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There’s nothing quite like hiking. Climbing a mountain or experiencing trails through your favorite forest can improve your mental health and leave you feeling empowered.
While hiking is okay to do for yourself or with your friends, have you ever thought about bringing your dog with you? Dogs spend a lot of time cooped up indoors, and even if you let them roam around outside, it might not be enough stimulation for them.
That said, it’s important to know what the best hiking dog is for a specific situation to avoid any problems. For example, any dog can walk on a scenic trail, but not all dogs can make it through a rock scramble.
The good news is that we’re here to help. We’ll take you through some of the best hiking dog breeds to accompany you on your next adventure. Read on to learn more below.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Hiking Dog
The beauty of hiking is that there is usually a trail for every dog. Some trails are more scenic and don’t have any obstacles or elevation gain, whereas other trails may be more strenuous and challenging.
While most dogs can be hiking dogs, not every dog can handle every trail, so it’s important to have an understanding of what some breeds can and can’t handle before you adopt. Thankfully, we’re here to help with some factors to consider before choosing the best hiking dog.
The Type of Trail
One of the biggest factors you have to consider is the type of trail. While any dog breed can handle a simple walk through the woods, some breeds will struggle to make it over steep rocks.
Additionally, short-nosed breeds might not have the stamina to make it up steep inclines or to walk on hiking trails for long periods. For this reason, you’re better off taking medium-sized dogs like German shepherds or labradors on long hikes or hikes that have steep inclines.
That said, if you only plan on going on short and simple trails, you don’t have to worry about the breed.
Size of the Dog
When you’re hiking the size of the dog plays a role. Larger dogs fare better on steep hills and rock scrambles, while small dogs might not have large enough legs to climb from rock to rock.
The ideal size for hiking steep inclines is a medium-sized dog that has a lot of stamina; like a border collie or a Labrador. Breeds that are too large can run out of stamina fast, so keep this in mind as well.
Climate
The climate is important when you consider a hiking dog breed. If you’re hiking in hot or cold conditions some dogs might struggle, although you have more leeway in colder temperatures because you can always bring a jacket for them.
On the other hand, you have to choose the right breed if you plan on hiking in hot weather or the dog can have heat stroke or will need to stop for frequent panting breaks. Therefore, larger breeds native to warm climates like the Rhodesian ridgeback make great hiking dogs in warmer areas.
On the other hand, in below-freezing conditions, a Siberian or Alaskan husky might be the best option.
The 10 Best Hiking Dogs
Every dog breed can be a good hiking dog with the right training but this also depends on the trail you choose. Plus, some dog breeds fare better than others when it comes to prolonged strenuous activity.
While it can be hard to choose a hiking dog at first, the good news is that we’re here to help. We cover the best hiking dogs below. The breeds we cover will have advantages and disadvantages, so make sure you consider where you plan on hiking before you get started.
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is the best hiking dog breed if you want to climb mountains. As their name suggests, these dogs are bred to handle mountain terrain, climb rocks, and hike long trails with plenty of endurance. In fact, they were bred in the cold Swiss Alps to herd cattle, so they can handle quite a bit of climate variation and vigorous activity.
While they’re not the best short-burst athletes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how long a Bernese mountain dog can last when you go hiking. Their large frame also makes it easy for them to handle obstacles on mountains and their large legs can handle steep stairs that you’ll find on climbs like Bear Mountain in New York.
When it comes to training, Bernese mountain dogs are exceptional at learning complex commands and waking without a leash, since they were bred for cattle herding. Plus, they don’t have the biggest prey drive, so you won’t have to worry about them running off at the first sign of a squirrel.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Plan on taking a hike in warmer areas or love going long distances in the hot summer months? A Rhodesian ridgeback is the best hiking dog for you. These dogs are strong, easy to train, and have no problem navigating rock scrambles or even doing a little bit of steep climbing.
Thanks to the Rhodesian ridgeback’s heritage and time spent in Africa, the breed is adept at handling hot temperatures without getting tired or needing to cook down. Therefore, if you plan on hiking in warm climates you can’t go wrong with this breed.
When it comes to training, the Rhodesian ridgeback is also a great choice for hiking, even if you don’t hike in hot climates. These dogs were bred to chase lions in Africa, yes lions, so they can handle complex commands and work with you without a leash.
That said, they do have a prey drive and you should have them manage this behavior before bringing them on hikes without a leash.
3. Labrador Retriever
Whether you’re bringing a chocolate lab or an English Labrador retriever with you, any labrador breed can be the best hiking dog for your situation. They don’t struggle with much and can handle warm, cold, and even extreme temperatures for short periods.
What’s more, Labrador retrievers are medium-sized dogs and that makes it easy for them to climb rocks and handle harsh terrain. With a muscular build and long legs, they also have the lung capacity and strength to handle longer hikes.
When it comes to training, you don’t have to worry about the Labrador retriever. They can learn complex commands and have a people-pleasing personality, so they love to learn. With positive reinforcement training and a few slow hikes to start, you shouldn’t have any issues with a Labrador retriever.
4. Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd is another great hiking dog breed. This breed can come as a full-size Australian shepherd or a toy Aussie and both sizes are great for hiking but in different ways.
Larger Australian shepherds are perfect for steep climbs, stairs, or mountain climbing, while toy Aussies are better for flat trails that are more for appreciating nature. That said, both variations have the potential to be the best hiking dog for your situation and it’s nice that you have options.
What makes the Australian shepherd shine is its trainability. It’s an easy breed to train and you don’t have to worry about loyalty because they’re fiercely loyal.
The only drawback for the Australian shepherd is that they do get defensive over their human companions, so you might want to focus on behavioral training or avoid trails that are packed with other hikers; they won’t harm anyone but they can bark.
