20 Dog Breeds That Will Make Your Hiking Adventures Unforgettable
If you're an ardent hiker, recreational climber, or like to go camping, it is a good idea to have one of the best dogs for hiking because they’ll have a similar energy level and physical abilities.
Most dogs love the great outdoors, and many, regardless of breed, are suitable as hiking companions. But, to have a wonderful outing—especially if your dog will be off-leash—make sure that your dog can follow your commands and stay with you. The dog needs to be responsive in precarious situations like wildlife encounters or run-ins with toxic plants.
If you’re an outdoor junkie looking for a loyal companion, these 20 breeds are tireless canines that should be able to join you on the trails.
Breed Characteristics
Key characteristics of good hiking dogs:
High Energy Level
Active dogs with high energy that have been bred for long hours of work outdoors during various weather conditions are probably your best bet as hiking companions. This group can include:
Working dogs
Hunting (sporting) dogs
Herding dogs
Mountain dogs
Intelligent and Easy to Train
In addition to endurance, these dogs need to be obedient, intelligent, and exhibit good recall skills before you let them off-leash.
A dog that’s obedient will be easier to handle in the great outdoors, and less likely to run off. Before going out on the trail, make sure your dog is properly trained and socialized to be comfortable around other hikers.
Coat Type and Length
Some dogs have coats that help them handle the elements better than others. For example, some breeds have longer and denser coats for colder conditions, while others have water-resistant coats, and others have shorter coats so they can be comfortable in hot conditions.
Consider the environments that your dog will explore with you, and whether their coat type and length will be suitable for those terrains and weather conditions. Also, consider how dirty your dog will get in those environments and how easy they’ll be to clean.
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Border Collie
No list of energetic dog breeds would be complete without including the ever-popular border collie. Known the world over for intelligence, work drive, and energy level, the border collie is a no-brainer for anyone in search of an exercise buddy and the best dog for hiking.
Hikers and climbers alike can benefit from the border collie’s smarts and trainability. Teaching them to hit the trails off-leash will be a breeze. As long as you can provide plenty of mental and physical exercise on days when you're not on the trails or summiting a peak, the border collie could be an excellent fit for you.
Breed Overview
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
If you do not mind a vocal dog while on a trail, the treeing walker coonhound is a strikingly agile climber that can easily navigate wild hiking terrain. Like their various siblings in the hound group, treeing walker coonhounds are lively dogs with a keen eye for prey.
Because of their high hunting drive, you should keep this dog on a long leash until you are sure you can trust them around squirrels, birds, and other critters.
Breed Overview
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian ridgeback could be a fantastic fit for the outdoors fan looking for a more rugged companion. The Rhodesian ridgeback was popularized by African lion hunters but is a popular house pet nowadays. Their strength and agility translate well from lion hunting to hiking and mountain climbing.
Those new to dog ownership should be aware that the Rhodesian ridgeback requires plenty of socialization and obedience training during puppyhood. Their independent and aloof nature can make this dog wary of strangers, and their strength is not something to take lightly.
Breed Overview
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Australian Shepherd
Another must-have on high-energy dog lists, and another one of the best dogs for hiking, the Australian shepherd is an active and agile companion that loves an outdoor adventure. Like their border collie cousin, the Aussie is a herder with seemingly endless energy.
The Aussie is work-oriented and loves a job, so coming up with games to play along the trail will give this dog a well-rounded and exhausting day of exercise.
Much like the border collie, an Aussie needs plenty of everyday activity—one hike a week will not cut it. But if kept well-exercised and trained, this dog will make a happy dog parent out of you.
Breed Overview
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German Shorthaired Pointer
Another steadfast hunting companion, the German shorthaired pointer is an extremely high-energy dog perfect for bringing along on hiking trips. Like other hunters, pointers thrive when given plenty of exercise and are extremely friendly, loving companions.
Best known for agility and endurance, this dog needs plenty of daily activity to prevent them from becoming anxious and destructive.
