Do you want to know which the best outdoor dogs for hiking are?
Going for a hike with your best four-legged friends is an incredible experience, but with the right adventurous dog.
So, today we’re going to talk about 7 outdoor dog breeds that love hiking and new experiences!
7 Best Outdoor Dogs for Hiking
When you’re considering hiking with your dog, you want a pet that tolerates different weather conditions well and which won’t get tired easily.
Otherwise, you might end up carrying your backpack and your dog up and down the mountain.
Some dog breeds, for example, those with flat faces are the worst choice for a hiking companion.
Their facial structure makes it easy to overheat, and they don’t have a lot of endurance.
Other dogs might have the stamina, but they’re such a lazy breed that they prefer to stay in bed.
So, let’s see which dogs are the perfect hiking buddies.
#1 Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are still a popular breed thanks to their piercing blue eyes, wolf-like appearance, and charming personality.
These dogs might be stubborn and hard to train, but they’re perfect if you want a sturdy outdoor dog.
Siberian Huskies have thick double coats that keep them warm and protected from the elements, and they can run for miles in deep snow.
So, they won’t even break a sweat on a hiking trail. Moreover, Huskies love to spend time outside, explore new surroundings, and play games.
However, their magnificent coats aren’t made for a hot climate. As such, you have to be careful not to overheat them on a hot day.
#2 Blue Heeler Dog
Australian Cattle Dog, known as Blue Heeler, is another excellent outdoor dog for hiking.
These dogs are full to the brim with energy, and it’s challenging to keep up with them when they’re excited.
Since Blue Heelers are herding dogs, they can spend the whole day running with you up and down the trail without need much of a break.
They’re one of the healthiest dog breeds and can survive in harsh conditions.
Blue Heelers also have a weather-resistant coat that allows them to tolerate both hot and cold temperatures.
So, they’re less likely to overheat than Huskies if you go hiking on a hot day.
Moreover, Blue Heelers are an intelligent breed that bond closely with their owners.
Some also call them Velcro dogs because they tend to stick to your side all day long.
#3 Australian Shepherd
Another dog breed that is used to working long hours with rest is the beautiful Australian Shepherd.
Don’t let the striking colors of this dog or their affectionate and sensitive nature fool you.
Aussies are sturdy and resilient dogs that won’t hesitate to bossy an inexperienced or timid owner.
Australian Shepherds make excellent hiking buddies because they need at least 30-60 minutes of high-energy exercise a day.
These dogs also love open spaces and have a great sense of adventure.
But if you leave your Aussie bored, you’ll quickly find how destructive they can be.
Aussies also don’t like to be away from their owner and are prone to separation anxiety.
#4 German Shorthaired Pointer
Besides hiking, do you fancy going on a hunting trip?
Then you can’t go wrong with a German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), one of the most versatile hunting dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers don’t impress only with their striking appearance and playful nature.
They’re brilliant dogs that learn commands and tricks with ease as long as you keep them interested in the lesson.
Moreover, their mellow temperament and people-orientated nature make them excellent family companions.
But their energetic nature makes them one of the worst dogs for seniors.
Since GSPs are used to following a trail for hours, they’re perfect for a hiking adventure and won’t make a fuss no matter how far you go.
Their webbed feet and water-resistant coat also mean that they enjoy swimming in lakes or rivers.
However, GSPs have short coats that don’t tolerate cold temperatures very well.
So, you’ll have to keep that in mind when you’re choosing your destination.
#5 Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dogs are the next in our list of the best outdoor dogs for hiking.
These majesties dogs are easy to fall in love with thanks to their sweet temperament, gentle nature, and affectionate disposition.
Beneath all that fur, the Bernese are sturdy, large, and muscular dogs who thrive when they have a job to do.
They’re used to hard labor and won’t tire when you take them hiking.
Their thick coats protect them from harsh elements, so they’ll be ready for a walk even in knee-deep snow. You won’t find a better winter dog.
However, Bernese Mountain Dogs have a short lifespan – 6 to 8 years. The breed also has a lot of health problems, including a high cancer rate.
#6 Rhodesian Ridgeback
Do you know that Rhodesian Ridgebacks used to hunt lions and bears?
It’s not hard to believe it when you see the sleek and powerful body of this dog breed famous for their spine ridge.
A versatile hunting dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has a lot of energy to spare, and a fenced yard isn’t always enough to keep them inside.
They’re also very athletic and intelligent and require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them from getting destructive.
Rhodesians are also suspicious of strangers and don’t welcome everybody with wagging tails. But they’re loyal and protective companions.
And when you take them hiking with you, you’ll have a brave dog to watch your back.
Due to their stubbornness, strength, and size, the Rhodesian isn’t the best choice for a first-time owner.
#7 Jack Russell Terrier
You might be wondering what a 15-pound dog does in our list of the best outdoor dogs for hiking.
Jack Russell Terriers might be small, but they don’t seem to have gotten the note. They’re fearless, independent, funny, and determined.
Thanks to their high energy needs, Jack Russell Terriers are an excellent choice for outdoor activities, including hiking.
They seem to have an endless supply of energy and love nothing more than to run, jump, and fetch.
However, Jack Russells are very mischievous and cunning and have a strong prey drive.
Let them off the leash, and a Jack Russell will gladly go running after an innocent bunny or a wild cat.
Moreover, these adorable dogs can be a handful even for professional trainers because they’re stubborn and hard to train.
Don’t get me wrong. Jack Russell Terriers aren’t dumb dogs. Quite the contrary.
They’re one of the smartest small dogs and excel at finding loopholes in your commands.
In conclusion, I would like to remind you of something. No matter the breed, you should never take your puppy hiking with you.
For one, puppies don’t have the same endurance as adult dogs and need their beauty sleep to grow big and strong.
But more importantly, their growth plates are still open. Strenuous activities such as hiking might damage their developing bones.
So, wait until your puppy has matured before you go on an adventure together.
Also, remember to pack gear for both of you and watch your dog for signs of overheating or hypothermia.
