Dog lovers know just how beneficial the company of a four legged friend can be. There is nothing like having “man’s best friend” alongside you on a walk, traveling, on an adventure or even just next to you on the couch. If you enjoy hiking, having a dog to bring along with you can make the activity even more enjoyable. However, you cannot just take any dog on a hike with you, as not all breeds make the best hiking dogs.
Several dog breeds are well-known for their ability to excel as hiking companions due to their physical attributes, temperament and energy levels. Other dogs that do not have these qualities could tire easily, struggle to keep up due to their size, overheat or face other consequences if attempted to take on a hike. For this reason it is important to learn which breeds make the best hiking dogs so you and your pet friend can enjoy the adventure.
Here are some breeds commonly regarded as the best hiking dogs.
Labrador Retriever
Labs are known for their boundless energy and enthusiasm, which makes them well-suited for long hikes. They have excellent endurance, allowing them to keep up with extended hikes over various terrains. Labs are natural swimmers and are not hesitant to cross streams or lakes, making them suitable for hikes involving water crossings or lakeside trails.
Labs are also typically friendly and sociable, making them easy to handle on the trail and comfortable around other hikers and dogs. Labs can adapt well to different environments and weather conditions, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, forests or along coastal trails. These dogs known for being the most loyal of companions are unsurprisingly some of the best hiking dogs.
Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are agile and versatile dogs that excel in navigating challenging terrains, including rocky paths and steep inclines. They are highly intelligent dogs that quickly learn and respond to commands, making them easy to train for hiking activities. Australian Shepherds have strong herding instincts as that is what they were bred for and still often trained to do.
This can be advantageous when hiking in areas with potential wildlife encounters or navigating through groups of hikers. Aussies form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy participating in outdoor activities with them, making them loyal and reliable hiking companions. With their high energy levels, Australian Shepherds thrive on physical exercise and stimulation, making them ideal for long hikes and adventures.
Border Collie
Border Collies are highly athletic dogs known for their agility and endurance, allowing them to keep up with demanding hikes for extended periods. They are among the most intelligent dog breeds and respond well to training, making them easy to teach hiking-specific commands and trail etiquette. Like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies have strong herding instincts, which can be helpful when navigating trails or encountering wildlife.
Border Collies possess an intense focus and drive, enabling them to stay on task and navigate challenging terrain with determination and confidence. Border Collies form deep bonds with their owners and thrive on companionship and shared activities, making them enthusiastic hiking partners who enjoy exploring the outdoors together.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies have exceptional endurance and stamina, making them well-equipped for long hikes over various terrains, including snow and rugged terrain. Their thick double coat provides insulation against cold weather, allowing them to thrive in colder climates commonly encountered during mountain hikes or winter excursions. Huskies are strong and robust dogs, capable of pulling sleds or carrying backpacks, which can be useful during extended hiking trips or when carrying gear.
While Huskies are affectionate and loyal, they also have an independent streak, which can be advantageous on the trail as they are less likely to become overly reliant on their owner’s guidance. Siberian Huskies have a natural inclination for exploration and adventure, making them some of the best hiking dogs who enjoy discovering new trails and environments.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are highly athletic dogs with abundant energy and endurance, allowing them to keep up with demanding hikes and cover long distances without tiring easily. GSPs are versatile hunting dogs that excel in various outdoor activities, including hiking, thanks to their agility, speed and keen senses. They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs, making them responsive to commands and easy to teach hiking-specific skills and behaviors.
German Shorthaired Pointers adapt well to different environments and weather conditions, making them suitable for hiking in diverse terrains and climates. GSPs form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy participating in outdoor activities together, making them loyal and reliable hiking companions who thrive on companionship and shared adventures.
Vizsla
Vizslas are energetic and agile dogs with excellent endurance, allowing them to keep up with demanding hikes over varied terrain for extended periods. They are known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them delightful hiking companions who enjoy spending time with their owners and bonding during outdoor adventures.
Vizslas have a keen sense of smell and hunting instincts, which can be advantageous when hiking in areas with wildlife or navigating through different environments. Vizslas adapt well to different climates and environments, making them suitable for hiking in a wide range of settings, from mountain trails to wooded forests and open fields. Many Vizslas enjoy swimming and are not hesitant to cross streams or lakes encountered during hikes, adding to their versatility as outdoor companions.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a robust and muscular build, which makes them some of the best hiking dogs over rugged terrain and navigating challenging trails. Their thick, double-layered coat provides insulation against cold weather, allowing them to thrive in cooler climates and higher altitudes commonly encountered during mountain hikes.
Despite their large size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle and affectionate. This makes them excellent hiking companions for families and individuals alike. Berners are strong and stable dogs, capable of carrying backpacks or assisting with tasks such as pulling carts, which can be useful during extended hiking trips or when carrying gear. Bernese Mountain Dogs are loyal and protective of their owners, providing a sense of security on the trail and forming strong bonds with their hiking companions.
Australian Cattle Dog
Australian Cattle Dogs are highly energetic and have exceptional endurance, allowing them to keep up with demanding hikes and cover long distances without tiring easily. ACDs are agile and have remarkable stamina, making them well-suited for navigating challenging terrains and enduring strenuous hikes.
They are highly intelligent and trainable dogs, making them responsive to commands and easy to teach hiking-specific skills and behaviors. Australian Cattle Dogs have a strong work ethic and thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation, making them ideal companions for outdoor adventures. ACDs possess strong herding instincts, which can be advantageous when hiking in areas with potential wildlife encounters or navigating through groups of hikers.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their stamina and endurance, allowing them to keep up with demanding hikes over long distances and varied terrain. They have a muscular build and athletic physique, enabling them to navigate rugged terrain and rough trails with ease. Ridgebacks have an independent streak, which can be advantageous on the trail as they are less likely to become overly reliant on their owner’s guidance.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are loyal and protective of their owners, providing a sense of security on the trail and forming strong bonds with their hiking companions. Ridgebacks have a natural inclination for exploration and adventure, making them eager and enthusiastic hiking companions who enjoy discovering new trails and environments.
Boxer
Boxers are energetic and playful dogs with excellent endurance. This makes them some of the best hiking dogs as they can keep up with demanding hikes and engage in active outdoor activities. They have a muscular build and athletic physique, enabling them to navigate rugged terrain and rough trails with agility and strength. Boxers are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them easy to handle on the trail and comfortable around other hikers and dogs. Boxers adapt well to different environments and weather conditions, making them suitable for hiking in diverse terrains and climates. Boxers form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy participating in outdoor activities together, making them loyal and reliable hiking companions who thrive on companionship and shared adventures.
While these breeds are commonly regarded as excellent hiking companions, it’s important to remember that individual temperament and training play a significant role in determining a dog’s suitability for hiking. Additionally, mixed-breed dogs can also make wonderful hiking partners, so don’t overlook them when searching for the perfect outdoor companion.
