If you’re looking for a companion to take hiking and camping, your best bet is a breed that is active, bred to work long hours, and likes being outside in all weather conditions. (Although that last one depends on whether you like being outside in all weather conditions!) The best breeds for hiking are easily trained and have good recall (especially if you’re planning to hike with them off-leash).
You should also think about the kind of environment you like to hike in, for instance, as some breeds are better suited for cold climates and don’t do well in heat and other breeds love splashing around in water.
Breeds that may be well suited to hiking and camping include:
Siberian Huskies love to be outside and going long distances (after all, they were bred to be sled dogs!). They have lots of stamina and love to run. They have lots of energy and high activity levels. However, keep in mind they don’t do as well in hot climates. They also can be hard to train and when off-leash, don’t always want to listen to commands to return.
Vizsla
Vizslas aren’t bred for cold winters, so are better hiking companions in summer or mild climates. These dogs are athletic and active and since they were bred as retrieving hunting dogs and love to be near you, they aren’t likely to go off on their own if you let them off leash. They have high energy, so hikes are perfect for them, and they are easy to train, making hiking with them a joy.
These dogs love water so would love to hike through rivers or camp near lakes. Their coat is considered waterproof and they can even swim in cold water. They are spirited and curious and are always up for adventure. They love to have room to run!
These dogs were made for snow and rugged terrain so if you’re hiking in the mountains, well, that’s right in the name! They were bred to pull carts and for hard work in Switzerland so they love being active and being outdoors. They are also patient and calm, which helps them do well around new people, animals, and sounds they may encounter on the trail.
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Australian shepherds were bred to be working herding dogs and have high energy and intellect. These make them great hiking companions since they have great stamina and love being stimulated.
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German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an energetic sporting dog that is still widely used as a hunting dog. They have lots of stamina and drive and enjoy hours of outdoor fun. They can handle a variety of climates and are social and friendly when meeting other hikes on the trail.
Border Collie
This breed is known not only for its high-drive and work ethic but also for being the most intelligent among all dog breeds. They are known for their ability to learn over 200 commands with proper training, so they can easily learn how to be recalled back to their person when off-leash. They will enjoy the mental stimulation of being outdoors while also having an outlet run off any pent-up energy. They have the ability to maneuver through various terrains with ease.
Golden Retrievers are active and smart. They also are friendly and social, all great qualities for a great hiking and camping companion.They are also sweet with children and other animals and are easy to train. the Golden Retriever was originally bred to be an attentive hunting companion, ao it is in their nature to be in-tuned with your needs no matter where you take them and they enjoy being outdoors.
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Labrador Retrievers have lots of energy and love to run and play. They particularly love water, so would love to come along on hikes that involve traipsing through streams. They are happy hiking around with you all day. They also get along well with other dogs and with strangers and are rarely aggressive, making them a joy on the trail.
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As a smaller dog, Jack Russell Terriers aren’t well-suited for super long hikes, but they are energetic and smart. They love exploring the world around them so don't be surprised when they want to sniff and investigate everything on the path. As a Terrier, they are bold and have a natural instinct to hunt small animals. They need to be on a leash or learn how to be recalled should small woodland animals cross your path.
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Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog is an athletic dog that loves both physical and mental exercises. This high-energy breed was developed to herd livestock in the rugged terrain of Australia so they are always up for an adventure. In fact the more challenging the terrain is where they can put their agility skills to the test the better they are for it. They are intelligent, obedient, robust, and can go for hours.
When hiking or camping with your dog, make sure you bring the proper gear so both you and your dog are comfortable. No matter how long your hike, make sure you bring fresh water and food for your dog. Fast running water may be OK for your dog to drink, but water sources in the wild may contain microbes or other harmful contaminants that can mess with their digestive system. And that’s not what you want to deal with ever, but especially not miles out in the woods.
If you have a larger dog, you can use a harness that functions as a backpack to help carry some of their supplies. (You’ll have to do the carrying for smaller dogs, but they generally prefer shorter hikes anyway.)
You should also be prepared with a strong leash and harness, a first aid kit, and poop bags. Other supplies to bring included a collapsible bowl for drinking water, a cooling or reflective vest, a towel and blanket, and insect repellent. And make sure your dog has an ID tag and is microchipped.
Ensure that your dog is shielded from diseases from ticks or other encounters on trail such as vaccinations and preventative flea and tick medication and heartworm medication. Also make sure that your dog is well-trained before setting out, as nature (both flora and fauna!) is fragile.
We can help you find that perfect hiking buddy! Browse our available puppies or reach out today!
