15 Best Dog Breeds for Hiking Buddies

The Mutt

How could we leave the mutt off our list? Who needs a purebred dog? There are some things to consider when deciding whether or not your mutt is a good option for a hiking buddy, but chances are they’ll be more than up to the task of accompanying you outside.

By: Brendan Bell

Answer these questions to decide if your mutt is the perfect hiking companion.

1. Does he have enough energy and strength to keep up?

Play with your dog outside and for as long as you can. Who gets tired first, you or the dog?  If the answer is the dog, then maybe leave Fido at home for longer hikes.

2. Is he obedient enough?

I have two dogs who ought to be great hiking companions. One is a mutt and the other is a lab. My mutt I adopted from the shelter (My lab was one I found and rescued), and I wasn’t sure what type of dog I was getting, but she stole my heart and I couldn’t say no. She looks the part of a hiking buddy: strong, well-defined muscles, and athleticism aplenty. Sadly, despite her loving personality and happiness, she’s not an obedient dog. I’ve tested this several ways, but the most telling test is when I take her to the dog park — when other dogs are around she won’t come to me when called. At home I don’t have the problem, but when there is something to distract her or catch her attention, there is nothing I can do that will get her to respond to me. My lab? No problems. My rat terrier? She doesn’t even really want to leave my side at all. This mutt? Forget it. She’s in a whole other world.

So, my suggestion would be to take your dog to the dark park, and if he listens to all your commands there without problems, then chances are he’s a good candidate for a hiking buddy.

3. Is his genetic makeup right?

Like we talked about with the Jack Russell Terrier, size isn’t an indicator of whether or not a dog can handle hikes. However, a smaller dog with short, stubby legs isn’t going to be as suited to hiking as others. The same goes for dogs with short snouts, like boxers, pugs, and French or English Bulldogs. Dogs breathe through their noses, and those with shorter snouts often have trouble when exerted. As much as you may want to bring your boxer-bulldog mix, it’s just not a smart idea if you’re going to be going a significant distance.

Your dog doesn’t have to be a purebred dog to be a great hiking companion, but purebred dogs are a little easier to predict in term of their behavior, personalities and physical capabilities. Mutts don’t give owners that luxury, so all we have to do is put in a little time and effort into making sure they’ll be great hiking buddies before getting them out there.