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Dog Breeds for Hiking | If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to adopt a dog, you may want to consider dog breeds suitable for hiking activities. While most dogs love being outdoors, hiking requires a lot more energy than going for a simple walk in the park. This is why you must look into a larger and stronger breed with high amounts of stamina and energy.
For instance, dog breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Chihuahuas are not suitable for long hikes due to a lack of endurance or other respiratory issues. However, once you find the right breed, it’s also important to keep additional aspects in mind before you set out on your journey. You may want to keep a dog-safe tick spray, a first-aid kit, and plenty of water to keep your dog hydrated.
Furthermore, going on hikes with your dog has many benefits. It helps form a good exercise routine for both your dog and you, along with some great opportunities to bond. Therefore, if you are looking for a partner to go on a trail, here are some of the best dog breeds for hiking.
When it comes to hiking, border collies are known to be the most energetic and also the strongest. Due to these qualities, they can keep up with long trails. Both climbers and hikers can enjoy the perks of border collie’s easy trainability and intelligence.
Moreover, they are known to be smart and love taking bigger challenges, making them the perfect companions for serious hikers. Make sure to give them plenty of physical and mental exercise on days you do not plan to go on trails.
If you’re looking for a companion who can withstand the roughest of conditions, a Rhodesian ridgeback certainly fits the criteria. This rugged companion is a popular choice as a house pet these days, but earlier, it was hyped by African lion hunters for its agility and strength.
From climbing and hiking to hunting, this fellow is nothing less than a show stopper among some of the best dog breeds for hiking.
However, if you are new to dog ownership, you must know that a Rhodesian ridgeback needs much more obedience training and socialization than any other breed. Due to its aloof and independent nature, you may see this dog slightly hesitant around strangers, but once they find their way, you can trust them with their strength.
Without German shorthaired pointers, your list for the best dog breeds is probably incomplete. They’re not only your steadfast hiking companions but also a great choice for hunting.
They’re extremely energetic; however, they need a lot of physical activity to stay constructive and avoid anxiety. All in all, they’re one of the most loving and friendly companions known for their endurance and agility.
Due to their vigorous nature, Labrador retrievers need a lot of physical activity. They can withstand rough conditions and also love being outdoors for the most of their day.
However, apart from retrieving animals for hunting purposes, they will also run through fields, dive into the water, and basically do anything that allows them to explore their strength. Hence, Labrador retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for hiking and long treks.
According to a common misconception, big dogs are better suited to long hikes as compared to smaller ones. However, this is far from the truth. Even though Jack Russell Terrier is small in size, it isn’t behind any breed in terms of strength and energy.
In fact, it happens to be a highly driven and also incredibly intelligent hiking buddy for you. It reflects the energy of a big dog in a compact body and has been bred for vermin hunting.
Since it has a high prey drive, activities like hiking trips are the best ways for this little pup to spend its time. However, just like large breeds, it also requires extensive physical and mental exercise to avoid getting destructive.
As the name suggests, Bernese mountain dogs thrive in cooler temperatures outdoors and are alpine natives. Compared to other dog breeds, they cannot tolerate hot and humid temperatures. The reason why it’s a great climbing and hiking buddy for you is that it’s bred to pull carts along the Alps.
However, if you’re new to the breed, it does carry a few health concerns, such as bloating and dysplasia. Therefore, you must get it checked by a veterinarian before you set out on a hike to make sure it can take on a strenuous task.
Australian cattle dogs were originally bred to herd cattle, making them just the right amount of outdoorsy and tough for your liking. One of the best features about them is how loyal they are to their owners, making them a great companion for you to take along on trails.
Apart from hiking, they’re also well-suited to other activities such as camping or walking along the beach. However, make sure to bring all the necessary things along if you wish to have a good time. Things you should bring along include water, food, and a first-aid kit.
Siberian huskies are a great choice for hikers with a laidback approach. Not only are they independent and mischievous but also deceptively clever, which is all the more reason to have them in your list of the best dog breeds for hiking. Originally bred in northeastern Asia, this breed has built a natural resistance to cold temperatures and can survive even in snow.
This is why their energy levels are high enough to go on a hiking journey for as long as you like. However, note that insufficient mental and physical energy could cause them to run away or get destructive as a way to protest.