Best Dog Breeds To Go Hiking With
Summer’s here! And we all know what that means – hiking time!
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond with your furry friend while getting some exercise and fresh air.
Dogs are natural explorers, and they love nothing more than being out in nature with their humans. hiking with your dog also gives you the opportunity to train them and work on their obedience. And, of course, it’s just more fun to hike with a buddy.
Not all breeds will suit hiking. Yes, there’s a couch potato in every dog, and some more so than others! Here are some breeds that will totally be up for a romp in the forest.
- Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are a popular breed of dog, known for their striking appearance and friendly temperament. However, what many people don’t realize is that Siberian Huskies are also one of the most active breeds of dogs.
In the past (and even now), Siberian Huskies were used as sled dogs, traveling long distances across frozen tundra. As a result, they have a high level of stamina and need to burn off a lot of energy every day. Without regular exercise, a Siberian Husky can become restless and destructive.
For this reason, it’s important to make sure that your Husky gets plenty of opportunities to run and play, and going for a big hike is just the thing to tire a Husky out (maybe!).
- Doodle Crosses
Poodle crosses are rapidly gaining popularity because of the desire to inherit a Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat.
A Doodle cross is a mixed breed dog that combines the best traits of a Poodle and another breed, commonly the “Labradoodle” (crossed with a Labrador Retriever), a “Goldendoodle” (Golden Retriever), Bernedoodle (Bernese Mountain Dog), and many others.
Doodle crosses are likely to be medium to high energy depending on the other parent breed, which is usually a moderately active breed. Poodles on their own are high-energy, athletic dogs that were originally bred to hunt waterfowl and run many miles a day.
- Herding Breeds
Herding breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are canine athletes that have incredible speed and stamina.
These dogs were originally bred to herd sheep, and this instinct is still strong in many of them today. As a result, they often have a lot of energy that needs to be expended. Walking or running is not enough for them – they need a job to do. So if you’re thinking of getting a border collie, be prepared to give them plenty of exercise, and going on a big hike is just what you need to tire both you and your pooch out.
Don’t Forget!
There are a few things to keep in mind when hiking with your dog, though. First, make sure you pick a trail that is appropriate for your dog’s abilities. You don’t want to push them too hard or put them in any danger.
Second, pack plenty of water and snacks for both of you. You can get a doggy backpack for your pooch and let him carry his own stuff!
However, when using a doggy backpack, start with very light loads and gradually increase the weight. You should start with no more than 10% of your dog’s body weight and slowly increase it when your dog gets stronger.
Young puppies and senior dogs should not be carrying any weight at all, and healthy adult dogs should not be carrying more than 20% of their body weight. If in doubt, always check with your veterinarian before loading up the backpack.
Also, you might want to use a harness instead of a collar. Especially if your dog is a small dog one that likes to pull. Dogs that pulled on collars constantly could damage their sensitive trachea.
And finally, be sure to clean up after your dog if they happen to do their business on the trail.
Final Thoughts
With a little preparation, hiking with your dog can be a great way to spend time together in the great outdoors. So what are you waiting for? Grab your leash and hit the trails!
