If you love hiking, running, playing sports, and just being in nature, you’re not alone. Many dog breeds are also fans of the great outdoors! If you’re looking for a companion pet who will follow you over hills and through forests, try one of these athletic breeds.
Border Collie
Border Collies are energetic and intelligent dogs who love to run outside. They have a deep well of endurance and can join you on anything from a hike or jog to a serious running routine. These loyal and playful dogs make a great companion for any athlete.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a very rugged breed. They were initially bred to help hunt lions in the African savannah, making them well-suited for warm climates, long runs, and feats of endurance. They’re extremely strong and can be trained to keep up with even the hardiest human owner.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd has plentiful energy due in part to their role as herding dogs. They love running outside and can nimbly bound over even the densest underbrush or most treacherous rocks. Aussies are also very obedient and fearless, making them great hiking buddies.
Portuguese Waterdog
Portuguese Waterdogs are occasionally mistaken for poodles due to their curly, dense coat and similar love of splashing into the water. They were bred to ferry fish into nets and will always jump at a chance to go for a swim. Their obedient nature and desire to stick close to their owners make them perfect for time by the lake.
Vizsla
The Hungarian-bred Vizsla was selected for its hardy constitution and striking red coat. They’re bird dogs who were employed in lengthy hunts through densely forested regions. This makes them excellent pathfinders who can nimbly keep pace with their owners on hikes and outdoor jogs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The amiable and gigantic Bernese Mountain Dog has remarkable stamina and can withstand very cold temperatures. If you like winter hikes in mountainous terrain, you couldn’t ask for a better companion than a Bernese Mountain Dog. Their thick coat and muscular build make them well-suited to climbing and bursts of exercise.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies were bred to pull dogsleds in the tundra wastes of central Russia. As such, they’re uniquely acclimated to cold climates and can handle even the most arduous cold weather excursions. Just don’t try to force them to exercise too much in the summer months, especially if you live in a warmer region.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are notoriously difficult for new dog owners to keep up with. They’re bird dogs who need lots of exercise and plenty of time off their leash. If you’re looking for an independent, energetic hiking buddy, you can’t go wrong with these exuberant dogs.
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Labrador Retriever
The classic Labrador Retriever is good-natured, easygoing, and loves spending time outdoors. They have famously large appetites, which means they need a lot of exercise to keep from gaining weight. Labs are also natural swimmers, so they’d love to join you at the lake or the pool!
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Australian Cattle Dog
There’s no better outdoor dog than the Australian Cattle Dog. These nimble and tireless canines were bred to drive cattle in the Outback. If you’ve never been to Australia, that means they’re capable of sprinting for hours on end in one of the hottest and most fatiguing climates on the planet. Needless to say, they’re more than happy to join you for a hike in the wilderness.
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