If you love spending your weekends exploring trails and want a companion who can keep up mile after mile, a medium breed dog might be the perfect choice. Choosing the best medium dog sized dogs for hiking means striking a balance between stamina and manageability — big enough to tackle rugged terrain, yet compact enough to travel easily in a camper van or car.
Below, we’ll explore some of the best medium breed dogs for hiking, why they make such great adventure partners, and what owners should know before hitting the trail.
Border Collie
Why They’re Great on the Trail
The Border Collie is one of the most athletic and intelligent breeds around. Bred for herding and living life working on a farm, they have exceptional stamina, focus, and agility. They’ll happily accompany you on long hikes, especially in open spaces where they can roam and explore.
Temperament / Nature
Border Collies are alert, responsive, and eager to please. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation, so challenging hikes or trail games are ideal ways to keep them engaged. It must be noted that whilst well-trained, well exercised and mentally stimulated collies can be excellent companions, the opposite can be true if their needs are not met. It’s often said that if it’s not clear who the master is, a collie will simply assume that it’s them.
Suitability for Ownership
This breed suits experienced and active owners who can commit to daily exercise and training. Without enough stimulation, Border Collies can become restless or destructive, and in some cases aggressive. It’s not a breed that’s often recommended for first time dog ownership.
Special Requirements
They shed frequently and benefit from regular grooming. Always ensure they get plenty of hydration and shade, as they tend to overexert themselves.
Australian Shepherd
Why They’re Great on the Trail
The Border Collie’s cousin from down under and another herding breed originally bred for life on a farm. Australian Shepherds are strong, agile, and energetic — built for long days of work and outdoor adventure. They handle diverse terrain easily and often excel at endurance activities.
Temperament / Nature
Affectionate and loyal, Aussies are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. They’re sociable with other dogs and people when well socialised. As a general rule, when dealing with a working breed, it’s safe to assume they require lots of stimulation and exercise.
Suitability for Ownership
Ideal for committed hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy training and structure. They need daily exercise and mental challenges to stay balanced. Again, not necessarily suited to first time ownership unless you’re super active and ready for a challenge, this is not a breed that’s content to sit inside on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
Special Requirements
Regular brushing helps manage their thick double coat, and it’s best to start training and recall early due to their herding instincts.
Hungarian Vizsla
Why They’re Great on the Trail
The Hungarian Vizsla is a sleek, athletic breed with incredible endurance. They love being outdoors and are particularly suited to warmer climates thanks to their short coat.
Temperament / Nature
Gentle, affectionate, and eager to please, Vizslas are known as “velcro dogs” because of their close bond with their owners. They thrive on companionship and exercise.
Suitability for Ownership
Perfect for active families or individuals who want a loyal companion for long walks, trail runs, and hikes. They don’t do well if left alone for long periods so they are not ideally suited for those who want a more independent dog that’s content top be left alone.
Special Requirements
Their short coat makes them easy to maintain, but they may need protection in colder conditions. Consistent exercise and positive training are essential.
Springer Spaniel
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Originally bred for flushing game, the Springer Spaniel is energetic, tough, and loves exploring wooded areas. They have a particular affinity for water and love nothing more than enjoying a swim during a hike, which is excellent exercise but does mean you need to be prepared to wash them off regularly. They have excellent stamina for all-day hikes.
Temperament / Nature
Springers are cheerful, loyal, and social dogs that love being part of family activities. Their enthusiasm is infectious, making them great companions for outdoor adventures.
Suitability for Ownership
A good choice for moderately experienced owners who can commit to regular exercise and enrichment. They can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often.
Special Requirements
Regular grooming helps manage their feathered coat, and ear care is important, especially after swimming or muddy walks.
Labrador Retriever
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Labradors are versatile, strong, and always up for an adventure. They love swimming and hiking equally, making them great companions for mixed-terrain walks.
Temperament / Nature
Friendly, loyal, and eager to please, Labs are easy-going dogs that get along with most people and pets. They make fantastic all-round family dogs which is why they’re one of, if not the most, popular breeds.
Suitability for Ownership
Labradors are well-suited to both new and experienced owners, provided they get sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation. Their easy going nature and general trainability makes them ideally suited to family life, and unlike most breeds on this lead, can be equally content enjoying the odd lazy day at home. If you’re a first time owner looking for a dog that can keep up with you on the trails but be relaxed when you want, you can’t really go wrong with a labrador retreiver.
Special Requirements
They can gain weight easily, so regular exercise and portion control are key. Their water-resistant coat benefits from occasional brushing to remove loose hair.
Belgian Malinois
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Incredibly athletic and intelligent, the Belgian Malinois is capable of tackling demanding physical challenges. This is a breed that’s commonly used by police forces and expert trainers around the world due to their intelligence. As you can imagine, they excel in endurance and agility, making them outstanding partners for adventurous hikes.
Temperament / Nature
Focused, loyal, and driven, they form deep bonds with their owners and enjoy having a clear purpose. Like most dogs on this list that are bred for specific jobs and traits, they simply need to use that breeding as designed, anything less can result in them becoming frustrated, destructive and potentially aggressive.
Suitability for Ownership
This breed is best for very active and experienced handlers, first time dog owners who opt for this breed often can’t handle them. They need consistent training, socialisation, and structure.
Special Requirements
Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise. Without it, they can become bored or anxious. A good harness and recall training are essential for off-lead hikes.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Why They’re Great on the Trail
Built for endurance and athleticism, the German Shorthaired Pointer is made for outdoor life. They’re natural explorers who love long runs and hikes.
Temperament / Nature
Energetic, intelligent, and affectionate, they thrive on companionship and purpose. They often bond closely with their primary owner.
Suitability for Ownership
Perfect for experienced, active owners. They need lots of exercise and stimulation and can be destructive if underworked.
Special Requirements
Their short coat is easy to maintain, but they’re sensitive to cold weather. They also need secure fencing due to their strong prey drive.
Mixed Breeds and Adoption
While we’ve focused on pure breeds in this article, it’s important to remember that many mixed breed dogs make incredible hiking companions too. Crossbreeds that include some of the breeds mentioned above often inherit the same energy, endurance, and enthusiasm for the outdoors.
If you’re considering adding a new companion to your adventures, adopting from a rescue or shelter can be a rewarding option. Many medium-sized dogs in rescue centres are active, intelligent, and eager to explore — they simply need a second chance. Whether pedigree or mixed, the best hiking partner is one that matches your energy level, enjoys the outdoors, and forms a strong bond with you.
Final Thoughts
Looking for the best breed of dog to join you when hiking is essential. Medium breeds are often the perfect balance of power and agility for hiking enthusiasts. They’re small enough to travel easily yet strong enough to accompany you across varied landscapes.
However, you need to ensure that not only are they a great hiking companion but that you have space for them in your life. If not, it might be worthwhile exploring smaller breeds that can make great hiking companions.
When choosing your hiking companion, always consider the breed’s exercise requirements, temperament, and adaptability to your lifestyle. Every dog, regardless of breed, should build up stamina gradually, with regular hydration, breaks, and vet check-ups to ensure they’re fit for the trail.