Breed Overview
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Jack Russell Terrier
If big dogs are not your style but you still want an energetic hiking buddy, the Jack Russell terrier is the pup for you. High-energy, high-drive, and incredibly intelligent, the Jack Russell has the personality of a big dog in a compact, 15-pound body.
The Jack Russell was bred for vermin hunting and has a high prey drive, so long stints of exercise like hiking trips are a dream come true for this breed. Though small, they're also mighty; the Jack Russell terrier is headstrong and incredibly intelligent.
This breed can become destructive if not well-exercised both mentally and physically. But if you can dedicate the time to training and exercise every day, the Jack Russell is a great outdoorsy companion.
Breed Overview
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Miniature Pinscher
Another little dog with a big personality, the miniature pinscher—or min pin—is a spunky companion for the dedicated, strong-willed dog parent. Min pins are fearless beasts condensed into a compact 10-pound body.
The min pin’s fun-loving, adventurous personality makes them a fantastic exploration buddy. Though the min pin does not have the same endurance as the Jack Russell terrier, their much smaller stature makes it easy for you to pick this dog up and carry them if they tire out.
Breed Overview
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Bernese Mountain Dog
As the name implies, the Bernese mountain dog is an Alpine native that fares well outdoors, mainly in cooler temperatures. This wooly coated breed does not tolerate heat and hot summers as well as other dogs.
The Bernese mountain dog is a Swiss working breed. This dog was bred to pull carts through the Alps, so it is no surprise that the Berner makes a great climbing buddy.
People who are new to the breed should know that it genetically has some health concerns, including hip and elbow dysplasia1 and bloat. Before you bring this dog on a mountain hike, get them checked out by a veterinarian to ensure that strenuous activity is okay.
Breed Overview
09 of 20
Siberian Husky
For the outdoors person who takes a laid-back approach and is looking for the best dogs for hiking, the Siberian husky can be a great match. The husky’s personality is hilarious and unique—mischievous, independent, and deceptively clever.
Bred in northeastern Asia, the husky is naturally cold-resistant and feels right at home on snowy mountain peaks and cooler temperature hikes.
This dog's energy level makes them a tireless hiking buddy. A husky needs constant mental and physical challenges (preferably on a schedule) or else they might get destructive or run away in protest.
This breed's independent streak makes obedience training a big project. For example, you should not expect to have a husky hiking off-leash until you establish a deep connection with your dog and they internalize the recall command.
Breed Overview
101 Best Husky Names: Adventure-Inspired Ideas for Your Pup
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Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are easygoing dogs always up for new adventures. Labradors can adjust easily to a variety of climates and terrain. Labs do well in cold climates and can tolerate heat as long as they are provided with plenty of water.
Their water-repelling coats make these dogs perfect companions for a cooling dip in a lake. Labs love water sports and running.
Most Labs are easy to train and are obedient, so you should be able to take these pups hiking off-leash year-round. This breed needs regular exercise. Otherwise, Labs will take out their pent-up energy in destructive ways.
Breed Overview
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Vizsla
Vizslas often develop a deep bond with their humans, and they’re the best dogs for hiking for several reasons. They are loyal and love a task. These dogs also appreciate having space to run, making them great trail running dogs.
Vizslas need continuous training and enrichment so they don't get bored or destructive. They require positive reinforcement and socialization training to groom them into perfect companion pets. They are patient, loving, and get along with children when appropriately introduced.
Breed Overview
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Poodle
Poodles are water dogs that were bred for hunting. They are highly intelligent, durable dogs. These dogs come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. The toy size does not have the stamina for long hikes, but the miniature can endure about 5 miles or so, while the standard can double that.
Poodles thrive on going on long walks and pleasing their humans. Poodles groomed to maintain their curls long can withstand cooler temps, or you can shave down a poodle to take along for summer hikes.
Breed Overview
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Harrier
If you have ever seen European classical paintings illustrating a rabbit hunt, the dogs you see on the canvas are harriers, named for their typical quarry: hares. They look a lot like beagles but are larger.
