There’s something special about sharing the trail and ensuring you have a good hiking dog breed is essential. Whether you’re hiking up rugged peaks, exploring coastal paths, or camping deep in the woods, the right breed can make every journey more enjoyable. So what exactly makes for a good hiking dog?
This guide covers ten of the best hiking dog breeds — exploring what makes them outstanding trail partners, how they behave as companions, and what kind of owners they suit best.
1. Border Collie
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Border Collies are built for endurance, agility and focus. Originally bred to herd sheep across vast hillsides, they’re natural athletes who thrive on long-distance treks and technical terrain. Their intelligence means they can quickly learn recall commands and trail etiquette.
Temperament / Nature
Alert, loyal and deeply bonded to their owners. Border Collies are thinkers as much as movers, always reading their surroundings and anticipating your next move. They’re affectionate but intense — a breed that needs direction and purpose.
Suitability for Ownership
Best suited to experienced or highly active owners who can commit to daily exercise and training. First-time dog owners may find their energy and mental drive challenging.
Special Requirements
At least two hours of high-intensity exercise daily, ideally including both mental and physical work. Their thick coat benefits from regular brushing, and consistent training is essential to prevent herding behaviours or overexcitement on the trail.
2. Labrador Retriever
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Labradors are dependable, sturdy and full of enthusiasm. Their love of water and adaptable nature make them ideal for varied terrain — from woodland hikes to lakeside routes.
Temperament / Nature
Friendly, patient and eager to please. Labs are social butterflies who enjoy being part of every family activity. They’re quick learners and generally easy to handle, even in busy environments.
Suitability for Ownership
A fantastic choice for beginners and families. Labradors are forgiving of mistakes and highly trainable, though they still need regular activity to stay fit and balanced.
Special Requirements
They need at least an hour of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. Labs love food, so portion control is key to avoiding weight gain. Their thick coat benefits from weekly brushing and extra care during shedding season.
3. Australian Shepherd
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Agile, intelligent and athletic, Australian Shepherds are natural adventurers. They excel at keeping pace over long distances and love variety — whether scrambling across rocks or following winding forest trails.
Temperament / Nature
Highly intelligent and loyal, but also demanding. Aussies are problem-solvers who need constant engagement. They bond deeply with their owners and prefer to be part of every outdoor plan.
Suitability for Ownership
Ideal for experienced dog owners or those with an active lifestyle. They’re best for people who enjoy structured training and daily activity rather than casual walks.
Special Requirements
Two or more hours of vigorous exercise daily, plus training or puzzle games for mental stimulation. Their thick double coat sheds seasonally and requires weekly brushing. They can be sensitive to heat, so prefer cooler hikes.
4. Vizsla
Why They’re Great on the Trail
The Hungarian Vizsla is sleek, athletic and made for endurance. Their long stride and stamina make them perfect for long-distance hikes, trail runs and fast-paced exploration.
Temperament / Nature
Affectionate and gentle, Vizslas are known as “Velcro dogs” because of their strong attachment to their owners. They thrive on companionship and hate being left alone.
Suitability for Ownership
Best for experienced, active owners who can include their dog in daily adventures. They’re not ideal for households where the dog will spend long hours alone.
Special Requirements
At least 90 minutes of daily exercise, with off-lead time whenever possible. They have short coats that need minimal grooming but poor insulation, so they may need a coat in cold weather. Balanced, protein-rich diets help maintain their lean muscle mass.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Few breeds match the GSP’s athletic ability. They’re fast, durable and thrive on long, challenging hikes that test both endurance and agility. Their enthusiasm for exploration makes them ideal companions for ambitious outdoor goals.
Temperament / Nature
Energetic, confident and affectionate. GSPs are eager to please but can be easily distracted by scents or wildlife. With consistent training, they become loyal, obedient trail partners.
Suitability for Ownership
Best for active, experienced dog owners who can handle a powerful, high-energy breed. Not suited to sedentary lifestyles.
Special Requirements
Two hours of exercise daily, including running, swimming or long hikes. They have short coats and need protection from cold or prolonged rain. Their prey drive means early recall training is essential.
6. Siberian Husky
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Huskies were bred to pull sleds for miles in freezing conditions, making them natural endurance athletes. They excel in cold weather and love nothing more than a challenging climb or snowy trail.
Temperament / Nature
Playful, intelligent and social. Huskies love people and other dogs, often displaying a mischievous sense of humour. They can, however, be stubborn and independent.
Suitability for Ownership
Recommended for confident, patient owners familiar with strong-willed breeds. They do best with people who enjoy training and outdoor activity year-round.
