Dogs are great companions for outdoor activities, however, not all breeds have the stamina or high energy levels required for rigorous outdoor ventures and workouts. Breeds that join their owners when traveling, hiking, or on other outdoor activities need to have the trainability and intelligence necessary for quick recall and obedience. Keep reading to learn more about the best dog breeds for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, Sledding & Sled Pulling, Camping, Traveling, Winter Sports
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed with a lifespan of 7-10 years. These dogs typically stand around 23 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 70 to 110 pounds. Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred for strength and resistance to Switzerland’s cold, snowy weather. This makes them wonderful companions for activities in cold climates like mountain or alpine sports. In contrast, the Bernese Mountain Dog’s heavy coat is not well suited for hot temperatures.
This breed is intelligent, easy to train, calm, and obedient. The Bernese Mountain Dog is very friendly, gentle, and playful while still being protective of its owner when needed. Although this breed is protective, it’s not aggressive and gets along well with other people and animals. Bernese Mountain Dogs are perfect pets for active families and can pull kids in wagons or carts when they get too tired to walk.
Border Collie
Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Backpacking, Camping, Trail Running, Biking, Fishing, Water Sports
Border Collies have very high intelligence and energy levels. These are working dogs that are trainable and love having a job to do. They’re incredibly agile and have plenty of stamina for rigorous outdoor activities and training. This is a relatively healthy breed that generally lives around 10 to 16 years.
Border Collies are medium-sized dogs that stand around 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 25 to 45 pounds. This breed can tolerate warmer temperatures and loves being outside. When given the opportunity and space, Border Collies will enjoy running free to expel energy. These dogs are loyal to their owners and become protective when they perceive something as a threat.
Labrador Retriever
Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Swimming, Camping, Traveling, Water Sports, Backpacking
Labrador Retrievers are full of stamina and energy. These are large dogs that weigh between 55 to 80 pounds and stand around 21 to 23 inches tall. Labradors are great for first-time dog owners as they’re easy to train and have even temperaments. These friendly dogs fit well in group activities, getting along with other people and dogs.
With a lifespan of 10 to 14 years, the energetic and upbeat Labrador Retriever will be an excellent companion for years. These dogs can join in on family activities and trips, adjusting well to changes in their environments. Labradors are perfect for solo or group travelers because they love being around people and will be protective without becoming aggressive.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Activities: Hunting, Swimming, Water Sports, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Trail Running, Fishing
The German Shorthaired Pointer is an athletic and alert dog with tons of energy and stamina. This dog is very intelligent and protective of its loved ones. These sporting breed dogs are medium-sized, standing around 21 to 25 inches tall and weighing between 45 to 70 pounds.
German Shorthaired Pointers generally live around 10 to 14 years and aren’t hard to train. They love being by their families’ sides which makes them fantastic companions for active, outdoor-loving owners. However, German Shorthaired Pointers do best in warmer climates as they don’t have much fur to keep them warm.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Activities: Hunting, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Trail Running, Mountain Biking
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large breed that stands around 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 65 to 90 pounds. These dogs are intelligent and independent, so training isn’t difficult but they can have a stubborn streak. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally used to guard livestock and hunt lions in South Africa. Between their short coats and South African origins, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not good fits for colder temperatures or outdoor winter activities.
This breed is very loyal and affectionate with its owners but can be suspicious of strangers. These traits make this dog a good companion for fellowship and safety when hiking, backpacking, and camping. Rhodesian Ridgebacks generally live around 10 to 12 years and are agile, strong, and brave with an abundance of energy and stamina. They love running and will gladly join their owners for rigorous daily workouts and adventures.
Australian Shepherd
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Traveling, Trail Running
The Australian Shepherd is a popular family dog that gets along well with kids and other animals. These medium-sized dogs have lots of energy for all kinds of sports and activities. Australian Shepherds are very loyal to their families but will become protective if they feel threatened. The Australian Shepherd has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years and grows to be around 18 to 23 inches tall with a weight between 40 to 65 pounds.
Australian Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. This breed is a perfect traveling buddy as it’s adaptable, outgoing, and enjoys spending time with its owners. Australian Shepherds thrive in homes with owners who are as athletic and active as them. These versatile dogs love the outdoors and going on new adventures with their families.
Siberian Husky
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Sledding, Hiking, Backpacking, Camping, Trail Running, Biking, Sled Pulling
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized breed that stands around 20 to 24 inches tall and weighs between 35 to 60 pounds. Siberian Huskies live around 12 to 14 years and are wonderful pets for athletic families, couples, and singles. They are incredibly outgoing and social, so they do great in groups of people and households with other dogs.
The Siberian Husky is an adaptable dog with high endurance, energy, and stamina. This breed loves to run and should be kept on a leash whenever it's not in a fenced-in or enclosed area. Originally used as sled dogs and able to withstand cold temperatures, Huskies are fantastic companions for outdoor winter sports and activities.
Portuguese Water Dog
Activities: Swimming, Water Sports, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Trail Running, Biking
Evident in its name, the Portuguese Water Dog loves swimming and spending time in the water. These medium-sized dogs live 11 to 13 years, stand around 17 to 23 inches tall, and weigh between 35 to 60 pounds. Portuguese Water Dogs blend perfectly with active families as they get along great with kids and other animals. The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent breed that’s eager to please and learn new tricks, so training isn’t a difficult task.
Portuguese Water Dogs love spending time with their families and participating in athletic activities that burn off their abundant energy. Used in the past for water retrieving and fish herding, these dogs will have a blast joining their owners on adventures involving water sports and activities. They love nothing more than exploring at their owners’ sides.
Vizsla
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Hunting, Swimming, Water Sports, Biking, Trail Running, Fishing
The Vizsla is an athletic and energetic sporting dog that has high endurance for rigorous outdoor activities. These dogs are very fast, love running, and do well on land as well as in the water. Vizslas are versatile and enjoy almost any athletic activity, especially exercising outdoors with their owners. These medium-sized dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, stand around 21 to 25 inches tall, and weigh between 45 to 65 pounds.
Vizslas have calm demeanors but are very loyal and protective of their families. Even with their protective nature, Vizslas are friendly toward strangers and aren’t aggressive. This breed is known for being easy to train due to its intelligence, eagerness to please, and strong memory. Agile and fearless, the Vizsla is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures.
Australian Cattle Dog
Activities: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Running, Mountain Biking, Swimming, Water Sports, Fishing, Hunting
The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, is an incredibly athletic, energetic, and muscular breed. These dogs have long lives that last around 12 to 16 years and love burning off energy. Intelligent, alert, and loyal, the Australian Cattle Dog is a protective defender of its family and property. This breed is medium-sized at roughly 17 to 20 inches tall and 35 to 50 pounds.
These dogs enjoy almost every sport and outdoor activity. Australian Cattle Dogs are in the herding group, which means they love having a job to do. This desire for a purpose or job makes them perfect companions for fishers and hunters. They’re also excellent running partners as they have high endurance and energy. The Australian Cattle Dog is an ideal fit for families and households who enjoy being active and spending time outdoors.
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