15 Best Dog Breeds for Hikers

Dogs absolutely love being part of your life, and the fact that you can share so many experiences with them is one of the biggest reasons people adore them. This makes dogs awesome companions on the trail. While any dog that can keep up will enjoy a stroll with you, not all breeds are cut out for long hikes. Here are 15 of the best dog breeds for hikers.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs hail from the Bernese Alps in Switzerland. Bred as working dogs, these big and strong pups are perfectly suited for mountain life, which makes them fantastic hiking buddies. They thrive in Alpine environments, and while they handle the cold like champs, they can definitely overheat in warmer weather. 

Siberian Husky

You’ve probably seen huskies pulling sleds, so it’s no shock that they have incredible endurance. They’re more than happy to hike all day or tag along for a run. Their thick coats make them awesome buddies for winter adventures in the cold. As their name suggests, they come from Siberia, where they were developed to be the perfect sled dogs and companions.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Renowned for their speed and endurance, German Shorthaired Pointers—affectionately called GSPs—make perfect companions for running or hiking. While GSPs are originally hunting dogs, they can be wonderful family pets with plenty of daily exercise. They enjoy being outdoors and love playing with people and other dogs. This pup is known for its liver-and-white coat, featuring short, sleek hair.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Originally developed in southern Africa as hunting dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make fantastic family pets. They were once used to track lions. So, it’s safe to say they won’t shy away from anything you encounter on your hike. Known for their distinctive stripe of backward-growing hair along their backs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are athletic and great with people.

Border Collie

Border Collies are bursting with energy and love to run. As herding dogs, they’re used on farms or ranches to round up livestock. Highly intelligent, Border Collies require plenty of exercise to stay entertained since they thrive on working. An active person would find a fantastic partner in a Border Collie. This lovable breed was also a favorite of Queen Victoria, who owned several over the years—with one named ‘Sharp’ being her constant companion.

German Shepherd

Tough, strong, and fast, German Shepherds are high-energy dogs. As a working breed, they’re incredibly versatile. Soldiers returning from World War I introduced these pups to the U.S., and by World War II, they became the military’s preferred dog. Thanks to their trainable nature, German Shepherds are still employed by the military, police, and in search and rescue missions.

Australian Shepherd

Like the Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a herding dog that needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Energetic and lively, these pups love high-intensity activities like running. Despite their name—Australian Shepherds aren’t actually from Australia. They’re believed to have originated in Spain, where shepherds brought the dogs to the United States via Australia.

Labrador Retriever

Arguably one of the most loving breeds, Labrador Retrievers make fantastic all-around dogs. As working dogs, they thrive on exercise but also crave attention, making them perfect for cuddling on rest days. Labrador Retrievers are excellent swimmers with large, webbed feet, so if there’s any water on your run or hike, they’ll be eager to splash around.

Jack Russell

Don’t let the tiny size fool you; Jack Russells can stand against the big dogs! Full of energy, this dog is a working terrier. Originally bred for fox hunting in England, they’re used to running long distances. Their petite size also makes them great lap dogs for snuggles after a run. These pups boast one of the longest lifespans among dogs, living between 13 and 16 years on average.

Dalmatian

This striking dog breed makes an excellent running companion, as they historically ran alongside carriages and horse riders. Dalmatians are both athletic and protective, which helped them ward off trouble on the roads. While you might not encounter highwaymen on your run or hike—it’s reassuring to know that your Dalmatian will not only keep up but also look after you.

Weimaraner

Weimaraners are known for their distinctive, silvery coats and light-colored eyes. Did you know that their puppies are born with stripes? Those tiger-like stripes fade away after a few days. These pups love to stay active, making them great partners for long-distance running, but they can also pick up the pace for faster sprints. If you love hiking, a Weimaraner will be fantastic company since they like to stay close to their owner.

Vizsla

Vizslas are strong and muscular, with plenty of stamina, which makes them ideal for long distances. Originating from Hungary, they were bred as hunting dogs. Vizslas seize any chance to run off-leash, as they are high-energy and love to play. They are known as “Velcro” pups as they tend to stick close to people, making them the perfect companions for adventures.

English Springer Spaniel

Obedient yet full of energy, English Springer Spaniels thrive on running and staying active. They’re a great choice for those who prefer small to medium-sized dogs, as they are tough and highly trainable. Bred for hunting, English Springer Spaniels love spending time outdoors and are among the best dogs for hiking.

Fox Terrier

Small but mighty, the Fox Terrier is packed with energy. Originally developed for fox hunting in England, they have plenty of stamina to run all day. Keep them on a leash while hiking or running at first, as they can wander off if something catches their eye or nose. If you have a Fox Terrier, you’re in great company—both King Edward VII and Charles Darwin had their own Fox Terriers!

Saluki

You might think Salukis belong more on the catwalk than the great outdoors, but they love running. As quick runners, they are second only to Greyhounds, but they have more endurance, which allows them to keep pace with you on longer routes. These pups are also one of the oldest known dog breeds and were famously referred to as the “Royal Dogs of Egypt.”