Hiking with a dog can be one of life’s true joys. The crunch of leaves under paws. The shared sunrise from a ridge. The companionship through rugged passes. But not every dog is built for the trail. So, I have picked 21 dog breeds that are well-suited for hiking.
#1 Labrador Retriever
The breed’s origins can be traced back to the St. John’s water dog. It was long employed as a duck retriever and a fisherman’s mate. Now, Labs are being used extensively as assistance and guide dogs. So, with proper training, Labrador Retrievers can make good hikers.
#2 German Shepherd
The breed was officially developed in Germany in the late 19th century. German shepherds were used as dogs to protect flocks and herd sheep. GSDs make great trail companions, but not early in life.
#3 Australian Shepherd
It is a breed of herding dog that was initially developed in the US in the 1800s. In addition to herding, Aussies are now used as police and search and rescue dogs. Well-trained Australian Shepherds can easily hike up to 15 miles.
#4 Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were originally companions to the Chukchi people of the Chukotka Peninsula. I love how smart and quite active Huskies are. You should know that they were primarily used for herding reindeer and pulling sleds. You can use Huskies for any sport or activity involving running, and pulling is especially well-suited for Huskies.
#5 Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese is one of the four Swiss mountain dogs that were originally bred in the Swiss Alps to help farmers with herding and carting. As you can see, Bernese Mountain Dogs are born for mountain trails.
#6 Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a sturdy, muscular dog of medium size that is an excellent swimmer. Goldies also make excellent running and hiking partners.
#7 Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a unique creation of southern Africa that has a particularly athletic breed and loves to run. They were bred to run up to 30 miles per day.
Editor’s Pick
#8 Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a fearless dog that was developed for the nobility in the early 19th century. It may be used to track, point to, flush, or retrieve game. The Weimaraner has great stamina and can work for long hours.
#9 Vizsla
The Vizsla was developed by the Magyars for waterfowl retrieving as well as for work on upland game. Vizslas are high-energy dogs that can hike up to 40 miles a day.
#10 Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a British breed of small terrier developed in England for hunting foxes both below and above ground. They can chase their prey for long periods. Therefore, hiking is no problem for Jack Russell Terriers.
#11 Miniature Pinscher
It is a German breed of small dog of Pinscher type with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. The Miniature Pinscher is lively, alert, confident and loves running and hiking.
#12 Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute originated in the cold mountainous regions of Alaska. Alaskan Malamutes were used to run over large distances at low speeds. Hence, hiking is no problem for Malamutes.
#13 Border Collie
The Border Collie originated in Northumberland, and it was bred for herding sheep. The breed is capable of doing physical work for 12 hours a day. Border collies are also known to be among the most intelligent of dogs.
#14 Dalmatian
The Dalmatian originated in Dalmatia, a region in Croatia. It was known as a carriage escort and guardian. They keep a vigilant eye and ear out for possible dangers. This makes the Dalmatian an excellent dog to take with you while hiking.
#15 English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog in the Spaniel family with great energy, stamina, and brains. A hunting companion used to flush game, the English Springer Spaniel will happily trail with you.
#16 Harrier
Developed in England as a working dog to hunt hare, Harriers make great companions on hikes.
#17 White Swiss Shepherd Dog
White Swiss Shepherds are very athletic and like to work. They also need a lot of daily exercise and don’t have a tendency to run away.
#18 Australian Cattle Dog
It is a breed of herding dog developed in Australia with great endurance. They are generally considered to make a solid family pet as well as an excellent hiking companion.
#19 Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog originated from the Algarve region of Portugal and is well known for its friendly personality. They are friendly to strangers and enjoy being petted. They usually stay in proximity to their owners, making them perfect for hiking companions.
#20 Carpathian Shepherd Dog
The Carpathian Shepherd Dog has a strong, wolfish-type head and originated in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. They are used by the Romanian shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains to guard the camps and defend the herds.
#21 Beagle
The Beagle is a small breed of scent hound initially used for hunting rabbits and hares. With training, Beagles can hike up to 10 miles per day.