5. Alaska or Siberian Husky
The husky breed, whether Alaskan or Siberian, is perfect for long hikes in cold climates. If you plan on hiking to the top of mountains like Stowe Pinnacle in the winter months, it’s a good idea to bring a husky breed with you.
We’re not saying that other breeds can’t handle the cold, but huskies handle it the best. In fact, Alaskan huskies are known for pulling sleds hundreds of miles in cold temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about them freezing or getting too tired as you venture to the top of a mountain.
As for training, huskies respond well to positive reinforcement but they’re not always the easy dogs to train. It might be best to seek professional training help if you can’t get them to respond to your commands.
One tip we have is that you should assert dominance and act as the pack leader to earn their respect. That said, once you do get them to listen they can handle complex commands, hike without a leash, and conquer almost any trail.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German shorthaired pointer is one of the best hiking dog breeds and one of the best athletic breeds overall. These dogs were bred in Germany for hunting, tracking, and ultimately covering a lot of ground – and fast.
The German shorthaired pointer is still a hunting dog at heart today but they also love to go on adventures and handle harsh terrain. You shouldn’t have any issues with them regardless of the climate or elevation gain of your next hike.
As for training, German shorthaired pointers are also great at learning commands. You’ll find that they have no issues learning complex commands and they can walk or run with you on long hikes with or without a leash.
German shorthaired pointers also have another advantage over some other breeds, which is their eagerness to please their human companions. This makes the training process a breeze.
7. Border Collie
Border collies are energetic, medium-sized dogs that live for adventure, long walks, and intense playing sessions. Your average border collie will enjoy a run, hike up a mountain, or even a long walk through nature to appreciate the views. This makes them one of the best hiking dog breeds if you’re someone who likes variety.
Border collies are also strong enough to handle most obstacles and hardy enough to handle most climates, whether they be cold, warm, or even extreme.
When it comes to training, border collies are easy to train and shouldn’t give you any problems with off-leash or on-leash training. The only drawback for this breed is that you need to find a reliable way to expend their energy if you don’t plan on hiking. Make sure you help them get 60-90 minutes of intense exercise each day for the best results.
8. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner was bred as a hunting dog to work long hours outside. They’re great at chasing animals, tracking people, and traversing harsh terrain to get the job done.
What makes the Weimaraner a great hiking dog is their endurance, strong muscles, and medium size. You’ll never have to worry about coming across an obstacle that they can’t handle. Furthermore, their legs are large enough to handle challenging stairs without tiring too fast.
Weimaraners are also a breeze to train. The advantage of their hunting dog heritage is that they’re easy to train. That said, their hunting heritage also comes with a disadvantage; their prey drive.
We recommend socialization training from an early age as well as behavioral training to avoid any problems with chasing animals on the trails. Thankfully, this behavior can almost always be trained away.
9. Vizsla
Vizslas are becoming an increasingly popular dog breed. While they’re one of the rare breeds on this list, vizslas are one of the best hiking dog breeds thanks to their near-limitless energy reserves. These dogs can keep going for hours upon hours and won’t tire out, which makes them the perfect companion for long hikes.
Aside from endurance, vizslas are medium-sized dogs that are capable of handling most types of terrain. For this reason, you don’t have to worry about them getting tired on long hikes or running into obstacles that they can’t climb over.
Vizslas are also easy dogs to train. They’re responsive to learning commands and shouldn’t give you too much trouble if you plan on waking them without a leash. However, you can always work with a professional if you’re running into stubbornness, which can be complicated for vizsla breeds.
10. German Shepherd
You can’t go wrong with a German shepherd when you want to go on a hike. Whether it’s a long hike through the woods or a rigorous mile of rock scrambles and tough terrain, German shepherds won’t give you any problems.
These dogs were initially bred to be work dogs and they specialize in hunting, tracking, and serving as watchdogs. In fact, many German shepherds help track people through woods along with police agencies when people go missing, so they can cover a lot of ground.
Another benefit that German shepherds bring to the table is their trainability. German shepherds are one of the easiest dog breeds to train and they can hike without a leash once you’re comfortable with them. While you will have to spend some time training them, they catch on fast and can learn a wide range of commands.
What Dog Breeds Aren’t Good Hiking Dogs?
Hiking dogs can be any breed but there are some breeds you shouldn’t force into hiking if they can’t handle it.
Ultimately, any of the brachycephalic breeds are made for bad hiking dogs due to their breathing problems. Their short noses and flat faces lead to a lack of air and this condition will often worsen later in life. Many small dog breeds are also bad at hiking, but this mostly applies to toy breeds.
Some examples of dog breeds you shouldn’t take hiking with you include:
- Pugs
- Chows
- Bulldogs
- Dachshunds
- French bulldogs
- Pitbulls
- Chihuahuas
It’s also important to note that you should avoid pushing overweight or older dogs to their limits on hikes. While it can seem like a great way to help them exercise, it’s not always a good thing and can lead to problems like hip dysplasia.
The last thing to note is that you should avoid bringing puppies or untrained dogs on hikes. Puppies have the energy to keep up but they may try to run away and chase animals or people. Therefore, try and wait until your dog is between 8-12 months old before you even attempt hiking.
Enjoy Nature With the Best Hiking Dogs
Say goodbye to hiking alone. Bringing a hiking dog with you on your next adventure is a great way to explore the outdoors and spend time with your canine companion. What’s more, some dogs will love the exercise that they get from going on hikes.
That said, make sure you give your dog time to warm up to hiking. Like humans, dogs can improve their cardiovascular endurance but it may take a few weeks or months.
Additionally, make sure your hiking dog has training. One thing that goes into being the best hiking dog is training because they need to navigate trails on a leash or by your side; you don’t want them running