8 Dog Breeds That Make Great Hiking Partners

It’s a well-known fact that dogs love long walks, especially ones where they can access plenty of unique smells. It makes sense, then, that particularly energetic dogs will greatly enjoy walking and hiking alongside their humans as they explore different terrains and trails. Now, some dog breeds may find hiking to be a more enjoyable activity than others. If you’re wondering whether your pup is of a breed that’s suited for hikes, read on to learn about eight breeds that take well to this kind of excursion.

Making Sure Your Pet Is Ready for a Hike

To make the experience safe and fun for both of you, you need to prepare well for your hike together, especially if it’s your first time. No matter what your pup’s breed might be, it’s a must to ensure that you and your pup will be able to finish strong.

Exercising together can help you withstand the physical challenges that come with hiking. It’s also advisable to invest in tools to keep your dog safe, secure, and highly visible in an unfamiliar environment. You can design your pup’s martingale dog collars to make them stand out from the lush scenery, pack a pet first aid kit, and research pet-safe hiking spots. Also, take your dog’s personality and energy level into consideration when deciding the details of the hike.

That said, your canine companion will likely make the most of your hike and nature excursions together if they belong to the following breeds:

Australian Shepherd

A medium-sized herding dog, the Australian Shepherd is known for its intelligence and sense of adventure, and it does well in a home where it can receive physical and mental stimulation daily. These dogs are energetic and have a great love for the outdoors, and they’d be more than happy to accompany you on the trail and explore new places. You don’t have to worry about tiring Australian Shepherds out, as the breed is quite amenable to doing strenuous physical activity for long stretches of time.

Border Collie

Border Collies are strong, intelligent, and highly trainable, which is why they’re often chosen to participate in various outdoor activities such as herding, agility, and obedience competitions. This medium-sized dog breed is well-known for its serious work ethic and tolerance to heat and cold, both of which are qualities that make them a great partner for summer or winter hikes. Do take note that Border Collies are also fast runners, so make sure to keep your dog close to you when you’re exploring unfamiliar places.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are sporting dogs that are bred to be excellent water retrievers, and they can also thrive as hiking companions. Dogs belonging to this breed are strong and courageous, and they can even go swimming with you without any issues thanks to their waterproof coat. This hardworking dog is ready to go up mountains and pass through rivers as long as they’re in the company of their favorite people.

Golden Retriever

One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Golden Retrievers do well in many homes. At the same time, though, this beloved family pet is hardworking and can be easily trained to take on different types of jobs for canine companions. If you’re looking for a pawed trekking buddy, then look no further than this golden-furred pup. Golden Retrievers are down for outdoor activities, be it hiking or a game of fetch in the family backyard.

Jack Russell Terrier

Small as the breed may be, Jack Russell Terriers have a lot of personality and energy. This pint-sized canine can keep up with you on your hiking trips, as the breed was originally intended to hunt for rodents and foxes. Ever ready for an adventure, these dogs should always be kept on a leash while hiking as they can be easily distracted by local wildlife. Still, they’re more than ready to accompany you from the beginning to the very end of any trail.

Mountain Cur

A working dog that’s designed to trail small game and hunt big game like bears and boars, Mountain Curs have an intense love for the outdoors. These dogs used to accompany families who were making their mark on the frontier. In addition, these pups would guard their humans’ homes against wild animals. If you’re concerned about keeping critters away while you’re enjoying nature, this furry friend’s company should help you feel safe and secure while you’re hiking together.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you want a formidable canine as a part of your hiking team, then take a Rhodesian Ridgeback with you. This large scent and sighthound breed originated in the Southern Africa region and was utilized by hunters who were looking for big game like lions. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are energetic pups that have great affection for the members of their packs, so they’ll enjoy walking alongside families who are trekking or hiking together.

Vizsla

Vizslas are Hungarian hunting dogs that are often utilized in the field to this day. They’re a good fit for families who live an active lifestyle and are more than ready to accompany you if you’re spending a day out in nature. Vizslas like being around people and require a lot of physical and mental stimuli, so taking them outside for a short hike now and then should help keep them happy.

Even if your canine companion belongs to any of these breeds, it’s still important to make sure you and your dog are ready and able to hike. Individual dogs can have traits that slightly differ from the breed standard, and as a dog owner, you should honestly assess your pup’s capability before hitting the trail. If you’re sure that you’re both ready to explore the great outdoors, however, you and your canine companion will undoubtedly have lots of fun exploring natural landscapes together.