Their stamina suits hiking since they can go all day long. Harriers can be headstrong, but you should get a harrier to be an excellent right-hand with continuous training. They have a strong prey drive and might get caught up on a scent every once in a while, but as long as your recall training is good, they should listen to you without question.
Breed Overview
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Golden Retriever
Generally speaking, goldens are smart, loyal dogs that maintain their spritely playfulness throughout their life. They bond strongly with their humans, follow commands well, and love to live an active life.
Golden retrievers are considered the best dogs for hiking because outdoor activities like hikes are right up their alley—as well as a swim, too. They are prone to joint problems, so make sure your vet approves rigorous hikes before hitting the trail.
Breed Overview
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Dalmatian
Dalmatians are unique black and white spotted canines that were bred to be companions alongside horses, stagecoaches, and early fire truck companies. It makes sense that these dogs can keep up with humans on the trails, and they relish the opportunity. They have endurance for days and should be easy to train to be off-leash.
Breed Overview
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Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as the blue heeler, the Australian cattle dog is another one of the best dogs for hiking because of their intelligent and hard-working personality and high energy level. They absolutely love being around their family, to the point that they’ve earned the nickname “shadow dog,” and they require mental and physical stimulation, which hiking can give them.
These dogs also have a dense double coat that includes a weather-resistant overcoat. This means they can remain comfortable when exploring the great outdoors with you. However, this also means that they’re high-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Breed Overview
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Weimaraner
The athletic Weimaraner is a dog breed from Germany that was bred to be a sportsman’s companion, so it should come as no surprise that these dogs make great hiking companions. Very affectionate, they’re known as “Velcro dogs,” and they’re also known for their high intelligence.
These active and energetic dogs need to be given a chance to get plenty of exercise every day. You can take them for walks and runs, as well as let them play in your fenced-in yard. However, heading out on the trails should be especially thrilling for this dog that was bred to hunt.
Breed Overview
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Alaskan Malamute
Don’t confuse the Alaskan malamute with a Siberian husky—though the breeds look similar, the husky is from Siberia and the malamute is from Alaska, and the malamute is larger. These dogs have a thick, waterproof double coat, so they won’t mind being out in the cold if you prefer hiking in the winter.
With proper training, these dogs can make wonderful companions at home and in the great outdoors. They were bred to work, so they need to get plenty of exercise daily as well—it’s important to find activities other than hiking that will let them expend their energy.
Breed Overview
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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, or toller, is an active dog that will gladly go on outdoor adventures with you. Originally bred for hunting, this Canadian breed can be stubborn, but they are devoted and loving to their family. Their waterproof double coat will keep them comfortable in cold conditions.
These dogs have loads of energy, so they do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation delay. Otherwise, they could end up exhibiting destructive behaviors.
Breed Overview
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German Shepherd
The German shepherd is well-known for their work ethic. These devoted and intelligent dogs can be trained for a variety of purposes, whether they work as guard dogs, police dogs, or service dogs. So, you can certainly train them to head out on hiking trails with you.
Bored German shepherds can become destructive, so before you bring one home, be sure you’ll be able to give them the daily activity they need. They need to be properly trained and socialized, and they also shed a lot, so those are things to consider as well.
Breed Overview
Breeds to Avoid
Though most dogs love the great outdoors, you should keep some dogs off the hiking trail. This decision is not breed-specific but, instead, depends on the dog's age, physical condition, and the weather conditions where you will be.
Senior dogs are more prone to ailments such as arthritis and kidney disease, making long hikes unsuitable. Likewise, puppies should avoid long distances due to underdeveloped bones, which could be affected by extended hikes.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs like pugs, boxers, or bulldogs should steer clear of strenuous exercise since they tend to overheat.
If you plan to be in colder temperatures, a double-coated dog like a husky or Berner can handle the cold better than a single-coated, short-haired dog. Dogs like greyhounds, whippets, and chihuahuas may not last long in colder temps. Also, if you expect sweltering weather, it's best not to hike with your dog at all. Dogs are prone to heatstroke or heat exhaustion.
