Are you looking for the best outdoor dog breeds?
While some dogs are reluctant to explore the world, others crave adventures.
Such dogs are perfect for energetic owners who want their dog to keep them company while camping.
So, keep on reading to discover 7 outdoor dog breeds that love to spend time outside with you.
7 Best Outdoor Dog Breeds
Let me make something clear. An outdoor dog breed doesn’t mean that you can keep your pet outside and expect them to entertain themselves.
These dog breeds require as much attention and care as an indoor dog.
In other words, if you’re looking for the “best backyard dogs” that you plan to leave outside permanently, please look elsewhere.
We’re not going to tell you which breeds best tolerate being chained to a tree for their entire lives because there are none. Period.
Even the least affectionate dogs need to feel part of the family to be happy. Otherwise, they’ll be sad and miserable and might turn aggressive.
So, for this list of the best outdoor dog breeds, I chose dogs that tolerate different climates well or that can handle short periods alone in the yard when you go to work.
#1 Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd or Aussi is one of the most striking dogs with their beautiful coat colors and piercing eyes.
Since the Aussi is a shepherd dog breed, these pooches can keep up with a herd all day long without breaking a sweat.
So, they won’t mind going for long walks or running in your backyard,
Moreover, Aussies also tolerate cold and hot weather well thanks to their thick double coat that protects them from the elements.
However, the Australian Shepherds can be extra cling with their owners.
That’s because they’re used to working side by side with humans, and they don’t like it when you leave them alone.
They’re also one of the most sensitive dog breeds, but they can be bossy around inexperienced owners.
#2 Siberian Husky
When you’re thinking about the best outdoor dog breeds, you can’t help imagining a Siberian Husky.
These magnificent dogs were bred to pull heavy sleds in deep snow, and they can tolerate cold weather exceptionally well.
However, that fact also means they’re far from the best outside dogs for hot weather.
Besides their resistance to harsh weather, Siberian Huskies are muscular, powerful, and highly energetic dogs.
They require a lot of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, or they get in trouble. As such, they’re not good apartment dogs.
Siberian Huskies are very creative when it comes to finding ways to escape, even from a fenced yard.
They’re also highly independent and stubborn, which makes them a challenging breed to train.
They require a confident owner to establish his position as the leader of the pack.
#3 Samoyed
You’ll struggle to find a more majestic dog than the Samoyed with their stunning white coats, smiling faces, and cheerful personality.
These dogs are so full of energy that they can’t stay still for long and do best in a house with a yard.
They also make perfect buddies for long walks, hiking tips, or sport.
The Samoyed’s ultra-thick coat keeps these dogs warm in winter, but it’s prone to matting and tangling.
Moreover, these gorgeous dogs shed like crazy in spring. So, taking care of a Samoyed might be time-consuming.
While the Samoyed doesn’t do well in apartments, these white dogs are miserable when you’re not around to keep them company.
They’re excellent family pets and get on well with children.
#4 Bernese Mountain Dog
Do you love to be outside when it’s cold and snowing? You might not, but your Bernese Mountain dog will enjoy playing in the snow.
It’s not a surprise given their thick, double coats that protect them from the elements.
Bernese Mountain dogs are among the best outdoor dogs because they’re too energetic for apartments or condos.
They’re also quite big when they mature – 70 – 115 pounds.
So, Bernese Mountain dogs need a large, fenced yard where they can play and exercise.
Cooped in a small space and being left alone are two things that are bound to make your Bernie miserable.
Due to their friendly disposition and desire to work, Bernese Mountain dogs are easy to train and are one of the best family dogs for the right owner.
#5 Old English Sheepdog
“Oh my God, that’s a lot of fur,” is the first thing to cross your mind when you see the shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog.
These remarkable and unique dogs used to drive cattle and sheep and are quite energetic and active.
So, they require a significant amount of exercise per day and will gladly go on an adventure with you.
Besides their high energy needs, Old English Sheepdogs shed like crazy and drool so much that they might stain their coats. So, they’re not the best dogs for neat freaks.
Despite their large size, Old English Sheepdogs can adapt to living in an apartment.
They also make excellent outdoor dogs as long as they have access to the house and can be near their family.
Otherwise, Old English Sheepdogs might develop separation anxiety.
#6 German Shepherd
One of the most versatile dog breeds, the German Shepherd is next in our list of the best outdoor dogs.
Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and bravery, German Shepherds make excellent family companions, watchdogs, and service dogs.
Since German Shepherds have thick, double coats, they tolerate cold temperatures very well.
More importantly, they’re as sensitive to heat as other dogs, such as the Husky and the Samoyed, and can thrive in a fenced yard.
However, German Shepherds should never be chained to guard your house or left alone for hours on end.
German Shepherds bond tightly with their owners and become destructive when bored.
That said, they’re independent enough to make them one of the most low maintenance outdoor dog breeds.
#7 Alaskan Klee Kai
If you’re looking for small outdoor dogs, you’re going to love the Alaskan Klee Kai!
Have you ever seen the pun husky meme? Well then, you’ve seen the Klee Kai!
The pint-sized Husky look-a-like only weighs between 10-15 pounds as an adult, but has all the brains and energy of his larger doppelganger.
However, they don’t shed nearly as much as Huskies, even though they do have a thick double coat.
The Klee Kai can be shy around strangers, though, so you’ll want to socialize him well as a puppy.
Since he stays small, he’s also the best outside dog for small yard on this list.
No matter what dog breed you choose, you have to remember to provide your pet with enough protection against heat and cold.
Even though most of these dogs have thick fur, it doesn’t mean that they don’t feel the cold or can’t get frostbite.
So, make sure that your dog has a warm kennel for cold winter days and a shady place to hide from the sun during the summer.
