Home - Hike With Halo

10 Best Dog Breeds for Hiking These are my picks for the ten best dog breeds for hiking. Do you love to hike? Dogs love to hike also, some breeds more than others. Here is a list of dog breeds that love outdoor adventures. 1. Labrador Retriever According to AKC registration statistics, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the US, and it's easy to see why. The Lab is eager to please, friendly and intelligent. Labs are the most versatile of the dog breeds. They excel as service dogs, search and rescue, water sports, hiking the trails, and playing fetch with the kids. Keep this pooch active, and he'll snuggle on the sofa with you after a day of fun. Pros Labs are fun loving, active dogs that want to please you every day. Their unique double coat keeps them warm or cool and waterproof. The Labrador Retriever is a four-season pup for the entire family. Cons Keep this pup fit. If they don't get enough exercise or overeat, they tend to become obese. 2. Siberian Husky I tried hard to put "Mr. Halo" in the number one spot, but the hot days of summer dropped the Siberian Husky to the number two. Siberian Huskies are known for their endless endurance and willingness to work. They don't mind carrying a pack and are agile enough for most trails. They are outgoing and social, making them very enjoyable on the trail. Their double coated fur makes them more suitable for winter and cool weather adventures. Halo loves his Kurgo backpack. Pros The Siberian Husky is gentle, outgoing, smart and he possesses more than enough stamina for the longest trails. Good active family dog. Cons Not suitable for hot climates. Huskies are not typically noted for being good swimmers. If the water crossings on the trail are ankle deep, your pup will enjoy cooling his paws. Love huskies? Check out 12 Traits of Siberian Huskies here 3. Australian Shepherd If you're able to keep this smart, fun loving and hard working dog physically and mentally stimulated, this breed makes a perfect hiking partner. They are agile and can handle tough terrains from steep inclines to rough rocks. Aussies listen and take direction very well, which is an essential part of hiking with your dog. This breed will flip when you bring out your hiking boots and backpack. Pros Aussies are crazy smart, eager to please, exuberant and agile. They are also good with kids. Cons Aussies require daily activities to keep this breed from getting bored. Aussies don't do well with "unemployment." 4. Rhodesian Ridgeback If you live in a warm climate, the Rhodesian Ridgeback could be the best hiking partner for you. They were initially bred to hunt lions in Africa. While not hunting anymore, the Rhodesian Ridgebacks have retained their muscular build and tolerance for heat. The Ridgeback is an athletic and dignified breed, protective of his "pack." With proper training and socialization, they will become lovely members of your family. RR's are likely to be reserved with strangers, however, but not aggressive. Head to the trail, and your Rhodesian Ridgeback will be happily by your side. Pros They are tolerant of warm climates, athletic and have the superior stamina for the trail. Cons The RR isn't for a novice dog owner. They can be destructive when not given enough exercise and training. 5. Vizsla The Vizsla is a medium-sized sporting dog originating from Hungary. These hunting dogs were built for hard exercise and are well suited for long days on the trail. They have a short coat that is a beautiful golden rust color and rarely have an odor. The Vizsla is also noted for his drive to be with you and often nicked named the Velcro Vizsla. They are intelligent and easily trained. If you're looking for an athlete that is also an affectionate member of the family, check out the Vizsla. Pros Vizslas are gentle, athletic, affectionate and eager to please. Cons They require lots of attention from their "people," and some can be barkers. 6. Bernese Mountain Dog The Bernese Mountain dog is another outdoor adventurer that thrives in cold weather. The largest of my picks at 85-110 pounds, this breed is calm, intelligent and pleasant natured. The Bernese Mountain dog originated from Swiss farms and was designed to heard animals and pull carts. They are sure footed on the trail but not particularly fast. This breed would be ideal for hiking with children. He is a loyal, affectionate dog and gets along with the entire family. Pros He's gentle, good-natured and eager to please. Cons Be prepared for lots of shedding and grooming. They have a shorter life expectancy of around 8-9 years. 7. Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are great dogs! They're friendly, intelligent, devoted and love to play. Goldens adapt well to any environment, making them one of the most popular dogs breed in the United States. They are also great with children and other dogs. The Golden Retriever is a member of the sporting group and are athletic but perhaps not as rambunctious as a Lab. They are obedient and a joy to train so head to the trail with this happy dog and your family. Pros Well mannered, trainable, athletic and happy. Cons Their double coated fur requires regular grooming. 8. Alaskan Malamute This larger and oldest arctic dog thoroughly loves adventure. I grew up with a couple of these guys and have fond memories of them pulling me on a sled. They are calm, good-natured and loyal. Malamutes range around or less than 100 pounds and prefer colder climates. They are built for strength rather than speed and can handle a larger size pack on the trail. Their paws are large, acting much like snowshoes, therefore, an excellent pick for winter hikers. This big guy is designed for endurance and will happily go for miles. Pros Well mannered, calm, eager to please and strong Cons Alaskan Malamutes are well suited for colder climates. 9. Border Collies This is a breed that loves learning, loves adventure and enjoys being with you. Border Collies excel in agility sports because of their athletic abilities, intellect, and drive. This dog is also equally adept and a joy on the trail. They can also be a delight in the home if adequately trained. Border collies are not for the novice dog owners. Training and providing an outlet for their energy is a must with these guys. Pros Super smart, friendly and athletic Cons You need to know what you're getting into and prepare for being outsmarted by your dog. 10. The rescued dog for hiking With all the breeds to consider, first, check out your local animal shelter and rescues. There are dogs are just dreaming of a forever home. "Mixed" breeds or "mutts" carry many of the same characteristics of the breeds I have already listed, not to mention, there is an advantage of adopting an adult dog that's ready for the trail and skipping the puppy and adolescent stage. Adopt, and you may find that they rescue you. You may like this article on choosing a reputable rescue group These are my picks for hiking breeds. It's up to you to do your research. Remember, you pick the dog, they don't pick you. They deserve the best care possible because they always give you their best. How about a backpack for your dog? read more here Benefits of Coconut Oil for your dog on the Trail Here are my favorite gear essentials for Halo Check out these items from Amazon.These are affiliate links that if you choose to order an item, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I really appreciate it. It helps to keep this site running. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.” Get your Dog Daze of summer-themed BarkBox while it's available, plus a free extra month. Ends soon!

Hike With Halo

Siberian Husky
12 Quirky traits that make them excellent dogs, but maybe not for everyone

Camping With Dogs

Pet Vacuums Under $100

10 Best Hiking Dog Breeds

Recent Posts

Newsletter signup

Thank you for sign up!

Siberian Husky 12 Quirky traits that make them excellent dogs, but maybe not for everyone

Camping With Dogs

Pet Vacuums Under $100

10 Best Hiking Dog Breeds

Recent Posts

Siberian Husky
12 Quirky traits that make them excellent dogs, but maybe not for everyone