26 Best Dogs for Camping and Hiking (Big and Small)

Do you love spending time outdoors camping and hiking with your dog? If so, you must choose the right dogs for camping! Some of the best dogs for camping and hiking include breeds known for their high energy levels and love of the outdoors. Breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Border Collies are great camping companions. Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to camping and hiking. Some breeds are better suited for this type of activity than others.

In blog post will discuss the 25 best dogs for camping and hiking.

Big Dogs for Camping and Hiking

1. Australian Shepherd

Life span: 13 – 15 years
Colors: Black, Merle, Red Merle, Red tricolor,
Black tricolor, Blue Merle, Red
Height: Male: 51–58 cm, Female: 46–54 cm
Hypoallergenic: No
Weight: Male: 25–32 kg, Female: 16–25 kg
Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate,
Good-natured, Protective, Active
Origin: Western United States

An Aussie is the perfect hiking and camping companion. They are high energy, intelligent and very loyal. Australian Shepherds were originally bred to herd livestock, so they have a strong work ethic.

2. Border Collie

Border Collie- Best Dogs for Camping and Hiking

Life expectancy: 10 – 17 years
Colors: Black, White, Blue, Blue Merle, Red Merle, Lilac, Brindle, Chocolate, Liver, Sable Merle, Gold, Red
Weight: Male: 14–20 kg, Female: 12–19 kg
Height: Male: 48–56 cm, Female: 46–53 cm
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Tenacious, Intelligent, Keen, Energetic,
Responsive, Loyal, Alert, Athletic
Origin: Scotland, United Kingdom, England, Ireland, Wales

If you’re looking for an energetic dog that will never say no to a hike, the Border Collie is your breed. These herding dogs are known for their endless energy and trainability.

3. Labrador Retriever

Lifespan: 10 – 12 years (Adult)
Colors: Black, Chocolate, Yellow
Weight: Male: 29–36 kg, Female: 25–32 kg
Height: Male: 57–62 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
Temperament: Even Tempered, Intelligent, Outgoing, Agile, Kind, Trusting, Gentle
Origin: Newfoundland

Labs are one of America’s most popular dog breeds, and it’s no surprise they make great hiking companions. Labs are well-rounded dogs that are good with kids and other pets. They’re also relatively easy to train.

4. Golden Retriever

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Colors: Dark Golden, Cream, Light Golden, Golden
Weight: Female: 25–32 kg, Male: 30–34 kg
Height: Female: 51–56 cm, Male: 56–61 cm
Origin: Scotland, United Kingdom, England
Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Reliable, Kind, Trustworthy, Confident

Like Labs, Golden Retrievers are popular family dogs that make great hiking companions. Goldens are friendly, intelligent and easy to train. They love the outdoors and will happily join you on any hike or camping trip.

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds are another popular breed that makes a great hiking partner. These loyal dogs are intelligent, protective and eager to please their owners.

6. Siberian Husky

Siberian Husky- Best Dogs for Camping and Hiking

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Colors: White, Black, Black & Tan, Gray & White, Black & White, Silver-gray, Sable & White, Red & White, Grey
Height: Female: 51–56 cm, Male: 53–60 cm
Weight: Female: 16–23 kg, Male: 20–27 kg
Origin: Siberia
Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Outgoing, Alert, Gentle

Siberian Huskies are known for their thick fur coats, which make them well-suited for cold-weather hikes. Huskies are also high-energy and very intelligent. They were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a strong work ethic.

7. Vizsla

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Weight: Male: 20–29 kg, Female: 18–25 kg
Height: Male: 56–64 cm, Female: 53–61 cm
Colors: Golden Rust, Red Golden, Golden
Origin: Hungary
Temperament: Affectionate, Energetic, Loyal, Quiet, Gentle

Vizslas are one of the best breeds for outdoor activities. These hunting dogs are high-energy and strong desire to please their owners.

