13 Best Dogs For Hiking: Your Great Trail Partners

We know that being a single pet parent, it’s tough for you to make certain decisions. For instance, if you love to go hiking, you have to think twice as your dog will stay alone in your home. Thus, if you are an adventurer, you should choose a breed that is compatible with your wild side. 

Various dog breeds love to go for adventures. To be precise, if you take them for hiking, they will become happy. It is their natural instinct that makes them the perfect dog for hiking. Besides, if you can get any of those breeds, you don’t have to worry about their loneliness. They will become your best partner for your adventure trips. 

All the breeds that we are going to discuss are medium-large size breeds. However, the size varies depending on the individual dog. So, let us take a look at the dog breeds that are great compatible with hiking. 

1. Border Collie

If you are thinking of getting a dog that can tag along with you in your hiking trips, a Border Collie is one of the best options. It is intelligent, energetic, smart, and agile. They will be happy if you can keep them busy.

And to keep them busy, nothing can come better than hiking. Besides, they are always aware of their surroundings.

One of the impressive parts of Border Collie is that their prey drive is quite low. Hence, you don’t have to worry about their nearest critter. 

2. Siberian Husky

When it comes to energy, Siberian Huskies have tonnes of it. And for that reason, there is a possibility that you will get tired before them. Their body structure, strength, and energy allow them to cover several miles in a single day.

Hence, your hiking is just a warm-up for them. In addition, huskies are a great family dog as well. Even if you have other pets in your home, huskies will live happily with them.

Well, if you have a Husky in your house, you have to be quite precise about their fur. If you live in a place with a warm climate, you may have to take some steps before hiking. 

3. Vizsla

Vizsla is one of the underrated dogs that can accompany you in hiking. Hungary is the origin of these dogs. They are one of the favorite dogs amongst the hunters. They are known as gun dogs, and they are brilliant pointers. Besides, Vizslas are one of the finest city dogs.

Trainability is one of the most impressive features of these dogs. Also, they are amongst the very few breeds who will do just fine without the leash. Hence, they are your perfect partner for adventures and Hiking. 

4. Labrador Retriever

Are you looking for the perfect dog for hiking? Labrador Retriever is the dog for you. It will not be fair if we don’t incorporate Labrador Retriever on the list.

They love adventure the most, and they are also considered as one of the best family dogs. They are not only well-behaved, but they are also intelligent.

So, if you take your Labrador for hiking, altercations with other dogs will not take place.

Also, compared to other dogs, you will find it easier to groom your dog after hiking. The reason is that they have short hair. Besides, you can also check for bugs and ticks easily. 

5. Dalmatian

Dalmatian is an unexpected inclusion in the list. Most of us know dalmatians as Disney dogs. Also, they are known for working in the fire department. However, recently we found that dalmatians are great hikers as well.

Endurance is their forte of Dalmatians. So, you will get tired while hiking, but your dog will not get tired. Also, just like the Border Collies, their prey drive is quite low.

Well, one thing you have to keep in mind that their coat is a bit thin. They are compatible with warm weather. However, if you live in a place with a cold climate, you should carry their sweater with you. These dogs are quite friendly with strangers. 

6. Australian Shepherd

Another dog that will go hiking with you is the Australian Shepherd. The best part of these breeds is that they are obedient as well as hard working. They are a herding breed used to organize the sheep. Their fur allows them to stay comfortable in both hot and cold weather.

Besides, they have the ability to find out the steep as well as rocky terrains. And that makes them the most convenient companion while hiking. Also, they are always high on energy and quick learners. However, you have to give some extra efforts to make them understand that they are the pack leaders. 

7. Standard Poodle

Seeing a poodle in the list is a bit surprising, right? Well, there are various facts about a poodle that we don’t know. Let us check those facts. It will give you a clear idea about this breed. 

• After Border Collie, they are the second smartest dog on the list. 
• The purpose of their funny hair is to float precisely while retrieving.
• These dogs are used for hunting. 

Poodles are one of the family-friendly breeds that you can train easily. Also, poodles are capable of handling cold temperatures.

Besides, one of the outstanding parts of Poodle is that they are hypoallergenic. Therefore, wherever you go for hiking, they will not shed. One thing you have to keep in mind is that they are quite sensitive.

And for that reason, you should avoid harsh training sessions with them. 

8. Weimaraner

The Weimaraner breed is one of the best dogs for hunting. One of the intriguing parts of this dog breed is that it can work for hours in the outdoors.

To be specific, they love doing outdoor activities. Besides, there are several other traits of this dog, which makes it a perfect dog for hiking.

For instance, Weimaraners are affectionate as well as loyal. Also, they are fun-loving dogs, and again that proves that they are one of the best-hiking partners that you will get.

It doesn’t matter if you are going for long or short excursions, they will do well.

9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Pembroke Welsh Corgis are the best option if you are looking for a small dog for hiking. They are known for their capability to herd cattle. According to various studies, Corgis originated in the arctic region.

Despite their origin, Corgis are also compatible with heat. So, whenever you are hiking with your Corgi, keep some shades as well as some water with you. They also have an impressive personality as well as energy levels.

Therefore, they are one of the perfect small dogs that are capable of hiking. 

10. Rhodesian Ridgeback

This dog comes from the land of Africa. The breeding purpose of this dog was to hunt lions. And that trait earned them the nickname of ‘Navy SEALS of dogs’. They are reserved yet loyal dogs.

One of the enthralling traits of these dogs is that they can run for hours. It doesn’t matter how tough the terrain is, they can run effortlessly. If you are living in a hot and humid climate, you can consider this dog to be the most convenient companion. 

11. German Shorthaired Pointer

This dog belongs to the sporting group. Therefore, you can consider it to be your ideal hiking companion. People developed this breed for the purpose of hunting. Even today, this dog is used for hunting.

The best part about the German Shorthaired Pointer is that they are compatible with all types of climates. Besides, they can also perform long hours of activities without getting tired.

This is what makes them suitable for hiking. They are also social and will always try to please you. To be precise, they are always eager for adventures as well as making new friends.

12. The Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog has various traits. This breed is an intelligent breed that comes with an athletic body.

Besides, they are full of life and energy. They are considered to be one of the best breeds when it comes to herding. They also participate in various dog sports such as agility and obedience.

They always stay active. So, if you can provide them with a lot of exercise places, they will be the happiest.

You can consider them to be great hiking partners as they have intelligence, energy, and agility. They are also quite loyal and love to stay around people.

13. Bernese Mountain Dog

The Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle as well as large. Besides, they are very powerful dogs. The most impressive attribute of this dog is that they love to make friends. They are always eager to make friends. In earlier days, these dogs were used as cattle drovers in the cold Swiss apps.

Apart from that, they also used to serve the purpose of drafting. Doing strenuous activities is the forte of this dog. And that makes it a great companion when it comes to hiking. Moreover, they are obedient and loyal. So, when you take them from hiking you don’t have to worry about anything.