10 Dogs That Can Be Your Hiking Buddy (And 8 That’ll Stay Guarding Your Tent)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

dog in snow
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Whether you’re an avid hiker or enjoy the great outdoors, a dog can make an incredible hiking companion. Some dogs thrive on adventure, exploring rugged trails and rocky terrains, while others are happy guarding your campsite or tent. Here, we’ll highlight dogs that are perfect for those mountain treks and ones that will keep an eye on your gear while you rest. Let’s explore which breeds make the best hiking buddies and which are better suited for guarding your camp.

1. Labrador Retriever

Couple of Labrador Retriever
Pixabay/Pexels

Labradors are known for their playful and energetic personalities, making them ideal hiking companions. They thrive in outdoor environments and can handle long distances without tiring out. Their strong build, combined with their enthusiasm for the outdoors, allows them to navigate all kinds of terrain. Additionally, their friendly nature makes them a perfect match for families. If you’re planning a hike with kids or other pets, a Labrador will easily adapt and remain a loyal, fun companion throughout the journey.

2. Border Collie

A Border Collie howling while herding
Edwin Jambo Micha/Pexels

Border Collies are incredibly agile, intelligent, and energetic, which makes them natural hikers. These dogs love staying active and thrive in outdoor environments, particularly where there are challenges to face. Their agility allows them to climb and navigate tough terrains with ease, and their sharp intelligence keeps them focused on the trail. Border Collies enjoy both the physical and mental stimulation of hiking, and their deep bond with their owners ensures they will stay by your side through any adventure.

3. German Shepherd

European German Shepherd
Cortney Chummoungpak/Unsplash

German Shepherds are highly regarded for their intelligence, strength, and loyalty, all of which make them fantastic hiking companions. Their natural endurance and sturdy build allow them to handle tough trails with ease. These dogs are known for being protective, so hiking with a German Shepherd also provides an extra layer of security. Whether you’re trekking in remote areas or heading out for a long walk, this breed’s agility, intelligence, and loyalty ensure they’ll be your reliable hiking buddy every step of the way.

4. Australian Shepherd

australian shepherd
cristian-rojas/pexels

With their high energy and love for adventure, Australian Shepherds are the perfect hiking partners. Known for their agility and intelligence, they thrive on challenges and can handle even the toughest trails. Their herding instincts make them highly focused, allowing them to stay on task and remain alert during your hike. These dogs are also very loyal, making them wonderful companions. Their athleticism ensures that they can easily tackle rugged paths, keeping pace with you throughout the entire journey.

5. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute sledge
antonio-miralles-andorra/Pexels

If you’re heading into the snow or tackling tough mountain trails, the Alaskan Malamute is a breed you can rely on. Bred for strength and endurance, these dogs can handle harsh conditions and long, challenging hikes. With their thick coats, Malamutes are well-suited for colder climates, offering warmth and protection during winter hikes. Despite their large size, these dogs are friendly and loyal, always staying close to their owners. Their powerful build and calm nature make them excellent hiking companions for those seeking adventure.

6. Jack Russell Terrier

jack russell
hanna1954/pixabay

Don’t let their small size fool you—Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and love outdoor adventures. These dogs are known for their determination and curiosity, making them perfect hiking companions for shorter, moderate trails. Though they may not have the stamina for extremely long hikes, their spunky nature and love for exploration make them ideal for more casual treks. Their small size allows them to easily navigate rocky terrain, and their enthusiasm will keep you motivated as you move along the trail.

7. Vizsla

A Vizsla dog standing alert in a snowy forest.
Jozef Fehér/Pexels

Vizslas are incredibly athletic dogs that love being active, which makes them an excellent fit for hiking. Their lean, muscular bodies and high energy levels allow them to cover long distances with ease. Vizslas are also highly affectionate, sticking close to their owners and enjoying their companionship throughout the hike. They love staying active and are known for being particularly good at running alongside hikers. Their stamina and friendly demeanor make them a perfect choice for those looking for a hiking buddy that’s both strong and loyal.

8. Doberman Pinscher

A Doberman high-fives a woman dressed in a patterned jumpsuit near a serene lakeside, showcasing their strong bond and mutual trust.
YamaBSM/Pixabay

Dobermans are strong, confident, and highly intelligent dogs, making them great for hiking. Their endurance allows them to keep pace on challenging trails, while their loyalty and protective instincts ensure you’ll have a reliable companion. Whether navigating rugged landscapes or long paths, Dobermans have the stamina and strength to tackle difficult terrain. They also bond closely with their owners, making them not just hiking buddies but trusted guardians as well, ensuring you feel secure throughout your adventure.