8. Weimaraner

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years
Colors: Silver-gray, Mouse-gray, Silver
Height: Female: 59–63 cm, Male: 62–67 cm
Weight: Female: 25–35 kg, Male: 30–40 kg
Temperament: Steady, Powerful, Stubborn, Aloof, Intelligent, Energetic, Alert, Fast
Origin: Germany

Weimaraners were originally bred as hunting dogs, so it’s no surprise they make great hiking companions. These dogs are high-energy, loyal and intelligent. They require a lot of exercise, so a hike is perfect for them.

9. Alaskan Malamute

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Height: Female: 56–61 cm, Male: 61–66 cm
Weight: Female: 32–38 kg, Male: 36–43 kg
Colors: Gray & White, Seal & White, Sable & White, Black & White, White & Chocolate, Red & White
Origin: Alaska
Temperament: Friendly, Devoted, Affectionate, Dignified, Loyal, Playful

The Alaskan Malamute is another breed originally bred for work. These dogs are known for their strength and endurance. Malamutes are also very intelligent and independent. They require a lot of exercise, making them ideal hiking partners.

10. Bernese Mountain Dog

Life expectancy: 6 – 8 years
Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, Loyal, Faithful
Height: Male: 64–70 cm, Female: 58–66 cm
Weight: Male: 38–50 kg, Female: 36–48 kg
Origin: Switzerland
Color: Black tricolor
Hypoallergenic: No

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed known for its strength and stamina. These dogs were originally bred to haul milk carts, so they’re more than capable of handling a hike. Bernese Mountain Dogs are also loyal and good with kids.

11. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Height: Female: 61–66 cm, Male: 63–69 cm
Weight: Female: 29–34 kg, Male: 36–41 kg
Colors: Red Wheaten, Light Wheaten, Wheaten
Origin: Rhodesia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Sensitive, Mischievous, Intelligent, Dignified, Loyal, Strong Willed

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large breed originally bred in Africa to hunt lions. These dogs are powerful and athletic, making them great hiking companions. They’re also loyal and protective, which makes them good family dogs.

Small Dogs for Camping and Hiking

12. Beagle

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Colors: Lemon & White, Tri-color, White & Tan, Chocolate Tri, White & Chocolate, Red & White, Orange & White
Height: Male: 36–41 cm, Female: 33–38 cm
Weight: Male: 10–11 kg, Female: 9–10 kg
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Amiable, Even Tempered, Intelligent, Determined, Excitable, Gentle
Origin: United Kingdom, England, Great Britain

Beagles are small but mighty dogs that love to explore the great outdoors. These hound dogs have a lot of energy and can keep up with even the most active hikers.

13. Boston Terrier

Life span: 13 – 15 years
Temperament: Friendly, Lively, Intelligent
Colors: Brindle & White, Black & White, Seal & White
Mass: 4.5 – 11 kg
Height: 38 – 43 cm (At the withers)
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: United States

Boston Terriers are small but feisty dogs that make great hiking companions. These smart dogs are easy to train and love spending time with their human families.

14. Boxers

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Bright, Friendly, Devoted, Intelligent, Energetic, Cheerful, Loyal, Fearless, Confident, Playful, Calm, Brave
Height: Female: 53–60 cm, Male: 57–63 cm
Weight: Female: 25–29 kg, Male: 27–32 kg
Colors: White, Brindle, Fawn
Origin: Germany
Hypoallergenic: No

Although they’re not as small as some of the other breeds on this list, Boxers are still considered small. These powerful dogs were originally bred for hunting, so they have a lot of energy and stamina. Boxers weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds.

15. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Life expectancy: 9 – 14 years
Colors: Blenheim, Black & Tan, Tri-color, Ruby
Hypoallergenic: No
Mass: 5.9 – 8.2 kg (Male, Adult), 5.9 – 8.2 kg (Female, Adult)
Height: 30 – 33 cm (Male, Adult), 30 – 33 cm (Female, Adult)
Temperament: Playful, Affectionate, Sociable, Fearless, Patient, Gentle, Adaptable, Graceful
Origin: United Kingdom

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed that’s known for its friendly demeanor. These dogs make great hiking companions because they’re easy to train and love spending time outdoors.

