Best Dog Breeds for Outdoor Activities

Dogs love the water and the sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay. If you are planning to come here on vacation or permanently and get a four-legged friend, this article is for you. These dogs are tireless travelers and athletes, lovers of both long walks and serious adventures. So if you can’t stay in one place, choose a four-legged friend to match!

#1 Border Collie

This super energetic breed deservedly opens our list. Border Collies are known for their drive multiplied by their outstanding intelligence and high trainability. Hikers and mountaineers of all stripes, be sure to look out for the Border Collie! This dog, like all the other breeds on our list, needs to be kept in good health. Today, in addition to numerous veterinary services, there are even such things as dog DNA test, so this is not a problem for the responsible owner. With proper care your pet will live a long happy life, sharing this happiness with you.

#2 Bernese Sennenhund (Bernese Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog)

The dog comes from the Swiss Alps, a mountainous area. So the mountainous terrain does not frighten these imposing dogs, they have been pulling heavy carts with the products of local farmers since ancient times, not to mention other demanding tasks. Modern Sennenhunds often suffer from hip dysplasia, don’t forget that. And be sure to consult with your treating veterinarian before heading out on a long hike.

#3 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Perhaps you did not expect to see a dog used to hunt lions in the African savannah. However, nowadays cute Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a different role – ordinary family pets. But the outstanding qualities of these dogs – strength, courage, and agility – have not gone away. It is unlikely that you are planning a lion hunt in the near future, but taking such an active dog on a serious hike is a great idea. A small remark: the breed is serious and will suit only experienced owners. Pets should be obedience trained and socialized from a young puppy age.

#4 Australian Shepherd

Another breed, a must-have of any self-respecting traveler on Cape Cod. An active and time-tested companion that will help and will not let you down in a difficult moment. Dogs are happy to spend all their time outdoors and love all kinds of adventures. Such active pets should be kept busy with some serious work. One outing a week is not enough for such an agile dog.

#5 Jack Russell Terrier

Who says your helper has to be big? The Jack Russell will easily give a head start to more “serious” dogs with its over-the-top activity. The breed was originally bred to hunt rodents and other small animals, so the genes of hunter and prey are alive and well. Long hikes are a dream for the indefatigable Jack Russell. Your dog needs to be busy all the time, that’s the key to keeping him successful.

#6 Dwarf Pinscher (Zwergpinscher)

Pay attention to this breed as well, a strong-willed and energetic companion. A cheerful, adventurous, and big personality is contained in a compact body (only about 4.5 kg). The Zwergpinscher is not as hardy as the Jack Russell. But there is always a way out: just take your tired pet in your arms!

#7 Siberian Husky

A suitable breed for an amateur hiker. There are many of them in the world. They do not make a fetish out of their hikes, but simply love and understand nature, love to walk, wander, spend the night in a tent, and sing their favorite songs by the fire. Husky will be an irreplaceable companion for you. An undoubted advantage of the breed is its excellent adaptability to harsh climates. In general, we do not recommend this breed for residents of large cities. In the realm of “glass and concrete”, in the stone city jungle with its enclosed spaces, it is quite difficult for these freedom-loving dogs to live.

Conclusion

If you didn’t find your dog on our list, but you love the outdoors, don’t feel bad; this list is by no means exhaustive. At the same time, a word of caution: if you’re a fan of overly extreme vacations, be sure to talk to your veterinarian and listen to his or her advice and recommendations.

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