Best Dogs for Hiking: Top Breeds for the Trail
Bounding up the trail, tail wagging, and nose sniffing, hiking with the right dog is an invitation to remember that while the summit may be the goal, the joy is in the journey. But before you hit the trail with your pup, make sure they’re physically able to tackle the route. Ask yourself:
- Can your dog keep up? Does your dog tire out before you do when playing vigorously? If so, your dog might not have the endurance for a hike.
- Is your dog obedient? Will your dog reliably obey you when distracted and is your dog well-socialized? Make sure you’ve got down the obedience basics before a big hike, especially in a popular area.
- Does your dog have physical restrictions? Puppies and short-legged dogs might not be well-equipped to tackle difficult terrain. And short-nosed or brachycephalic dogs like boxers, pugs, and bulldogs are susceptible to respiratory issues that make long-distance hiking challenging or inadvisable.
- Does your pup have a clean bill of health? Before you hit the trail, make sure your hiking dog has regular checkups and is up to date on vaccinations and flea and tick preventive medicines.
Most healthy, physically fit dogs can handle a hike, just be mindful of any physical limitations and research the route before you go. But if you’re bagging peaks and hiking the backcountry, there are some standout breeds we love to hike with—plus a few honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions
- Agile and energetic, Australian shepherds will thrive on steep inclines and long hikes, making them great hiking partners. Just be mindful of temperature extremes with this otherwise hardy dog.
- Not just for hunting, German shorthaired pointers can run circles around us on the trail and thrive with appropriate exercise to burn off that energy. However, with their enthusiastic prey drive, make sure you’ve mastered a recall command before the hike.
- Small, but mighty, don’t let the Jack Russell terrier’s size fool you, this breed has boundless energy and does not tire easily with a spirit and determination that’ll inspire you to the next summit.
- Named for their pest control prowess, the rat terrier is a tenacious breed like the Jack Russell, a great choice for those without lots of space at home but who love to get outdoors with their dog.
- Last but certainly not least, and the most versatile of all, mixed-breed dogs often combine attributes of different breeds we love in unique ways. With unlimited combinations to choose from, it’s worth checking your local animal shelter or rescue for a one-of-a-kind breed to get outside with.