16. Chihuahua

Life expectancy: 12 – 20 years
Origin: Mexico
Mass: 1.5 – 3 kg
Temperament: Devoted, Lively, Alert, Aggressive, Quick, Courageous
Height: 15 – 23 cm
Colors: Black, White, Fawn, Chocolate, Cream, Gold
Hypoallergenic: No

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds of dogs but also one of the most versatile. These energetic little dogs can keep up with even the most active hikers. They’re also easy to carry, making them ideal hiking partners.

17. Cocker Spaniel

Lifespan: 11 – 12 years
Height: English Cocker Spaniel: 39 – 41 cm, American Cocker Spaniel: 34 – 39 cm
Weight:13 – 14 kg,
American Cocker Spaniel: 11 – 14 kg

Cocker Spaniels are small but mighty dogs that make great hiking companions. These loyal dogs are easy to train and love spending time outdoors.

18. Bulldog

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Colors: White, Fawn, Piebald, Brindle & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, Red, Red Brindle
Weight: Female: 18–23 kg, Male: 23–25 kg
Height: Female: 31–40 cm, Male: 31–40 cm
Temperament: Willful, Docile, Friendly, Gregarious
Origin: United Kingdom, England
Hypoallergenic: No

Bulldogs may not be the first breed you think of when you think of hiking, but they can make great trail buddies. These strong, muscular dogs enjoy walks and hikes and are also very loyal to their owners. Bulldogs are known for being gentle, loving and easygoing family pets.

They make great hiking and camping companions because of their even temperament and love of adventure. Bulldogs are medium-sized dogs, weighing 40 and 50 pounds, with short, wrinkled coats that come in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white and red.

19. Jack Russell Terrier

Life expectancy: 13 – 16 years
Mass: 6 – 8 kg (Adult)
Height: 25 – 38 cm (Adult, At the withers)
Temperament: Stubborn, Intelligent, Energetic, Fearless, Clownish, Athletic, Vocal
Colors: White, White & Tan, Black & White
Origin: England

Jack Russell Terriers are small but feisty dogs that make great hiking companions. These smart dogs are easy to train and love spending time with their human families.

20. Dachshund

Life span: 12 – 16 years
Temperament: Clever, Stubborn, Devoted, Lively, Independent, Active, Playful, Courageous
Hypoallergenic: No
Colors: Black, Chocolate & Tan, Black & Tan, Chocolate & Cream, Blue & Tan, Cream, Tan, Red
Origin: Germany

Dachshunds may not be the most obvious choice for a hiking dog, but they’re quite well-suited for the activity. These small dogs have a lot of energy and stamina and love spending time outdoors.

21. Pomeranian

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Colors: White, Black, Red, Blue, Cream, Grey-shaded, Tan
Height: 20 cm (Adult)
Origin: Germany, Poland
Mass: 1.9 – 3.5 kg (Adult)
Temperament: Playful, Extroverted, Friendly, Sociable, Intelligent, Active

Pomeranians are another small breed that makes a great hiking companion. These adorable dogs are full of energy and love spending time outdoors.

22 Miniature Pinschers

Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
Colors: Black & Rust, Stag Red, Black & Tan, Chocolate & Rust, Chocolate & Tan, Red
Weight: Male: 4–5 kg, Female: 3.5–5 kg
Height: Male: 25–30 cm, Female: 25–28 cm
Hypoallergenic: No
Origin: Germany
Temperament: Clever, Playful, Outgoing, Friendly, Energetic, Assertive, Responsive, Independent, active

Miniature Pinschers are small but feisty dogs that make great hiking companions. These smart dogs are easy to train and love spending time with their human families.

