The Best Dogs for Hiking: Top 10 Breeds

Are you an outdoorsy person? Do you love spending your Saturdays or Sundays going on hikes throughout the city? If you are eager to get a companion that is a fan of hiking like you, then you’re probably wondering which dog breeds are ones that are perfect to take with you when you go hiking. The best dogs for hiking are larger breeds, as smaller ones will most likely get tired after a short while. But which dog breeds are perfect for hikes? Let’s take a look at the top 10 best dogs for hiking.

1. Siberian Husky

• Traits: Energetic, adventurous, resilient
• Best For: Cold weather hikes, long-distance trails, and high-energy activities

Siberian Huskies were originally bred for long-distance running and harsh weather, which today, makes them ideal hiking companions for cold or snowy trails. They have a lot of energy and love being outdoors, meaning they’ll thrive on challenging hikes. Huskies are extremely intelligent and independent, so they do best with experienced owners who can handle their strong-willed nature.

2. Labrador Retriever

• Traits: Friendly, athletic, versatile
• Best For: Hiking near water, long hikes, family-friendly hikes

Labradors are known for their friendly and social personalities, which makes them great companions on trails. They are also quite strong and are able to handle long hikes and different terrains. Because they love water, they are also perfect for hiking near lakes or streams, and their loyal nature means they’ll stick close to you. Labs are also easy to train so they will be responsive on trails.

3. Australian Shepherd

• Traits: Agile, intelligent, energetic
• Best For: Challenging hikes with varied terrain, high-energy hikes, and long-distance trails

Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy, so they thrive on mental and physical challenges, perfect for complex and varied hiking trails. They can also handle steep inclines, technical paths, and rugged terrain. Aussies are loyal, stay close to their owner, and excel at tasks like carrying gear or following advanced commands.

4. German Shepherd

• Traits: Loyal, strong, obedient
• Best For: Long hikes, rough terrain, and cooler climates

German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Their strong build and stamina allows them to handle challenging trails. They can carry packs and equipment, making them useful for longer expeditions. And because German Shepherds are highly trainable, they will stick close to their owner and can adapt to a variety of hiking conditions.

5. Border Collie

• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, focused
• Best For: Long, active hikes, technical trails, agility tasks on the trail

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and agile dog breeds. They are known for their incredible stamina and agility. Border Collies are very active and love problem-solving, so they thrive in outdoor activities that involve obstacles and changing conditions. Their high energy levels require regular, intense exercise, and hiking is an ideal outlet for them.

6. Bernese Mountain Dog

• Traits: Strong, gentle, durable
• Best For: Mountain hikes, cold weather, and hiking with heavy packs

Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, strong dogs that were originally bred for working in the mountains. They can handle rough, mountainous terrain and thrive in cooler climates. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for being gentle and calm, making them easy companions for hiking. They are also well-suited for carrying packs and equipment on long hikes. Their thick coats protect them in colder environments, but they don’t fare as well in hot weather.

7. Vizsla

• Traits: Energetic, affectionate, athletic
• Best For: Fast-paced hikes, long-distance trails, and warm-weather hiking

Vizslas are quite energetic dogs and need regular exercise. They also love to run and explore, so this will make them great companions for fast-paced or long-distance hikes. Their slim, muscular build allows them to cover a lot of ground quickly, and they have great stamina. Vizslas are also affectionate and form strong bonds with their owners, so they’ll stay close by on the trail.

8. Rhodesian Ridgeback

• Traits: Strong, independent, enduring
• Best For: Warm climates, long-distance hikes, and challenging terrain

Originally bred for hunting lions in Africa, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are strong, independent dogs with a lot of stamina. They can handle long distances and rough terrain with ease. Their short coats also make them well-suited for hiking in warm climates. These dogs are independent thinkers, but they also require consistent training to stay focused. Lastly, Rhodesians excel at long, rugged hikes.

9. Alaskan Malamute

• Traits: Strong, resilient, adventurous
• Best For: Cold-weather hikes, rugged terrain, and long-distance hiking

The Alaskan Malamute is built for cold weather and endurance. These dogs are known for their ability to pull heavy loads and thrive on this intense physical activity. Malamutes do better in colder environments. Their love of the outdoors makes them excellent companions for long hikes, especially if you’re out in the snow or in mountainous regions. They require a lot of exercise, so long hikes will help them burn off energy.

10. Jack Russell Terrier

• Traits: Energetic, fearless, adventurous
• Best For: Short, fast-paced hikes, rough terrain, and small-space hiking adventures

Although small, Jack Russell Terriers are incredibly energetic and they love exploring. These dogs have a fearless personality and do great at keeping up on long or challenging hikes. They are great for people who want a smaller hiking companion with big energy. Their smaller size also makes them easier to transport to hiking locations. Lastly, their stamina allows them to handle surprisingly tough terrain.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, these are the best dogs for hiking. Each of these dog breeds have unique traits that make them fantastic hiking companions. whether it’s their stamina, strength, intelligence, or love for the outdoors, they will be happy being there with you by your side. Of course, when choosing the best hiking dog for you, think about the type of hikes you enjoy — from mountainous terrains to long-distance trails. Always match the breed to your lifestyle and outdoor preferences. At the end of the day, you and your pup will be hiking great trails.