Tails from the trail and tips on training your human

The 9 Greatest Dogs for an Outdoorsy Life

By Maria Davidson on April 15, 2021

Outdoorsy Life - Happy Breath

We love the Outdoorsy Life!  Dogs are no strangers to the beauty and charm of the great outdoors. They can barely contain their excitement when they know they’re being taken out for a walk. We know that as much as your dog enjoys the stroll, you, the owner, are never far behind.

There is a general assumption that dog lovers and dog parents are extroverted types who love socializing, being outside, and making merry. While this does ring true to an extent, there are those who might as well shift almost all aspects of their lives outdoors. To them, we say, have we got the perfect canine buddy for you!

All dogs love being outdoors, but there are a few who are a cut above the rest. Read on to find out which one could potentially be your pal for some serious fun in the sun!

Labrador retriever

These dogs are a handful, and even more so outdoors. They love the water and are amazing swimmers. Although athletic and playful, they have been known to fall victim to conditions like hip dysplasia.

Labradors were originally bred to be companions for bird-hunting, and are thus naturally conditioned to be outside. After all, all that trapped energy needs to be put to good use!

They also have a tendency to gain a lot of weight though, so being outdoors might be more of a necessity than a frivolous predilection.

Alaskan malamute

This graceful dog is built to survive cold climates. They are known to love the cold so much that some owners have trouble getting their dogs back in the house after a fresh snowfall. Yes, they love playing in the snow!

Alaskan malamutes were actually bred to make life easy in the tundra. Made to pull sleds, it makes perfect sense as to why they love having a ball in the snow.

These dogs are susceptible to overheating, and it is thus advised that they be kept far away from warmer climates.

Since they are used to working, malamutes are not ones to enjoy a lot of rest. They are most comfortable being out and about, expending all that energy they house in that sturdy frame.

German shepherd

Like the Alaskan malamute, German shepherds are also full of energy. They are sporty by nature, and this is why they are kept on farms and preferred to have on trails.

They adapt well to both hot and cold climates, because their coat is just thick enough to provide insulation during the winter months, and not cause any overheating during the summer.

German shepherds are very outdoorsy, but they don’t like being by themselves. They’re one of the clingiest among the canines, and love their humans a bit too much.

Rhodesian ridgeback

This is the best friend you need if you live somewhere warm. They were originally used for hunting, and have come all the way from the African savannah.

Their coat isn’t fluffy and so reduces the risk of bugs or ticks getting caught in it while they’re chasing after squirrels. This also grants them low-maintenance status, which is balanced out by their stubborn nature. Because this can present many challenging situations, Rhodesian ridgebacks are not for novice owners.

Border collie

Considered one of the most intelligent dogs, their energy knows no bounds. Extremely agile, border collies are known to dart around and jump over things like it’s nobody’s business. This carefree attitude coupled with their hyperactivity is what makes them fun dogs to have around outdoors.

Take them along on a hike and they’ll show you what they’re made of by jumping across rivers and hopping on logs!

Jack Russell terrier

If you thought border collies were in a league of their own, you obviously haven’t come across the Jack Russell terrier.

These tiny dogs know how to pack a punch; they are amazing at obstacle courses and their agility will leave you spell-bound. They feed off of their interaction with you, and absolutely love it if you throw things for them to fetch.

Even though they are small in size, they are made for the outdoors. If you bring one home, you’ll be getting a walking buddy, a hiking hound, and a camping canine all rolled into one.

Papillon

It’s all about first impressions…not! Papillons can fool you much like the Jack Russell terrier in that they may be tiny, but have oodles of energy. They, too, are highly agile and are famously known for being so.

If you do take a leap of faith and bring this dog home, you can be sure to expect days to go by simply watching them be their energetic selves.

Bernese mountain dog

If the name itself wasn’t a dead giveaway, Bernese mountain dogs are gentle dogs that will go the distance with you, literally and otherwise.

Originally used by Swiss weavers to pull carts, the Bernese will be more than happy to accompany you on hiking trails and evening walks.

These dogs are docile and disciplined enough for you to allow them to walk without a leash. They may not be powerhouses of energy, but then again, that’s not all there is to being an outdoorsy pooch.

