10 Best Hiking Dogs That Will Literally Climb Mountains With You

Popularly referred to as Aussies, Australian Shepherds are well known for their adventurous and easy-to-train personalities. This medium-sized breed — historically kept for herding tasks — has high energy levels and requires plenty of exercise. This combination makes Aussies the perfect match for any aspiring dog owners with an active lifestyle.

The Australian Shepherd’s inherent love for outdoor activities and athletic build enables them to withstand long hours on trails. Plus, this energetic hiking companion possesses strong protective instincts, which means you’ll be well-guarded should you encounter any threat on the trail. So, if you’re looking for one of the best dogs for hiking and protection, the Australian Shepherd will not disappoint.

Best believe, with an Aussie by your side, their intelligence, agility, and zeal for exploring new surroundings will make every hiking adventure one for the books! Not to be a Debbie Downer, but you’ll likely tire out long before your Aussie does.

Admired for their strikingly gorgeous wolf-like appearance, the Siberian Husky is one of the best backpacking dog breeds out there. Siberian Huskies trace their roots back to Siberia, Russia, where they excelled in pulling sleds and carts for long distances amidst harsh weather elements.

Safe to say, being a hard worker is wired into a Husky’s DNA. Thanks to their great endurance, powerful build, resilience, and lively temperament, the Siberian Husky will give you the much-needed motivation to keep going while on the trail.

Siberian Huskies have a ton of stamina and are, therefore, often eager to embark on challenging activities, be it participating in canine agility sports or going on long-distance hikes.

The only downside? While Siberians make good hiking dogs, they can be quite independent-minded and stubborn. For this reason, it’s best to keep them on a leash during hikes to ensure you’re the one calling the shots.

We can’t think of the best hiking dog breeds or good backpacking dogs without the Rhodesian Ridgeback coming to mind. Known for their imposing stature, superior athleticism, and insane energy levels, the Rhodesian Ridgeback will be happy to be your steadfast hiking partner.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks originated from Africa, where they worked as hunting dogs, covering long distances while pursuing large game. This breed loves going the extra mile (quite literally!), and so there’s no better place they’d rather be than with their active owners on the trail.

We’ve never met a Border Collie whose face didn’t light upon hearing the words “outside.” Described as an extremely intelligent working breed full of energy, the Border Collie likes to be kept busy outdoors, whether that’s through playing fetch in the backyard or exploring different trails with their owner.

Border Collies possess remarkable agility and speed, which makes them well-suited for strenuous outdoor excursions such as hiking. The best part? Border Collies have a low prey drive, so that means they’re less likely to stray away from the trail if they spot a critter from a distance.

If you’re on the search for the best dog to hike with, the Border Collie is worth considering. 

What’s that they say about judging a book? Yes, don’t judge the Jack Russell Terrier by its small size. Historically bred for fox hunting, Jack Russell Terriers make mighty hiking partners, small as they are.

If you’ve ever wondered which are some of the best small breed dogs for hiking, the Jack Russell Terrier has what it takes.

This highly energetic, athletic Terrier breed is always down for an adventure, and so they thrive best when paired with someone who’s an outdoor junkie. Packed with incredible stamina and bravery, the Jack Russell Terrier will happily join you for the toughest hiking adventures and showcase their hiking prowess to anyone who cares to notice.

Their endurance is outstanding, so you can be sure they’ll easily cover rough terrains without showing signs of exhaustion. So, lace up those hiking boots and tag the Jack Russell Terrier along; you won’t regret it!

As their name suggests, the Bernese Mountain Dog is well adapted for life in nature, which is why they’re among the best hiking dogs you can find. This gentle, affectionate large breed will be more than happy to live up to its name by being your trail companion on the mountainside or wherever you choose to hike.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are best suited for cold-weather hikes, camping, or backpacking adventures. Though not exceptionally fast on the trail, for Bernese Mountain dogs, hiking with their favorite human is the perfect definition of a time well spent.

Thanks to their sturdy build and gentle demeanor, the Bernese Mountain dog will be a joy to have by your side as you embark on different trails. 

With their origins deeply rooted in hunting roles, the German Shorthaired Pointer’s (GSPs) zeal for energy-intensive activities is admirable. It’s no wonder they are considered one of the best breeds of dogs for hiking.

German Shorthaired Pointers require a lot of mental and physical stimulation daily, which makes them the ideal breed for hiking enthusiasts in need of a great companion on the trail. Their boundless energy, endurance, loyalty, and eagerness to please mean the German Shorthaired Pointer will gladly engage in any fun outdoor activity their owner is partaking in.

Granted, they’ll love every minute on the trail!

As one of the most popular breeds of choice for American households, the Labrador Retriever is one of the best trail dogs you could ever own.

The more activities a Labrador participates in, the happier they are. Luckily, Labs aren’t choosy about what they prefer to be busy doing. They’ll enjoy almost anything, from splashing in the beach waters to romping on long trails with their favorite human.

This lovable, easy-to-train breed is built for endurance and will not be intimated by steep and not-so-smooth terrains. Besides being among the best medium-sized dogs for hiking, the Labrador’s deep loyalty often translates to a strong desire to stay close to their humans on the trail.

Originally from Hungary, it’s no surprise that the Vizsla is considered one of the best dog breeds for hiking, given their sleek, athletic build, energetic nature, exceptional stamina, and deep love for exploring. Whether you’re thinking of going for a run, jog, hike, or whatever activity you have in mind, the Vizsla is ever ready to join you in the fun.

Vizslas enjoy being outdoors and will choose long-distance hiking over lazying in the house. They possess a legendary ability to keep going, no matter how frustrating a particular terrain is. If it were up to the Vizsla, every day would be hiking day!

Also referred to as the Red or Blue Heeler (depending on the color of their coat), the Australian Cattle Dog is naturally capable of handling physically demanding activities, owing to their background as a hardworking herding breed.

Historically bred to drive cattle over long distances, this active, medium-sized breed will gladly welcome any opportunity to hit the trails for an hours-long hike.

Just like the rest of the best breeds for hiking, Australian Cattle Dogs have boundless energy and live for vigorous outdoor exercises. Their adventurous spirit, coupled with their incredible stamina and resilience, makes them one of the best hiking partners you could ever ask for.