If you are a dog owner who takes your dog everywhere, having a dog with a similar temperament will help. If you enjoy hiking, climbing, or going camping, having a dog with a similar energy level and physical aptitude is an excellent option.
Most dogs enjoy being outside, and many, regardless of breed, make excellent hiking companions. However, in order to have a fantastic outing, especially if your dog will be off-leash, ensure that your dog can obey your directions and stay with you. In dangerous situations, such as encounters with wildlife or hazardous plants, the dog must be alert.
Characteristics of the Breed
Active, high-energy dogs who have been bred for long hours of work outside in a variety of weather situations are generally your best bet for hiking partners. Working dogs, hunting (sporting) dogs, herding dogs, and mountain dogs are examples of this group. Before you let these dogs off-leash, they must be obedient, clever, and have excellent recall skills.
We have a list of breeds that are hardworking dogs who should be able to join you on the trails if you’re an outdoor junkie seeking for a devoted friend.
The Border Collie
The ever-popular border collie would be missing from any list of lively dog breeds. The border collie is a no-brainer for anyone looking for an exercise partner because of its intellect, work drive, and activity level. The border collie’s intelligence and trainability can aid both hikers and climbers. It will be simple to teach it to run off-leash on the trails. The border collie could be a wonderful option for you if you can provide lots of mental and physical exercise on days when you aren’t on the trails or summiting a peak.
Overview of the Breed
- Herding is a group (AKC)
- 18 to 22 inches in height
- WEIGHT: 28 to 48 lbs.
- COAT AND COLOR: Medium-sized; rough or smooth medium-length double coat; body somewhat longer than height; solid, bicolor, tricolor, merle, or sable. Black, blue, blue merle, brindle, gold, lilac, red, or red merle are the most common colors (with or without patches of white)
- LIFE EXPECTANCY: TEN TO SEVENTEEN YEARS
Walker Coonhound Treeing
The treeing walker coonhound is a surprisingly agile climber that can readily negotiate rough hiking terrain if you don’t mind a loud dog on the trail. Treeing walker coonhounds, like their hound brothers, are active canines with a good sense of prey. Because of its strong hunting instincts, you should keep this dog on a long leash until you are confident that it can be trusted around squirrels, birds, and other wildlife.
Breed Overview
- HOUND GROUP (AKC)
- HEIGHT: 20-27-INCHES
- WEIGHT: 45-80 pound
- COAT COLOR: White, black, and tan; smooth, lustrous coat
- EXPECTED LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12–14 YEARS
Ridgeback Rhodesian
The Rhodesian ridgeback may be an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a more rugged companion. African lion hunters promoted the Rhodesian ridgeback, but it is now a popular domestic pet. Their power and mobility serve them well in everything from lion hunting to mountaineering and mountain climbing. Those who are new to dog ownership should be aware that the Rhodesian ridgeback requires a lot of socialization and obedience training while they are puppies. This dog’s independence and aloof nature can make it apprehensive of strangers, and its strength is nothing to scoff at.
Breed Overview
- SPECIES: HUNDS (AKC)
- HEIGHT: 25-26 INCHES
- WEIGHT: 65-90 pound
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, sleek coat in light wheaten to red wheaten; little white markings possible; black mask possible.
- EXPECTED LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 YEARS
Australian Sheepdog
The Australian shepherd, another must-have on high-energy dog lists, is a lively and nimble friend who enjoys outdoor adventures. The Aussie, like its border collie relative, is a herder with seemingly boundless energy. Because the Aussie is work-oriented and enjoys a challenge, devising games to play along the route will provide this dog with a well-rounded and rigorous day of exercise. An Aussie, like a border collie, requires plenty of daily activity—one hike a week will not suffice. However, if properly exercised and trained, this dog will make you a happy dog owner.
Overview of the Breed
- Herding is a group (AKC)
- HEIGHT: 18-23 INCHES
- WEIGHT: 40-65 pound
- COAT AND COLOR: Blue merle, red merle, black, or red with a medium to long coat; all colors may have white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
- EXPECTED LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13–15 YEARS
Shorthaired German Pointer
Another dependable hunting companion, the German shorthaired pointer is a high-energy dog that is ideal for trekking adventures. Pointers, like other hunters, thrive when given lots of activity and make excellent friends. This dog, most known for its agility and stamina, requires a lot of daily activity to keep it from getting nervous and destructive.
Breed Overview
- GROUP: ATHLETIC (AKC)
- HEIGHT: 21–25 INCHES
- WEIGHT: 45-70 pound
- COAT AND COLOR: Tough, short coat that is either solid liver or a blend of liver and white.
- EXPECTED LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12–14 YEARS
Terrier Jack Russell
If big dogs aren’t your thing but you still want a fun hiking companion, the Jack Russell terrier is the dog for you. The Jack Russell has the personality of a large dog in a small, 15-pound body. He is high-energy, high-drive, and extremely bright. Because the Jack Russell was designed for vermin hunting and has a high prey drive, long periods of activity, such as hiking vacations, are a dream come true for this breed.
The Jack Russell terrier is headstrong and extremely bright, despite its small size. If not intellectually and physically exercised, this breed can become destructive. However, if you can commit to daily training and exercise, the Jack Russell is an excellent outdoor companion.
Overview of the Breed
- BREED: TERRIER (AKC)
- 10 to 15 INCHES HEIGHT
- WEIGHT: 13–17 pound
- COAT AND COLOR: White with black, tan, or brown patterns; short coat that can be silky or rough.
- AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13–18 YEARS
Pinscher miniature
The tiny pinscher, or min pin, is another small dog with a huge personality. It is a lively companion for the determined, strong-willed owner. Min pins are ferocious animals crammed into a 10-pound body. The min pin’s outgoing, adventurous disposition makes it an excellent adventure companion. Though the min pin lacks the endurance of the Jack Russell terrier, its much smaller form allows you to pick it up and carry it if it tires.
Breed Overview
- TYPE: TOY (AKC)
- 10 to 12 INCHES HEIGHT
- WEIGHT: 7 to 11 lbs.
- COAT AND COLOR: Short, sleek coat in red, black, and rust, as well as chocolate and rust.
- EXPECTED LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12–16 YEARS