Australian cattle dog

The Australian cattle dog has all the makings of a great outdoor dog. They love sprinting across open pastures, and are scrappy by nature.

They may have trouble being around people and other animals, so if you want to take them out frequently, make sure to help with their socialization skills.

This dog is also stubborn like the Rhodesian ridgeback, and might not work well with first-time dog owners.

If you do add one to your family, make sure they exercise daily because that’s a surefire way to keep them happy.

Whether you’re in the market for a new pup, or looking to add a new member to your canine family, there are no wrong decisions when it comes to giving an animal a loving home. Remember: adopt, don’t shop!

by Maria A Davidson

We are in business to provide great products for the outdoorsy hikers, campers and their dogs; and to help clean our parks, rivers and oceans for a better planet earth for hikers and their dogs.

Parks Clean

Parks are high-traffic areas in most cities. This means that trash is bound to show up in and around your park and playground.

When discussing ways your family can help clean your local park, don’t overlook a literal cleanup! Picking up trash will make a huge difference in the appearance and vibe of your park. A clean area will encourage others to keep the park pristine. When picking up trash and debris, make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself, and put trash in appropriate receptacles or lawn bags. You can also contact your local trash company to schedule a pickup when you are finished.

Rivers Clean

The storm drain on your street collects the water from your roof, driveway, and sidewalk and funnels it directly in your local lake or river. Nutrients from grass and leaves, pet waste, and fertilizers “enrich” our lakes and streams — feeding algae blooms and harming fish. Chemicals from washing your car in the drive and household chemical spills add up, taking a nasty toll on our favorite swimming areas and fishing spots. Soil can also be picked up by runoff, reducing the clarity of water and hurting fish.

So as you prepare your lawn and garden, here are a few helpful tips to keep our lakes and rivers beautiful and safe for all of us.

  • Use mulch and vegetation to keep soil from washing away.
  • Sweep or rake grass and leaves away from street curbs.
  • Mulch and compost grass clippings and leaves.
  • Keep paved surfaces to a minimum.
  • Capture water runoff with a rain garden and rain barrels.
  • Wash your car on the grass, where the water will get filtered.
  • Keep chemicals away from storm drains.
  • Collect your pet’s waste.
  • Aim your rain-gutter downspouts onto grass.

Beaches Clean (do it for the ocean)

In 2007, the United States Senate and House of Representatives passed the National Clean Beaches Week Resolution to recognize the value of beaches to the American way of life and the important contributions of beaches to the economy, recreation, and natural environment of the United States.

Clean Beaches Week, celebrated annually July 1-7, offers the perfect opportunity to encourage stewardship and volunteerism along our coastlines. But where do you even begin? Follow these tips to get started.

  • Identify a clean-up site. Choose a place that needs some TLC, making sure that volunteers can safely access the site. Get permission, if needed, for your clean-up event, perhaps from the local parks agency.
  • Choose a site coordinator. (That might be you!) A beach clean-up takes a lot of work and needs an organized person to keep everything on track before, during, and after the event.
  • Visit the site in advance. The coordinator will need to know where to set up a volunteer check-in station, where to leave trash and recyclables, and what area(s) volunteers will clean.
  • Gather supplies. Depending on your location, you’ll need supplies such as trash bags, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, wipes, and large coolers of water. You should also provide (or ask volunteers to bring) items such as reusable work/garden gloves, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray.
  • Plan how to handle the recyclables. Reach out to recyclers in your area (and perhaps your community’s solid waste departments) to make arrangements for accepting any glass, plastic, and aluminum that you collect.
  • Line up event partners. Contact local businesses for donations of drinks, food, and supplies. Ask a local solid waste hauler to donate their services for trash removal.
  • Plan for handling hazardous waste. Determine how you’ll dispose of any medical and sewage waste you might find. One solution: A wide-mouth container with a tight-fitting lid, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Clearly label that it contains hazardous waste.
  • Get volunteers to help. Recruit friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Create an event on Facebook and ask volunteers to sign up online. This will give you an idea of how many people to expect and will help communicate event details.
  • Stay safe. Be prepared for a variety of health emergencies, from minor cuts and scrapes to heat stroke.
  • Take photos! Post pics online to share the success of your event and recognize volunteers for their hard work.
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