23. Papillon

Life expectancy: 13 – 15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Mass: 3.6 – 4.5 kg (Male, Adult), 3.2 – 4.1 kg (Female, Adult)
Colors: White, Black & White, White & Chocolate, Sable, Fawn & White, Red & White
Height: 20 – 28 cm (Male, Adult, Female), 20 – 28 cm (Female, Adult, Male)
Origin: France, Belgium, Spain

Papillons are small but mighty dogs that make great hiking companions. These intelligent dogs are easy to train and love spending time with their human families.

24. Dalmatian

Life span: 10 – 13 years
Height: Female: 56–58 cm, Male: 58–61 cm
Weight: Female: 16–24 kg, Male: 15–32 kg
Origin: Croatia
Colors: Liver & White, Black & White
Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Energetic, Outgoing, Sensitive, Active, Playful
Hypoallergenic: No

Dalmatian is a medium-sized breed known for its spotted coat. These dogs are active and athletic, making them great hiking partners. Dalmatians are also very intelligent and easy to train.

25. Yorkshire Terrier

Life expectancy: 13 – 16 years
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Height: 18 – 23 cm (Male, Adult, At Shoulder)
Colors: Blue & Tan, Black & Tan, Black & Gold, Blue & Gold
Temperament: Bold, Intelligent, Independent, Confident, Courageous
Origin: England
Weight: 4 to 7 lbs

Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of dog that originates from the county of Yorkshire in England. These energetic little dogs make great hiking companions and are easy to carry.

Some dogs may be better suited for longer hikes, while others may prefer shorter walks or playtime in camp. It is also important to ensure your dog is well-trained and obedient, as this will make for a more enjoyable trip for you and your dogs.

What are the best foods to take camping with dogs?

When you’re packing your car for a camping trip, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you have enough dog food. Just like people, dogs need the proper nutrition to fuel their bodies for all of the activities they’ll be doing while hiking and camping.

But with all of the different brands and types of dog food on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your pup.

Answers to Common Questions about Taking Dogs Camping

Is it safe to take my dog camping

Yes, it is safe to take your dog camping as long as you are prepared and take the necessary precautions. Ensure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations and has a current ID tag. When hiking, always keep your dog on a leash. Be aware of hazards such as porcupines, snakes, and other animals.

How do I prepare myself

You should consider a few things when preparing to take your dog camping. First, ensure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations and has a current ID tag. Second, decide how you will handle meals and bathroom breaks. Will you bring dog food or allow your dog to eat people's food? Where will your dog sleep? Finally, think about how you will keep your dog entertained while camping. Consider bringing toys and treats.

What should I do if my dog gets lost while camping

If your dog gets lost while camping, you should first remain calm. Next, start searching for your dog immediately. Check campsites and trails for any signs of your dog. Contact the local animal shelter or police department if you cannot find your dog. Finally, post lost dog signs around the campground and nearby areas.

Should I bring a first-aid kit for my dog while camping

Yes, you should always bring your dog a first-aid kit when camping or hiking. Include gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tick/flea prevention. It is also a good idea to bring your dog's medical records in an emergency.

What are some signs that my dog is not enjoying camping

If your dog is not enjoying camping, there are a few signs you can look for. Your dog may become restless, anxious, or withdrawn. They may also bark more than usual or have a decrease in appetite. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to pack up and head home.

Are there any special considerations I need to take when camping with my senior dog

It would help to consider a few things when camping with a senior dog. First, bring along a comfortable bed or mat for them to sleep on. Second, bring extra food and water as they will need more breaks throughout the day. Finally, take shorter hikes and be aware of their energy levels.

How do I pack my dog’s food for camping

Dogs need the proper nutrition to fuel their bodies for all the activity they will be doing while hiking and camping. But with all the different brands and types of dog food on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for your pup.

What is on the list of Dog camping gear

Dogs need the right gear when they go camping and hiking. This includes things like a proper harness or collar, a leash, food, and water bowls, and a first aid kit. You will also want to ensure your dog has ID tags in case they get lost.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of the best dogs for camping and hiking. If you are planning to take your dog with you on your next hike or camping trip, be sure to choose a breed that will enjoy it as much as you do!