the large dogs that are friendly, affectionate, confident, and devoted. It was used to pull heavy objects such as sleds over long distances. For this reason, even today these solid dogs are known for their appearance, strength, and endurance, which makes them suitable for hiking, camping, and cold weather adventures, as noted by the AKC.
It makes an ideal winter sport companion because of its heavy coat, which keeps it warm in cold weather. Another trait that contributes is being an independent thinker and problem-solver, so daily training that is based on positive reinforcement methods must be practised.
And as it is a high-energy breed, it must exercise daily for about two hours, followed by long walks and pulling activities, says PDSA. It forms strong bonds with its family, which makes outdoor trips and the home environment enjoyable.
2. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a high-energy dog that is outgoing, intelligent, alert, and friendly. It makes a good family dog and outdoor companion, that was back in the days used for pulling sleds in cold climates. Even today, this independent streak is capable of covering distances easily because of its athletic build and endurance.
It has thick, double and fluffy coat that helps them stay warm in winters, but owners will have to take care about being overheated in hot climates. As it is suitable for an outdoor lifestyle, it makes a good partner for runners, hikers, and trekkers. Also, this breed thrives with active families that make it exercise daily for about 40 minutes.
It is an intelligent breed that likes challenges, and consistent training is important to avoid unnecessary barking, howling, and destructive behaviors.
3. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a hardworking breed that is alert, loyal, stubborn, active, and friendly. It was previously used as a police dog and in military units. Today, because of its work drive, trainability, and athletic build, it is capable of working for long hours with determination. But it prefers active owners that can help it maintain its energy level through vigorous exercise and training.
The breed is suitable for people who want a dog for outdoor activities, such as hiking, tracking, and agility, etc. Apart from being a brilliant outdoor partner, because of its confidence and friendly temperament, people prefer it as a therapy assistant, as it comprehends human emotions quite well.
You will find it happiest when it has a task to perform, and for this reason it must be involved in mental stimulation activities. Also, consistent training and socialisation must be a part of its daily routine to minimise any behavioral issues.
4. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of the great athletes that stand out because of its exceptional stamina and endurance. It is a sensitive, loyal, strong, and dignified dog that remains reserved around strangers. Earlier, it was bred as a hunting dog, whereas today it accompanies people on off-leash adventures, which can be challenging for them.
However, training is essential for Rhodesians as well to excel in outdoor environments.
As it is a strong and athletic hunting dog, it requires regular exercise for about an hour, which could be split into two walk sessions, followed by fun activities like: jogging, swimming, field trials, and lure coursing, etc. It’s boundless energy, courage, keen eyesight, and strong sense of smell makes it an excellent partner for outdoors.
On the other hand, it makes a terrific family pet, but socialisation is important so that it gets along with other dogs and children easily. Also, because of its strong prey drive, it must be kept on a leash.
5. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an energetic and alert breed that was bred to track and drive hogs and cattle from Southern swamps. It is a hardworking, intelligent, energetic and focused breed at work, whereas tend to be playful and affectionate at home. It is a highly trainable and energetic breed whose work ethic and endurance are unmatched.
It must exercise for about two hours and be kept busy in activities to avoid destructive behaviors like destroying the furniture or making a mess in the backyard. Also, consistent training that is paired with positive reinforcement methods is encouraged.
Moreover, being a powerful and muscular breed, it can accompany hikers, hunters, and any kind of outdoor adventure. Being an independent companion, it enjoys when it is given a lot of space to roam freely, and the owner spends most of the time with it playing and brushing its shiny coat weekly.
6. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a highly energetic dog that makes a great outdoor partner because it was bred to stand out in tracking ability, speed, courage, and durability. It is a friendly, obedient, steady, aloof, and loving dog. People know this breed as “Gray Ghost” because of its sleek and smooth coat. And because of its intelligence, people call it a dog that has a human brain, says Orvis.
It has stamina that enables it to perform any outdoor exercise or activity for hours without getting tired. However, as an energetic and athletic dog, it must exercise for about two hours, followed by fun activities like tug of war, puzzle toys, and dock diving, etc.
Apart from being a sport dog, it also makes a wonderful family pet, but if you think it will sit as a couch potato, you are mistaken. It demands constant engagement in any activity, which is why early socialisation and crate training are preferred.
7. Yakutian Laika
Yakutian Laika is a compact and strong dog that was bred for herding, pulling sleds, and hunting. It is an affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and outgoing breed that forms strong bonds with its owner. While it likes to play, and is one of the adventure oriented breed, it is considered as best dog breed for hikers, trekkers and sled dog enthusiasts etc.
It has a thick double coat which keeps it warm in cold weather, but it is concerning in hot weather. So, owners will have to plan the adventure keeping its coat in mind. On the other hand, it possesses exceptional strength and endurance, so it must exercise daily. Also, regular training must be a part of its routine to work at its best.
On the one hand, it makes an intelligent and hardworking dog, whereas at home, it is an affectionate dog that must be socialised so that it gets along with kids and other animals easily.
Conclusion
This list of breeds that qualify for camping trips and other outdoor adventures does not stop here; dogs like Border Collie, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever, etc also qualify.
Many of these are herding dogs, whereas others belong to the working group, but all of these ace every kind of dog sport. So, they need very active owners who can engage them in activities that keep them going on the grounds.
Also, pet parents need to understand, only exercise and training alone are not enough to keep the breed going, a healthy and nutrition based diet contributes too.
