All dogs love a walk, but there are some breeds who need more than a walk - they need a hike! They need to be on an adventure, in search of wild animals and their next drink of water. These breeds love to guard their people from backcountry hazards and identify every person or fur-pup that has used the trail in the last few days. They desire a woodsy breeze blowing through their ears and nostrils, and a lake to practice their doggy paddle. They're in heaven if their humans bring a tent and they can backpack for miles and miles, hanging out in the wilderness for days! So what are the top breeds that yearn the most for hikes and will perform best on them?
Originally bred to hunt lions in Africa, these giants are warriors when it comes to trekking and sniffing out "prey," whether it be a squirrel or just a big, scary stick. Their muscular build makes them ideal for hiking up and down steep hills, and they don't mind hot and thirsty backcountry travel!
These handsome, energetic pups are in it for the long haul, although they won't turn down a short hike either. They challenge training efforts because they're super intelligent, but once they learn to toe the line, you can count on them to behave. They have strong prey and guard instincts, so control is important with these guys in the great outdoors!
These cute and fluffy pups are really comfortable in any water environment, so you won't have to carry them across creeks or muddy areas, and they yearn to be in the constant company of their human so you won't have to worry about them wandering off without a tether. If your hike includes some water travel, they're your First Mate!
While German Shepherds can be a challenge to train when they're young, they're very smart and tend to be reliable once they've "got it." Alert and watchful, they're first to sense danger, and their curiosity encourages you to see what's around the next bend. They make great watch dogs and protectors, too.