9. English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel
John Baker/Pexels

English Springer Spaniels are known for their boundless energy and love for the outdoors, making them excellent hiking companions. With their keen sense of smell, they are natural explorers, often leading the way on trails. These dogs are well-suited for long hikes as they have great stamina and agility, allowing them to keep up with active owners. Their friendly, affectionate nature also ensures they’ll enjoy the hike alongside their humans, providing both companionship and an extra dose of fun on your adventure.

10. Newfoundland

Newfoundland standing in snow
Wirestock/Freepik

Newfoundlands are large, strong, and surprisingly agile for their size, making them excellent companions for hiking in rugged terrain. Originally bred as working dogs for water rescues, Newfoundlands have impressive stamina and can handle long, challenging hikes. Their thick, water-resistant coat helps them adapt to cold climates, and their gentle, calm demeanor ensures they’ll stay by your side throughout the journey. Despite their size, Newfoundlands are known for being affectionate and gentle, making them a wonderful companion on the trail.

11. Rottweiler

rottweiler
Kevin Seibel/pixabay

Rottweilers are powerful, confident, and highly protective, making them ideal guardians for your campsite. They have a natural instinct to protect their family and territory, ensuring that no one or nothing gets too close without alerting you first. Despite their intimidating appearance, Rottweilers are also affectionate with their families, making them a great balance of guard dog and companion. Their loyalty and intelligence ensure they’ll stay alert throughout your time in the wild.

12. Bullmastiff

Flat-Faced Dog
Marcell Végh/Pixabay

The Bullmastiff is a large, calm, and watchful dog breed that excels at guarding. Bred to protect estates, they are incredibly loyal and protective of their families. While they may not be the most active hiking companion, their presence near your tent will give you a sense of security. Bullmastiffs are patient and gentle but will not hesitate to act if they sense danger. Their imposing size and deep bark make them a natural deterrent to intruders, providing you with a peaceful camping experience.

13. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
Summer Stock/Pexels

German Shepherds are often associated with police and military work due to their intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts. These traits make them excellent guard dogs, particularly when you need someone to stay alert while you rest at your campsite. German Shepherds are highly trainable and are known for their protective nature. They’ll be on the lookout for any potential threats, ensuring that your tent and belongings remain safe. Their bond with their family ensures they’ll stay close and vigilant at all times.

14. Great Dane

Great Dane 4
Stefano Parisi/Pexels

Great Danes are gentle giants with a calm demeanor, but their size alone makes them formidable guardians. While they are friendly and affectionate with their families, their presence will certainly deter any unwanted attention. Known for their loyalty and protective instincts, Great Danes are particularly suited for guarding duties. They may not be as active as other breeds on the trail, but when it comes to protecting your camp, their watchful eyes and imposing figure will make them an excellent choice.

15. Akita

akita
uadrienn/pixabay

Akitas are known for their independence and natural guarding instincts. They are incredibly loyal to their family and will remain watchful over your campsite. Akitas are not just protective; they are also intelligent and brave, making them great at assessing potential threats. While they may not be as friendly with strangers, they are deeply affectionate with their owners and will do everything in their power to keep their loved ones safe. Their calm and confident demeanor ensures they’ll be great at guarding your tent throughout your stay.

16. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Marchalluc/Pixabay

The Belgian Malinois is another breed commonly used in military and police work due to its intelligence, agility, and protective nature. These dogs are alert, focused, and highly trainable, making them excellent guard dogs in a camping environment. Their keen sense of hearing and smell allows them to detect even the slightest movement or sound. If you’re looking for a dog that will stay on high alert and protect your tent from any potential threats, the Belgian Malinois is an excellent choice.

17. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd relaxing at outdoor animal shelter
Plato Terentev/Pexels

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a strong, independent breed with deep-rooted guarding instincts. Bred to protect livestock, these dogs are known for their ability to protect territory and loved ones with calm confidence. Their alert and watchful nature ensures that no threats go unnoticed, making them ideal for guarding your tent. Despite their protective instincts, Anatolians are gentle and affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are highly intelligent and can adapt to a variety of outdoor environments, making them a reliable guard dog for any adventure.

18. Chow Chow

Chow Chow lying near a wooden fence
علي العاني/Pexels

Chow Chows are independent and loyal dogs that make excellent guardians due to their natural protectiveness. They are deeply attached to their family and will stay watchful of their surroundings, ensuring no one gets too close without their notice. While they may not be as outgoing as some other breeds, their aloof nature and strong guarding instincts make them perfect for camping trips. Chow Chows are calm and collected but will not hesitate to defend their family if needed, ensuring your tent stays safe and secure.

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