Special Requirements
Two hours of daily exercise minimum. Their thick coats shed heavily twice a year, so regular brushing is vital. They overheat easily in warm climates and need access to shade and water on hot days.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Strong, steady and gentle, the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to work in the Swiss Alps. They’re built for hauling loads and moving confidently across rugged terrain.
Temperament / Nature
Calm, affectionate and loyal. Berners are gentle with children and make wonderful companions for relaxed, scenic adventures rather than fast-paced hikes.
Suitability for Ownership
A good choice for moderately active owners who prefer shorter, cooler hikes. They’re not suitable for those seeking a high-intensity adventure partner.
Special Requirements
Moderate daily exercise, ideally in cool climates. Their thick coat requires regular brushing and they’re prone to overheating in warm weather. A diet rich in joint-supporting nutrients helps protect their large frame.
8. Jack Russell Terrier
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Compact but fearless, the Jack Russell is surprisingly capable on rough terrain. A big dog in a small dogs body, their boundless energy and curiosity make them fun companions for short, fast hikes or scrambles.
Temperament / Nature
Bold, intelligent and full of character. They approach life with enthusiasm and love to explore. Despite their size, they’re not lap dogs — they thrive on action.
Suitability for Ownership
A good match for active owners who appreciate small but spirited dogs. They can be challenging for first-time owners due to their stubborn streak.
Special Requirements
At least an hour of intense exercise daily, including play and agility work. Mental stimulation is crucial to prevent boredom. Their small size makes them easier to travel with, but they still need space to burn energy.
9. Belgian Malinois
Why They’re Great on the Trail
This elite working breed is known for strength, focus and endurance. Belgian Malinois excel on long, demanding hikes that require stamina and precision.
Temperament / Nature
Driven, intelligent and protective. They form intense bonds with their handlers and thrive on structured training. When well-trained, they’re incredibly loyal and responsive.
Suitability for Ownership
Only suitable for very experienced dog owners. Malinois need a high level of training and mental stimulation — they’re happiest when given a job.
Special Requirements
Two to three hours of structured exercise daily. They require a high-protein diet to support their muscle tone and regular obedience or agility training to stay engaged. Without this, they can become anxious or destructive.
10. English Springer Spaniel
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Springers are natural explorers with a love for water, mud and open fields. Their stamina and enthusiasm make them perfect for long hikes and multi-terrain adventures and if there’s a chance for a swim en route, they’ll be all the happier.
Temperament / Nature
Friendly, affectionate and eager to please. They’re sociable dogs that bond well with families and enjoy being part of every outing.
Suitability for Ownership
Suitable for most owners, provided you can meet their exercise needs. They’re excellent for families who hike or camp regularly.
Special Requirements
An hour or more of vigorous exercise daily, ideally including swimming or off-lead runs. Their long ears require regular cleaning to avoid infections, and their coat benefits from brushing after muddy hikes.
Breed Size and Trail Style
Different breed sizes bring their own strengths and considerations when it comes to hiking.
- Small Breeds such as the Jack Russell or Miniature Schnauzer are ideal for short to moderate hikes and excel on rocky or uneven ground. Their portability makes them great travel companions, but they can tire on long-distance routes.
- Medium Breeds like Border Collies, Springers and Australian Shepherds strike the best balance between endurance and manageability. They can handle full-day hikes while still being easy to transport and care for.
- Large Breeds such as Dobermans and Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong, dependable partners for cooler climates and steady terrain. However, their joints need protection from overexertion, and they may struggle in hot or humid environments.
Other Considerations for Hiking Dogs
Beyond breed, there are practical factors every owner should keep in mind:
- Age and conditioning – Just like people, dogs need to build stamina gradually, especially hiking with a puppy. Start small and increase distance over time.
- Climate – Choose trails and hike times suited to your dog’s coat and heat tolerance.
- Paw care – Rocky or hot surfaces can cause injuries. Check and clean paws after every hike.
- Hydration and nutrition – Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for longer adventures.
- Wildlife and etiquette – Keep dogs under control around livestock and wildlife, and be mindful of leash laws in national parks.
Choosing the Right Hiking Partner
The best hiking dog is one that matches your lifestyle, energy level and the type of adventures you love most.
If you thrive on long, technical trails, breeds like the Border Collie, Vizsla, or German Shorthaired Pointer will keep pace with ease. For relaxed, scenic adventures, the Labrador, Springer Spaniel or Bernese Mountain Dog offer loyal companionship and steady endurance.
Whatever breed you choose, remember that the best trail companion isn’t just fit for the journey — they love it just as much as you do.