Love the outdoors and looking for a four-legged companion to share the experience with?
There are particular breeds of dogs that make great hiking companions; dogs whose endurance, carrying capabilities, interests, and body type are ideal for dusty trail jaunts.
Weimaraners: This breed is agile and quick, plus they have fur that tends to repel burrs and thistles.
Rottweilers: Because this breed easily carries extra weight and has plenty of endurance, Rottweilers are great for packing on a long trail trip.
English Springer Spaniels: The high energy and enthusiasm of these dogs helps them keep a quick pace while pushing through rough terrain.
German Shepherds: This watchful breed will happily follow along on an extended hike.
Huskies: The Northern heritage and natural endurance of this breed make Huskies great winter hiking companions. Just be sure to protect them from overheating in warm weather.
Labrador Retrievers: Loyal and active, these dogs will happily accompany you on-leash or off. Just be prepared for their instinctual dip in any puddle, pond, river, or lake.
There are many other breeds that make great hiking companions. Many search far and wide for the ideal dog and end up adopting a mixed breed that fits the bill perfectly. In general, dogs high in energy, endurance, loyalty, and work ethic make great trail companions.
What advice would you give to someone searching for the ideal hiking dog?
10 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 30, 2009 at 5:58 am
Daryl
My Dog, patches, is an Amstaff with a seemingly never-ending supply of energy. He’s been the best hiking companion I could hope for. His strength and athletic build makes for a great, tireless companion, though his short coat requires a little added warmth half the year here in Michigan(thanls for making some great jackets!)
June 25, 2009 at 3:04 am
Emily Horch
Great blog, website and products! Kudos for recognizing Rotties as hikers… my Brogan easily carries extra water, clothing, sunscreen and the first aid kit on our day hikes.
But best hiking dog ever (in my little world) goes to the late great Mama Jodhi, a pit bull extraordinaire. She always led the way and if I let her pick the fork in the trail we never got lost or ended up stranded on a mountainside forced to scoot down on our behinds. If I myself picked the trail the latter scenarios were way too common.
Jodhi retired from long hikes at 13 and I doubt if I’ll find another trail guide or hiking buddy of her ilk again. My advice to hikers: adopt a rescue pittie and you won’t be sorry!
June 19, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Leslie
It’s a bit unconventional, but my sheltie is a great hiking dog. He’s not so great in hot weather, but when it’s cool, he loves to hit the trail! We took him backpacking in Shenandoah Nat’l Park and he did great. There were 5 of us and every few minutes he’d stop and look behind him, as if to “count” all his people. He’s a herder afterall, and he has to make sure we’re all there!
June 12, 2009 at 12:24 am
Josh
My wife and I love hiking with our Australian Cattle Dogs, great stamina, energy and a desire to get the job done. Ty and Keenah love their ruff wear approach packs. These guys are great for mountain biking and running with us also, but we don’t have to tell Mr. Kruse how great they are.
June 12, 2009 at 3:35 pm
ruffwear
Patrick (Kruse) has always been a big fan of Australian Cattle dogs. In fact, we have a few owners of this breed in the office. Their motivated and energetic nature make for great adventure buddies.
June 10, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Irma
I love hike with my two dogs: Cookie, a greater swiss mountain dog, and Brina, italian spinone.
They adore hiking too. Both are really sporty dogs and any problem with long walk on mountains
Ruffwear are great products!
hi
Irma
June 10, 2009 at 1:35 am
Nicole B.
Not exactly your typical hiking dog, but my pug just loves the outdoors! Her favorite is anything that involves water – she loves to kayak and canoe! We just bought her the Portage life jacket for our kayak trips this summer.
June 10, 2009 at 3:08 pm
ruffwear
That is an unusual hiking breed, but that’s what makes dogs great! They will always surprise you with how much they love spending time outdoors with their owner. We met a lot of pugs and even bulldogs this weekend that love to make hiking trips with their owners!
June 9, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Matt P.
Gotta give a bump to the labs! My 4 yr. old black rescue, Rookie, is a great companion on all camping, hiking and fishing trips. Spot on with the “instinctual dip” comment. I can’t keep him from scaring off the trout.
Great to see RW with a blog. I check in occasionally to see what new products you have cooked up. Looking forward to checking in a little more often.
June 10, 2009 at 3:24 pm
susan
Thanks Matt!