If you are a dog owner who takes your dog everywhere, having a dog with a similar temperament will help. If you enjoy hiking, climbing, or going camping, having a dog with a similar energy level and physical aptitude is an excellent option.
Most dogs enjoy being outside, and many, regardless of breed, make excellent hiking companions. However, in order to have a fantastic outing, especially if your dog will be off-leash, ensure that your dog can obey your directions and stay with you.
In dangerous situations, such as encounters with wildlife or hazardous plants, the dog must be alert.
Border Collie
The ever-popular border collie would be missing from any list of lively dog breeds. The border collie is a no-brainer for anyone looking for an exercise partner because of its intellect, work drive, and activity level.
The border collie’s intelligence and trainability can aid both hikers and climbers. It will be simple to teach it to run off-leash on the trails.
The border collie could be a wonderful option for you if you can provide lots of mental and physical exercise on days when you aren’t on the trails or summiting a peak.
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
If you do not mind a vocal dog while on a trail, the treeing walker coonhound is a strikingly agile climber that can easily navigate wild hiking terrain.
Like its various siblings in the hound group, treeing walker coonhounds are lively dogs with a keen eye for prey. Because of its high hunting drive, you should keep this dog on a long leash until you are sure you can trust it around squirrels, birds, and other critters.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian ridgeback may be an excellent choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a more rugged companion. African lion hunters promoted the Rhodesian ridgeback, but it is now a popular domestic pet.
Their power and mobility serve them well in everything from lion hunting to mountaineering and mountain climbing. Those who are new to dog ownership should be aware that the Rhodesian ridgeback requires a lot of socialization and obedience training while they are puppies.
This dog’s independence and aloof nature can make it apprehensive of strangers, and its strength is nothing to scoff at.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd, another must-have on high-energy dog lists, is a lively and nimble friend who enjoys outdoor adventures.
The Aussie, like its border collie relative, is a herder with seemingly boundless energy. Because the Aussie is work-oriented and enjoys a challenge, devising games to play along the route will provide this dog with a well-rounded and rigorous day of exercise.
An Aussie, like a border collie, requires plenty of daily activity—one hike a week will not suffice. However, if properly exercised and trained, this dog will make you a happy dog owner.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Another dependable hunting companion, the German shorthaired pointer is a high-energy dog that is ideal for trekking adventures.
Pointers, like other hunters, thrive when given lots of activity and make excellent friends. This dog, most known for its agility and stamina, requires a lot of daily activity to keep it from getting nervous and destructive.
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Jack Russell Terrier
If big dogs aren’t your thing but you still want a fun hiking companion, the Jack Russell terrier is the dog for you. The Jack Russell has the personality of a large dog in a small, 15-pound body.
He is high-energy, high-drive, and extremely bright. Because the Jack Russell was designed for vermin hunting and has a high prey drive, long periods of activity, such as hiking vacations, are a dream come true for this breed.
The Jack Russell terrier is headstrong and extremely bright, despite its small size. If not intellectually and physically exercised, this breed can become destructive.
However, if you can commit to daily training and exercise, the Jack Russell is an excellent outdoor companion.
Miniature Pinscher
The tiny pinscher, or min pin, is another small dog with a huge personality. It is a lively companion for the determined, strong-willed owner.
Min pins are ferocious animals crammed into a 10-pound body. The min pin’s outgoing, adventurous disposition makes it an excellent adventure companion.
Though the min pin lacks the endurance of the Jack Russell terrier, its much smaller form allows you to pick it up and carry it if it tires.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog, as the name says, is an Alpine native that does well outside, particularly in lower weather. This woolly-coated breed does not withstand heat or scorching summers as well as other breeds. The Bernese mountain dog is a working breed from Switzerland.
The Berner was developed to pull carts across the Alps, so it’s no surprise that it makes an excellent climbing companion.
Owners who are new to the breed should be aware that this breed has some inherited health issues, including as hip and elbow dysplasia1 and bloat.
Before taking this dog on a mountain hike, have it examined by a veterinarian to confirm that intense activity is safe for it.
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