What Dog Breeds Make the Best Hiking Buddies?

While some pups are content to move with you from couch to bed, other dogs breeds simply thrive when their days are packed with trail runs, splashing in creeks, and rolling in the dirt. If that just got your heart racing, and you're looking for a pet to bring into your active life, then you might be wondering what the best dog breeds are for outdoor activities. We spoke to a few dog experts who know that if your lifestyle includes camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, you’ll want a companion that loves doing those things, too. But first, make sure they're healthy enough to join in.

Choosing a Breed That Enjoys the Outdoors

Every dog and every breed benefits from outdoor time, Jamie Richardson, DVM, at Small Door Veterinary, told Good Dog. “Exercise keeps pets physically healthy and burns off excess energy that could otherwise manifest as troublesome behavior. Plus, the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoor world help to stimulate their mind.”

Richard added that not every breed of pup is built for the same outdoor activities at the same endurance level. When choosing a companion that fits your outdoor lifestyle, she said to consider these factors:

• Age and mobility. Adopting a senior dog comes with lots of benefits, but enjoying endurance-heavy outdoor activities together might not be one. Instead, Robinson said, consider shorter outdoor walks on smooth surfaces
  
• Coat type. The coats of dogs can vary from thick double-layered fur to a thin, cool coat. Depending on the time of year and the dog, packing extra sunscreen or planning excursions around shady spots could be necessary. “Conversely, in the winter, owners must take care to avoid letting their dogs get too cold, especially if they are small, have thin coats, or have underlying medical issues,” Robinson said.  
  
• Allergies. “Some dogs can suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies,” Robinson said. “Owners may need to adapt locations or durations of outdoor time accordingly to minimize exposure to allergens.” 

5 Dog Breeds Best for Outdoor Activities 

You likely won’t find dogs like the Lhasa Apso or bullmastiff begging for a camping trip, Angela Logsdon-Hoover, LVT and regional technician director of VCA Animal Hospitals, told Good Dog. Don’t fret — here are five dogs who would happily join an outdoor excursion. 

Spaniel 

It’s a safe bet that almost any dog bred for hunting will delight outdoor enthusiasts, Logsdon-Hoover said. The spaniel lives up to that expectation, plus is set apart from the rest by a gentle personality and eagerness to please. The whole family is sure to love this low-maintenance, medium-sized dog — if you can keep up. There are a lot of choices in spaniels that differ in size and coloration, with all known to be active, playful, and up for an adventure. Breeds of Spaniels include the Brittany spaniel, field spaniel, Irish water spaniel, and cocker spaniel, to name a few. 

Great Pyrenees 

If your idea of the great outdoors includes adventures in the chilly mountains and snowshoeing across the landscape, the Great Pyrenees might be the pup for you. Patient and tranquil in temperament, this dog was originally bred for herding in expansive mountain ranges, Logsdon-Hoover explained. Mild to cold climate spots are where the breed thrives, but their double-layered fluffy coat (which requires deshedding maintenance) doesn’t keep them from enjoying warmer weather, too.  

Coonhound 

Avid outdoor enthusiasts will love the coonhound breed, Logsdon-Hoover said. The charming hunting dog is smart and courageous — and was born to be your fishing and camping companion. Hiking, jogging, and swimming more your speed? The talkative breed will likely love that, too. This athletic pup sports multiple types including the American English coonhound, redbone coonhound, bluetick coonhound, and the treeing walker coonhound. 

Australian Shepherd 

When you’re looking for an active breed that is as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside, the Australian shepherd might be your pooch. Intelligent and eager to train, the Aussie (despite the name) was bred in the American West for herding. While a suitable family dog, don’t be surprised if you catch your energetic Aussie trying to herd small children along the trail. Lovingly of course.

Husky

If fall hikes and cool summertime dips are what you live for, this Northern dog breed wants to join. “Northern breeds like the husky love to be outdoors in the cooler months,” Logsdon-Hoover said. In the summer heat, huskies don’t lose their sense of adventure or need for exercise, but may beg for shady spots and a swim over fun in the sun. The fun-loving husky breed includes the Siberian husky and Alaskan husky. 

Whichever adventure partner and whatever outdoor activity you choose, Logsdon-Hoover said to not skip annual vaccines and preventatives like flea, tick, and heartworm treatments.